Sharing Internal Power Supplies in Integrated Circuit Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuit devices require significant chip area and cost due to internal voltage supply circuits, which limit performance and make it impractical to fully utilize multiple memory devices connected to a shared bus, as they are restricted by time windows and command bandwidth limitations.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves connecting internal voltages of multiple integrated circuits to share resources, allowing for adaptable power supply management, including the ability to disable regulators in controlled circuits to reduce power consumption and optimize resource allocation, thereby increasing capacity and reducing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal voltage supply circuits are used in each integrated circuit device, then each device can operate independently, but chip area and die size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple integrated circuit devices share a common internal voltage supply circuit located in one of the devices. The voltage supply is accessible through dedicated pins, allowing other devices in the stack to utilize the same voltage generation resources, thereby reducing the total die area required for voltage supply circuits across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal voltage supply circuit in one device serves multiple functions: it provides voltage to its own device and simultaneously serves as a shared voltage source for other devices in the stack. This multi-functional approach eliminates redundant voltage supply circuits in each device, reducing overall chip area while maintaining independent operation capability.
2Power
If capacitive pump circuits are used for voltage generation, then required voltages can be achieved, but large pump and reservoir capacitors occupy significant chip area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shares the capacitive pump circuit and its associated capacitors among multiple devices. Instead of each device having its own large pump and reservoir capacitors, one device contains the shared voltage supply circuit that serves all devices, dramatically reducing the total capacitor area required.
3Reliability
If voltage supply circuits are included in each device, then each device can be fully utilized, but the time to charge wordlines adds overhead and extends program time
Solution Approach 1:
By sharing the voltage supply circuit, the patent enables coordinated control of voltage generation across multiple devices. The shared supply can charge wordlines more efficiently by pooling resources, reducing the time overhead for voltage charging and shortening the critical program time parameter.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple memory devices are connected to a common shared bus, then memory subsystem capacity increases, but command bandwidth becomes insufficient to exercise all devices to maximum capability
Solution Approach 1:
The shared internal voltage supply creates a dependency relationship among devices where they must cooperate to fully utilize the voltage generation capability. This coordination requirement effectively synchronizes device operation, allowing the system to handle increased memory capacity without proportionally increasing command bandwidth requirements, as devices share the voltage supply timing and control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus for sharing internal power supplies in integrated circuit devices is described. A multiple device integrated circuit 200 including multiple integrated circuits 202-205 each having internal power supplies is contained in an enclosure 201. Integrated circuits 202-205 are described showing how to make external connection to internal power supplies. Connections 208-212 are provided to the internal power supplies of each of devices 202-205. Another embodiment 500 of the system provides for disablement of regulators in multiple integrated circuits 502, 503, and 504 by another integrated circuit 501 for power consumption reduction. The method FIG. 6 includes providing devices and connecting the internal power supplies together. An integrated circuit 501 with a power supply 400 adapted to the system and method with additional circuitry 308, 404 and 402 for disabling a regulator 306 is described.