Switchable Power Supply for Memory Array Voltage Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
System on a chip (SoC) devices require multiple power supply voltages to operate effectively, but existing technologies lack efficient mechanisms to transition between these voltages, limiting the performance of memory arrays by restricting the power supply voltage to a lower level, which hampers the speed and efficiency of memory operations.
Innovation Solution
A power supply switch and system configured to transition the power supply voltage from a lower voltage to a higher voltage, utilizing a voltage generator, switch circuit, and confirmation circuit to compare and switch between power supply voltages, ensuring that memory arrays can operate at higher voltages, thereby enhancing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the power supply voltage is restricted to a lower level, then the system can operate with simpler power supply requirements, but the memory array performance and speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power supply voltage switching mechanism that allows the memory array to operate at different voltage levels (first power supply voltage and second power supply voltage) based on operational requirements. The switch circuit enables transitions between voltage levels, making the power supply system adaptive rather than fixed, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple power supply requirements and achieving high performance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply voltage parameter from a fixed lower level to a variable level that can switch between first and second power supply voltages. This parameter change enables the memory array to operate at higher voltages for improved speed and performance while maintaining compatibility with lower voltage operations, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.
2Speed
If the power supply voltage is increased to a higher level, then the memory array can operate faster, but the system requires more complex voltage switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into distinct voltage levels (first power supply voltage and second power supply voltage) with dedicated switching control. The switch circuit is divided into controllable stages that can transition between voltage levels independently, reducing the overall complexity by breaking down the voltage switching function into manageable segments rather than requiring a single complex switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power supply switch as an intermediary component between the power supply source and the memory array. This intermediary device manages the complexity of voltage switching by providing a controlled interface that handles transitions between first and second power supply voltages, isolating the complexity from the rest of the system while enabling high-speed operation when needed.
3Productivity
If multiple power supply voltages are provided to the memory array, then performance can be enhanced, but the power supply interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the power supply interface to be universal and multi-functional, capable of providing both first and second power supply voltages to the memory array through a single integrated interface. The power supply switch performs multiple functions including voltage selection, voltage switching, and power distribution, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each voltage level and simplifying the overall power supply architecture while maintaining enhanced performance capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a power supply switch that includes a voltage generator, a switch circuit, and a confirmation circuit. The voltage generator is configured to compare a first power supply voltage to a second power supply voltage and to output the first power supply voltage or the second power supply voltage as a bulk voltage (Vbulk). The switch circuit includes one or more transistors and is configured to (i) bias bulk terminals of the one or more transistors with the Vbulk and (ii) output either the first power supply voltage or the second power supply voltage as a voltage output signal. The confirmation circuit is configured to output a confirmation signal that indicates whether the voltage output signal transitioned from the first power supply voltage to the second power supply voltage.