Regulator-Controlled Charge Pump Voltage for Efficient Boosting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing booster circuits in nonvolatile memory devices suffer from low power efficiency due to the regulation of input voltage to a constant level, which is higher than necessary, leading to inefficient voltage boosting.

Innovation Solution

A regulator circuit adjusts the input voltage based on external voltage value information, allowing the charge pump circuit to optimize the number of stages for voltage boosting, thereby improving power efficiency by minimizing the voltage drop and enhancing the input voltage to the charge pump circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the regulator circuit regulates the input voltage to a constant level, then the voltage input to the charge pump circuit is stabilized, but the power efficiency of the booster circuit deteriorates due to excessive voltage drop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The regulator circuit dynamically adjusts the input voltage to the charge pump circuit based on the number of boosting stages, rather than maintaining a fixed constant voltage. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the voltage drop across the regulator, improving power efficiency while maintaining sufficient voltage stability for proper operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the voltage parameter based on the charge pump configuration. By detecting the number of boosting stages and adjusting the input voltage accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between voltage stability and power efficiency, reducing unnecessary voltage drop when fewer stages are used

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the regulator circuit reduces the input voltage to minimize voltage drop, then the power efficiency improves, but the voltage stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The regulator circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the charge pump output and adjust the input voltage accordingly. This feedback ensures that voltage stability is maintained at the charge pump input while optimizing the voltage drop to improve power efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the regulation voltage based on real-time operating conditions and charge pump stage configuration, achieving both power efficiency and voltage stability through adaptive control rather than fixed regulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If the charge pump circuit uses more boosting stages, then the output voltage increases, but the power consumption increases due to higher operation current

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltageVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes the operating parameters by adjusting the input voltage to the charge pump based on the number of stages. By providing higher input voltage when fewer stages are used, the system achieves the required output voltage with lower current, reducing power consumption while maintaining high output voltage capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution enhances power efficiency by optimizing the voltage boosting process, resulting in higher output voltages with reduced power consumption and improved current efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a charge pump circuit configured to receive the regulated voltage as an input voltage, boost the input voltage, and output a boosted voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge pump:

Data Source

PatentUS12580026B2Semiconductor device
Publication Date: 2026.03.17 KIOXIA CORP
  • US12580026B2 patent drawing
  • US12580026B2 patent drawing
  • US12580026B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor device includes a regulator circuit, a charge pump circuit, and a control circuit. The regulator circuit is configured to regulate a voltage input from outside and output a regulated voltage. The charge pump circuit is configured to receive the regulated voltage as an input voltage, boost the input voltage, and output a boosted voltage. The control circuit is configured to cause the regulator circuit to vary a voltage level of the regulated voltage based on voltage value information about the voltage input from the outside.