Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-289940, filed Nov. 7, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a voltage generating circuit used in a semiconductor storage, an SoC or the like. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    With advancement of miniaturization, low voltage operation, and high integration of semiconductor devices, semiconductor chips for a semiconductor storage, a system on a chip (SoC) and the like have become equipped with a built-in voltage generating circuit for generating a different voltage from an external supply voltage. There are two types of circuits as the voltage generating circuit, that is, a voltage step-down circuit that steps down an external supply voltage and a voltage step-up circuit that steps up an external supply voltage. Furthermore, two types of circuits are used as the voltage step-down circuit: one is a voltage generating circuit (such as a series regulator) that is used, for example, in a standby mode in which an electric current does not flow much; and the other is a voltage generating circuit that includes a source follower type of output transistor, and is used, for example, in an active mode in which a current flows. In general, in the voltage generating circuit of the source follower type, a mirror transistor is provided in a preceding stage of an output transistor. The mirror transistor is of the same type as the output transistor and is diode-connected (gate-drain connection) (Refer to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-178584, page 8, FIG. 10, (Patent Document 1), for example). 
         [0006]    When a source follower type of voltage generating circuit described in Patent Document 1 and the like changes from the standby state to the active state, or from the active state to the standby state, a gate voltage of the source follower type of step-down transistor fluctuates, thereby causing a fluctuation of an internal supply voltage that has been stepped down and outputted. For this reason, a stabilizing capacitor having a large capacity is generally provided on the output side, as a normal measure against gate voltage fluctuations in the source follower type of step-down transistor. Mounting such a large-capacity stabilizing capacitor in a large-scale integrated circuit (IC or LSI) including a voltage generation circuit causes a problem of increase of the chip area. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voltage generating circuit comprising: a first step-down transistor including a gate controlled by a first voltage and a drain connected to a first high potential side power source side, and outputting, from a source of the first step-down transistor, a second high potential side supply voltage obtained by stepping down the first high potential side supply voltage, in an active state which allows a flow of a first consumption current; a second step-down transistor including a gate controlled by the first voltage and a drain connected to the first high potential side power source, and outputting the second high potential side supply voltage from a source of the second step-down transistor in the active state and in a standby state which allows a flow of a second consumption current whose amount is less than that of the first consumption current; and a gate voltage stabilizing circuit including a first transistor including a drain to which the first voltage is inputted and a gate to which a first control signal is inputted, a second transistor including a drain connected to a source of the first transistor, a source to which the first voltage is inputted, and a gate to which a second control signal is inputted, and a capacitor connected to the source of the first transistor and the drain of the second transistor, when the standby state changes to the active state, the first transistor changing from OFF to ON based on the first control signal, the second transistor changing from ON to OFF based on the second control signal, and therefore the capacitor drawing a charge on the gate side of the first step-down transistor to suppress a fluctuation in the first voltage to be applied to the gate side of the first step-down transistor, and when the active state changes to the standby state, the first transistor changing from OFF to ON based on the first control signal, the second transistor changing from ON to OFF based on the second control signal, and therefore the capacitor discharging an accumulated charge to the gate side of the first step-down transistor to suppress the fluctuation in the first voltage to be applied to the gate of the first step-down transistor. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voltage generating circuit comprising: a first step-down transistor including a gate controlled by a first voltage and a drain connected to a first high potential side power source side, and outputting, from a source of the first step-down transistor, a second high potential side supply voltage obtained by stepping down the first high potential side supply voltage, in an active state which allows a flow of a first consumption current; a second step-down transistor including a gate controlled by the first voltage and a drain connected to the first high potential side power source side, and outputting the second high potential side supply voltage from a source of the second step-down transistor in the active state and in a standby state which allows a flow of a second consumption current whose amount is less than that of the first consumption current; and a first gate voltage stabilizing circuit including: a first transistor including a drain to which the first voltage is inputted and a gate to which a first control signal is inputted, a second transistor including a drain connected to a source of the first transistor, a source connected to a low potential side power source, and a gate to which a second control signal is inputted, and a first capacitor including a first end connected to a source of the first transistor and to the drain of the second transistor, and a second end connected to the low potential side power source, when the standby state changes to the active state, the first transistor changing from OFF to ON based on the first control signal, the second transistor changing from ON to OFF based on the second control signal, and therefore the first capacitor drawing a charge of the first step-down transistor on the gate side to suppress a fluctuation in the first voltage to be applied to the gate of the first step-down transistor, and a second gate voltage stabilizing circuit including: a third transistor including a drain to which the first voltage is inputted and a gate to which a third control signal is inputted, a fourth transistor including a source connected to the first high potential side power source, a drain connected to a source of the third transistor, and a gate to which a fourth control signal is inputted, and a second capacitor including a first end connected to the source of the third transistor and to the drain of the fourth transistor, and a second end connected to the first high potential side power source, when the active state changes to the standby state, the third transistor being kept ON based on the third control signal, the fourth transistor being kept OFF based on the fourth control signal, and therefore the second capacitor discharging an accumulated charge to the gate side of the first step-down transistor to suppress the fluctuation in the first voltage to be applied to the gate of the first step-down transistor. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voltage generating circuit comprising: a first step-down transistor including a gate controlled by a first voltage and a drain connected to a first high potential side power source side, and outputting, from a source of the first step-down transistor, a second high potential side supply voltage obtained by stepping down the first high potential side supply voltage, in an active state which allows a flow of a first consumption current; a second step-down transistor including a gate controlled by the first voltage and a drain connected to the first high potential side power source, and outputting the second high potential side supply voltage from a source in the active state and in a standby state which allows a flow of a second consumption current whose amount is less than that of the first consumption current; and a first gate voltage stabilizing circuit including a first transistor including a drain to which the first voltage is inputted and a gate to which a first control signal is inputted, and a first resistance including first and second ends connected to a source of the first transistor and to a low potential side power source, respectively, when the standby state changes to the active state, the first transistor changing from OFF to ON based on the first control signal, and therefore the first gate voltage stabilizing circuit drawing a charge on the gate side of the first step-down transistor to the low potential side power source side through the first resistance to suppress a fluctuation in the first voltage to be applied to the gate of the first step-down transistor; and a second gate voltage stabilizing circuit including a second transistor including a drain to which the first voltage is inputted and a gate to which a second control signal is inputted, and a second resistance including first and second ends connected to a source of the second transistor and to the first high potential side power source, respectively, when the active state changes to the standby state, the second transistor turning ON based on the second control signal, and therefore the second gate voltage stabilizing circuit supplying a charge from the first high potential side power source side to the gate side of the first step-down transistor through the resistance R 2  to suppress the fluctuation in the first voltage to be applied to the gate of the first step-down transistor. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voltage generating circuit comprising: a switching device which includes a first end connected to a high potential side power source, and which becomes conductive in a first mode and becomes non-conductive in a second mode; a first transistor including a first main electrode connected to a second end of the switching device, a second main electrode connected to an output terminal, and a gate connected to a gate potential supply node; a second transistor including a first main electrode connected to the high potential side power source, a second main electrode connected to the output terminal, and a gate connected to the gate potential supply node; and a gate voltage stabilizing circuit that suppresses a fluctuation in potential of the potential supply node, the fluctuation accompanying a change between the first and second modes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a voltage generating circuit according to an embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a differential amplifier circuit according to the embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram showing a gate voltage stabilizing circuit according to the embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a drawing showing operation of the voltage generating circuit to the embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a voltage generating circuit according to an embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a circuit diagram showing a gate voltage stabilizing circuit on the low potential side power source side according to the embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a circuit diagram showing a gate voltage stabilizing circuit on the high potential side power source side according to the embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a drawing showing operation of the voltage generating circuit to the embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a voltage generating circuit according to an embodiment 3 of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a circuit diagram showing a gate voltage stabilizing circuit on the low potential side power source side according to the embodiment 3 of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a circuit diagram showing a gate voltage stabilizing circuit on the high potential side power source side according to the embodiment 3 of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a drawing showing operation of the voltage generating circuit to the embodiment 3 of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       Embodiment 1 
       [0024]    First, a voltage generating circuit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings.  FIG. 1  is a circuit diagram showing configuration of a voltage generating circuit.  FIG. 2  is a circuit diagram showing a differential amplifier circuit.  FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram showing a gate voltage stabilizing circuit. In the present embodiment, there is provided a gate voltage stabilizing circuit that suppresses a change of a gate voltage of a step-down transistor, when a standby state changes to an active state or when an active state changes to a standby state. 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a voltage generating circuit  30  is provided with a differential amplifier circuit  1 , a gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2 , an N channel MIS transistor NT 1 , an N channel MIS transistor NT 2 , an N channel MIS transistors NT 11  to NT 13 , an N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 , an N channel MIS transistor NTT 2 , a P channel MIS transistors PT 11  to PT 13 , a P channel MIS transistor PTT 1 , a P channel MIS transistor PTT 2 , resistances R A1  to R A4 , resistances R S1  to R S4 , and a capacitor C 1 . Note that a MIS transistor is also referred to as a metal insulator semiconductor field effect transistor (MISFET). 
         [0026]    The voltage generating circuit  30  is provided inside a semiconductor chip as a semiconductor storage, for example. The voltage generating circuit  30  receives input of a high potential side power source V D voltage as an external supply voltage and a high potential side power source V PP  voltage as a supply voltage for stepping up a word line voltage, and outputs an output voltage V INT  as a stepped-down internal supply voltage to unillustrated various circuits provided in the semiconductor chip. 
         [0027]    In the P channel MIS transistor PTT 1 , the high potential side power source V PP  voltage is inputted into a source thereof, and a control signal PGM to be outputted from the differential amplifier circuit  1  is inputted into a gate. The P channel MIS transistor PTT 1  turns “ON” when the control signal PGM is at “Low” level to output an output voltage (gate voltage) V G  from the drain side. 
         [0028]    In the N channel MIS transistor NT 1 , the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is inputted into a drain thereof to connect a gate thereto. The N channel MIS transistor NT 1  acts as a diode-connected mirror transistor. 
         [0029]    In the N channel MIS transistor NT 2 , the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is inputted into a drain to connect a gate thereto. The N channel MIS transistor NT 2  acts as a diode-connected mirror transistor. 
         [0030]    In the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2 , the high potential side power source V DD  voltage is inputted into a source, and a control signal VPG is inputted into a gate. The P channel MIS transistor PTT 2  turns “ON” when the control signal VPG is at “Low” level. 
         [0031]    The N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  is an output transistor of a source follower type. A drain thereof is connected to a drain of the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2 , the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is inputted into a gate, and an output voltage V INT  is outputted as an internal supply voltage that has been stepped down when the control signal VPG is active. 
         [0032]    The N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  is an output transistor of a source follower type. The high potential side power source V DD  voltage is inputted into a drain thereof, the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is inputted to a gate, and the output voltage V INT  is outputted as the internal supply voltage that has been stepped down in the standby state and the active state. 
         [0033]    The N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  that is a step-down transistor supplies an output voltage V INT  potential when the control signal VPG turns “ON” the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2  (in the active state). The N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  that is a step-down transistor supplies the output voltage V INT  potential in the standby state and in the active state, not by using the control signal VPG. Here, assume that the amount of current in the active state is Iact, the amount of current in the standby state is Istb, a gate width of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  is W1, and a gate width of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  is W2. Where the gate lengths of the N channel MIS transistors NTT 1  and NTT 2  are same, designing is performed so as to satisfy the following: 
         [0000]        Iact/Istb=W 1 /W 2  Expression (1) 
         [0034]    In other words, designing is performed so that an amount of load current per unit gate width in the standby state can match that in the active state. 
         [0035]    One end of the capacitor C 1  is connected to sources of the N channel MIS transistors NTT 1  and NTT 2 , and the other end thereof is connected to the low potential side power source V SS . The capacitor C 1  is mounted (on-chip) on a semiconductor integrated circuit to be provided in the voltage generating circuit  30 . 
         [0036]    In the N channel MIS transistor NTT 11 , a drain is connected to the source of the N channel MIS transistor NT 1 , a source is connected to one end of a resistance R A4 , and a control signal ACT is inputted into a gate. In the P channel MIS transistor PT 11 , a source is connected to the source of the N channel MIS transistor NT 1 , a drain is connected to one end of the resistance R A4 , and a control signal /ACT is inputted to a gate. The control signal /ACT is a signal having an opposite phase to the control signal ACT. 
         [0037]    The N channel MIS transistor NT 11  and the P channel MIS transistor PT 11  function as transfer gates and turn “ON” when the control signal ACT is at “High” level (the control signal /ACT is at “Low” level). The other end of the resistance R A4  is connected to a node N 1 . One end of a resistance R A3  is connected to a node N 1 . 
         [0038]    In the N channel MIS transistor NT 12 , a drain is connected to the other end of the resistance R A3 , a source is connected to one end of the resistance R A2 , and the control signal ACT is inputted into a gate. In the P channel MIS transistor PT 12 , a source is connected to other end of the resistance R A3 , a drain is connected to one end of the resistance R A2 , and the control signal /ACT is inputted into a gate. 
         [0039]    The N channel MIS transistor NT 12  and the P channel MIS transistor PT  12  function as transfer gates and turn “ON” when the control signal ACT is at “High” level (the control signal /ACT is at “Low” level). The other end of the resistance R A2  is connected to a node N 2 . One end of a resistance R A1  is connected to the node N 2 . 
         [0040]    In the N channel MIS transistor NT 13 , a drain is connected to the other end of the resistance R A1 , a source is connected to the low potential side power source V SS  that is a ground voltage, and the control signal ACT is inputted into a gate. In the P channel MIS transistor PT 13 , a source is connected to the other end of the resistance R A1 , a drain is connected to the low potential side power source V SS , and the control signal /ACT is inputted into a gate. 
         [0041]    The N channel MIS transistor NT 13  and the P channel MIS transistor PT 13  function as transfer gates and turn “ON” when the control signal ACT is at “High” level (the control signal /ACT is at “Low” level). 
         [0042]    On end of the resistance R S4  is connected to the source of the N channel MIS transistor NT 2 , and the other end thereof is connected to the node N 1  and a node N 3 . One end of a resistance R S3  is connected to the node N 3  and the other end thereof is connected to one end of a resistance R S2 . The other end of the resistance R S2  is connected to the node N 2  and a node N 4 . One end of a resistance R S1  is connected to the Node N 4  and the other end thereof is connected to the low potential side power source V SS . 
         [0043]    Here, on the N channel MIS transistor NT 2  side (the N channel MIS transistor NT 2 , the resistances R S1  to R S4 ), current always flows to the low potential side power source V SS  side, while on the N channel MIS transistor NT 1  side (the N channel MIS transistor NT 1 , the resistances R A1  to R A4 , the N channel MIS transistors NT 11  to NT 13 , and the P channel MIS transistors PT 11  to PT 13 ), current flows to the low potential side power source V SS  side in the active state (when the control signal ACT is at “High” level (the control signal /ACT is at “Low” level)). A feedback voltage V A  that is a voltage resistive-divided from the nodes N 2  and N 4  is inputted to a (+) port on the input side of the differential amplifier circuit  1 . 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the differential amplifier circuit  1  is provided with N channel MIS transistors NT 21  to NT  23 , a P channel MIS transistor PT 21 , and a P channel MIS transistor PT 22 . 
         [0045]    In the differential amplifier circuit  1 , a reference voltage V REF  is inputted to a (−) port on the input side, the feedback voltage V A  is inputted to the (+) port on the input side, and a differential amplified signal is outputted as the output voltage (gate voltage) V G . 
         [0046]    The reference voltage V REF  used herein is a highly-precise voltage that has very low dependence on temperature and the high potential side power source V DD  voltage. For example, such highly-precise voltage is outputted from a band gap reference (BGR) circuit. 
         [0047]    In the P channel MIS transistor PT 21 , a source is connected to the high potential side power source V DD . In the P channel MIS transistor PT  22 , a source is connected to the high potential side power source V DD , a gate is connected to a drain of the PT 22  and a gate of the P channel MIS transistor PT 21 . The P channel MIS transistor PT 21  and the P channel MIS transistor PT 22  constitutes a current mirror circuit. 
         [0048]    In the N channel MIS transistor NT 21 , a drain is connected to a drain of the P channel MIS transistor PT 21  and the reference voltage V REF  is inputted into a gate of the N channel MIS transistor NT 21 . In the N channel MIS transistor NT 23 , a drain is connected to the drain of the P channel MIS transistor PT 22  and the feedback reference V A  is inputted to a gate of the N channel MIS transistor NT 23 . The N channel MIS transistor NT 22  and the N channel MIS transistor NT 23  form a differential pair. The output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is outputted from between the drain of the P channel MIS transistor PT 21  and the drain of the N channel MIS transistor NT 22 . 
         [0049]    In the N channel MIS transistor NT 21 , a drain is connected to sources of the N channel MIS transistors NT  22  and NT 23 , a source is connected to the low potential side power source V SS , and a control signal CMPG is inputted into a gate. The N channel MIS transistor NT 21  functions as a constant current source. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2  is provided with a capacitor C 2 , an inverter INV 1 , an inverter INV 2 , an N channel MIS transistor NT 31 , and an N channel MIS transistor NT 32 . One end of the capacitor C 2  is a gate of one of the N channel MIS transistors, and the other end thereof is the commonly connected source and drain of the N channel MIS transistors. The gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2  has a function to suppress a change in the gate voltage of the step-down transistor when the standby state changes to the active state or when the active state changes to standby state. 
         [0051]    In the N channel MIS transistor NT  31 , a drain is connected to a node N 5  (output voltage (gate voltage) V G ), a source is connected to a node N 11 , and a control signal SG 1  is inputted into a gate. In the N channel MIS transistor NT 32 , a drain is connected to the node N 11 , the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is inputted into a source, and a control signal SG 2  is inputted into a gate. 
         [0052]    One end of the capacitor C 2  is connected to the node N 11 , and the other end thereof is connected to a node N 12 . The inverter INV 1  inputs the control signal VPG and inverses the signal. The inverter INV 2  inputs a signal to be outputted from the inverter INV 1 , and outputs a signal to the node N 12 , the signal having been inverted from the signal outputted from the inverter INV 1 . 
         [0053]    Next, operation of a voltage generating circuit will be described with reference to  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4  is a chart showing operation of the voltage generating circuit. Here, the operation of the voltage generating circuit is divided into the following 3 periods and described: (A) a period of a standby state (including time to change to an active state), (B) a period of the active state, and (C) a period after the active state changes to the standby state. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , in the voltage generating circuit  30 , first, the control signal VPG is at “High” level, and therefore the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2  turns “OFF,” in the standby state (period (A)). Accordingly, the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  does not supply output voltage V INT  potential, while the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  supplies the output voltage V INT  potential. In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2 , the N channel MIS transistor NT 31  turns “OFF” when a control signal SG 1  is at “Low” level, the N channel MIS transistor NT 32  turns “ON” when a control signal SG 2  is at “High” level, and the node  12  is at “High” level when the control signal VPG is at “High” level. Accordingly, no charge is accumulated in the capacitor C 2 . 
         [0055]    Then, immediately after the standby state changes to the active state (period (A)), the control signal VPG changes from “High” level to “Low” level and the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2  turns “ON”. Thus, the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  supplies the output voltage V INT  potential. Meanwhile, the N channel MIS transistor NTT  2  still supplies the output voltage V INT  potential irrespective of whether it is in the standby state or in the active state. At this time, a voltage on the drain side (the node N 6 ) of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  increases, and therefore the gate voltage V G  is likely to rise due to coupling capacitance between the drain and gate of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 . 
         [0056]    In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2 , however, the control signal SG 1  changes from “Low” level to “High” level to cause the N channel MIS transistor NT  31  to turn “ON,” the control signal SG 2  changes from “High” level to “Low” level to cause the N channel MIS transistor NT  32  to turn “OFF,” and the control signal VPG changes from “High” level to “Low” level to cause the node N 12  to change to “Low” level. Accordingly, charges flow from the node N 5  (output voltage (gate voltage) V G ) into the capacitor C 2  and are accumulated therein. Thus, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2  functions so as to lower the gate voltage V G  applied to the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  and to control increase of the output voltage (gate voltage) V G . 
         [0057]    Here, in the conventional configuration without the stabilizing circuit according to the present invention shown in  FIG. 3 , assume that a coupling capacitance between the drain and the gate of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  is Cgd, a gate capacitance of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  is Cg, a voltage fluctuation between the standby state and the active state of the drain voltage of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  is ΔVd, and a fluctuation in the output V INT  of the voltage generating circuit  30  and in the gate voltage of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  are ΔV G . The following expressions are obtained. 
         [0000]      Δ V   G   =ΔVd ×( Cgd/Cg )  Expression (2) 
         [0000]      Δ Vd=V   DD   −V   INT   Expression (3) 
         [0000]    As the gate capacitance Cg becomes larger, ΔV G  becomes smaller, and thus the fluctuation in V INT  also becomes smaller, which however leads to the problem that the chip area expands. 
         [0058]    Thus, by providing the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2  as shown in  FIG. 3  of this embodiment, an attempt is made to absorb an increased potential of the gate voltage V G  through coupling, when the standby state transits to the active state. As it is believed that the charge generated in the Node  5  due to coupling is ΔV G ×Cg, the charge generated in the node N 5  can be absorbed if the capacitance of the capacitor C 2  is determined so as to satisfy the following expression, 
         [0000]      Δ V   G   ×Cg=C   2   ×V   PG   Expression (4) 
         [0000]    where the capacitance of the capacitor C 2  in  FIG. 3  is C 3  and the voltage of the control signal VPG is V PG . A case of stepping down the gate voltage V G  to be applied to the gate of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  will be described later. 
         [0059]    Next, when the standby state changes to the active state and after a predetermined period of time elapses (period (B)), the control signal VPG is at “Low” level and accordingly the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2  has turned “ON”. Therefore, the condition is maintained in which the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  supplies the output voltage V INT  potential and the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  supplies the output voltage V INT  potential. 
         [0060]    In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2 , since the control signal SG 1  changes from “High” level to “Low” level to turn the N channel MIS transistor NT 31  “OFF,” the control signal SG 2  changes from “Low” level to “High” level to turn the N channel MIS transistor NT 32  “ON,” and the node N 12  becomes “Low” level with the control signal VPG at “Low” level, charges are accumulated in the capacitor C 2 . 
         [0061]    Then, immediately after the active state changes to the standby state (period (C)), the control signal changes from “Low” level to “High” level and the P channel MIS transistor PTT  2  turns “OFF”. The state is thus maintained in which the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  no longer supplies the output voltage V INT  potential, while the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  continues to supply the output voltage V INT  potential. At this time, the voltage on the drain (node N 6 ) side of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  is stepped down, and therefore the output voltage (gate voltage) V is likely to lower due to the coupling capacitance of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 . 
         [0062]    In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2 , however, since the control signal SG 1  changes from “Low” level to “High” level to turn the N channel MIS transistor NT 31  “ON,” the control signal SG 2  changes from “High” level to “Low” level to turn N channel MIS transistor NT 32  “OFF,” the control signal VPG changes from “Low” level to “High” level to change the node N 12  to “High” level, the charges accumulated in the capacitor C 2  are discharged to the node N 5  (output voltage (gate voltage) V G ). Thus, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2  functions to step up the gate voltage V G  to be applied to the gate of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 , and thereby suppress a drop of the output voltage (gate voltage) V G . 
         [0063]    Next, after the active state changed to the standby state and the predetermined period elapsed (period (C)), which are not shown, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2  is set to the same as the standby state in the period (A). 
         [0064]    As described above, the voltage generating circuit in this embodiment is provided with the differential amplifier circuit  1 , the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2 , the N channel MIS transistor NT 1 , the N channel MIS transistor NT 2 , the N channel MIS transistors NT 11  to NT 13 , the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 , the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2 , the P channel MIS transistors PTT 11  to PTT 13 , the P channel MIS transistor PTT 1 , the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2 , the resistances R A1  to R A4 , the resistances R S1  to R S4 , and the capacitor C 1 . The gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2  is provided with the capacitor C 2 , the inverter INV 1 , the inverter INV 2 , the N channel MIS transistor NT 31 , and the N channel MIS transistor NT 32 . When the standby state changes to the active state, or when the active state changes to the standby state, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  2  suppresses a change in the gate voltage of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  that is a step-down transistor. 
         [0065]    Thus, while an increase is suppressed in the capacitance of the capacitor C 1  mounted (on-chip) in a semiconductor integrated circuit where the voltage generating circuit  30  is provided, a fluctuation can be suppressed in the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  to be generated when the standby state changes to the active state or when the active state changes to the standby state. Thereby, the output voltage V INT  can be outputted as an internal supply voltage that has been stably stepped down. 
         [0066]    Although this embodiment uses a MIS transistor for the transistor constituting the voltage generating circuit  30 , a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor (also referred to as MOSFET) may be used as well. 
       Embodiment 2 
       [0067]    A voltage generating circuit according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.  FIG. 5  is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the voltage generating circuit.  FIG. 6  is a circuit diagram showing a gate voltage stabilizing circuit on a low potential side power source side.  FIG. 7  is a circuit diagram showing a gate voltage stabilizing circuit on a high potential side power source side. In this embodiment, there are provided a gate voltage stabilizing circuit that suppresses any change in the gate voltage of a step-down transistor when a standby state changes to an active state, and a gate voltage stabilizing circuit that suppresses any change in the gate voltage of the step-down transistor when the active state changes the standby state. 
         [0068]    Hereinbelow, same symbols are assigned to components identical to those in the embodiment 1, a description of which is omitted, and only different parts will be described. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , a voltage generating circuit  30   a  is provided with the differential amplifier circuit  1 , a gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3 , a gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4 , the N channel MIS transistor NT 1 , the N channel MIS transistor NT 2 , the N channel MIS transistors NT 11  to NT 13 , the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 , the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2 , the P channel MIS transistors PT 11  to PT 13 , the P channel MIS transistor PTT 1 , the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2 , the resistances R A1  to R A4 , the resistances R S1  to R S4 , and the capacitor C 1 . 
         [0070]    The voltage generating circuit  30   a  is provided inside a semiconductor chip as a semiconductor storage, for example. The voltage generating circuit  30   a  receives input of a high potential side power source V DD  voltage as an external supply voltage and a high potential side power source V PP  voltage as a supply voltage for stepping up a word line voltage, and outputs an output voltage V INT  as a stepped-down internal supply voltage to unillustrated various circuits provided in the semiconductor chip. 
         [0071]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3  is provided with a capacitor C 3 , an N channel MIS transistor NT 41 , and an N channel MIS transistor NT 42 . One end of the capacitor C 3  is a gate of one of the N channel MIS transistors, and the other end thereof is the commonly connected source and drain of the N channel MIS transistors. The gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3  has a function to suppress a fluctuation in a gate voltage of the step-down transistor when the standby state changes to the active state. 
         [0072]    In the N channel MIS transistor NT 41 , a drain is connected to the node N 5  (output voltage (gate voltage) V G ), a source is connected to the node N 21 , and a control signal is inputted into a gate. In the N channel MIS transistor NT 42 , a drain is connected to the node N 21 , a source is connected to a low potential side power source V SS , and a control signal SG 4  is inputted into a gate. 
         [0073]    One end of a capacitor C 3  is connected to the node N 21  and the other end is connected to the low potential side power source V SS . 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4  is provided with a capacitor C 4 , a P channel MIS transistor PT 41 , and a P channel MIS transistor PT 42 . One end of the capacitor C 4  is a gate of one of the P channel MIS transistors, and the other end thereof is the commonly connected source and drain of the P channel MIS transistors. The gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4  has a function to suppress a change in a gate voltage of the step-down transistor when the active state changes to the standby state. 
         [0075]    In the P channel MIS transistor PT 42 , a source is connected to a high potential side power source V DD , a drain is connected to a node N 22 , and a control signal SG 6  is inputted into a gate. In the P channel MIS transistor PT 41 , a source is connected to the node N 22 , a drain is connected to the node N 5 , and a control signal SG 5  is inputted into a gate. 
         [0076]    One end of a capacitor C 4  is connected to the node N 22  and the other end is connected to the high potential side power source V DD . 
         [0077]    Next, the operation of the voltage generating circuit will be described hereinafter with reference to  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  is a drawing showing operation of the voltage generating circuit. Here, the operation of the voltage generating circuit is divided into the following 3 periods and described: (A) a period of a standby state (including time to change to an active state), (B) a period of the active state, and (C) a period after the active state changes to the standby state. 
         [0078]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , in the voltage generating circuit  30   a , first, in the standby state (period (A)), the control signal VPG is at “High” level, the P channel MIS transistor PTT  2  accordingly turns “OFF,” and the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  does not supply the output voltage V INT  potential, while the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  supplies the output voltage V INT  potential. In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3 , since the N channel MIS transistor NT 41  has turned “OFF” with the control signal SG 3  at “Low” level, and the N channel MIS transistor NT 42  has turned “ON” with the control signal SG 4  at “High” level, a voltage of 0 (zero) is applied to both electrodes of the capacitor C 3 . In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4 , since the P channel MIS transistor PT  41  has turned “OFF” with the control signal SG 5  at “High” level and the P channel MIS transistor PT 42  has turned “ON” with the control signal SG 6  at “Low” level, a high potential side power source V DD  is applied to both electrodes of the capacitor C 4 . 
         [0079]    Next, immediately after the standby state changes to the active state (period (A)), since the control signal VPG changes from “High” level to “Low” level and the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2  accordingly turns “ON,” the condition is maintained in which the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  supplies the output voltage V INT  potential and the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  supplies the output voltage V INT  potential. At this time, the voltage on the drain (node N 6 ) side of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  rises, and therefore the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is likely to rise due to the coupling capacitance of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 . 
         [0080]    However, in the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3 , the control signal SG 3  changes from “Low” level to “High” level to turn the N channel MIS transistor NT 41  “ON,” and the control signal SG 4  changes from “High” level to “Low” level to turn the N channel MIS transistor NT 42  “OFF”. Accordingly, charges flow from the node N 5  (output voltage (gate voltage) V G ) to the capacitor C 3  via the N channel MIS transistor NT 41  and are accumulated. For this reason, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3  functions to lower the gate voltage V G  to be applied to the gate of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  and to suppress a rise of the output voltage (gate voltage) V G . In addition, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4  is in the same condition as in the standby state. 
         [0081]    Next, when the standby state changes to the active state and after a predetermined period elapses (period (A)), the control signal is “Low” to turn the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2  “ON,” and therefore both the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  and the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  supply the output voltage V INT  potential. 
         [0082]    In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3 , since the control signal SG 3  changes from “High” level to “Low” level to turn the N channel MIS transistor NT 41  “OFF,” and the control signal SG 4  changes from “Low” level to “High” level to turn the N channel MIS transistor NT  41  “ON,” the charges accumulated in the capacitor C 3  are discharged to the low potential side power source V SS . In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4 , since the control signal SG 5  keeps “High” level to cause the P channel MIS transistor PT 41  to be “OFF,” the control signal SG 6  keeps “Low” level to cause the P channel MIS transistor PT  42  to continue to be “ON,” the condition continues in which there is no potential difference between both ends of the capacitor C 4 . 
         [0083]    Then, immediately after the active state changes to the standby state (period (C)), since the control signal VPG changes from “Low” level to “High” level to turn the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2  “OFF,” the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  no longer supplies the output voltage V INT  potential. 
         [0084]    Meanwhile, the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  supplies the output voltage V INT  potential. At this time, the voltage on the drain (the node N 6 ) side of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  lowers, and the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is likely to lower due to the coupling capacitance of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 . 
         [0085]    In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4 , however, since the control signal SG 5  changes from “High” level to “Low” level to switch the P channel MIS transistor PT 41  from “OFF” to “ON,” and the control signal SG 6  changes from “Low” level to “High” level to switch the P channel MIS transistor PT 42  from “ON” to “OFF,” charges accumulated in the capacitor C 4  are discharged to the node N 5  (output voltage (gate voltage) V G ). For this reason, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4  functions to increase the gate voltage V G  to be applied to the gate of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 , and to suppress a drop of the output voltage (gate voltage) V G . In addition, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3  maintains the previous condition. 
         [0086]    Next, when the active state changes to the standby state, and after a predetermined period elapses (period (C)), which are not illustrated, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4  is set to the same condition as in the standby state of the period (A). 
         [0087]    Thus, while an increase is suppressed in the capacitance of the capacitor C 1  mounted (on-chip) in a semiconductor integrated circuit where the voltage generating circuit  30   a  is provided, a fluctuation can be suppressed in the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  to be generated when the standby state changes to the active state or when the active state changes to the standby state. 
         [0088]    As descried above, in the voltage generating circuit of this embodiment, there are provided the differential amplifier circuit  1 , the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3 , the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4 , the N channel MIS transistor NT 1 , the N channel MIS transistor NT 2 , the N channel MIS transistors NT 11  to NT 13 , the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 , the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2 , the P channel MIS transistors PT 11  to PT 13 , the P channel MIS transistor PTT 1 , the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2 , the resistances R A1  to R A4 , the resistances R S1  to R S4 , and the capacitor C 1 . The gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3  is provided with the capacitor  3 , the N channel MIS transistor NT 41 , and the N channel MIS transistor NT 42 . The gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3  suppresses a change in the gate voltage of the step-down transistor when the standby state changes to the active state. The gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4  is provided with the capacitor C 4 , the P channel MIS transistor PT 41 , and the P channel MIS transistor PT 42 . The gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4  suppresses a change in the gate voltage of the step-down transistor when the active state changes to the standby state. 
         [0089]    Thus, while an increase is suppressed in the capacitance of the capacitor C 1  mounted (on-chip) in a semiconductor integrated circuit where the voltage generating circuit  30   a  is provided, a fluctuation can be suppressed in the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  to be generated when the standby state changes to active state or when active state changes to the standby state. Thereby, the output voltage V INT  can be outputted as an internal supply voltage that has been stably stepped down. 
       Embodiment 3 
       [0090]    A voltage generating circuit according to an embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing.  FIG. 9  is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a voltage generating circuit.  FIG. 10  is a circuit diagram showing a gate voltage stabilizing circuit on the high pressure side power source side. In this embodiment, there are provided a gate voltage stabilizing circuit that suppresses a change in the gate voltage of the step-down transistor when a standby state changes to an active state, and a gate voltage stabilizing circuit that suppresses a change in the gate voltage of the step-down transistor when the active state changes to the standby state. 
         [0091]    Hereinbelow, same symbols are assigned to components identical to those in the embodiment 1, a description of which is omitted, and only different parts will be described. 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the voltage generating circuit  30   b  is provided with the differential amplifier circuit  1 , a gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3   a , a gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4   a , the N channel MIS transistor NT 1 , the N channel MIS transistor NT 2 , the N channel MIS transistors NT 11  to NT 13 , the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 , the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2 , the P channel MIS transistors PT 11  to PT 13 , the P channel MIS transistor PTT 1 , the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2 , the resistances R A1  to R A4 , the resistances R S1  to R S4 , and the capacitor C 1 . 
         [0093]    The voltage generating circuit  30   b  is provided inside a semiconductor chip as a semiconductor storage, for example. The voltage generating circuit  30   b  receives input of a high potential side power source V DD  voltage as an external supply voltage and a high potential side power source V PP  voltage as a supply voltage for stepping up a word line voltage, and outputs an output voltage V INT  as a stepped-down internal supply voltage to unillustrated various circuits provided in the semiconductor chip. 
         [0094]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3   a  is provided with an N channel MIS transistor NT 51  and a resistance R 1 . The gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3   a  has a function to suppress a change in the gate voltage of the step-down transistor when the standby state changes to the active state. 
         [0095]    In the N channel MIS transistor NT  51 , a drain is connected to a node N 5  (output voltage (gate voltage) V G ), and a control signal SG 7  is inputted into a gate. The resistance R 1  is connected to a source of the N channel MIS transistor NT 51  and the other end is connected to the low potential side power source V SS . 
         [0096]    When the standby state changes to the active state, the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  that is a step-down transistor supplies the output voltage V INT  potential, and then the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is likely to rise, a control signal having a pulse waveform is inputted into the gate of the N channel MIS transistor NT 51 . When the control signal SG 7  in a pulse waveform is at “High” level, the N channel MIS transistor NT 51  turns “ON” and functions to suppress a rise of the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  by drawing out extra charges to be accumulated on the gate of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  to the low potential side power source V SS  through the resistance R 1 . Here, the control signal SG 7  sets a duty ratio and an application period of the pulsed waveform so as not to excessively draw the charges to be accumulated on the gate of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 . 
         [0097]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , a P channel MIS transistor PT 51  and a resistance R 2  are provided in the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4   a . The gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4   a  has a function to suppress a change in the gate voltage of a step-down transistor when the active state changes to the standby state. 
         [0098]    One end of the resistance R 2  is connected to the high potential side power source V DD  and the other end is connected to a source of the P channel MIS transistor PT 51 . In the P channel MIS transistor PT 51 , a control signal SG 8  is inputted into a gate and a drain is connected to the node NS (output voltage (gate voltage) V G . 
         [0099]    When the active state changes to the standby state, the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  that is a step-down transistor turns “OFF,” and the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is likely to lower, the control signal SG 8  having a pulse waveform is inputted into the gate of the P channel MIS transistor PT 51 . When the pulsed control signal SG 8  is at “Low” level, the P channel MIS transistor PT 51  turns “ON” and functions to supply charges to the gate of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  via the resistance R 2  and to suppress a drop of the output voltage (gate voltage) V G . Here, the control signal SG 8  sets a duty ratio and an application period of the pulse waveform so as not to supply excessive charges to the gate of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 . 
         [0100]    Next, operation of the voltage generating circuit will be described with reference to  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  is a drawing showing the operation of the voltage generating circuit. Here, the operation of the voltage generating circuit is divided into the following 3 periods and described: (A) a period of a standby state (including time to change to an active state), (B) a period of the active state, and (C) a period after the active state changes to the standby state. 
         [0101]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , in the voltage generating circuit  30   b , first in the standby state (period (A)), since the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2  is “OFF” with the control signal VPG at “High” level, the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  does not supply the output voltage V INT  potential, while the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  supplies the output voltage V INT  potential. In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3   a , the control signal SG 7  is at “Low” level, and therefore the N channel MIS transistor NT 51  is “OFF”. Thus, there is no exchange of a charge between the low potential side power source V SS  side and the node N 5  (output voltage (gate voltage) V G ) via the resistance R 1 . In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4   a , the control signal SG 8  is at “High” level, and therefore the P channel MIS transistor PT 51  is “OFF”. Thus, there is no exchange of a charge between the high potential side power source V DD  side and the node N 5  (output voltage (gate voltage) V G ) via the resistance R 2 . 
         [0102]    Next, immediately after the standby state changes to the active state (period (A)), as the control signal VPG changes from “High” level to “Low” level and the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2  accordingly turns “ON,” the condition is maintained in which the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  supplies the output voltage V INT  potential, and the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  supplies the output voltage V INT  potential. At this time, the voltage on the drain (the node N 6 ) side of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  rises, and therefore the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is likely to rise due to the coupling capacitance of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 . 
         [0103]    In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3   a , however, since the control signal SG 7  changes from “Low” level to “High” level to turn the N channel MIS transistor NT 51  “ON,” charges flow from the node N 5  (output voltage (gate voltage) V G ) to the low potential side power source V SS  side through the N channel MIS transistor NT 51  and the resistance R 1 . Thus, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3   a  functions to lower the gate voltage V G  to be applied to the gate of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  and to suppress a rise in the output voltage (gate voltage) V G . In addition, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4   a  is in the same condition as in the standby state. 
         [0104]    Then, when the standby state changes to the active state and after a predetermined period elapses (period (A)), the control signal SG 7  is at “Low,” and therefore the N channel MIS transistor NT 51  turns “OFF”. Accordingly, there will be no longer exchange of a charge between the low potential side power source V SS  side and the node N 5  (the output voltage (gate voltage) V G ) through the resistance R 1 . In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4   a , the control signal SG 8  remains at “High,” and therefore the P channel MIS transistor PT 51  remains to be “OFF”. Accordingly, there is no exchange of a charge between the high potential side power source V DD  side and the node N 5  (output voltage (gate voltage) V G ) through the resistance R 2 . 
         [0105]    Then, immediately after the active state changes to the standby state (period (C)), the control signal VPG changes from “High” level to “Low” level, and therefore the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2  turns “OFF”. Accordingly, the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  no longer supplies the output voltage V INT  potential, while the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  supplies the output voltage V INT  potential. Then, the voltage on the drain (the node N 6 ) side of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  lowers, and the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is likely to lower due to the coupling capacitance of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 . 
         [0106]    In the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4   a , however, since the control signal SG 8  changes from “High” level to “Low” level to switch the P channel MIS transistor PT 51  from “OFF” to “ON,” charges flow from the high potential side power source V DD  side to the node N 5  (output voltage (gate voltage) V G ) through the P channel MIS transistor PT 51  and the resistance R 2 . For this reason, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4   a  functions to raise the gate voltage V G  to be applied to the gate of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1  and to suppress a drop of the output voltage (gate voltage) V G . In addition, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3   a  maintains the previous condition. 
         [0107]    Next, when the active state changes to the standby state and after a predetermined period elapses (period (C)), which is not unillustrated, the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3   a  is set identical to the standby state. 
         [0108]    Thus, while an increase is suppressed in the capacitance of the capacitor C 1  mounted (on-chip) in a semiconductor integrated circuit where the voltage generating circuit  30   b  is provided, a fluctuation can be suppressed in the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  to be generated when the standby state changes to the active state or when the active state changes to the standby state. 
         [0109]    As described above, in the voltage generating circuit of the present embodiment, there are provided the differential amplifier circuit  1 , the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3   a , the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4   a , the N channel MIS transistor NT 1 , the N channel MIS transistor NT 2 , the N channel MIS transistors NT 11  to NT 13 , the N channel MIS transistor NTT 1 , then the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2 , the P channel MIS transistors PT 11  to PT 13 , the P channel MIS transistor PTT 1 , the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2 , the resistance R A1  to R A4 , the resistance R S1  to R S4 , and the capacitor C 1 . The N channel MIS transistor NT 51  and the resistance R 1  are provided in the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3   a . The gate voltage stabilizing circuit  3   a  suppresses a change in the gate voltage of the step-down transistor when the standby state changes to the active state based on the control signal SG 7  having a pulse waveform. The P channel MIS transistor PT 51  and the resistance R 2  are provided in the gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4   a . The gate voltage stabilizing circuit  4   a  suppresses a change in the gate voltage of the step-down transistor when the active state changes to the standby state based on the control signal SG 8  having a pulse waveform. 
         [0110]    Thus, while an increase is suppressed in the capacitance of the capacitor C 1  mounted (on-chip) in a semiconductor integrated circuit where the voltage generating circuit  30   b  is provided, a fluctuation can be suppressed in the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  to be generated when the standby state changes to the active state or when the active state changes to the standby state. Thereby, the output voltage V INT  can be outputted as a stable stepped-down internal supply voltage. In addition, since a fluctuation in the output voltage (gate voltage) V G  is suppressed by using the control signals SG 7  and SG 8  that have pulse waveforms, excessive drawing or supply of charges can be suppressed. 
         [0111]    The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0112]    Although a voltage generating circuit is used as a step-down power source for a semiconductor memory, for example, the voltage generating circuit may also be used as a step-down power source for a system on a chip (SoC), an analog or digital LSI or the like. In addition, although a high potential side power source V DD  voltage as an external supply voltage is directly supplied to the source of the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2  and the drain of the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2  in the voltage generating circuit, an RC circuit for suppressing a fluctuation in the high potential side power source V DD  voltage may be provided between the high potential side power source V DD  and the source of the P channel MIS transistor PTT 2 , and between the high potential side power source V DD  and the N channel MIS transistor NTT 2 .

Technology Category: 3