Voltage Pumping Circuits with Common Control Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor apparatuses face challenges in generating internal voltages greater than external voltages, requiring high voltage generation circuits and switching elements that result in voltage drops, making it difficult to further lower external voltage levels while maintaining efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor apparatus with a common control unit generating a single control signal for multiple high voltage switching circuits, eliminating the need for individual control circuits and optimizing area efficiency by using depletion high voltage NMOS and PMOS switching elements to boost voltage levels efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple individual control circuits are used for each high voltage switching circuit, then each switching circuit can be controlled independently, but the area occupancy increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual control circuits into a single common control unit that generates one control signal. This control signal is then distributed to multiple high voltage switching circuits, allowing independent control functionality to be achieved while significantly reducing the area occupied by control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The common control unit is designed to serve multiple high voltage switching circuits simultaneously. By making the control unit universal and capable of controlling multiple switching circuits with a single control signal, the patent reduces redundancy and minimizes area occupancy while maintaining independent control capability.
2Device complexity
If conventional switching elements are used, then the circuit design is simple, but voltage drops occur during high voltage transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the switching elements by using depletion type high voltage NMOS and PMOS transistors with specific threshold voltages. These parameter changes enable the switching elements to operate with minimal voltage drop during high voltage transfer, while maintaining relatively simple circuit design.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If external voltage is lowered to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but internal voltage generation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses depletion type high voltage switching elements with specific threshold voltage parameters that enable efficient voltage pumping even when the external voltage is lowered. This parameter selection allows the pumping circuit to generate the required internal high voltage while operating from lower external voltage, thus reducing power consumption without compromising voltage generation capability.
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
This solution reduces area occupancy and minimizes voltage drops, enabling efficient high voltage transfer and maintaining operational efficiency even as external voltage levels decrease, thereby improving the overall performance of semiconductor memory systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of high voltage switching circuits operable in response to a single control signal, and suitable for pumping a voltage level of a switching signal to a target level based on the voltage level of the switching signal
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage switching apparatus includes a plurality of high voltage switching circuits operable in response to a single control signal, and suitable for pumping a voltage level of a switching signal to a target level based on the voltage level of the switching signal and a common control unit suitable for generating the single control signal.