Voltage Generating Unit for Semiconductor Memory Peak Current Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high voltage generator circuits for semiconductor memory devices consume high peak current due to simultaneous operation of multiple pump circuits, leading to increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A voltage generating unit for semiconductor memory devices that includes a detecting unit, an oscillating unit generating clock signals with different operation time points, and pumping units controlled by these clock signals to operate serially, reducing peak current consumption by distributing VDD current use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple pump circuits operate simultaneously to generate high voltage, then the high voltage generation speed is improved, but the peak current consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the simultaneous operation of multiple pump circuits into sequential stages. The pump circuits are segmented into different operation groups that operate at different time intervals, converting simultaneous high-current operation into staged operation. This segmentation reduces the peak current consumption while maintaining the overall high voltage generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling pump circuits to operate in alternating cycles rather than simultaneously. The control circuit enables pump circuits to operate in a periodic manner with different timing, where each pump circuit operates during specific time periods and remains inactive during others. This periodic operation pattern reduces the instantaneous peak current while achieving the required high voltage generation speed through cumulative effect over time.
2Power
If multiple pump circuits operate simultaneously, then the high voltage generation capability is improved, but excessive voltage may be generated due to peak current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pump circuit operation to prevent excessive voltage generation. By dividing the pump circuits into operation groups that activate sequentially rather than simultaneously, the peak current is distributed over time. This segmentation ensures that the high voltage generation capability is maintained through cumulative pumping action while avoiding the excessive voltage spikes that would result from simultaneous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit performs preliminary action by pre-planning and coordinating the operation timing of each pump circuit before activation. The control circuit determines the optimal operation sequence and timing for each pump circuit in advance, ensuring that they operate in a coordinated manner that achieves the required voltage level without exceeding safe limits. This preliminary coordination prevents excessive voltage generation while maintaining effective high voltage output.
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 solution reduces peak current consumption and power consumption by controlling the pump circuits to operate at different times, minimizing simultaneous current use and preventing excessive voltage generation.
Implementation Method 1
a detecting unit for detecting a voltage level of the high voltage by comparing a reference voltage with a fed-back high voltage
Implementation Method 2
an oscillating unit for generating a plurality of clock signals with different operation time points on the basis of an output signal of the detecting unit
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of pumping units for generating the high voltage in response to pumping control signals based on the clock signals
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage generating unit of a semiconductor memory device makes it possible to reduce a peak current value when generating a high voltage. The voltage generating unit of the semiconductor memory device includes a detecting unit configured to detect a voltage level of a high voltage by comparing a reference voltage with a fed-back high voltage, an oscillating unit configured to generate a plurality of clock signals with different operation time points on the basis of an output signal of the detecting unit, and a plurality of pumping units configured to generate the high voltage according to pumping control signals based on the clock signals.