Voltage Generator Dynamic Clock Period Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory devices consume excessive current due to pumps generating operation voltages with constant clock periods, regardless of the operation performed, leading to inefficient power usage during low-performance operations.
Innovation Solution
A voltage generator system that includes an operation code determiner to output a clock control code, a clock group to generate clocks with varying periods, and a pump group to adjust the pumping operation based on these clocks, allowing for the generation of operation voltages with reduced current consumption by matching the clock period to the specific operation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If pumps generate operation voltages with constant clock periods, then the memory device can perform operations with sufficient driving force, but current consumption increases unnecessarily during low-performance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clock period variable rather than constant. The voltage generator adjusts the clock period dynamically based on the number of planes to be operated - using shorter periods for high-performance multi-plane operations and longer periods for low-performance single-plane operations. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain sufficient driving force when needed while reducing current consumption during lower-demand operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of clock period based on operation requirements. The operation code determiner generates different clock control codes corresponding to different numbers of planes, which in turn control the clock group to produce clocks with appropriately adjusted periods. This parameter change enables the pump group to deliver adequate driving force for the required number of planes while minimizing unnecessary current consumption.
2Device complexity
If clocks with constant period are used for all operations, then the voltage generator structure remains simple, but power efficiency decreases during operations requiring less driving force
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage generator structure incorporates dynamic clock period control through the operation code determiner, clock group, and pump group. While this adds some complexity, it enables power-efficient operation by matching clock characteristics to operational requirements. The added complexity is justified by the significant power efficiency improvements achieved during low-performance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes clock period parameters based on operation codes that indicate the number of planes to be accessed. This parameter adaptation allows the voltage generator to optimize power efficiency for each operation type while maintaining a relatively modular structure that doesn't require complete redesign for different operation modes.
3Productivity
If the clock period is shortened to provide sufficient driving force for multi-plane operations, then operation performance improves, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts clock period based on the actual number of planes to be operated in each operation. For single-plane operations, longer clock periods are used to reduce current consumption while maintaining adequate performance. For multi-plane operations requiring higher performance, shorter clock periods are applied. This dynamic matching ensures optimal balance between productivity and energy consumption for each specific operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock control code generated by the operation code determiner contains information about the number of planes, which controls the clock group to adjust the clock period parameter accordingly. This parameter change strategy allows the system to achieve high operation performance when multi-plane access is required while consuming less current during single-plane or lower-performance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology includes a voltage generator and a memory device including the voltage generator. The voltage generator includes an operation code determiner configured to output a clock control code including the number of planes in response to an operation code, a clock group configured to simultaneously generate clocks having different periods according to the clock control code, and a pump group configured to perform a pumping operation according to the clocks and output operation voltages.