Step-up Booster Circuit Adaptive Voltage Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional step-up circuits for non-volatile semiconductor storage devices have high current consumption due to excess potential requirements for reading memory cell data, especially when dealing with variations in memory cell thresholds, leading to inefficient power usage in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A step-up circuit with a pump control circuit and activation control circuit that generates and controls pump activation signals based on voltage levels, using complementary clock signals and delayed voltage transitions to optimize pump operations, reducing unnecessary current consumption and reading disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high voltage Vdd+Vtn is supplied to the word line to read memory cell data with maximum threshold Vtcx, then all memory cell data can be read, but current consumption increases due to excess potential when reading data with minimum threshold Vtcn
Solution Approach 1:
The step-up circuit dynamically adjusts the word line voltage based on the actual memory cell threshold characteristics. Instead of using a fixed high voltage Vdd+Vtn for all cases, the circuit generates adaptive voltage levels that match the required reading threshold, thereby eliminating excess potential and reducing current consumption while maintaining reliable data reading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameter of the word line from a fixed value Vdd+Vtn to an adaptive value that varies according to the memory cell threshold distribution. By monitoring or estimating the actual threshold characteristics, the step-up circuit adjusts the generated voltage to the minimum necessary level for reliable reading, thus optimizing the trade-off between reading reliability and power consumption.
2Reliability
If conventional step-up circuits are used to generate high voltage for word line, then memory cell data can be read, but power consumption is high due to lack of facility for reducing current consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The step-up circuit is designed with dynamic control capability that allows it to adjust its operation based on actual system conditions. The circuit can modulate the voltage generation level and timing to match the specific reading requirements, avoiding unnecessary high voltage generation and thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining data reading functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The step-up circuit incorporates self-adjustment mechanisms that allow it to optimize its own power consumption based on the actual memory cell characteristics and reading requirements. By integrating control logic that monitors system state, the circuit automatically adjusts its operation to minimize power usage while ensuring reliable data reading, eliminating the need for external power management intervention.
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 solution effectively reduces current consumption and optimizes step-up operations, ensuring efficient voltage generation for memory cell reading while minimizing disturbances and power wastage across varying memory cell thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
a charge-pump circuit is formed with one terminal of each of a plurality of capacitors being connected between respective transistors which structure a charge transfer circuit
Data Source
AI summary
In a step-up booster circuit, a number of pump circuits are connected in series. Pump control signals are outputted from a pump control circuit, and the pump circuits accordingly generate a required raised voltage by stepping up voltages of signals inputted to the respective pump circuits. The step-up circuit includes an activation control circuit which generates a pump activation signal in accordance with provided signals, which direct operation of the step-up circuit. The pump control circuit controls output of the pump control signals in accordance with a voltage of the pump activation signal.