Semiconductor Internal Voltage Circuit Standby Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices with internal voltage generating circuits face significant power consumption due to leakage currents when in a standby state, as they maintain a voltage across capacitors, which is not negligible especially when low power consumption is required.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a control circuit that reduces the voltage applied to capacitors in the internal voltage generating circuit when in a standby state, suspending the charge operation and applying a lower voltage to the capacitor, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the internal voltage generating circuit maintains a voltage across the capacitor during standby state, then the circuit can quickly resume operation when needed, but power consumption increases due to leakage current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage applied to the capacitor variable rather than fixed. During active operation, the capacitor is charged to the required voltage (e.g., VDD) to ensure proper circuit function. During standby state, the control circuit reduces the voltage on the capacitor to a lower level (e.g., by discharging it partially or maintaining it at a minimal level). This dynamic voltage adjustment allows the circuit to balance between readiness for operation and power consumption, as the capacitor can still quickly recharge when needed while minimizing leakage current during idle periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the charge operation is suspended in standby state, then power consumption is reduced, but the circuit may take longer to resume normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the capacitor in a partially charged state or in a state that allows rapid recharging during standby, rather than completely discharging it. The control circuit is pre-configured to quickly restore the full voltage when operation is needed. This preliminary preparation ensures that while power consumption is reduced during standby, the circuit can resume operation quickly without requiring a complete charge cycle, thus balancing power savings with operational readiness.
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
This approach significantly reduces power consumption by minimizing leakage currents across capacitors during standby states, optimizing energy efficiency in semiconductor devices.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor having a first electrode and a second electrode
Implementation Method 2
this causes a problem of generating a certain degree of power consumption due to a leakage current
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device including a first internal voltage generating circuit that includes a capacitor including a first electrode and a second electrode, and the first internal voltage generating circuit to generate an internal voltage by charging the capacitor to a first voltage and applying a second voltage to the first electrode of the capacitor to generate a third voltage that is greater than the first and the second voltages on the second electrode in absolute value, and a control circuit to perform a control by applying a fourth voltage that is less than the first voltage to the capacitor when the first internal voltage generating circuit is in a standby state.