Semiconductor Internal Voltage Trimming via Folded Segmented Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face deviations in internal voltages due to process variations, leading to inconsistent reference voltage levels across chips, which current trimming methods struggle to effectively adjust.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an internal voltage adjusting system with a trimming circuit that generates a reference voltage adjusted by code values and an internal voltage generation circuit that divides and compares voltages based on operation modes to achieve precise voltage adjustments, using a folded trimming operation to reduce deviations by half the trimming resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional reference voltage trimming is used to adjust internal voltage levels, then voltage adjustment capability is provided, but deviation in internal voltages across multiple semiconductor devices cannot be effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trimming operation is segmented into multiple stages: first trimming to reach a pre-target level, then selectively trimming again for devices needing additional adjustment. This multi-stage approach divides the trimming process into manageable steps that collectively reduce voltage deviation more effectively than a single trimming operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A pre-target level is established before the final target level, and all devices are first trimmed to this pre-target level. This preliminary trimming action prepares the devices for subsequent selective trimming, enabling more precise final voltage adjustment and reducing overall deviation across the device population.
2Measurement precision
If reference voltage is trimmed to adjust internal voltage, then voltage level adjustment is achieved, but trimming resolution limits the effectiveness of deviation reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The trimming resolution limitation is overcome by segmenting the trimming process into multiple operations. Each trimming operation uses the inherent resolution limits, but the cumulative effect of multiple staged trimmings achieves finer effective resolution and better voltage consistency than any single trimming operation could provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The method applies partial trimming operations in stages rather than attempting to achieve the full adjustment in one step. By performing incremental trimming operations and selectively re-trimming certain devices, the system achieves precision beyond what a single full-strength trimming operation could deliver.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device may include a trimming circuit suitable for generating a reference voltage that is adjusted based on a code value, and an internal voltage generation circuit suitable for generating an internal voltage based on the reference voltage, wherein the internal voltage generation circuit is suitable for dividing the internal voltage in a division ratio that varies depending on an operation mode and for generating the internal voltage based on comparison of the divided internal voltage with the reference voltage.