Electricity: power supply or regulation systems – Self-regulating – Using a three or more terminal semiconductive device as the...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-20
2001-09-04
Sterrett, Jeffrey (Department: 2838)
Electricity: power supply or regulation systems
Self-regulating
Using a three or more terminal semiconductive device as the...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06285176
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a voltage generator configuration including a voltage generator which generates a second voltage from a first voltage using a reference voltage and which can be deactivated by using a deactivation signal.
Such voltage generators are used in integrated circuits to generate a regulated internal voltage from an unregulated external voltage, for example. A regulated internal voltage may be needed so that the signal transit times are independent of the external voltage. Such an internal voltage is advantageously generated by using a temperature-dependent and process-dependent reference voltage.
For example, it may be necessary for testing purposes to deactivate the voltage generator and/or to switch it into a state of high resistance.
A voltage generator which generates a second (internal) voltage from a first (external) voltage using a reference voltage and which can be deactivated by using a deactivation signal, is represented in FIG.
2
and described in detail below.
A configuration in which a plurality of voltage generators are connected in a parallel manner and distributed more or less uniformly over the integrated circuit, is represented in FIG.
3
and described in detail below. It can be easily seen from
FIG. 3
that the practical realization of such a configuration is associated with a substantial outlay. In addition, it is particularly problematic that several long lines (extending over the entire integrated circuit) must be provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a voltage generator configuration, which overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type in such a way that one or more voltage generators of this type can be integrated into integrated circuits with minimal outlay.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a voltage generator configuration, comprising a voltage generator generating a second voltage from a first voltage using a reference voltage, the voltage generator being deactivated by using a deactivation signal; and a line feeding the reference voltage and the deactivation signal to the voltage generator.
In this way, it is possible to reduce the number of lines that must be provided for feeding to the voltage generator the voltages and signals that are required for the operation and control thereof.
No adverse effects result from feeding the reference voltage and the deactivation signal to the voltage generator through one and the same line, since simultaneous (superimposed) transmission is not required.
Voltage generators which are constructed as claimed can therefore be integrated into integrated circuits with minimal outlay.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the voltage generator is switched into a high-resistance state by the deactivation signal.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the deactivation signal interrupts feeding of a supply voltage needed by the voltage generator to the voltage generator.
In accordance with an added feature of the invention, the line feeding the reference voltage to the voltage generator is charged with the deactivation signal to deactivate the voltage generator.
In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, the line is set to a potential differing from the reference voltage, for charging the line with the deactivation signal.
In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, there is provided a reference voltage generator generating the reference voltage, the reference voltage generator being deactivated to deactivate the voltage generator.
In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, there is provided a reference voltage generator generating the reference voltage, the reference voltage generator being switched into a state in which it emits the deactivation signal to deactivate the voltage generator.
Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a voltage generator configuration, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Hein Thomas
Heyne Patrick
Marx Thilo
Partsch Torsten
Greenberg Laurence A.
Infineon Technologies
Lerner Herbert L.
Stemer Werner H.
Sterrett Jeffrey
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