Voltage Regulator Feedback Control for Non-Volatile Memory Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage regulators in non-volatile memory systems are susceptible to output voltage variations due to load current changes, leading to increased power consumption and undesirable voltage spikes during start-up, which can cause stress on circuit components.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator system that monitors both the output voltage (VDD) and a mirror voltage (Vmirror), using a control transistor and differential amplifier to prevent VDD from increasing beyond a certain value by turning off the control transistor when VDD exceeds Vmirror, thereby reducing power consumption and minimizing voltage spikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a current sink is provided at the output node to limit output voltage increase when load current is low, then output voltage stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the output voltage is monitored and compared with a reference voltage. When the output voltage exceeds the reference voltage (indicating low load current), the feedback control automatically adjusts the control transistor to reduce the current sink operation, thereby limiting voltage increase while reducing power consumption compared to conventional always-on current sink designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The current sink is made dynamic rather than static. The control transistor's conductivity is dynamically adjusted based on the difference between output voltage and reference voltage. This dynamic control allows the system to provide current sinking only when necessary (when voltage rises above reference), optimizing the balance between voltage stability and power consumption.
2Power
If the output transistor is always on to ensure continuous voltage supply, then power delivery is improved, but voltage spikes occur during start-up causing stress on circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the feedback mechanism to detect and counteract voltage spikes before they cause harm. During start-up, when voltage tends to spike, the feedback control immediately responds by adjusting the control transistor to prevent the spike, thereby protecting circuit components from stress while maintaining continuous power delivery capability.
3Device complexity
If conventional voltage regulation is used, then simple circuit design is maintained, but output voltage is highly susceptible to load current variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback control loop that monitors output voltage and adjusts the control transistor accordingly. This feedback mechanism significantly improves output voltage stability by compensating for load current variations, while adding minimal complexity to the overall circuit design. The feedback approach provides robust voltage regulation without requiring complex circuit topologies.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for controlling voltage in a non-volatile memory system is provided. The system includes a voltage regulator that monitors an output voltage (VDD) and a mirror voltage (Vmirror). When the voltage VDD is greater than the voltage Vmirror beyond a threshold value, a control signal turns off a control transistor, which prevents the voltage VDD to increase beyond a certain value. The method includes comparing an output voltage (VDD) with a mirror voltage (Vmirror); and generating a control signal to turn off a control transistor if the voltage VDD is greater than the voltage Vmirror.