Sense Amplifier Power Control for Fast Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor memory devices, such as DRAM, face challenges in efficiently controlling power signals for sense amplifiers to accurately sense and amplify bit line levels, particularly due to variations in internal temperature affecting the timing of power signal enablement.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor system that includes a power control signal generator and a sense amplifier circuit, where the enablement moment of power control signals is controlled based on temperature code signals and mode signals, allowing for precise timing of power signal generation and amplification to optimize bit line sensing and amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the power supply voltage is increased to obtain fast sensing speed and correct amplification operation, then the sensing speed and amplification accuracy are improved, but the power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply voltage adjustment by switching between first and second power supply voltages based on temperature conditions. The sense amplifier circuit receives different voltage levels adaptively, allowing the system to maintain fast sensing speed when needed while reducing power consumption under normal operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the power consumption variable rather than fixed at high levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply voltage parameter based on temperature code signals. A temperature determination circuit monitors internal temperature and controls a switch to select appropriate voltage levels from a power supply circuit. This parameter change strategy allows the system to optimize between sensing speed and power consumption by adjusting voltage according to actual thermal conditions rather than operating at constant high voltage.
2Reliability
If the power supply voltage is increased to obtain correct amplification operation, then the amplification accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power supply voltage to the sense amplifier based on temperature conditions, switching between first and second voltage levels. This ensures amplification accuracy is maintained when temperature conditions require it while avoiding unnecessary high power consumption during normal operation. The dynamic control resolves the contradiction by making accuracy assurance conditional rather than constant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the power supply voltage level according to temperature code signals. The switch circuit selects between different voltage parameters based on thermal state, ensuring amplification accuracy is achieved only when temperature conditions necessitate it. This selective parameter adjustment maintains reliability while minimizing power consumption.
3Productivity
If the timing of power signal enablement is adjusted according to temperature variations, then the refresh characteristic and write recovery time are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply control into distinct functional modules: a temperature determination circuit that monitors thermal conditions, a switch circuit that selects voltage levels, and a power supply circuit that provides multiple voltage options. This segmentation allows complex temperature-compensated timing control to be achieved through coordinated simple modules rather than a single complex controller, improving refresh characteristics while managing device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch circuit acts as an intermediary between the temperature determination circuit and the power supply circuit. It translates temperature conditions into appropriate voltage selection, mediating the control signal flow and enabling precise timing adjustment without requiring direct complex interconnections between all control elements. This intermediary approach improves productivity while containing complexity within the switch's selection logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device may include a power control signal generator and a sense amplifier circuit. The power control signal generator may generate a first power control signal, an enablement moment of the first power control signal controlled according to a logic level combination of temperature code signals in response to a mode signal. The sense amplifier circuit may generate a first power signal driven in response to the first power control signal and may generate a second power signal driven in response to a second power control signal. The sense amplifier circuit may sense and amplify a level of a bit line using the first power signal and the second power signal.