Semiconductor Device Power Supply Segmentation for Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Logic integrated memory devices face challenges in achieving stable operation while minimizing power consumption, especially when subjected to varying battery voltages, as direct driving with an external power supply leads to increased voltage variation and instability.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device incorporates a power supply module that bucks an external voltage to generate an internal buck voltage, with a logic circuit and memory macro configured to operate using separate voltage supplies, and a standby circuit that adjusts power consumption by switching between internal and external voltages based on instruction signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the logic integrated memory device is directly driven with an external power supply (battery), then power consumption is reduced, but voltage variation becomes large and stable operation cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into multiple independent power domains: a first power supply circuit that bucks the first external voltage to generate stable internal power for the logic circuit portion, and a second power supply circuit that supplies the second external voltage directly to the memory macro. This segmentation allows each component to operate under its optimal voltage conditions while the logic circuit benefits from stable power and the memory macro benefits from reduced conversion loss.
2Reliability
If an internal power generation circuit is used to generate stable internal power, then stable operation is achieved, but conversion loss increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply responsibilities: the logic circuit portion uses an internal power generation circuit with voltage bucking to ensure stable operation, while the memory macro directly uses external power supply voltage to minimize conversion loss. This segmentation optimizes each subsystem according to its specific performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality characteristics of power supply are applied locally to different components: the logic circuit portion receives high-stability power with low voltage variation through the bucking circuit, while the memory macro receives power optimized for low conversion loss through direct external connection. Each component receives the specific power quality it needs for optimal operation.
3Reliability
If a reference voltage generation circuit is used to generate stable reference voltage, then internal power variation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply architecture into distinct modules: a first power supply circuit for the logic circuit portion that includes a reference voltage generation circuit, and a second power supply circuit for the memory macro. This modular segmentation manages complexity by containing the reference voltage generation functionality only where it is most beneficial - for the logic circuit that requires stable operation.
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 enables stable operation of the sense amplifier with internal buck voltage while suppressing power consumption, allowing for efficient data processing and memory access with reduced power fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply module for bucking a first external voltage, supplied externally, to supply an internal buck voltage
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a semiconductor device supplied with internal power generated by an internal power generation circuit to perform a stable operation and, also, suppress power consumption. A control circuit, a row/column decoder and a sense amplifier are driven by an internal buck voltage. On the other hand, a data path with high power consumption is driven by an external power supply voltage. A level conversion circuit receives an address signal or a command signal having a voltage level of the external power supply voltage, converts the voltage level to the internal buck voltage, and outputs a resultant signal to the control circuit. A level conversion circuit receives a control signal having a voltage level of the internal buck voltage from the control circuit, converts the voltage level to the external power supply voltage, and outputs a resultant signal to the data path.