Reference Voltage Startup Check Using Minimal MOS Transistor Stacks

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reference voltage circuits require complex and space-consuming start check circuits to verify correct startup, which occupy a significant surface area when integrated.

Innovation Solution

A simplified start check circuit design using elementary test circuits with MOS transistors, which are less complex and occupy less surface area, is implemented by identifying critical stacks in the reference voltage circuit and duplicating their structure to deliver binary signals indicative of startup status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a start check circuit copies the general structure of the reference voltage circuit, then the startup verification is effective, but the surface area occupied by the start check circuit increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestartup verification effectivenessVSAvoidsurface area of start check circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating a simplified start check circuit that replicates only the essential stack structure of the reference voltage circuit rather than copying the entire circuit. This selective copying maintains verification effectiveness while reducing area occupation, as the start check circuit only needs to replicate the critical transistor stacks needed for startup verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the reference voltage circuit into its fundamental stack components and creates a minimal start check circuit that only includes these essential stacks. By dividing the verification function into discrete stack-level checks rather than a full circuit copy, the solution achieves effective verification with reduced surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a start check circuit copies the general structure of the reference voltage circuit, then the startup verification is effective, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestartup verification effectivenessVSAvoidstructure complexity of start check circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating a simplified start check circuit that replicates only the essential stack structure of the reference voltage circuit rather than copying the entire circuit. This selective copying maintains verification effectiveness while reducing area occupation, as the start check circuit only needs to replicate the critical transistor stacks needed for startup verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the reference voltage circuit into its fundamental stack components and creates a minimal start check circuit that only includes these essential stacks. By dividing the verification function into discrete stack-level checks rather than a full circuit copy, the solution achieves effective verification with reduced surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240231410A9Electronic circuit comprising a reference voltage circuit and a start check circuit

Publication Date: 2024.07.11 STMICROELECTRONICS (GRENOBLE 2) SAS

AI summary

An electronic circuit includes a reference voltage circuit and a circuit for checking the starting operation of the reference voltage circuit. The reference voltage circuit includes a first stack of a first transistor and second transistor receiving first and second control signals, respectively. The start check circuit includes a first elementary test circuit including a second stack of a third transistor and fourth transistor receiving the first and second control signals, respectively. An output of the first elementary test circuit delivers a first binary signal indicative of proper starting operation of the reference voltage circuit.