Semiconductor Filter Circuit for Rapid Control Voltage Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In semiconductor integrated circuits, feedback noise from the bias voltage output affects the stabilization time of the voltage level, making it difficult to rapidly achieve the desired voltage level for high-speed performance.

Innovation Solution

A filter circuit with a first resistive element, a first capacitive element, and a second capacitive element, along with a switch element, is provided between the control voltage generation circuit and the electric current source to remove noise and rapidly stabilize the control voltage, utilizing a charge share configuration to adjust the voltage levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a filter circuit with capacitive component is provided to remove noise from control voltage, then noise removal is improved, but voltage stabilization time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise in control voltageVSAvoidvoltage stabilization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter circuit dynamically changes its capacitive configuration based on the conduction state of the first switch element. When the switch is non-conductive, the second capacitive element is coupled between first voltage and second voltage, providing full noise filtering. When the switch is conductive, the second capacitive element couples with the first capacitive element through the output node, reducing total capacitance and accelerating voltage stabilization while maintaining adequate noise filtering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The filter circuit operates in periodic phases: during normal operation, the switch is non-conductive and full capacitance provides noise filtering; during voltage transitions, the switch becomes conductive to reduce capacitance and speed up stabilization. This periodic switching between high-capacitance (filtering) and low-capacitance (fast response) states resolves the contradiction between noise removal and stabilization speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a filter circuit is added to remove feedback noise, then noise removal is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback noise in bias voltageVSAvoidfilter circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: noise filtering, voltage stabilization, and dynamic capacitance adjustment. The first and second capacitive elements work together to provide both filtering and fast transient response, while the switch element enables the circuit to adapt its characteristics based on operating conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate circuits for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter circuit merges the noise filtering function with the voltage stabilization function in a single integrated structure. The capacitive elements serve dual purposes: filtering noise during steady state and enabling fast voltage transitions during mode changes. This consolidation reduces device complexity compared to having separate filtering and stabilization circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration allows for rapid stabilization of the control voltage, reducing the wait time for mode transitions and maintaining low power consumption, thereby enhancing high-speed performance without increasing current consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitive element that is provided between the output node and a first voltage, a second capacitive element that is coupled between the output node and the first voltage in parallel with the first capacitive element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a first resistive element that is provided between the control voltage generation circuit and an output node that outputs the control voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

a first switch element that is provided between the second capacitive element and the output node. The second capacitive element is coupled between the first voltage and a second voltage when the first switch element is non-conductive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10157679B2Semiconductor device and semiconductor integrated circuit
Publication Date: 2018.12.18 RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORP
  • US10157679B2 patent drawing
  • US10157679B2 patent drawing
  • US10157679B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor device that can rapidly stabilize a control voltage for controlling an electric current source is provided. A semiconductor device includes a filter circuit that is provided between a control voltage generation circuit and an electric current source and removes noise of the control voltage. The filter circuit includes a first resistive element that is provided between the control voltage generation circuit and an output node that outputs the control voltage, a first capacitive element that is provided between the output node and a first voltage, a second capacitive element that is coupled between the output node and the first voltage via a first switch element. The second capacitive element is coupled between the first voltage and a second voltage when the first switch element is non-conductive. The second capacitive element is coupled with the first capacitive element through the output node when the first switch element is conductive.