Voltage Select Circuit With Boosted Control for Smaller Memory Area

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of operating voltages in semiconductor memory devices leads to a significant increase in the number of high voltage switches and circuit area, complicating the voltage selection process and increasing the complexity of control signals.

Innovation Solution

A voltage select circuit that includes a plurality of first transfer elements, a transfer select circuit unit, and a control circuit to boost the selected voltage, reducing the number of high voltage switches by allowing only one of the enable signals to be supplied at a high level, thereby minimizing the circuit area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of operating voltages is increased to support diverse memory operations, then the functionality and versatility of the semiconductor memory device is improved, but the number of high voltage switches and circuit area increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage select circuit uses a single transfer element that can handle multiple operating voltages (Vpgm1, Vpgm2, Vpass1, Vpass2) through a unified selection mechanism controlled by enable signals. This multi-functional approach allows one circuit structure to serve multiple voltage selection purposes, reducing the need for separate switch circuits for each voltage level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the voltage selection function and the transfer function into a single integrated circuit block. The transfer element simultaneously performs voltage selection based on enable signals and voltage transfer to the output, merging multiple functions that would traditionally require separate circuits into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of operating voltages is increased to support diverse memory operations, then the functionality and versatility of the semiconductor memory device is improved, but the circuit area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcircuit area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage select circuit uses a single transfer element that can handle multiple operating voltages (Vpgm1, Vpgm2, Vpass1, Vpass2) through a unified selection mechanism controlled by enable signals. This multi-functional approach allows one circuit structure to serve multiple voltage selection purposes, reducing the need for separate switch circuits for each voltage level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the voltage selection function and the transfer function into a single integrated circuit block. The transfer element simultaneously performs voltage selection based on enable signals and voltage transfer to the output, merging multiple functions that would traditionally require separate circuits into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If separate voltage selection circuits are provided for each global word line to enable local self-boosting, then the precision of voltage control is improved, but the device complexity and circuit area increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage control precisionVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage select circuit is segmented into distinct functional components: multiple transfer elements (first through fourth transfer elements) for different voltage inputs, a transfer select circuit unit for voltage selection, and a control circuit for signal generation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer select circuit unit acts as an intermediary between the control circuit and the transfer elements. It receives control signals from the control circuit and translates them into appropriate switching actions on the transfer elements, providing precise voltage control while isolating the complexity of the selection logic from the voltage transfer path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration reduces the number of high voltage switches and circuit area, simplifying the voltage selection process while maintaining efficient operation across various voltage levels.

Implementation Method 1

a control circuit configured to boost the first voltage to a second voltage in response to the plurality of enable signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage boosting:

Data Source

PatentUS8994440B2Voltage select circuit and intergrated circuit including the same

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A voltage select circuit includes a plurality of first transfer elements configured to transfer respective operating voltages to a first output terminal, a transfer select circuit unit configured to output a first voltage necessary to transfer an operating voltage, selected from among the operating voltages, to at least one first transfer element in response to a plurality of enable signals, and a control circuit configured to boost the first voltage to a second voltage in response to the plurality of enable signals.