Cypress Semiconductor Corporation

Aaron Yip

Timothy M Lacey

The present invention concerns an improved charge pump. The charge pump efficiently charges a voltage signal while reducing its power consumption. The charge pump includes at least one diode configured to receive a voltage signal. Coupled to the diode(s) is at least one capacitive device that is capable of coupling charge onto the diode(s). For one embodiment, the capacitive device provides a constant capacitance to more efficiently charge the voltage signal. The charge pump also includes an oscillating circuit that is capable of providing each capacitive device with an oscillating signal that alternates between a first voltage level and a second voltage level at a predetermined frequency. The oscillating circuit includes an odd number of N inverters coupled in a ring wherein an output of the Nth inverter is coupled to the input of the first inverter. For an alternative embodiment, each of the N inverters may anticipate a voltage switch on its inputs and therefore capable of powering 'off' before the voltage switch occurs. As such, unnecessary power consumption resulting from the short circuit current in each of the N inverters is substantially reduced or eliminated.

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Miliptas, CA, United States of America

Aaron Yip