Voltage Boosting System With Slew Rate Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Charge pump circuits in semiconductors often experience uncontrolled voltage slew rates, leading to noise and power wastage, particularly in memory circuits where large voltage swings are required, causing disturbances and uncertainty in signal transitions.
Innovation Solution
A voltage boosting system with slew rate control, utilizing a voltage controlled oscillator, current regulator, and low pass filter to regulate both the voltage value and rate of change, ensuring a controlled boost voltage is achieved by adjusting the clock frequency based on simulated rate of change comparisons with a reference value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the clock frequency is increased to boost voltage quickly, then the voltage boosting speed is improved, but noise is coupled into the memory array and signals are disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clock frequency variable rather than fixed. The voltage controlled oscillator adjusts the clock frequency dynamically based on the charging state of the boost capacitor, using feedback from the charge pump circuit to optimize the boosting speed while minimizing noise coupling into the memory array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring the charging state of the boost capacitor through the charge pump circuit and using this information to adjust the clock frequency via the voltage controlled oscillator. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the clock frequency is optimized for each charging phase, preventing excessive noise while maintaining efficient voltage boosting.
2Speed
If the clock frequency is increased to boost voltage faster, then the voltage boosting speed is improved, but power consumption increases due to wasted charging cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the clock frequency dynamic rather than static, adjusting it according to the actual charging needs of the boost capacitor. The voltage controlled oscillator responds to feedback from the charge pump circuit, increasing frequency only when needed for efficient charging and reducing it when the capacitor is sufficiently charged, thereby minimizing wasted power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism monitors the charging state of the boost capacitor and adjusts the clock frequency accordingly. This ensures that the oscillator runs at high frequency only during periods when rapid charging is beneficial, and reduces frequency when charging is complete or nearing completion, eliminating wasted energy from unnecessary high-speed operation cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clock frequency varies significantly, then the voltage swing range is improved, but the slew rate becomes uncontrolled and circuit operation becomes uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the clock frequency to vary within a controlled range rather than remaining fixed. The voltage controlled oscillator adjusts frequency dynamically based on feedback from the charge pump, enabling the circuit to adapt to different voltage swing requirements while maintaining controlled slew rate through the feedback mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback from the charge pump circuit to the voltage controlled oscillator ensures that clock frequency variations are controlled and purposeful. This closed-loop control maintains reliable circuit operation by preventing uncontrolled slew rate changes, ensuring that frequency variations are only those needed for optimal voltage boosting while maintaining circuit stability and predictability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a voltage controlled oscillator, a charge pump, and a current regulator circuit. The voltage controlled oscillator has a control input and a clock output that provides a clock signal at a clock frequency that is variable. The charge pump is coupled to the clock output and has an output that provides a boosted output voltage. The current regulator circuit is coupled to the control input of the voltage controlled oscillator to adjust the clock frequency based on a simulation of a rate of change of the boosted output voltage. This allows for a controlled slew rate for the output of the charge pump.