Single Regulator OTP Circuit for Bias Voltage Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing OTP circuits in SOCs require two regulators to provide bias voltages to wordlines, leading to increased space and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A low power OTP circuit using a single regulator to provide bias voltages, with a combinational logic controller determining the mode of operation and adjusting the bias voltages accordingly between read and programmable modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two regulators are used to provide bias voltages to wordlines, then reliable voltage supply is achieved, but power consumption and area usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebias voltage supply reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of two separate voltage regulators into a single regulator that can dynamically switch between providing different bias voltages. The single regulator replaces the two previous regulators, reducing power consumption and area while maintaining the ability to provide both read bias voltage and program bias voltage to wordlines through dynamic voltage switching controlled by a voltage switch circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic voltage switching where the single regulator's output is dynamically controlled to provide different bias voltages based on operation mode. A voltage switch circuit dynamically connects the regulator output to either read wordlines or program wordlines, enabling the system to adapt its voltage supply behavior to current operational requirements, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If two regulators are used to provide bias voltages to wordlines, then voltage control is maintained, but area usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage control capabilityVSAvoidcircuit area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single regulator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can provide read bias voltage to read wordlines and program bias voltage to program wordlines. This multi-functional regulator, combined with the voltage switch circuit, eliminates the need for separate dedicated regulators for each function, thereby reducing the overall circuit area while maintaining full voltage control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by stationary object

If a single regulator is used to provide bias voltages, then power consumption and area are reduced, but voltage switching control is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidvoltage switching control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a voltage switch circuit as an intermediary component that manages the complexity of voltage switching. This switch circuit acts as a mediator between the single regulator and the wordlines, dynamically connecting the regulator output to the appropriate wordline group (read or program) based on operational mode. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall control architecture compared to managing two independent regulators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The single regulator OTP circuit reduces power consumption by up to 50% and area usage in SOC designs, while maintaining reliable bias voltage generation for both read and programmable operations.

Implementation Method 1

a charge pump configured to provide a third bias voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge pump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a second bias voltage to read lines, wherein the second bias voltage is generated from the single regulator and passed through current-controlled-voltage drop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiode voltage drop: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS12224023B2One time programmable (OTP) low power circuits and methods for providing bias voltages to wordlines

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments herein disclose an OTP low power circuit and methods for providing bias voltages using a single regulator. The circuit includes a Bitcell, a diode drop, a charge pump, a combinational logic controller, a program current sink load, and a read current sink load. The Bitcell includes programmable word lines and read lines, and is configured to operate in either a programmable mode or a read mode. The diode drop is configured to provide a second bias voltage to drive the read lines and the single regulator is configured to provide a first bias voltage to drive the WP in the read mode. The charge pump is configured to provide a third bias voltage to drive the WP in the program mode.