Balanced level shifter with wide operation range

Abstract

Embodiments of an apparatus are disclosed that may allow for the translation of signals from one power domain to another with well-balanced rise and fall times over a wide operational range. The apparatus may include an input buffer, a voltage shift circuit, and output circuit, and an output driver. The input buffer may be configured to generate a buffered version and delayed inverted version of an external signal at a first voltage level. The voltage shift circuit may be configured to generate two internal signals at a second voltage level dependent upon the output signals of the input buffer. The output circuit may be configured to generate two output driver signals at the second voltage level dependent upon the output signals of the voltage shift circuit. The output driver circuit may be configured to generate an output signal at the second voltage level dependent on the two output driver signals.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]This invention is related to the field of integrated circuit implementation, and more particularly to the implementation of multiple power domains and voltage-level shifting of signals transmitted between various power domains.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Computing systems may include one or more systems-on-a-chip (SoC), which may integrate a number of different functions, such as, graphics processing, onto a single integrated circuit. With numerous functions included in a single integrated circuit, chip count may be kept low in mobile computing systems, such as tablets, for example, which may result in a smaller form factor for such mobile computing systems.[0005]As semiconductor process technology has continued to evolve, device geometries continue to shrink, allowing a higher density of devices per unit area. With an increased density of devices, increased levels of integration may be possible, allowing for more functional b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a circuit and method for shifting the voltage of a signal. It includes an input buffer, a voltage shift circuit, an output circuit, and an output driver. The input buffer generates a buffered external signal and a delayed inverted external signal. The voltage shift circuit generates first and second internal signals based on the buffered external signal and the delayed inverted external signal. The output circuit generates first and second output driver signals based on the first and second internal signals. The output driver generates an output signal based on the first output driver signal and the delayed second output driver signal. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a level shift circuit that simplifies the process of shifting voltage levels and reduces signal interference.

Problems solved by technology

With higher levels of integration and higher performing devices, power consumption may be a limiting factor, particularly in mobile computing applications such as, e.g., tablets or cellular telephones.

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