Regulated Charge Pump Circuit for Stable Output Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulation methods for charge pumps in applications like flash EEPROM programming and motor vehicle actuating systems are not effective in maintaining a stable output voltage across varying supply voltages, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to components.
Innovation Solution
A circuit with a monolithically integrated charge pump and control circuit that senses the difference between the pump voltage and supply voltage, comparing it to a reference to adjust the charge pump's operation, ensuring a stable output voltage by switching the pump clock on and off, and using a window comparator with hysteresis for regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a charge pump is used to generate pump voltage from supply voltage, then voltage multiplication is achieved, but the output voltage becomes highly dependent on supply voltage variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control circuit that continuously monitors the pump voltage output and compares it against a reference value. Based on this comparison, the control circuit adjusts the charge pump operation to maintain stable output voltage despite supply voltage variations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism directly resolves the contradiction by making the output voltage independent of supply voltage fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically changes operating parameters (charge pump switching state, duty cycle) based on the detected voltage difference between pump output and reference. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system maintains optimal voltage multiplication while compensating for supply voltage variability, thus resolving the stability issue.
2Reliability
If charge pump stages are activated to maintain voltage at low supply levels, then transistor damage is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts charge pump activation based on real-time supply voltage conditions. The control circuit activates or deactivates charge pump stages according to the detected voltage level, ensuring transistors are protected only when necessary. This dynamic adaptation prevents unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit changes the operational state of the charge pump (active/inactive) based on supply voltage thresholds. By adjusting this binary parameter according to voltage conditions, the system protects transistors from damage at low voltages while minimizing energy consumption during normal operating conditions.
3Reliability
If charge pump is continuously regulated to maintain stable voltage, then output stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where the control circuit monitors pump voltage and adjusts charge pump operation accordingly. This relatively simple feedback loop achieves voltage stabilization without requiring complex control algorithms or additional hardware components, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit automatically adjusts charge pump operation based on its own monitoring of the output voltage, without requiring external intervention or complex external control systems. This self-regulating mechanism achieves stable output voltage while keeping the overall device complexity low.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit, method for regulation, and use thereof is provided, whereby the circuit can include a charge pump that is connected to a supply voltage terminal in order to produce a pump voltage from a supply voltage, and includes a control circuit whose inputs are connected to the output of the charge pump and to the supply voltage terminal in order to sense a difference between the pump voltage and the supply voltage as a controlled variable. The circuit is designed to compare the controlled variable to a reference variable, and output is connected to a control input of the charge pump in order to control the charge pump as a function of the comparison.