Semiconductor Apparatus Power Supply Circuit Switch Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor apparatuses with a multi-chip configuration, the leakage current from nonvolatile memory affects the power supply voltage, leading to increased power consumption and prolonged startup times due to continuous current flow during initialization.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor apparatus is designed with a power supply circuit, a switch, and a control unit that generates an internal power supply voltage, where the switch is initially off to prevent current flow to the nonvolatile memory, and turns on only when the voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, reducing leakage current and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the switch is kept on during initialization, then the nonvolatile memory receives power supply voltage, but leakage current continuously flows increasing power consumption and startup time
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary voltage level detection before enabling power supply to the nonvolatile memory. The switch is kept off during initialization, and only turned on after the power supply voltage reaches a predetermined level, preventing leakage current during the startup phase while ensuring reliable memory operation when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The switch state is dynamically controlled based on the power supply voltage level. The control circuit monitors the voltage and automatically switches the switch from off to on state when the voltage exceeds the threshold, adapting the power supply configuration to the current operational phase of the system
2Reliability
If the switch is kept on during initialization, then the nonvolatile memory is powered, but the startup time of internal power supply voltage is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary voltage level detection before enabling power supply to the nonvolatile memory. The switch is kept off during initialization, and only turned on after the power supply voltage reaches a predetermined level, preventing leakage current during the startup phase while ensuring reliable memory operation when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the phase of powering the nonvolatile memory during initialization by keeping the switch off. The control circuit rushes through the startup phase without leakage current, and only enables memory power supply after the critical voltage buildup is complete, significantly reducing startup time
3Loss of energy
If a switch and control circuit are added to control power supply, then leakage current is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically monitors the power supply voltage level and controls the switch without external intervention. The system self-regulates the power supply to the nonvolatile memory based on internal voltage conditions, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while effectively reducing leakage current
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit serves multiple functions: it monitors power supply voltage level, determines when to enable the switch, and controls the power supply timing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving effective leakage current reduction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a semiconductor apparatus including a power supply pin configured to receive a power supply voltage from an outside, a capacitor connection pin to be connected with a capacitor, a power supply circuit having an input connected to the power supply pin and having an output connected to the capacitor connection pin, the power supply circuit being configured to generate an internal power supply voltage at the output of the power supply circuit, a nonvolatile memory configured to operate by receiving the internal power supply voltage, a switch disposed between a power supply terminal of the nonvolatile memory and the capacitor connection pin, and, a control unit configured to turn on the switch when the internal power supply voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold value.