Variable-Clock Charge Pump Control for Low-Current Voltage Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage generators for semiconductor memory devices consume excessive current due to constant clock signal cycles, leading to varying pump drivability and rising times based on load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A voltage generator that adjusts the clock signal cycle dynamically by using a first and second clock signal, where the second clock signal has a longer cycle than the first, and includes detection circuits to control the pumping operation based on the output voltage's difference from the target voltage, optimizing clock usage to reduce current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant cycle clock signal is used for pumping operation, then the voltage generator can maintain stable operation, but current consumption increases and pump drivability varies depending on load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clock signal cycle variable rather than fixed. The clock generator dynamically adjusts the cycle of the clock signal based on the difference between output voltage and target voltage, as well as load conditions. This allows the system to optimize current consumption by using longer cycles when less pumping is needed and shorter cycles when rapid voltage rise is required, resolving the contradiction between stable operation and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of clock signal cycle based on operating conditions. The clock generator modifies the clock cycle parameter in response to voltage detection results and load conditions, switching between first clock signals (shorter cycle) and second clock signals (longer cycle). This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the system to different operational states, reducing current consumption while maintaining stable voltage generation.
2Device complexity
If a constant cycle clock signal is used for pumping operation, then the system structure remains simple, but pump drivability and voltage rising time vary depending on load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of clock cycle without significantly increasing system complexity. The clock generator includes detection circuits that monitor output voltage and load conditions, then automatically select appropriate clock signals. This dynamic approach improves voltage rising time under varying load conditions while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through integrated detection and control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using detection circuits to monitor the output voltage and load conditions, then feeding this information back to the clock generator. The clock generator uses this feedback to select between first and second clock signals appropriately, optimizing voltage rising time based on actual operating conditions. This feedback mechanism improves productivity without requiring complex external control systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the clock signal cycle is adjusted based on voltage difference and load conditions, then current consumption is reduced, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clock generation and voltage regulation functions into a single integrated clock generator. The detection circuits are combined with the clock signal generation, allowing the system to reduce current consumption through intelligent clock cycle adjustment without requiring separate complex control systems. This integration resolves the contradiction by consolidating functions while achieving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock generator performs self-service by automatically adjusting its own operation based on feedback from detection circuits. The system monitors its own output voltage and load conditions, then autonomously selects appropriate clock signals to optimize current consumption. This self-regulating approach reduces energy use without requiring external complex control infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage generator includes a clock generator configured to generate a first clock signal and a second clock signal having a longer cycle than the first clock signal, a pumping unit configured to generate a pumping voltage in response to the first or second clock signal, a first detection circuit configured to detect the pumping voltage and generate a first control signal for controlling the operation of the pumping unit based on the result of the detection, and a second detection circuit configured to generate a second control signal for outputting the first or second clock signal generated from the clock generator depending on whether the first control signal maintains an enable state for a specific time.