Semiconductor Device Voltage Control Circuit for Stable Low Voltage Signal Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to stabilize the handling of low voltage power source signals in semiconductor devices, particularly in decode circuits that require high voltage MOS transistors, where the decreasing voltage level of the low voltage power source threatens normal signal handling due to the threshold voltage limitations of these transistors.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device incorporates a high voltage switch circuit and decode circuit that utilize boosting circuits to generate and manage various voltage levels, including positive and negative high voltages, allowing the device to handle low voltage power source signals effectively by switching between different voltage levels to maintain reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high voltage MOS transistors are used in decode circuits, then the circuit can handle high voltage signals, but the circuit cannot normally handle low voltage power source signals when the low voltage level drops below the transistor threshold voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a level shift circuit as an intermediary component between the low voltage power source and the high voltage MOS transistor decode circuit. This level shift circuit converts the low voltage power source signal to a voltage level that the high voltage MOS transistor can properly handle, ensuring reliable signal processing while maintaining compatibility with the declining low voltage power source levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the power source by introducing a boosted voltage version of the low voltage power source. The decode circuit is supplied with both the original low voltage power source and a boosted version, allowing the circuit to operate reliably even as the base low voltage level decreases below the transistor threshold voltage
2Length of moving object
If the low voltage power source voltage is decreased to accommodate miniaturized MOS transistors, then transistor miniaturization can proceed, but the decode circuit cannot normally handle the low voltage signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into multiple voltage levels - the original low voltage power source for transistor operation and a boosted voltage version for the decode circuit. This segmentation allows miniaturized transistors to operate at lower voltages while the decode circuit receives elevated voltage signals through the level shift circuit, preventing signal handling failures
Solution Approach 2:
The level shift circuit serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the miniaturized transistor's low operating voltage and the decode circuit's required higher threshold voltage. This mediator converts and boosts the voltage appropriately, allowing both miniaturization benefits and reliable decode circuit operation
Data Source
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AI summary
There is to provide a semiconductor device capable of handling a signal having a voltage level of the low voltage power source stably. The semiconductor device includes first and second memory blocks having a plurality of memory transistors of storing data according to a level change of the threshold voltage and a plurality of memory gate lines of supplying each voltage to each gate of the memory transistors. The semiconductor device further includes first and second voltage control lines provided correspondingly to the first memory block, for driving the plural memory gate lines, and third and fourth voltage control lines provided correspondingly to the second memory block, for driving the plural memory gate lines. The semiconductor device further includes a first decoder of driving the first and the third voltage control lines, a second decoder of driving the second and the fourth voltage control lines, and a voltage control circuit of controlling a voltage to be supplied to the first and the second decoders. The voltage control circuit supplies a first voltage and a second voltage lower than the first voltage to the first decoder and supplies a third voltage between the first voltage and the second voltage and the second voltage to the second decoder, before the writing operation. The voltage control circuit supplies the first voltage and the third voltage to the first decoder and supplies a fourth voltage between the third voltage and the second voltage and a fifth voltage lower than the second voltage to the second decoder, in the writing operation mode.