Semiconductor Device Differential Amplifier Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices with cascode circuits require longer precharging times and higher consumption current during data reading, which hinders efficient data access in non-volatile memory systems.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device and control method that utilize a differential amplifier circuit with a current source providing a larger current during precharging and a smaller current during data reading, reducing precharging time and consumption power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the current of the differential amplifier circuit is increased to shorten precharging time, then the precharging time is reduced, but the consumption current during data reading is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the current supplied to the differential amplifier circuit variable rather than constant. A current control circuit dynamically adjusts the current based on the operational phase: providing a first (larger) current during precharging to reduce time, and a second (smaller) current during data reading to reduce consumption. This temporal variation in current supply resolves the contradiction between speed and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the current parameter of the differential amplifier circuit according to the operational state. By switching between two current levels (first current during precharging, second current during reading), the system optimizes both precharging speed and power consumption. The current control circuit implements this parameter change based on control signals that indicate the operational phase.
2Device complexity
If a conventional differential amplifier circuit is used for both precharging and data reading, then the circuit structure is simple, but the precharging time is long and consumption current is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation into two distinct phases (precharging and data reading) with different current requirements. The current control circuit is divided into a first current control portion for precharging and a second current control portion for reading. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, reducing precharging time without excessively increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential amplifier circuit serves dual functions: precharging the bit line and reading data. By adding a current control circuit that provides different current levels for different functions, the same amplifier circuit is made multi-functional and optimized for both operations, rather than requiring separate circuits for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a semiconductor device and a control method thereof, the semiconductor device including: a bit line connected to a memory cell; a voltage control circuit controlling a voltage supplied from a voltage source to the bit line; a differential amplifier circuit providing the control voltage to the voltage control circuit in response to a voltage at a node coupled to the bit line and a reference voltage; and a current source providing a current to the differential amplifier circuit. The current source provides more current to the differential amplifier circuit in the first period including a period for precharging than in the second period after precharging.