Voltage Generator Cross Current Reduction via Dynamic Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage generators in electronic devices experience undesirable cross current due to transistor mismatches and non-idealities, leading to excess power consumption, which worsens as transistor dimensions shrink and bias currents increase.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of voltage generators with a dynamically varying dead band, where the low threshold voltage is dynamically adjusted based on current passed through transistors, reducing the likelihood of both transistors being on simultaneously and thus minimizing cross current, through configurations such as feedback resistors and dynamically shifting threshold voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transistor dimensions are shrunk and bias currents are increased to improve integration density and speed, then device performance is improved, but cross current increases leading to excess power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically varying dead band where the low threshold voltage is dynamically adjusted based on the current state of the transistors. This dynamic adjustment ensures that as transistor dimensions shrink and bias currents increase, the dead band adapts to prevent simultaneous conduction, thereby maintaining low cross current while preserving improved device performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the current passed through transistors is monitored and used to dynamically adjust the low threshold voltage. This feedback loop ensures that the dead band varies in response to actual transistor operation, preventing cross current while allowing high bias currents to be used for improved performance.
2Loss of energy
If a fixed dead band is used to prevent cross current, then power consumption is reduced, but transistor mismatches and non-idealities cause both transistors to be on simultaneously, increasing cross current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed dead band with a dynamically varying dead band that adapts to transistor mismatches and non-idealities. By dynamically adjusting the low threshold voltage based on actual transistor current states, the system maintains effective cross current prevention despite variations in transistor characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the actual current passed through the transistors to automatically adjust the dead band parameters. This self-adjusting mechanism compensates for transistor mismatches without external intervention, ensuring reliable cross current control while maintaining low power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described include voltage generators having reduced or eliminated cross current. Dynamic adjustment of a low or high threshold voltage used in a voltage generator is described. Use of a folded cascade amplifier in a voltage generator is also described.