Voltage Tracker Circuit for NAND Power-Up Current Spikes
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Solution Overview
Problem
NAND flash memory devices experience large current spikes during power-up, which can negatively impact the performance or operation of controllers and other circuits sharing the power supply due to their sequential power-up nature.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulation system that includes a voltage tracker, which allows the internal supply voltage to track the external supply voltage before the voltage regulator is fully operational, reducing the magnitude of current spikes by maintaining the internal supply voltage in sync with the external supply voltage during the power-up phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential power-up of multiple NAND devices is used, then power supply current limits are respected, but large current spikes occur during power-up
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage tracker is enabled before the main voltage regulator becomes operational to preliminarily establish a controlled voltage ramp-up path. This preliminary action allows the internal supply voltage to track the external supply voltage gradually through the voltage tracker circuit, preventing sudden current spikes when the regulator later takes over.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage tracker serves as an intermediary circuit between the external supply voltage and the internal supply voltage during the transition period. It mediates the voltage transfer by providing a controlled tracking mechanism that limits current draw, bridging the gap before the main regulator becomes active.
2Reliability
If traditional voltage regulator is used, then voltage regulation is achieved, but current spikes occur during power-up before regulator is fully operational
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage tracker is activated in advance during the power-up sequence, before the main voltage regulator becomes fully operational. This preliminary tracking action establishes a safe voltage ramp-up path that prevents current spikes, allowing the system to transition smoothly to regulator-controlled operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two voltage control mechanisms: the voltage tracker operates during the initial power-up phase when voltage levels are low, and the main voltage regulator takes over when voltage levels are sufficient. This dynamic transition optimizes performance while preventing harmful current spikes.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If voltage tracking is implemented during power-up, then current spikes are reduced, but additional circuit complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage tracker circuit is integrated with the existing voltage regulator system, sharing common components such as the external supply voltage input and the internal supply voltage output. This merging approach adds voltage tracking functionality while minimizing additional circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage tracker circuit is designed to work in conjunction with the main voltage regulator, serving as a complementary component that enhances the overall system functionality. The tracker provides power-up protection while the regulator handles steady-state voltage regulation, creating a multi-functional voltage control system.
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated circuit devices might include a voltage regulator comprising an input and an output, a selectively activated current path connected between the input and output, and a controller configured to cause the integrated circuit device to connect the output to the input through the current path when a voltage level of the input has a first voltage level, maintain the connection of the output and the input through the current path until the voltage level of the input has a second voltage level higher than the first voltage level, isolate the output from the input through the current path after the voltage level of the input has the second voltage level, and regulate a voltage level of the output while the output is isolated from the input through the current path.