Reversible Charge Pump Circuit for Dual Polarity Voltage Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits require both positive and negative boosted voltages, which traditionally necessitate two separate charge pump circuits, consuming significant power and silicon area, especially when only one polarity is needed for specific modes of operation.
Innovation Solution
A multiple polarity reversible charge pump circuit that can generate both positive and negative voltages using a single multi-stage charge pump circuit by switching configurations with control signals, allowing for efficient use of resources and reduced size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate charge pump circuits are used to generate both positive and negative boosted voltages, then both voltage polarities can be provided, but power consumption and silicon area increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single charge pump circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by generating both positive and negative boosted voltages through configuration switching. The circuit includes first and second multi-stage charge pump circuits that can be selectively connected to different voltage nodes and output nodes through switch circuits, enabling one circuit structure to replace what would traditionally require two separate circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump circuit configuration is made dynamic through the use of switch circuits that can reconfigure the circuit connections based on operational requirements. The first and second switch circuits couple the charge pump circuits to different voltage nodes and output nodes at different times, allowing the circuit to adapt its polarity output dynamically rather than being fixed in a single configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate charge pump circuits are used to generate both positive and negative boosted voltages, then both voltage polarities can be provided, but silicon area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single charge pump circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by generating both positive and negative boosted voltages through configuration switching. The circuit includes first and second multi-stage charge pump circuits that can be selectively connected to different voltage nodes and output nodes through switch circuits, enabling one circuit structure to replace what would traditionally require two separate circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate charge pump circuits into a single integrated circuit structure. By combining the first and second multi-stage charge pump circuits with the switch circuits, the design consolidates what would traditionally be two independent circuits into one unified structure, thereby reducing the total silicon area required.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a single charge pump circuit is used, then power consumption and silicon area are reduced, but the ability to generate both positive and negative voltages simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit configuration is made dynamic through the use of switch circuits that can reconfigure the circuit connections based on operational requirements. The first and second switch circuits couple the charge pump circuits to different voltage nodes and output nodes at different times, allowing the circuit to adapt its polarity output dynamically rather than being fixed in a single configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit operates in periodic cycles, switching between different configurations to generate positive and negative voltages. The switch circuits periodically reconfigure the charge pump stages to pump charge in different directions, enabling the single circuit to provide both voltage polarities through time-multiplexed operation.
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
Enables the generation of required voltages with smaller, lower power charge pumps, optimizing resource usage and reducing silicon area, particularly beneficial for memory arrays with high leakage currents.
Implementation Method 1
a first multi-stage charge pump circuit comprising a plurality of series-connected directional pump stages, each respective stage configured to transfer charge from a respective input thereof to a respective output thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple polarity reversible charge pump circuit is disclosed which, in certain embodiments, may be configured to generate a positive voltage at times and may be reversed to generate a negative voltage at other times. Such a charge pump circuit is advantageous if both the positive and negative voltage are not simultaneously required. In certain other embodiments, a charge pump circuit generates a high output current for only a positive boosted voltage in one mode of operation, but lower current positive and negative boosted voltage outputs in another mode of operation. Use with certain erasable memory array technologies is disclosed, particularly certain resistive passive element memory cells, and more particularly in a three-dimensional memory array.