System powered with inter-coupled charge pumps

An integrated circuit comprising a voltage generator and an operational circuit, the operational circuit powered by the voltage generator, the operational circuit for performing a function of the integrated circuit, the voltage generator comprising:

• a. an oscillator;
• b. a plurality of pump circuits inter-coupled in a sequence having prior and next relations among pump circuits of the sequence so that a pump circuit of the sequence receives a first timing signal from a prior pump circuit of the sequence, and provides a second timing signal to a next pump circuit of the sequence, and so that the pump circuit, responsive to the oscillator, supplies power to the operational circuit at a first time and enables the next pump circuit, responsive to the second timing signal, to supply power to the operational circuit at a second time, wherein the pump circuit of the sequence comprises:
• (1) a first storage means for storing a first charge;
• (2) a control means, responsive to tile first timing signal, for providing the second timing signal:
• and
• (3) a transfer means, responsive to the first timing signal, for electrically coupling the first storage means to the operational circuit, thereby supplying power to the operational circuit.

An integrated circuit comprising:

• a. an operational circuit;
• b. a timing circuit for providing a first clock signal, a second clock signal, a third clock signal, and a fourth clock signal;
• c. a first charge pump for supplying power to the operational circuit at a first time in response to the first clock signal, and for providing a first reset signal and a first control signal;
• d. a second charge pump for supplying power to the operational circuit at a second time in response to tile second clock signal and the first control signal, and for providing a second reset signal and a second control signal;
• e. a third charge pump, initialized in response to the first reset signal, for supplying power to tile operational circuit at a third time in response to the third clock signal and the second control signal, and for providing a third reset signal and a third control signal;
• f. a fourth charge pump, initialized in response to the second reset signal, for supplying power to the operational circuit at a fourth time in response to the fourth clock signal and the third control signal, and for providing a fourth reset signal and a fourth control signal;
• g. wherein the first charge pump is initialized in response to the third reset signal and supplies power in further response to the fourth control signal;
• and
• h. wherein the second charge pump is initialized in response to the fourth reset signal.

A method for powering a circuit, the method comprising the steps of:

• charging a first storage means;
• coupling the first storage means to a pass transistor for selective conduction to the circuit, the pass transistor having a control terminal;
• charging a second storage means;
• charging a third storage means
• coupling the second storage means to the third storage means to develop a stepped voltage;
• and
• coupling the stepped voltage to the control terminal of the pass transistor, thereby selectively enabling the first storage means to power the circuit.