Voltage Switching Power Supply Circuit With Hysteresis Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor power-supply circuits experience instability when switching between temperature ranges with temperature-dependent and independent internal power-supply voltage configurations, leading to unstable voltage at temperature boundaries.

Innovation Solution

A power-supply circuit configuration that includes a reference voltage generation circuit for temperature-dependent and independent voltages, a selection circuit to switch between them, and a comparator with hysteresis properties to maintain stable internal power-supply voltage across temperature changes using MOS transistors and resistors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power-supply circuit is configured to provide the internal power-supply voltage with a temperature dependency in a first temperature range and provide the internal power-supply voltage with no temperature dependency in a second temperature range, then the internal power-supply voltage can be optimized for different temperature conditions, but the internal power-supply voltage becomes unstable at the time of switching from the first temperature range to the second temperature range or switching from the second temperature range to the first temperature range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of internal power-supply voltageVSAvoidstability of internal power-supply voltage at temperature boundary

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply circuit dynamically switches between two operational modes (temperature-dependent and temperature-independent voltage generation) based on temperature conditions. The selection circuit responds to temperature changes by selecting the appropriate reference voltage generation path, allowing the circuit to adapt its behavior to maintain stability across varying temperature ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A selection circuit acts as an intermediary between the temperature-dependent and temperature-independent reference voltage generation circuits. This selection circuit, controlled by a temperature detection circuit, mediates the switching between different voltage generation modes, ensuring smooth transitions and preventing instability at temperature boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a selection circuit is added to switch between temperature-dependent and independent reference voltages, then the internal power-supply voltage stability across temperature ranges is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of internal power-supply voltage across temperature rangesVSAvoidcomplexity of power-supply circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature detection circuit and selection circuit are merged into a single integrated block that performs both temperature sensing and mode selection functions. Additionally, the first and second reference voltage generation circuits share common structural elements and transistor configurations, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining the dual-mode operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The selection circuit serves multiple functions: it selects between temperature-dependent and temperature-independent reference voltage modes, and it also provides hysteresis control to prevent oscillation during transitions. The temperature detection circuit simultaneously detects temperature and generates control signals for the selection circuit, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution ensures stable internal power-supply voltage by effectively switching between temperature-dependent and independent voltage configurations, reducing noise and maintaining stability even at temperature boundaries, thus enhancing circuit reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a comparator with hysteresis properties to maintain stable internal power-supply voltage across temperature changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHysteresis: Hysteresis

Implementation Method 2

using MOS transistors and resistors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectField Effect Transistor operation:

Data Source

PatentUS11892862B2Power supply circuit having voltage switching function

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes a first reference voltage generator configured to generate a first voltage, a second reference voltage generator configured to generate a second voltage, a detection circuit configured to compare the first voltage with the second voltage to generate a selection signal, and a selection circuit configured to select one of the first and second voltages responsive to the selection signal. The detection circuit is configured to have a hysteresis property in changing a state of the selection signal.