Patent ID: 6255900
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: G05F,G11C,H02M

Abstract:
An integrated circuit having a supply voltage input adapted to receive a supply voltage within a prespecified range of voltages, and including components on the integrated circuit using an on chip voltage higher than the prespecified range, comprising:a voltage boost circuit coupled to the supply voltage input and to a boost signal, which boosts the on chip voltage at a node on the integrated circuit in response to a transition of the boost signal, the voltage boost circuit having a first mode which in response to the transition, boosts the on chip voltage at a first rate of boosting until a first threshold, and a second mode which boosts the on chip voltage at a second rate of boosting after the first threshold until a second threshold, the second rate slower than the first rate; anda detection circuit, coupled to the node on the integrated circuit and to the voltage boost circuit, which signals the voltage boost circuit when the node reaches the first threshold, and signals the voltage boost circuit when the node reaches the second threshold;wherein the voltage boost circuit comprises:a capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the node on the integrated circuit, and having a second terminal;a driving circuit coupled to the second terminal of the capacitor, the driving circuit supplying the transition to the second terminal of the capacitor by supplying current at a first rate during the first mode, and supplying current at a second rate during the second mode.