Voltage Generation Circuit With Dynamic Bias Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor storage devices, the power source voltage supplied from a host to a memory controller does not always match the element breakdown voltage, leading to potential excessive loads on elements, which existing voltage generation circuits cannot reliably protect against due to varying power source voltages and constraint conditions.
Innovation Solution
A voltage generation circuit that includes a voltage dividing circuit, a bias circuit, and a power source switching control circuit to manage power source voltage, ensuring that bias voltages do not exceed element breakdown voltages by selectively connecting or disconnecting power paths and reference voltage points based on the supplied voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voltage generation circuit is designed to generate bias voltage matching element breakdown voltage, then element protection is improved, but the circuit cannot adapt to varying power source voltages from the host
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage generation circuit dynamically switches between voltage generation modes based on the supplied power source voltage. When the power source voltage matches the element breakdown voltage, the circuit generates bias voltage through the voltage generation unit. When the power source voltage exceeds the element breakdown voltage, the circuit switches to direct connection mode, bypassing the voltage generation unit to protect the element. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between element protection and power source voltage adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes its operational parameters based on the power source voltage level. By detecting whether the power source voltage matches or exceeds the element breakdown voltage, the circuit adjusts its voltage generation and connection parameters accordingly. This parameter change enables the circuit to maintain element protection while adapting to different power source voltage conditions.
2Reliability
If the voltage generation circuit always generates bias voltage through voltage division, then element protection is improved, but power consumption increases and response speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit segments the voltage supply path into two distinct modes: a voltage generation path through the voltage generation unit for normal operation, and a direct connection path for high-speed or protected operation. By providing separate paths, the circuit achieves element protection without always engaging the voltage division process, thereby maintaining response speed and reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit performs preliminary voltage matching verification before enabling the voltage generation function. By checking whether the power source voltage matches the element breakdown voltage in advance, the circuit avoids unnecessary voltage generation operations when direct connection is sufficient, thereby reducing power consumption and improving response speed while maintaining element protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage generation paths are provided for different power source conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a protection switch when power source voltage exceeds element breakdown voltage, as a normal connection switch when voltages match, and as a control interface for the voltage generation unit. By making the switching unit multi-functional, the circuit achieves adaptability to different power source conditions without proportionally increasing overall circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit acts as an intermediary between the power source and the element, mediating the voltage connection based on voltage level detection. This intermediary component enables the circuit to handle multiple voltage conditions through a single centralized control point, avoiding the need for completely separate voltage generation paths for each condition and thereby limiting the increase in device 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 circuit effectively protects elements from excessive power source voltages by dynamically adjusting voltage supply paths, ensuring that bias voltages generated do not exceed element breakdown voltages, thereby preventing damage under various constraint conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage dividing circuit configured to generate first bias voltage of a first voltage value and second bias voltage of a second voltage value by dividing applied voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage generation circuit includes a voltage dividing circuit configured to divide an applied voltage; a bias circuit configured to generate a voltage by dividing a power source voltage supplied through a first input terminal; and a power source switching control circuit. The power source switching control circuit is configured to perform first processing of preventing a voltage supply from a power source line to the voltage dividing circuit, connecting the power source line to a first output terminal, and connecting a ground to a second output terminal, second processing of connecting the power source line and the ground to the voltage dividing circuit, and third processing of obtaining a voltage through the voltage dividing circuit by supplying a voltage generated by the bias circuit to the first output terminal and supplying the voltage generated by the bias circuit to the voltage dividing circuit.