Regulator Capacitor Precharge for Fast LP-HP Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current semiconductor devices and memory systems face challenges in improving processing capacity and reducing power consumption, particularly in switching between low power (LP) and high power (HP) operation modes, with existing regulators experiencing delays and increased power consumption during mode transitions.

Innovation Solution

The semiconductor device incorporates a regulator with both LP and HP modes, featuring a mode switching circuit that applies terminal voltage to a capacitor during the LP mode to prevent terminal voltage variation, thereby shortening the HP stabilization period and reducing power consumption by rapidly switching between modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the regulator switches from LP mode to HP mode, then processing capacity is improved, but the HP stabilization period increases causing delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidHP stabilization period

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor is pre-charged to a predetermined voltage level before mode switching occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when transitioning from LP mode to HP mode, the regulator immediately has the required voltage level, eliminating the stabilization delay that would normally occur during mode transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the regulator operates in HP mode, then processing capacity is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The regulator dynamically switches between LP mode and HP mode based on processing requirements. The mode switching circuit responds to load conditions, operating in low-power LP mode during normal operations and transitioning to high-performance HP mode only when necessary, thereby optimizing the balance between processing capacity and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If mode switching is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but mode transition delay occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmode transition delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Use of energy by moving object

If terminal voltage varies during mode switching, then power consumption is reduced, but processing capacity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprocessing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor is pre-charged to a predetermined voltage level before mode switching occurs, ensuring stable terminal voltage during and after the transition to HP mode, thereby maintaining processing capacity while still achieving power consumption reduction through mode switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage element between the power supply and the regulator circuit. It buffers voltage variations during mode transitions, providing stable terminal voltage that maintains processing capacity while enabling the regulator to switch to low-power mode when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances processing capacity by shortening the HP stabilization period, reducing power consumption, and enabling faster mode transitions, thereby improving data transfer performance and reliability in memory systems.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitor (C1) having a first electrode connected to the differential amplifier circuit and a second electrode connected to a node (N17)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20240265978A1Semiconductor device and memory system

Publication Date: 2024.08.08 KIOXIA CORP

AI summary

A semiconductor device includes a first transistor; a first resistor; a second resistor; a first circuit configured to apply a first voltage to the first transistor. The first voltage is based on a difference between a reference voltage and an output voltage divided by the first and second resistors. A first current through the first circuit in a first mode is less than a second current through the first circuit in a second mode. The semiconductor device includes a capacitor connected to the output terminal; and a second circuit connected to the capacitor that: (a) disconnects the first circuit from the capacitor and apply a second voltage to the capacitor in a first mode, and (b) electrically connects the first circuit to the capacitor in the second mode.