Semiconductor Device Dynamic Bias Current Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in adjusting start-up time and power consumption, as they rely on fixed current sources and require potential rewriting in holding circuits, leading to inflexible operation.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device structure incorporating multiple circuits and holding circuits with capacitive coupling and multiplexer functions, allowing for dynamic adjustment of bias currents and potential changes, enabling flexible start-up time and reduced power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed current source is used in the holding circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but the start-up time and power consumption cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of start-up time and power consumptionVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the holding circuit's current source adjustable rather than fixed. The current source can dynamically change its output current based on control signals, allowing the start-up time and power consumption to be adjusted according to different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple circuit structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the current parameter of the holding circuit's current source from a fixed value to an adjustable value. By controlling the current amount that flows from the current source, the start-up time and power consumption can be optimized for different application scenarios without fundamentally changing the circuit topology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the current amount from the current source is adjusted, then start-up time and power consumption can be optimized, but the potential in the holding circuit must be rewritten requiring device restart

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of start-up time and power consumptionVSAvoidrestart time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the capacitor in the holding circuit before the actual operation begins. This ensures that when the device needs to operate, the holding circuit already has the required potential, eliminating the need for restart and potential rewriting when adjusting current parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control circuit as an intermediary between the current source and the holding circuit. This control circuit manages the charging and discharging of the capacitor, allowing smooth transitions between different operating modes without requiring device restart, thus avoiding time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the holding circuit maintains a fixed potential, then the circuit operation is stable, but the power consumption cannot be optimized for different operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpotential stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the holding circuit's potential dynamic rather than fixed. The capacitor in the holding circuit can charge and discharge based on control signals, allowing the potential to adapt to different operating conditions. This enables power consumption optimization while maintaining operational stability through controlled transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic charging and discharging of the holding circuit's capacitor based on operational needs. During normal operation, the capacitor maintains a stable potential; when power optimization is needed, the capacitor can be discharged or recharged in a controlled periodic manner, allowing power consumption adjustment without compromising overall system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 semiconductor device achieves adjustable start-up time and optimized current consumption by dynamically controlling bias currents and potentials, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The first holding circuit has a function of bringing the first holding portion into an electrically floating state to hold a first potential of the first holding portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical floating state: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

The first circuit has a function of changing the first potential held in the first holding portion to the second potential by capacitive coupling of the first capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11714438B2Semiconductor device, electronic component, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.08.01 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD
  • US11714438B2 patent drawing
  • US11714438B2 patent drawing
  • US11714438B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor device capable of changing drive capability as appropriate is provided. A semiconductor device (100A) includes first to third circuits (102, 103, 101) and a first holding circuit (SH2), and the first holding circuit (SH2) includes a first holding portion (node ND2) and holds a first potential. The first circuit (102) has a function of changing the first potential of the first holding portion (node ND2) to a second potential, and the second circuit (103) has a function of generating a bias current based on the first potential or the second potential of the first holding portion (node ND2). The third circuit (101) includes first to third terminals (TLa4, TLa1, TLa2) and has a function of generating a third potential in accordance with an input potential to the second terminal (TLa1) by supply of the bias current to the first terminal (TLa4) and outputting the third potential from the third terminal (TLa2). Thus, the amount of the bias current generated in the second circuit (103) is increased or decreased by the first circuit (102).