Voltage Regulator Pumping Adjustment for Memory Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor memory devices experience increased current consumption due to high voltage generation in their voltage generators, which affects their efficiency and power management.
Innovation Solution
A regulator and voltage generator system that adjusts the pumping voltage based on a control signal to output a target voltage, utilizing an input voltage adjusting unit and a regulation unit to reduce current consumption by varying the number of voltage down units activated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the voltage generator generates high voltage, then the voltage generator can provide sufficient voltage for memory operations, but the current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pumping voltage adjustable rather than fixed. The regulator dynamically changes the pumping voltage level based on operational requirements, using multiple voltage down units that can be selectively activated. This allows the system to adapt the voltage generation process to actual needs, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining sufficient voltage output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the pumping voltage level according to different operational modes. The regulator controls the magnitude of pumping voltage applied to the pump circuit, and this parameter is adjusted based on target voltage requirements. By changing the pumping voltage parameter dynamically, the system achieves efficient current consumption while maintaining the ability to generate required high voltages for memory operations.
2Reliability
If the pumping voltage is increased to ensure sufficient voltage output, then the voltage generation reliability improves, but the current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator dynamically adjusts the pumping voltage level based on actual operational requirements rather than maintaining a fixed high voltage. By making the voltage level adaptable, the system ensures reliable voltage generation when needed while avoiding unnecessary high voltage application during normal operations, thus maintaining reliability without continuously increasing current consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pumping voltage parameter according to different operational states and target voltage requirements. This parameter adjustment ensures that the pump circuit receives appropriate voltage levels for reliable operation without excessive voltage that would increase current consumption unnecessarily.
3Productivity
If the voltage generator continuously operates at high voltage, then the memory operations can proceed rapidly, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by applying high pumping voltage only when and for as long as memory operations require it, rather than continuously. The regulator controls the pumping voltage based on operational timing and requirements, enabling rapid memory operations during active periods while reducing power consumption during idle or low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pumping voltage level and timing to match actual memory operation needs. By making the voltage application adaptive rather than continuous, the system maintains high productivity during operations while minimizing power consumption during non-operational periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator includes an input voltage adjusting unit configured to adjust a pumping voltage in response to a control signal varied depending on a target voltage and output the adjusted pumping voltage and a regulation unit configured to output the target voltage by regulating the adjusted pumping voltage. The regulator may reduce current consumption by adjusting the pumping voltage inputted according to the target voltage.