Semiconductor Device Trimming Circuit Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor device trimming techniques require multiple reference voltages to be supplied externally, leading to complex control and prolonged trimming operations when adjusting multiple power supply voltages.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device that adjusts a specific reference voltage using an external reference voltage and generates multiple reference voltages internally, allowing for the determination of trimming codes for multiple power supply voltages using a single adjusted reference voltage, thereby simplifying the trimming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple external reference voltages are supplied for trimming multiple power supply voltages, then trimming precision is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making a single reference voltage generation circuit serve multiple trimming functions. The reference voltage generation circuit generates different reference voltages sequentially for comparing with different power supply voltages, allowing one circuit to perform the work of multiple circuits. This reduces control complexity while maintaining trimming precision for multiple power supply voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by sequentially generating different reference voltages at different time periods for trimming different power supply voltages. The reference voltage generation circuit operates in cycles, producing Vref1 for trimming VDD1, then Vref2 for trimming VDD2, and so on. This time-division multiplexing approach simplifies the overall system complexity while achieving precise trimming of multiple voltages.
2Measurement precision
If multiple external reference voltages are supplied for trimming multiple power supply voltages, then trimming precision is improved, but trimming operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces trimming operation time by implementing periodic action with sequential reference voltage generation. Instead of requiring multiple external reference voltages to be supplied simultaneously, the circuit generates different reference voltages in rapid succession at different time periods. This time-division approach maintains trimming precision while significantly reducing the total trimming operation time and eliminating the need for multiple external voltage supplies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating all necessary reference voltages within the semiconductor device before the trimming operation begins. The reference voltage generation circuit prepares Vref1, Vref2, and other reference voltages internally, so that when trimming is initiated, all reference voltages are immediately available for rapid sequential comparison with the power supply voltages, reducing overall trimming time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external reference voltages are supplied from outside the semiconductor device, then multiple power supply voltages can be trimmed, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference voltage generation function from external sources and integrates it directly into the semiconductor device. By taking out the reference voltage generation capability from external equipment and embedding it within the device's power supply circuit, the patent eliminates the need for complex external reference voltage supplies while maintaining the ability to trim multiple power supply voltages, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the semiconductor device to generate its own reference voltages internally through the reference voltage generation circuit. The device becomes self-sufficient for trimming operations, generating all necessary reference voltages (Vref1, Vref2, etc.) within its own power supply circuit without requiring external reference voltage sources, thus simplifying the operation and improving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device capable of simplifying a trimming operation. A semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes a power supply circuit and a trimming circuit. The power supply circuit includes a reference voltage generation circuit that generates a plurality of reference voltages used at the time of a trimming operation, and a voltage generation circuit that generates a plurality of power supply voltages used by a semiconductor storage device. The semiconductor device adjusts a specific reference voltage using an external reference voltage at the time of the trimming operation, and then determines trimming codes corresponding to the adjustment amounts of the power supply voltages using a plurality of reference voltages generated using the adjusted specific reference voltage and a plurality of power supply voltages corresponding to the reference voltages.