Voltage Generator Sequencing Reduces Pump Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices require an operating voltage higher than the supply voltage, necessitating stable and reliable voltage generators and systems with multiple voltage pumps, but existing solutions often lead to uneven stress on voltage pumps, potentially degrading them due to constant application of pumping voltage without sequence management.
Innovation Solution
A voltage generator system comprising multiple voltage pumps, a voltage detection circuit, and a control circuit that sequences voltage pumping operations based on detection signals and oscillator signals, selectively enabling different pumps to reduce stress and ensure stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple voltage pumps are used to generate higher operating voltage, then the voltage generation capability is improved, but the stress on individual pumps increases leading to potential degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by sequentially activating voltage pumps in a rotating manner rather than continuously operating all pumps simultaneously. The control circuit monitors output voltage and selectively enables individual pumps in sequence, allowing each pump to rest periodically after completing its voltage pumping task, thereby reducing cumulative stress and degradation while maintaining the capability to generate higher operating voltages when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage pump configuration adaptive and changeable over time. The control circuit dynamically selects which pumps to activate based on real-time voltage requirements, transitioning between different pump activation states. This dynamic operation allows the system to use only the necessary number of pumps at any given moment, preventing unnecessary stress on individual pumps while maintaining the flexibility to scale voltage generation capability when required.
2Stability of the object's composition
If voltage pumps operate continuously to maintain output voltage, then the voltage supply stability is improved, but the pumps experience constant stress leading to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements periodic monitoring of the output voltage and selectively activates pumps only when voltage drops below a threshold level. Instead of continuous operation, pumps are periodically engaged to correct voltage sags and then allowed to rest, maintaining voltage stability through intermittent corrective action rather than constant operation, thereby reducing cumulative stress on pump components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service through automatic voltage monitoring and pump selection logic that operates without external intervention. The control circuit autonomously detects voltage deviations and activates appropriate pumps to correct them, then deactivates pumps when voltage stabilizes. This self-regulating mechanism ensures voltage stability while minimizing pump operation time, reducing degradation through intelligent, demand-based activation rather than continuous running.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a voltage generator includes a plurality of voltage pumps, a voltage detection circuit, an oscillator, and a control circuit. The plurality of voltage pumps are configured to perform voltage pumping operations in a sequence and output a pumping voltage. The voltage detection circuit is configured to detect a voltage level of the pumping voltage and output a detection signal. The control circuit is configured to output, in response to the detection signal, a plurality of divided oscillator signals based on an oscillator signal of the oscillator, to enable a different one of the voltage pumps to begin each sequence of voltage pumping operations each time the pumping voltage is less than a threshold voltage.