Voltage Generation Circuit for Stable Internal Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in stabilizing internal voltages due to varying external power-supply voltages, leading to reliability issues and increased power consumption, particularly in high-integration semiconductor memory devices like DRAM.
Innovation Solution
A voltage generation circuit incorporating an enable signal generator, voltage controller, and voltage driver, which uses a Low Drop Out (LDO) regulator to generate a stable internal voltage by comparing reference and feedback voltages, amplifying the difference, and level-shifting the drive voltage to maintain a constant internal voltage source, reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional voltage generation circuits are used to generate internal voltages, then voltage levels can be transformed, but power consumption increases and stability decreases under varying external power-supply voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the generated internal voltage is fed back to the LDO regulator circuit, which automatically adjusts its output to maintain a stable internal voltage level. This feedback control enables the circuit to compensate for external power-supply variations while consuming minimal power, as the LDO only activates when voltage regulation is needed.
2Reliability
If voltage generation circuits operate continuously to maintain stable internal voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by controlling the LDO regulator to operate only when needed for voltage regulation. The circuit monitors the external power-supply voltage and activates the LDO selectively during periods when voltage stabilization is required, rather than operating continuously. This periodic operation maintains voltage stability while significantly reducing overall power consumption during normal operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If LDO regulator is used to generate stable internal voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but response speed to voltage changes may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the LDO regulator with adjustable parameters that allow it to adapt its response characteristics. The circuit includes compensation mechanisms and controllable gain elements that enable the LDO to respond quickly to voltage changes when necessary while maintaining low power consumption during steady-state operation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the trade-off between response speed and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage generation circuit is provided. The voltage generation circuit may include an enable signal generator, a voltage controller, and a voltage driver. The enable signal generator may generate an enable signal based on a test signal and an active signal. During activation of the enable signal, the voltage controller may compare a reference voltage with a feedback voltage, amplify the result of comparison, and generate a drive voltage. The voltage driver may output an internal voltage by driving the drive voltage, and generate the feedback voltage corresponding to the internal voltage. The feedback voltage may be pulled down during activation of the enable signal.