Semiconductor Mode Switching via Voltage Level Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor devices require multiple terminals for mode switching and power supply, leading to increased size and complexity, with existing solutions not effectively reducing the number of terminals needed for operation modes.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device configuration that includes a control terminal, a power supply terminal, a first level detecting circuit, and a regulator, allowing switching between operation modes using a single power supply terminal by detecting voltage levels and generating internal power supply voltages, thereby reducing the number of terminals required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple terminals are provided for mode switching and power supply, then operation mode switching capability is improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation mode switching capabilityVSAvoidnumber of terminals

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply terminal is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides power supply voltage for normal operation, applies high-voltage signals for mode switching, and enables different operation modes (normal mode, test mode, EPROM mode) through voltage level detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated terminals for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the power supply terminal with mode switching functionality by using the same terminal to receive both power supply voltage and high-voltage signals for mode selection. The control terminal and power supply terminal are merged into a unified interface that handles both power delivery and mode switching through voltage level detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate power supply terminal and control terminal are provided, then reliable power supply and mode switching are achieved, but terminal count increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidterminal count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the power supply terminal itself to provide the high-voltage signals needed for mode switching, rather than requiring a separate dedicated terminal for mode switching. The terminal serves itself by utilizing the power supply voltage to enable both power delivery and mode selection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient switching between multiple operation modes using only two terminals, reducing the overall size and complexity of the semiconductor device while maintaining functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a first level detecting circuit for detecting a voltage level at the control terminal after a prescribed time period from when the power supply voltage is supplied to the power supply terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage level detection: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

a regulator for generating an internal power supply voltage based on the power supply voltage supplied to the power supply terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage regulation:

Data Source

PatentUS8120983B2Semiconductor device having plurality of operation modes

Publication Date: 2012.02.21 TRIVALE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A semiconductor device includes: a first level detecting circuit for detecting a voltage level at a control terminal after a prescribed time period from when a power supply voltage is supplied to a power supply terminal, a control unit for selecting in which operation mode among a plurality of operation modes the semiconductor device operates, based on a result of detection by the first level detecting circuit; and a regulator for generating an internal power supply voltage based on the power supply voltage supplied to the power supply terminal. The first level detecting circuit and the control unit receive the internal power supply voltage as an operating power supply voltage. In an operation mode, among the plurality of operation modes, where a power supply voltage having a level different from that of a power supply voltage in other operation modes is supplied to the power supply terminal, the control unit performs data processing by using the power supply voltage supplied to the power supply terminal.