Voltage Regulator Path Switch for NOR Cache Charge Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulators in NOR cache memory technology face challenges in efficiently releasing charges, leading to potential misoperation during post-program operations due to unstable control voltages affecting memory cell verification.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator device with a path switch and voltage divider circuit that generates an overshoot reference voltage, turning on the path switch to direct excess charge to a reference voltage node when the control voltage exceeds a threshold, ensuring high charge release efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voltage regulator is used to generate control voltage for cache memory operations, then the control voltage can be regulated to enable reading, writing, setting, programming, and erasing operations, but the output node cannot efficiently release charges leading to misoperation during post-program operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage regulator circuit by introducing a separate path switch (first switch) that is electrically isolated from the main voltage regulator control path. This switch is specifically dedicated to the charge release function, allowing independent control of charge discharge without affecting the main voltage regulation operation. The segmentation enables the output node to efficiently release charges during post-program operations while maintaining reliable voltage control for normal cache operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the path switch (first switch) - that acts as a mediator between the output node and the reference voltage node. This intermediary provides a controlled pathway for charge release, enabling the output node to discharge excess charges to the reference voltage node when needed. The intermediary switch resolves the contradiction by providing a dedicated charge release mechanism that does not interfere with the main voltage regulation function, thereby improving operation reliability during post-program verification.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the control voltage is maintained stable for normal operations, then cache memory operations can proceed correctly, but excess charge cannot be released causing overshoot phenomenon during post-program operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the path switch (first switch) controllable rather than fixed. The switch is dynamically activated based on operational conditions - specifically turned on during post-program operations when charge release is needed, and turned off during normal operations to maintain voltage stability. This dynamic control mechanism allows the system to adapt between maintaining stable control voltage for normal operations and efficiently releasing charges during post-program verification, resolving the contradiction between stability and charge release efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the controlled activation of the path switch during specific operational phases. The switch is periodically activated during post-program operations to release charges, and deactivated during normal cache memory operations. This periodic switching pattern enables the system to maintain control voltage stability during normal operations while periodically providing efficient charge release capability during post-program verification phases, thereby resolving the contradiction between voltage stability and charge release efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator device and a control method thereof are provided. The voltage regulator device includes a voltage regulator and a path switch. The voltage regulator includes an output node and a voltage divider circuit. The output node is used to generate a control voltage. The voltage divider circuit generates an overshoot reference voltage according to an input voltage. A first node of the path switch is coupled to the output node, a second node of the path switch is coupled to a reference voltage node, and a control node of the path switch receives the overshoot reference voltage. When the control voltage is greater than the sum of the overshoot reference voltage and a threshold voltage of the path switch, the path switch is turned on to direct a charge at the output node to the reference voltage node.