Semiconductor Mode Switching via Internal Terminal Potential Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face limitations in miniaturization and operation mode switching due to layout restrictions and the need for dedicated pads or special external signals, which restricts the arrangement of operation mode switch pads and requires additional terminals.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device incorporating a pull-up circuit, a pull-down circuit, and an operation mode switch circuit that switches modes based on internal terminal potentials without requiring dedicated pads or special signals, allowing for connection/disconnection with external terminals like bonding wires to switch operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated pads are used for operation mode switching, then mode switching function is achieved, but pad arrangement freedom is restricted and device miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing I/O pads to serve dual purposes: functioning as both input/output pads during normal operation and as operation mode switch pads when connected to specific external terminals. This eliminates the need for dedicated mode switching pads, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving mode switching function and maintaining pad arrangement freedom for device miniaturization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated pads are arranged for mode switching, then operation mode switching is enabled, but layout restrictions prevent flexible arrangement and increase device size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing I/O pads to perform multiple functions by detecting external terminal connections. During normal operation, these pads function as I/O pads; during mode switching, they detect external terminal connections to determine operation modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated mode switching pads, reducing device area and enabling continued miniaturization while maintaining full mode switching capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operation mode switch pads are arranged near specific terminals, then mode switching is achieved, but layout freedom is restricted due to proximity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by transforming existing I/O pads into dual-purpose pads that can function as both I/O pads and operation mode switch pads. This eliminates the need to arrange dedicated mode switching pads near specific terminals, thereby restoring complete layout freedom and ease of operation while maintaining the operation mode switching function through external terminal connection detection.
4Device complexity
If existing terminals are used for mode switching, then no special external terminals are needed, but the terminals cannot be used as input/output pads simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling I/O pads to perform dual functions: serving as input/output pads during normal operation and as operation mode switch pads when external terminals are connected. This is achieved by detecting external terminal connections and switching pad functions accordingly, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplified terminal configuration and terminal functionality versatility.
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
Enables flexible operation mode switching without dedicated pads or special signals, allowing for increased arrangement of operation mode switch pads and improved miniaturization without layout restrictions, supporting multiple operation modes with a reduced number of pads.
Implementation Method 1
a pull-up circuit connected to a first pad through a switch; a circuit configured to retain a potential of the first pad
Implementation Method 2
a pull-down circuit connected to the same first pad through another switch; a circuit configured to compare a potential of the first pad when the pull-up circuit is connected and a potential of the first pad when the pull-down circuit is connected
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device has: a pull-up circuit connectable to an internal terminal; a pull-down circuit connectable to the internal terminal; and an operation mode switch circuit. The operation mode switch circuit switches an operation mode based on a potential of the internal terminal when the pull-up circuit is connected to the internal terminal and a potential of the internal terminal when the pull-down circuit is connected to the internal terminal.