Voltage Regulation Circuit for Core Circuit Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuits are prone to damage or abnormal operation when subjected to input voltages that exceed their required operation voltage, leading to instability and potential harm.

Innovation Solution

A voltage regulation circuit comprising a pad, pull-down unit, first control unit, second control unit, and voltage regulation unit, which generates and regulates output voltage based on input voltage and control signals to ensure it remains within a safe operating range for the core circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the integrated circuit receives an input voltage that exceeds its required operation voltage, then the circuit may operate with higher power, but the integrated circuit may be damaged or experience abnormal operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation voltageVSAvoidcircuit stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulation circuit performs preliminary voltage regulation before the voltage reaches the integrated circuit. The circuit proactively adjusts the input voltage to the required operation voltage level, preventing overvoltage damage before it can occur. This is achieved through the voltage regulation unit that continuously monitors and adjusts the voltage output based on the integrated circuit's requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage regulation circuit acts as an intermediary between the power source and the integrated circuit. It mediates the voltage level, transforming the input voltage into the appropriate operation voltage for the integrated circuit. This intermediary function protects the integrated circuit from direct exposure to excessive voltage while ensuring it receives the necessary power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a voltage regulation circuit is added to regulate input voltage, then the reliability of the core circuit is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit securityVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulation circuit is segmented into functional units that can be independently designed and integrated. This modular approach allows for systematic implementation of voltage regulation functionality while managing complexity through clear separation of concerns in the circuit architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage regulation circuit is designed to be universally applicable to different integrated circuits with varying voltage requirements. By creating a multi-functional voltage regulation unit that can adapt to different load requirements, the circuit achieves high reliability without requiring separate dedicated regulation circuits for each integrated circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10719097B1Voltage regulation circuit suitable to provide output voltage to core circuit
Publication Date: 2020.07.21 VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
  • US10719097B1 patent drawing
  • US10719097B1 patent drawing
  • US10719097B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A voltage regulation circuit is suitable to provide an output voltage to a core circuit. The voltage regulation circuit includes a pad, a pull-low unit, a first controlling unit, a second controlling unit and a voltage regulation circuit. The pad receives and provides an input voltage. The pull-low unit generates a pull-low voltage according to the input voltage. The first controlling unit generates a first controlling signal according to the input voltage and the pull-low voltage. The second controlling unit generates a second controlling signal according to the input voltage and the first controlling signal. The voltage regulation unit regulates the input voltage according to the first controlling signal and the second controlling signal, so as to generate the output voltage.