Semiconductor Shared Pad Regulator Interface Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices with switchable functions face limitations as once the die specification is determined, it cannot be changed again, restricting adaptability and versatility in responding to customer needs without altering the die design.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device design featuring an internal logic circuit, regulator circuit, and interface circuit, where a shared pad functions as an input voltage terminal for the regulator circuit or an I/O terminal for the interface circuit, allowing switching between operation modes using NMOS transistors and non-volatile storing units to control driving transistors, enabling multiple functions without irreversible changes to the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fuse or irreversible switch is used for the low-impedance switch in the regulator circuit, then the circuit can be simplified and manufacturing can be eased, but the die specification cannot be changed after determination, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces irreversible switching elements (fuses) with controllable transistors that can dynamically change their state. The driving transistor is controlled by control signals to switch between conductive and disconnected states, enabling the same die to be reconfigured for different product specifications after manufacturing, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from irreversible physical state (fuse blown/not blown) to reversible electrical control (transistor on/off controlled by voltage signals). This allows the die specification to be modified by changing control signals rather than requiring physical changes, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling post-manufacturing adaptability
2Reliability
If multiple pads are provided for different functions, then each function can have dedicated terminals, but the number of pads increases and die design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single pad serve multiple functions by controlling the driving transistor's state. When the transistor is conductive, the pad functions as a power supply input for the regulator circuit; when disconnected, it functions as an I/O terminal for interface circuits. This multi-functionality reduces the number of pads required while maintaining reliable function separation through electrical control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply input function and I/O terminal function into a single pad structure. By combining these functions in one physical pad and using transistor control to switch between them, the patent reduces pad count and die complexity while maintaining the reliability of dedicated terminals through logical separation
3Reliability
If the driving transistor is always in conductive state, then power supply to internal circuits is ensured, but the pad cannot be used as I/O terminal for interface circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the driving transistor through control signals that can switch the transistor between conductive and disconnected states. This allows the system to adaptively change the pad's function based on operational requirements, ensuring power supply reliability when needed while enabling I/O functionality when required, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and versatility
Data Source
AI summary
In a semiconductor device of related art, the degree of freedom when using one pad with plural functions has been disadvantageously low.A semiconductor device has an internal logic circuit, a regulator circuit, and an interface circuit, and the regulator circuit and the interface circuit are coupled to one shared pad. In the case where a driving transistor of the regulator circuit is controlled to be in a conductive state, the shared pad is used as a terminal to which an input voltage of the regulator circuit is input. In the case where the driving transistor of the regulator circuit is controlled to be in a disconnected state, the shared pad is used as an input/output terminal of the interface circuit.