Sensitive Amplifier Power Switch Circuit for Low Standby Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensitive amplifiers in non-volatile memory devices face high standby power consumption, slow clamp voltage build-up, and unstable initial states, which hinder efficient read operations.
Innovation Solution
A sensitive amplifier design incorporating a voltage clamp circuit, power switch circuit, discharge circuit, pre-charge circuit, and current comparison circuit, along with optional latching and buffer circuits, to provide a stable reading voltage, reduce power consumption, and prevent unstable states by cutting off power supply when not in use, pre-charging before operation, and discharging before read operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the voltage clamp circuit remains connected to the supply voltage continuously, then the amplifier is ready for immediate operation, but the standby power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the clamp voltage to a predetermined level before the read operation begins. The pre-charge circuit charges the clamp voltage to a voltage between 60%-90% of the supply voltage in advance, so when the read operation starts, the clamp voltage is already close to its target value, reducing the build-up time during actual operation while avoiding continuous charging that would increase standby power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the power switch circuit to connect and disconnect the voltage clamp circuit from the supply voltage based on operational phases. The circuit transitions between idle state (disconnected to save power) and active state (connected for operation), creating a periodic on-off pattern that reduces standby power consumption while ensuring the circuit is ready when needed.
2Speed
If the voltage clamp circuit is pre-charged to high voltage continuously, then the read operation speed improves, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-charge circuit performs preliminary charging of the clamp voltage to a high voltage level (60%-90% of supply voltage) before the read operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that when the read operation starts, the clamp voltage is already at an optimal level for fast operation, improving read speed without requiring continuous high-voltage maintenance that would consume excessive power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clamp voltage level adjustable and time-dependent. The voltage transitions from a lower standby level to a higher operational level dynamically based on the operation phase. The power switch circuit and pre-charge circuit work together to create a dynamic voltage profile that optimizes both speed and power consumption at different times.
3Reliability
If the voltage clamp circuit operates without pre-charging, then the circuit structure is simpler, but the initial state becomes unstable and read operations fail
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge circuit performs preliminary discharge of the clamp voltage to a predetermined low voltage level before the read operation begins. This preliminary discharge ensures that the capacitor starts from a known, stable state (near 0V), preventing unstable initial conditions that could cause read failures. The discharge operation is controlled and timed, adding minimal complexity while significantly improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a discharge circuit as an intermediary component between the capacitor and ground. This intermediary circuit provides controlled discharge paths through switchable connections, enabling stable initialization of the clamp voltage without requiring complex voltage regulation circuits. The discharge circuit acts as a simple mediator that ensures reliable starting conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensitive amplifier and a storage device are provided, and the sensitive amplifier includes: a voltage clamp circuit which provides a stable reading voltage for the storage unit; a power switch circuit which cuts off power supply for the voltage clamp circuit when the voltage clamp circuit is not operating; a discharge circuit which discharges the voltage clamp circuit before the voltage clamp circuit operates; a pre-charge circuit which pre-charges the voltage clamp circuit when the voltage clamp circuit starts operating; and a current comparison circuit which is connected to an output of the voltage clamp circuit, compares the reading current with a reference current, and outputs a comparison result.