Programmable Switched Capacitor Circuit for Voltage-Independent Analog Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in generating an analog current independent of power supply voltage and in achieving short rise times, while also being programmable.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device is designed with a battery block and switch block configuration, where n-stage batteries with different capacities are connected in parallel, and switches are controlled by digital signals to generate an analog current output. This configuration allows for independent operation from power supply voltage and enables programmability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional voltage-dependent current generation methods are used, then the circuit can operate with standard components, but the generated current depends on power supply voltage variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces voltage-controlled current generation (electrical field control) with a mechanical-like charging process where current is generated through physical charge transfer from batteries. The current output depends on the charge capacity of batteries rather than power supply voltage, achieving independence from voltage variations while maintaining reliable current generation.
2Speed
If a simple switch configuration is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the rise time of the generated current is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the current generation function into multiple parallel stages, each with its own switch and battery. This segmentation allows independent control of each stage's charge discharge process, enabling faster overall current rise time while keeping each individual switch configuration relatively simple. The parallel structure sums the currents from all stages to achieve the target output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where each switch can be independently turned on or off based on the desired current output. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to rapidly adjust the current output by selectively activating or deactivating specific battery-switch combinations, achieving fast rise times without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed current generation capability is implemented, then the circuit design is simplified, but the device cannot be programmed or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-charges multiple batteries to specific voltage levels before operation. This preliminary charging action stores the necessary energy states in advance, allowing the system to generate different current outputs by simply switching between pre-charged batteries without requiring complex real-time control or reconfiguration, thus enabling programmability with manageable circuit complexity.
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 device can generate an analog current that is not dependent on the power supply voltage, reduces rise time, and provides a programmable semiconductor device capable of fine adjustments in current output.
Implementation Method 1
The capacities of the first-stage power storage element to the n-th-stage power storage element are different from one another. The first-stage power storage element to the n-th-stage power storage element are electrically connected in parallel between the first node and the second node.
Data Source
AI summary
To generate an analog current without restriction by a power supply voltage. A semiconductor device includes a first node, a second node, a first- to an n-th-stage power storage element (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2), and a first- to an n-th-stage switch. The capacities of the first- to the n-th-stage power storage element are different from one another. The first- to the n-th-stage power storage element are electrically connected in parallel between the first node and the second node. A first terminal of a k-th stage power storage element (k is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n) is electrically connected to the first input node via a k-th stage switch. The on/off states of the first- to the n-th-stage switch are controlled by a first to an n-th signal.