High-Dynamic Range Voltage Multiplier with Feedback Bias Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory devices require multiple internal voltages, leading to the use of many components and impedance degradation in charge pumps, as well as undesirable voltage ripple from linear regulators for generating sub-supply voltages.
Innovation Solution
A high dynamic range low ripple voltage multiplier circuit that generates a wide range of voltages with minimal ripple by controlling voltage amplitude and current through pumping capacitors, using multiple stages with regulated clock circuits and a feedback bias control circuit to manage voltage levels and reduce component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charge pumps and linear regulators are used to generate different internal voltages, then the required voltage types are sufficient, but the number of components increases and impedance degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single charge pump circuit that can generate multiple different internal voltages (first internal voltage greater than supply voltage, second internal voltage less than supply voltage, and third internal voltage) through configurable switching arrangements. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate charge pumps and linear regulators, reducing component count while maintaining comprehensive voltage generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of switching elements (first switching element and second switching element) to reconfigure the charge pump circuit operation mode. By dynamically adjusting the switching timing and configuration based on required voltage levels, the circuit adapts between voltage multiplication mode and voltage regulation mode, enabling a single circuit to replace multiple static voltage generation components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If charge pumps are operated over a large output voltage range, then multiple voltages are generated, but impedance degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control mechanisms where the charge pump circuit operation is regulated based on the required output voltage conditions. The switching elements are controlled with feedback signals that adjust the pumping action to maintain stable impedance characteristics across different output voltage levels, preventing the impedance degradation that typically occurs when operating charge pumps over wide voltage ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (switching frequency, duty cycle, and switching configuration) dynamically based on the desired output voltage level. By adjusting these parameters rather than operating the charge pump at fixed conditions, the circuit maintains optimal impedance characteristics across the full voltage range, resolving the contradiction between voltage range and impedance stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If linear regulators are used to generate sub-supply voltages, then voltages less than supply voltage are produced, but voltage ripple is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear regulator mechanism with a charge pump-based voltage generation approach. Instead of using a linear regulator that inherently produces voltage ripple through its regulation mechanism, the invention uses switched-capacitor charge pump circuits that generate sub-supply voltages through capacitive energy transfer, eliminating the ripple generation associated with linear regulator operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching action of the charge pump circuit to generate regulated voltages. The periodic charging and discharging of pump capacitors through controlled switching provides inherent ripple reduction compared to linear regulators, as the switched-capacitor approach naturally filters voltage variations through the periodic energy transfer mechanism.
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 enables efficient generation of various voltages with low ripple and high dynamic range, reducing the number of components needed and minimizing impedance degradation, while effectively managing voltage levels across different loads in integrated circuits.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the generated voltage amplitude, and as a result the current that goes through the pumping capacitors is regulated
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage multiplier (10) including a first clocked multiplier stage (12) having an input and an output and a second clocked multiplier stage (14, 16) having an input and an output is provided. The voltage multiplier further includes an input level regulator (18) coupled to the input of the first multiplier stage. The voltage multiplier further includes a feedback bias control circuit (32) coupled to the input level regulator, wherein the feedback bias control circuit is further coupled to receive the output (50) of the second multiplier stage, and wherein the feedback bias control circuit generates a feedback signal (58) affecting an output of the input level regulator based on a comparison between a voltage proportional to a voltage at the output of the second clocked multiplier stage and a reference voltage.