Semiconductor Sense Amplifier Power Control via Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor memory devices face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and data retention time due to temperature variations, which affect the enablement period of power control signals and drive voltages in sense amplifiers, leading to potential malfunctions and increased power usage.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor system that includes a power control signal generator and a sense amplifier circuit, which generate and control power signals based on temperature signals and mode signals to optimize the enablement period and drive voltage, reducing power consumption and ensuring stable operation across varying temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply voltage is increased to obtain fast sensing speed and correct amplification operation, then the sensing performance is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply voltage to the sense amplifier dynamic rather than static. The power control signal generator adjusts the enablement period of the power control signal based on temperature variations, causing the power supply voltage to vary dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by providing high power voltage only when needed (at high temperatures) for reliable sensing, while reducing or disabling it at lower temperatures to minimize power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of power supply voltage based on temperature conditions. The power control signal generator modifies the enablement period parameter of the power control signal in response to temperature signals, thereby changing the effective power supply voltage to the sense amplifier. This parameter change strategy allows the system to optimize between sensing performance and power consumption by adapting the voltage level to actual operating conditions.
2Reliability
If the enablement period of power control signals is extended to maintain stable operation, then the reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enablement period of the power control signal is made dynamic based on temperature conditions. The power control signal generator adjusts the duration of the enablement period according to temperature signals, making the power supply to the sense amplifier adaptive rather than fixed. This dynamic adjustment maintains operation stability when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control signal operates in a periodic manner with variable enablement periods. Instead of continuous power supply, the system uses periodic pulsing where the enablement period is modulated based on temperature. This periodic action with adaptive timing maintains stability through regular power delivery while minimizing overall power consumption by keeping the amplifier in low-power states between pulses.
3Productivity
If the drive voltage of sense amplifiers is increased to improve sensing speed, then the productivity is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive voltage parameter of the sense amplifier is changed based on temperature conditions through the power control signal. The power control signal generator adjusts the enablement period to modulate the effective drive voltage, allowing high drive voltage for fast sensing when temperature requires it, while reducing drive voltage and power consumption during normal operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor memory 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, the first power control signal having an enablement period that may be controlled in response to a temperature signal having a cycle time. The cycle time may be controlled according to a mode signal and an internal temperature. The sense amplifier circuit may generate a first power signal driven to have a first drive voltage in response to the first power control signal. In addition, the sense amplifier circuit may sense and amplify a level of a bit line using the first power signal as a power supply voltage.