摘要 |
A microphone circuit includes a condenser microphone and a charge pump. The condenser microphone is configured to receive sound energy and responsively convert the sound energy into a microphone output voltage. The charge pump is implemented in a low voltage CMOS process. It is coupled to the microphone and is configured to supply a bias voltage to the microphone allowing the microphone to operate. By using a proper circuit topology, whose maximum output voltage is limited by the breakdown voltage between the NWELL and the substrate, and by blocking the formation of the PWELL around the NWELL at a predetermined distance so that the NWELL is surrounded by a very lightly doped substrate from all sides, the maximum output voltage of the charge pump is increased significantly. |