Negative voltage generator for a semiconductor memory device
US7023262B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02M3/071
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A negative voltage generator is controlled responsive to a word line precharge signal. Voltage fluctuations in a negatively biased word line scheme are reduced by using a kicker circuit to provide a predetermined amount of negative charge to shut off a word line during a precharge operation. The negative voltage generator includes first and second negative charge pumps. The second charge pump is activated responsive to the word line precharge signal. A negative voltage regulator can be used to regulate a negative voltage signal. A level shifter uses two voltage dividers and a differential amplifier to reduce response time, output ripple, and sensitivity to process and temperature variations. A negative voltage regulator cancels ripple from a charge pump to provide a stable negative bias voltage and reduce the amount of charge needed to precharge a word line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.