Semiconductor Divided Voltage Generation Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor apparatuses face challenges in generating stable divided voltages, particularly in DRAMs, where negative voltages are used, as existing bias voltage generators and negative voltage generators require large circuit sizes to maintain accuracy and are not effective when both power supply voltages vary.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor apparatus with a divided voltage generation circuit using a first resistor element and a first transistor connected in series between power supplies, along with a current control circuit that adjusts the resistance ratio based on current levels to maintain stable divided voltages, independent of variations in the first power supply voltage, and includes a voltage control circuit to regulate the second power supply to a target voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional bias voltage generator is used to generate stable reference voltages, then voltage stability is improved, but circuit size increases and it becomes ineffective when both power supply voltages vary
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of voltage generation from using stable reference voltages to using divided voltages that reflect variations in the second power supply. The voltage divider circuit dynamically adjusts the division ratio based on current levels, which are controlled to reflect power supply variations, thereby generating bias voltages that adapt to changing conditions without requiring large stable reference voltage circuits.
2Device complexity
If the resistance ratio in the voltage divider is fixed, then circuit simplicity is improved, but accuracy of divided voltage generation deteriorates when power supply voltages vary
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the resistance ratio dynamic by controlling the current levels in the voltage divider. The current control circuits adjust the current levels based on variations in the first power supply voltage, which dynamically changes the effective resistance ratio. This dynamic adjustment maintains accuracy in generating divided voltages that correctly reflect the second power supply voltage even when power supply conditions vary.
3Ease of operation
If current levels in the voltage divider are not controlled, then ease of operation is improved, but divided voltage accuracy deteriorates due to power supply variations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service by having the current control circuits automatically adjust current levels in response to power supply variations. The control circuits monitor the first power supply voltage and autonomously modify the current levels to maintain accurate divided voltage generation, eliminating the need for external manual adjustment while preserving accuracy.
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
This approach allows for accurate generation of divided voltages reflecting the second power supply voltage without relying on stable reference voltages, reducing circuit size and maintaining voltage stability across varying power supply conditions.
Implementation Method 1
generates a divided voltage by dividing a voltage difference between a voltage of the first power supply and a voltage of the second power supply based on a resistance ratio of the first resistor element and the first transistor
Implementation Method 2
increases and decreases the control current according to an increase and decrease in a voltage difference between the first power supply and a ground power supply
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a semiconductor apparatus including a divided voltage generation circuit that includes a first resistor element and a first transistor connected in series between a first power supply and a second power supply and generates a divided voltage by dividing a voltage difference between the first power supply and the second power supply with a resistance ratio of the first resistor element and the first transistor specified according to a level of a first current flowing to the first transistor, and a current control circuit that includes a second transistor that is connected in a mirror configuration to the first transistor and determines the level of the first current by a control current flowing from a first terminal to a second terminal, and increases and decreases the control current according to an increase and decrease in a voltage difference between the first power supply and a ground power supply.