Voltage Regulator Transient Management for Memory Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices, such as mobile devices, face instability in power supply when transitioning from sleep mode to active mode due to increased load, which is not effectively addressed by traditional capacitors for power supply.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator system comprising an active regulator, a sleep regulator, a charging circuit, and a power gating switch that operates in active mode and sleep mode, generating stable drive voltages and managing power input to minimize voltage instability during mode changes without relying on backup capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional capacitors are used for power supply, then power supply stability during mode transition is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power supply capacitor from the device by implementing a voltage regulator that actively manages power transitions without requiring external capacitive support. The regulator circuit extracts the stabilizing function from the capacitor and integrates it into the voltage regulation mechanism itself, eliminating the need for separate power supply capacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator is designed to perform multiple functions: it regulates voltage during normal operation, manages mode transitions between active and sleep states, and provides power supply stability without external capacitors. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require separate components into a single integrated circuit.
2Reliability
If traditional capacitors are used for power supply, then power supply stability during mode transition is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for external power supply capacitors by integrating the stabilizing function into the voltage regulator circuit itself. This extraction of the capacitor's stabilizing role simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of external components that need to be sourced, placed, and tested.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the voltage regulation function with the power supply stability function into a single integrated circuit. By merging these functions, the design reduces component count and simplifies the manufacturing process, as fewer discrete components need to be assembled and tested.
3Speed
If active regulator is activated immediately during mode transition, then power response speed is improved, but voltage instability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary charging phase before full activation of the active regulator. During mode transition, the regulator first charges the power input terminal to a reference voltage level through a charging circuit, then gradually activates the power gating switch. This preliminary action prevents voltage instability by preparing the circuit before full power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the power gating switch based on the charging status of the power input terminal. The switch activation is not fixed but adapts to the real-time voltage level, creating a dynamic response that balances speed and stability. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond quickly while maintaining voltage control.
4Speed
If power gating switch is activated early during mode transition, then power delivery speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to determine when to activate the power gating switch. The activation is conditioned on the power input terminal voltage reaching a reference level, creating a feedback mechanism that prevents premature activation. This feedback-based control ensures the switch is activated at the optimal moment, balancing speed and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary charging of the power input terminal before activating the power gating switch. This preliminary action prepares the circuit for efficient power transfer, ensuring that when the switch activates, power delivery is immediate and efficient without requiring excessive energy to overcome initial circuit impedance.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory controller of inventive concepts may include an active regulator configured to operate in an active mode and be inactive in a sleep mode, an active logic configured to receive a drive voltage, a power gating switch configured to connect the active regulator to the active logic after a transient state of the active mode, the transient state being an initial time period of the active mode, and a charging circuit configured to charge the active logic during the transient state.