Self-Trimming Circuit for Semiconductor Voltage Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices face challenges in efficiently trimming internal voltages due to process, voltage, and temperature variations, requiring time-consuming manual trimming processes that cannot be performed in parallel.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a self-trimming circuit within semiconductor devices that autonomously adjusts voltage regulators using a reference voltage and test command signal, allowing for parallel trimming operations across multiple devices from a single tester.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional manual trimming processes are used, then voltage precision can be adjusted, but the trimming process becomes time-consuming and cannot be performed in parallel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-trimming circuitry within the semiconductor device that automatically adjusts voltage regulator output voltages without external tester control. The device compares its own output voltage against a reference voltage and autonomously generates trim codes to correct voltage deviations, enabling parallel trimming operations across multiple devices simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the external tester control and execute the trimming process for each device sequentially, the patent inverts the control relationship by placing the trimming control logic inside the device itself. This allows each device to perform its own trimming independently and in parallel with other devices.
2Measurement precision
If external tester controls trimming process, then voltage adjustment can be achieved, but multiple testers are required for parallel trimming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds complete trimming control functionality within the semiconductor device, including voltage comparison circuitry, trim code generation logic, and regulator control mechanisms. This self-contained approach eliminates the need for external tester control and enables single-tester parallel operations across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-trimming circuitry is designed to be universally applicable across multiple semiconductor devices with the same architecture. A single tester can simultaneously initiate and monitor trimming operations in multiple devices, each of which independently executes its own trimming sequence using its internal circuitry.
3Ease of manufacture
If internal voltage generator circuitry is used, then voltage derivation is achieved, but PVT differences require individual trimming for each device
Solution Approach 1:
Each semiconductor device with internal voltage generator circuitry incorporates self-trimming capabilities that automatically compensate for PVT (process, voltage, temperature) variations. The device compares its generated voltage against a reference and autonomously adjusts its output through self-generated trim codes, ensuring consistent voltage levels across all devices despite manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs trim codes that modify electrical parameters of the voltage regulator circuitry to compensate for PVT differences. By dynamically adjusting regulator parameters based on self-measured voltage deviations, the system maintains precise voltage control across varying process conditions, voltage levels, and temperatures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided for self-trimming of a semiconductor device. An example self-trimming circuit includes a control circuit configured to, during a self-trimming operation, decode a test command signal to set a target voltage and set a voltage trim code to an initial value, and to adjust a value of the voltage trim code based on a stop signal. The example self-trimming circuit further includes a reference voltage regulator configured to receive the voltage trim code and to convert a band-gap reference voltage to an output voltage based on the voltage trim code, and a comparator configured to compare the target voltage with the output voltage and to provide the stop signal having a value based on the comparison.