Semiconductor Chip Voltage Buffer Noise Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor chips face issues with voltage drop and noise in power supply lines due to the distance between the second regulator and the internal circuit, leading to increased consumption current when trying to suppress noise by increasing the current drive capability of the reference voltage generating circuit.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor chip design includes a voltage buffer between the reference voltage generating circuit and the second regulator, which is made inactive in the first operation mode to suppress noise and reduce consumption current, with the first regulator and voltage buffer placed near the reference voltage generating circuit and the second regulator near the internal circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second regulator is disposed close to the internal circuit to shorten the power supply line, then voltage drop is reduced, but the line between the reference voltage generating circuit and the second regulator becomes long causing noise in the reference voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent regulators: a first regulator with low current drive capability connected near the reference voltage generating circuit, and a second regulator with high current drive capability connected near the internal circuit. This segmentation allows each regulator to serve its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between power supply stability and noise suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The first regulator acts as an intermediary between the reference voltage generating circuit and the second regulator. It provides a stable, low-noise power supply to the reference voltage generating circuit while the second regulator handles the high-current demands of the internal circuit, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of noise sensitivity and power delivery capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the current drive capability of the reference voltage generating circuit is increased to suppress noise, then noise in reference voltage is reduced, but consumption current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator functions are segmented into two distinct units with different current drive capabilities. The first regulator maintains low consumption current while providing sufficient power to the reference voltage generating circuit, and the second regulator provides high current drive capability when needed for the internal circuit, eliminating the need to increase current drive capability of the reference voltage generating circuit to suppress noise.
3Reliability
If the second regulator is disposed apart from the reference voltage generating circuit and close to the internal circuit, then power supply voltage is maintained, but the line between the reference voltage generating circuit and the second regulator becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two separate power supply paths: one from the first regulator to the reference voltage generating circuit, and another from the second regulator to the internal circuit. This segmentation eliminates the need for a long power supply line between the reference voltage generating circuit and the second regulator, as each regulator serves its designated area with appropriate line lengths.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a semiconductor chip which is insusceptible to noise and whose consumption current is small. In a semiconductor chip, an internal power supply voltage for an internal circuit block is generated by a regulator having small current drive capability and a regulator having large current drive capability. A voltage buffer is provided between a reference voltage generating circuit and the regulator having large current drive capability. In a low-speed operation mode, the voltage buffer and the regulator having large current drive capability are made inactive. Therefore, noise in reference voltage is suppressed, and consumption current can be reduced.