Voltage Switching Circuit for Memory Leakage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems experience significant leakage current when voltage pumps are OFF, leading to increased size of voltage pumps and die area, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method for switching between multiple voltages using a system with output switches, controlled transmission gates, and level shifters to select and output the smallest voltage pair, reducing leakage current by optimizing voltage pump operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the size of voltage pumps is increased to overcome leakage current, then leakage current is reduced, but the area of the die increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between multiple voltage pumps based on operational requirements. During program/erase operations, the first voltage pump generates high voltage while the second remains OFF. During read operations, the second voltage pump generates lower voltage while the first remains OFF. This dynamic operation allows smaller pump sizes compared to always-on designs, reducing die area while maintaining low leakage current through optimized pump sizing for specific operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different voltage pump configurations based on the operational mode. The control logic dynamically adjusts which voltage pump is active and at what voltage level, optimizing the balance between leakage current reduction and die area utilization through parameter optimization rather than simply increasing pump size.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If voltage pumps are made larger to reduce leakage current, then leakage current decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage generation system is segmented into multiple independent voltage pumps, each optimized for specific operational requirements. The first voltage pump is dedicated to program/erase operations requiring high voltage, while the second voltage pump handles read operations requiring lower voltage. This segmentation allows each pump to be independently optimized and controlled, reducing overall system complexity compared to a single large pump that must handle all operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality through multiple voltage pumps that can be selectively activated based on operational needs. Each pump serves multiple purposes: the first pump provides high voltage for program/erase and can remain in a low-power state during reads, while the second pump provides lower voltage for reads and can remain off during program/erase operations. This universal approach reduces the complexity of any single pump while maintaining system capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for switching between voltages are provided. One system includes an output, first and second switches coupled to the output. The system also includes a first transmission gate coupled to the first switch and a second transmission gate coupled to the second switch. One method includes receiving, at the first transmission gate, a first pair of complementary voltages and receiving, at the second transmission gate, a second pair of complementary voltages. The method further includes selecting the smallest voltage amongst both pairs of complementary voltages and outputting a third pair of complementary voltages. In one method, the first pair of complementary voltages includes a first negative voltage and a positive voltage, the second pair of complementary voltages includes a second negative voltage and the positive voltage, and the third pair of complementary voltages includes the smaller of the first and second negative voltages and the positive voltage.