Semiconductor Input Circuit With Switched Gate Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor apparatuses face challenges in reducing energy consumption while maintaining the withstand voltage of transistors when dealing with input signals having voltages higher than the power voltage, leading to potential transistor failure and increased energy consumption due to hazard currents.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor apparatus incorporating a voltage control circuit with a step-down circuit and a switching circuit that generates a control voltage based on both the input voltage and the power voltage, ensuring the withstand voltage of transistors and reducing energy consumption by managing current flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the drive voltage is lowered to reduce energy consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but the withstand voltage capability of transistors deteriorates making them vulnerable to high voltage input signals
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage control circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the input terminal and the internal circuit. This circuit includes a step-down circuit that generates an internal voltage lower than the input voltage, and a switching circuit that selectively connects either the power voltage or the internal voltage to the control terminal of the transistor based on whether the semiconductor apparatus is in operation mode or stop mode, thereby protecting the transistor in both low-voltage and high-voltage scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage control circuit dynamically adjusts the voltage level applied to the control terminal of the transistor based on the operational state of the semiconductor apparatus. In operation mode, the internal voltage (lower than input voltage) is applied to reduce energy consumption, while in stop mode, the power voltage is applied to ensure the transistor can withstand high voltage input signals, thus adaptively resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and voltage tolerance
2Reliability
If a tolerant function is added to protect against high voltage input signals, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage control circuit serves multiple functions: it generates the control voltage for the transistor, provides over-voltage protection, and adapts the voltage level based on operational mode. By integrating these functions into a single circuit block that works for both operation and stop modes, the patent achieves comprehensive protection without proportionally increasing circuit complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on operational state. The switching circuit selects between two voltage levels (power voltage and internal voltage) depending on whether the apparatus is in operation mode or stop mode, providing appropriate protection levels without requiring separate protection circuits for each mode, thus managing complexity effectively
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
The solution secures the withstand voltage of transistors and reduces energy consumption by generating a control voltage that manages current flow, preventing transistor failure and minimizing hazard currents, thus enhancing the operational stability and efficiency of semiconductor apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a step-down circuit generating an internal voltage by lowering the input voltage applied to the node
Implementation Method 2
a switching circuit, which is connected to the first power line, generating the control voltage based on the first power voltage and the internal voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor apparatus includes an internal circuit connected to a first power line to which a first power voltage is applied; a transistor including a first terminal, which is connected to a node to which an input voltage is applied, a second terminal connected to the internal circuit, and a control terminal to which a control voltage is applied; and a voltage control circuit, which is connected to the node, generating the control voltage. Further, the voltage control circuit includes a step-down circuit generating an internal voltage by lowering the input voltage applied to the node, and a switching circuit, which is connected to the first power line, generating the control voltage based on the first power voltage and the internal voltage.