Semiconductor Boot-Up Signal Generator for OTP Re-Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor systems cannot perform a boot-up operation of one-time programmable (OTP) circuits during normal operation sections, and they lack the ability to monitor the result of the boot-up operation while ensuring internal voltage stability.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a boot-up signal generator that generates a boot-up signal based on an external reset signal and a specific mode signal, allowing the internal circuit to perform a boot-up operation during both initial and normal operation sections, including reading and latching OTP data, with a power-up detector and internal voltage generation circuit to stabilize the internal voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the boot-up operation is performed only during the initial operation section, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is worsened because the OTP circuit cannot be re-initialized during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the boot-up signal generation dynamic by allowing it to be activated based on different conditions depending on the operation section. During the initial operation section, the boot-up signal is generated automatically, while during the normal operation section, it can be generated in response to specific mode signals, enabling flexible re-initialization of the OTP circuit when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The boot-up signal generator is designed to serve multiple functions: it generates the boot-up signal during the initial operation section for standard device initialization, and it also generates the boot-up signal during the normal operation section in response to mode signals for OTP circuit re-initialization, making the same circuit versatile across different operational phases
2Adaptability or versatility
If the boot-up operation is performed during normal operation section, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to potential internal voltage instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures that the internal voltage is stabilized before the boot-up operation is performed during the normal operation section. The control logic checks voltage stability conditions and only activates the boot-up signal generator when the internal voltage has reached a stable state, preventing premature operations that could compromise reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the internal voltage status before enabling the boot-up operation during normal operation. The boot-up signal generator responds to feedback about voltage stability, activating the boot-up sequence only when conditions are favorable, thus ensuring reliable OTP circuit re-initialization
3Ease of operation
If the boot-up signal generator always generates the boot-up signal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity is worsened due to unnecessary operations during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The boot-up signal generation is made dynamic and conditional rather than continuous. The generator monitors operation section signals and mode signals, activating the boot-up signal only when appropriate conditions are met (initial operation section or normal operation section with specific mode signals), avoiding unnecessary operations and maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The boot-up signal generator applies different operational characteristics to different operation sections: during the initial operation section, it automatically generates the boot-up signal for standard initialization, while during the normal operation section, it selectively generates the signal only in response to specific mode signals, optimizing performance for each operational context
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a boot-up signal generator suitable for generating a boot-up signal based on an external reset signal and a specific mode signal; and an internal circuit suitable for performing a boot-up operation based on the boot-up signal.