Voltage Regulator Circuit for Memory Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor memory devices require large chip areas for decoupling capacitors to achieve fast transition between active and standby modes, leading to high power consumption and inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator circuit comprising active and standby amplifiers, transistors, and capacitors, where the active amplifier is connected to a higher reference voltage and the standby amplifier to a lower reference voltage, with resistors and capacitors configured to generate lower standby and higher active supply voltages, reducing power consumption and improving transition speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a decoupling capacitor charged to the active power voltage is used for faster transition time, then the transition speed is improved, but the volume of the capacitor is high and thus a large chip area is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the capacitor system into two separate capacitors: a first capacitor connected to the active power supply voltage and a second capacitor connected to the standby power supply voltage. This segmentation allows each capacitor to be optimized for its specific voltage level, enabling the second capacitor to be smaller in size while still providing fast transition capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second capacitor is pre-charged to the standby power supply voltage level during standby mode operation. When a transition to active mode is required, this pre-charged capacitor is quickly switched into the circuit, providing immediate current boost without requiring a large capacitor size. The preliminary charging action enables fast response with minimal area.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the semiconductor memory device operates with a lower supply voltage in the standby mode, then the power consumption is reduced, but the transition to active mode requires faster response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power supply system that can switch between two distinct voltage levels (active and standby) based on operational mode. The voltage regulator circuit dynamically adjusts the power supply voltage to match the current operational state, enabling low power consumption during standby while maintaining the capability for fast transition to active mode when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage element that bridges the standby and active power supply voltages. During standby mode, it charges to the lower standby voltage, and during transition, it provides the necessary current boost to rapidly establish the higher active voltage, thus mediating between the two power states and enabling fast response without compromising standby power savings.
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 reduced power consumption in standby mode and faster transition to active mode with a smaller chip area, enhancing the efficiency of semiconductor memory devices by generating lower standby and higher active supply voltages.
Implementation Method 1
The capacitor is connected between a chip enable signal and the voltage regulated output
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator circuit comprises active and standby amplifiers, first and second transistors, and a capacitor. The active amplifier has a negative input connected to a first reference voltage, and the standby amplifier has a negative input connected to a second reference voltage. The first reference voltage is greater than the second reference voltage. The first transistor has a gate connected to an output of the active amplifier and a drain connected to a voltage regulated output, and the second transistor has a gate connected to an output of the standby amplifier and a drain connected to the voltage regulated output. The capacitor is connected between a chip enable signal and the voltage regulated output.