Semiconductor Power Switch Segmentation for Rush Current and Startup Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor integrated circuits experience delays in power supply startup due to the low power supply capability of power switch cells with small channel widths, which are used to prevent rush currents and reduce power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device configuration that includes a first switch with a low current supply capability, a second switch with a higher current supply capability, and a control circuit that turns on the second switch when the voltage on the second power-supply line reaches a threshold, allowing for enhanced current supply and faster startup by sequencing the activation of middle and strong switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a power switch cell with a small channel width is used to prevent rush currents, then rush current suppression is improved, but power supply startup time increases due to low power supply capability
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch cell is divided into two separate switches: a first switch with a small channel width for rush current suppression and a second switch with a large channel width for high power supply capability. This segmentation allows each switch to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between rush current suppression and startup speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit activates the first switch before the second switch during startup. The first switch is turned on preliminarily to suppress rush currents, and then the second switch is activated to provide high current supply capability. This preliminary action sequence resolves the contradiction by managing current flow in stages.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a power switch cell with a small channel width is used to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but power supply capability decreases leading to delayed startup
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch cell is segmented into two switches with different channel widths. The first switch has a small channel width optimized for low power consumption during normal operation, while the second switch has a large channel width optimized for high power supply capability during startup. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between power consumption and power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically switches between the first and second switches based on operational requirements. During normal operation, the first switch is activated for low power consumption. During startup requiring high current, the second switch is activated. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between power consumption and power supply capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device connectable between a first power-supply line connected to a power source and through which power is continuously supplied to a first circuit, and a second power-supply line that is not directly connected to the power source and is connected to a second circuit, includes a first switch connectable between the first and second power-supply lines and turned on in response to a signal for supplying power to the second circuit, a second switch connectable between the first and second power-supply lines and having a current supply capability higher than the first switch, and a control circuit configured to turn on the second switch when the first switch is turned on and a voltage applied to the second power-supply line has reached a threshold.