Stacked Word-Line Capacitor String for Smaller Charge Pump Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
In memory technology, the large layout area required for capacitors in charge pump circuits is a significant issue, as it consumes substantial space in integrated circuits, necessitating a solution to reduce this area effectively.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor string structure is formed by stacking conductive plates to create multiple word lines in a memory device, where capacitors are formed between adjacent plates, allowing for charge storage and transfer without occupying additional layout area, thereby reducing circuit layout requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional separate capacitor structures are used in charge pump circuits, then sufficient charge storage capacity is achieved, but large layout area is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitor structures with the word line structures by making the word lines serve dual purposes: as control lines for memory cells and as capacitor plates for charge storage. The conductive plates forming the word lines are stacked to create capacitive structures between adjacent word lines, eliminating the need for separate capacitor components and their associated layout area.
Solution Approach 2:
The word line structures are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they act as control signals for memory cell operations and as capacitor plates for charge storage in the charge pump circuit. This multi-functionality allows the same physical structures to serve both memory control and charge pumping purposes, reducing overall circuit area.
2Reliability
If more capacitors are added to the charge pump circuit, then charge pump performance is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capacitor functions with existing word line structures, so that capacitors are formed between adjacent word lines using the same conductive plates. This merging approach provides the necessary charge storage capacity for charge pump operation without adding separate capacitor components, thereby maintaining circuit simplicity while improving charge pump performance.
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
This approach effectively reduces the layout area needed for capacitors in memory devices, lowering circuit costs and enabling more efficient use of space without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor is formed between two adjacent ones of the conductive plates
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor string structure, a memory device and a charge pump circuit thereof are provided. The capacitor string structure includes a plurality of conductive plates. The conductive plates are disposed in the memory device. The conductive plates are stacked to each other, and respectively form a plurality of word lines of the memory device, where two neighbored conductive plates form a capacitor.