Low voltage differential signal receiver
By using a combination of resistive load pairs and transistor pairs in low-voltage differential signal receivers, combined with current mode logic stages and latch circuits, the input voltage range limitation problem within the common mode voltage range is solved, and the rail-to-rail input voltage is realized Range and low power consumption effects.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311657410.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-07-03
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing low-voltage differential signal receivers have difficulty achieving rail-to-rail input voltage ranges within the common mode voltage range and are sensitive to common mode noise and interference, limiting the available input voltage ranges.
A low voltage differential signal receiver is designed, using a combination of resistive load pairs, input stages, current mode logic stages, latch circuits and comparison circuits, and operates in different common-mode voltage ranges through P-type and N-type transistor pairs. Generates a differential output voltage and enhances signal gain and latch output through current mode logic stages and latch circuits.
The rail-to-rail input voltage range is realized within a wide voltage range, reducing sensitivity to common mode noise and interference, and reducing total power consumption through the design of current mode logic stages and latch circuits.
Smart Images
Figure CN119254213A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a signal receiver, and more particularly to an input buffer of a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) receiver. Background Art
[0002] Low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) is a high-speed, low-power signaling standard used for point-to-point communication between electronic devices or between different components in a single device. Some LVDS receivers are often used in various applications, such as video displays, communication systems, and data acquisition systems. Summary of the invention
[0003] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a low voltage differential signal receiver, comprising a resistor load pair, an input stage, a current mode logic stage, a latch circuit and a comparison circuit. The input stage comprises a P-type transistor pair and an N-type transistor pair. The P-type transistor pair is coupled to the resistor load pair and is used to generate a first differential output voltage on the resistor load pair according to a differential input signal. The N-type transistor pair is coupled to the resistor load pair and is used to generate a first differential output voltage on the resistor load pair according to the differential input signal. The current mode logic stage is coupled to the resistor load pair and the input stage and is used to enhance the gain of the first differential output voltage to a second differential output voltage. The latch circuit is coupled to the current mode logic stage and is used to generate a third differential output voltage according to the second differential output voltage and latch the third differential output voltage. The comparison circuit is coupled to the latch circuit and is used to compare the third differential output voltage and generate a single-ended output signal.
[0004] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the resistor load pair includes a first resistor and a second resistor, and the P-type transistor pair includes a first PMOS transistor and a second PMOS transistor. The first end of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to the first system power supply, the second end of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to the first resistor, and the control end of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to receive a first input signal of the differential input signal. The first end of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to the first system power supply, the second end of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to the second resistor, and the control end of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to receive a second input signal of the differential input signal.
[0005] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the input stage further includes a bias circuit coupled between the first system power supply and the resistor load pair.
[0006] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the resistor load pair includes a first resistor and a second resistor, wherein the N-type transistor pair includes a first NMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor. A first terminal of the first NMOS transistor is coupled to a system ground terminal, a second terminal of the first NMOS transistor is coupled to the first resistor through a bias circuit, and a control terminal of the first NMOS transistor is coupled to receive a first input signal of a differential input signal. A first terminal of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to a system ground terminal, a second terminal of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to the second resistor through a bias circuit, and a control terminal of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to receive a second input signal of the differential input signal.
[0007] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the current mode logic stage includes a third resistor, a fourth resistor, a third PMOS transistor, and a fourth PMOS transistor. A first terminal of the third PMOS transistor is coupled to the second system power supply, a second terminal of the third PMOS transistor is coupled to the third resistor, a control terminal of the third PMOS transistor is coupled to the resistor load pair, and receives one of the first differential output voltages. A first terminal of the fourth PMOS transistor is coupled to the second system power supply, a second terminal of the fourth PMOS transistor is coupled to the fourth resistor, a control terminal of the fourth PMOS transistor is coupled to the resistor load pair, and receives the other of the first differential output voltages.
[0008] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, a voltage level of the second system power supply is lower than a voltage level of the first system power supply.
[0009] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the latch circuit includes a fifth PMOS transistor, a sixth PMOS transistor, a third NMOS transistor, and a fourth NMOS transistor. A first terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor is coupled to the second system power supply, a second terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor is coupled to the first input terminal of the comparison circuit, and a control terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor is coupled to receive one of the second differential output voltages. A first terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor is coupled to the second system power supply, a second terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor is coupled to the second input terminal of the comparison circuit, and a control terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor is coupled to receive the other of the second differential output voltages. A first terminal of the third NMOS transistor is coupled to the system ground terminal, a second terminal of the third NMOS transistor is coupled to the second terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor and the first input terminal of the comparison circuit, and a control terminal of the third NMOS transistor is coupled to the second terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor and the second input terminal of the comparison circuit. The first end of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the system ground, the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the second end of the sixth PMOS transistor and the second input end of the comparison circuit, and the control end of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the second end of the fifth PMOS transistor and the first input end of the comparison circuit.
[0010] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the latch circuit is used to latch the output voltage of the third differential output voltage at the second end of the sixth PMOS transistor and the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor, and the latch circuit is used to latch the complementary output voltage of the third differential output voltage at the second end of the fifth PMOS transistor and the second end of the third NMOS transistor.
[0011] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the latch circuit further includes a first current source and a second current source. The first current source is coupled to the second terminal of the third NMOS transistor, and the first current source is used to provide a first supplementary current to the second terminal of the third NMOS transistor. The second current source is coupled to the second terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor, and the second current source is used to provide a second supplementary current to the second terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor.
[0012] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the latch circuit further includes a feedback control circuit coupled to the first current source and the second current source, and configured to adjust the current amplitudes of the first supplementary current and the second supplementary current according to the complementary output voltage of the third differential output voltage and the output voltage of the third differential output voltage.
[0013] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, in response to the common mode voltage of the differential input signal being in a first voltage range, the P-type transistor pair is used to generate a first differential output voltage, and the N-type transistor pair is disabled by the differential input signal, and in response to the common mode voltage of the differential input signal being in a second voltage range, the N-type transistor pair is used to generate the first differential output voltage, and the P-type transistor pair is disabled by the differential input signal.
[0014] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the first voltage range is lower than the second voltage range.
[0015] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, in response to the common mode voltage of the differential input signal being in a third voltage range, the P-type transistor pair and the N-type transistor pair are used to generate a first differential output voltage, wherein the third voltage range is between the first voltage range and the second voltage range.
[0016] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a low voltage differential signal receiver, comprising an input stage and a comparison circuit. The input stage comprises a P-type transistor pair and an N-type transistor pair. The P-type transistor pair is used to generate a first differential output voltage according to a differential input signal. The N-type transistor pair is used to generate a first differential output voltage according to the differential input signal. A latch circuit is coupled to the input stage and is used to latch the first differential output voltage. The comparison circuit is coupled to the input stage and the latch circuit and is used to compare the first differential output voltage and generate a single-ended output signal.
[0017] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the P-type transistor pair includes a first PMOS transistor and a second PMOS transistor. A first terminal of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to a first system power supply, a second terminal of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to a latch circuit, and a control terminal of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to receive a first input signal of a differential input signal. A first terminal of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to the first system power supply, a second terminal of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to the latch circuit, and a control terminal of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to receive a second input signal of the differential input signal.
[0018] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the input stage further includes a bias circuit coupled between the first system power supply and the latch circuit.
[0019] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the N-type transistor pair includes a first NMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor. A first terminal of the first NMOS transistor is coupled to a system ground terminal, a second terminal of the first NMOS transistor is coupled to a latch circuit through a bias circuit, and a control terminal of the first NMOS transistor is coupled to receive a first input signal of a differential input signal. A first terminal of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to a system ground terminal, a second terminal of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to the latch circuit through a bias circuit, and a control terminal of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to receive a second input signal of the differential input signal.
[0020] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the latch circuit includes a third NMOS transistor and a fourth NMOS transistor. A first terminal of the third NMOS transistor is coupled to a system ground terminal, a second terminal of the third NMOS transistor is coupled to a second terminal of the first PMOS transistor and a first input terminal of the comparison circuit, and a control terminal of the third NMOS transistor is coupled to a second terminal of the second PMOS transistor and a second input terminal of the comparison circuit. A first terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to a system ground terminal, a second terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to a second terminal of the second PMOS transistor and a second input terminal of the comparison circuit, and a control terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to a second terminal of the first PMOS transistor and a first input terminal of the comparison circuit.
[0021] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the latch circuit is used to latch the output voltage of the first differential output voltage at the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor, and the latch circuit is used to latch the complementary output voltage of the first differential output voltage at the second end of the third NMOS transistor.
[0022] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, the latch circuit further includes a first current source and a second current source. The first current source is coupled to the second terminal of the third NMOS transistor, and the first current source is used to provide a first supplementary current to the second terminal of the third NMOS transistor. The second current source is coupled to the second terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor, and the second current source is used to provide a second supplementary current to the second terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor.
[0023] In some embodiments of a low voltage differential signal receiver, in response to the common mode voltage of the differential input signal being in a first voltage range, the P-type transistor pair is used to generate a first differential output voltage, and the N-type transistor pair is disabled by the differential input signal, and in response to the common mode voltage of the differential input signal being in a second voltage range, the N-type transistor pair is used to generate a first differential output voltage, and the P-type transistor pair is disabled by the differential input signal, wherein the first voltage range is lower than the second voltage range.
[0024] In some embodiments of the low voltage differential signal receiver, in response to the common mode voltage of the differential input signal being in a third voltage range, the P-type transistor pair and the N-type transistor pair are used to generate a first differential output voltage, wherein the third voltage range is between the first voltage range and the second voltage range.
[0025] The input stage of the low voltage differential signal receiver can cover a wider voltage range of the differential input signal, thereby achieving a rail-to-rail input voltage range. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a low voltage differential signal receiver according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a resistor load pair and an input stage of a low voltage differential signal receiver according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0028] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the current mode logic stage and latch circuit of the low voltage differential signal receiver according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of a latch circuit of a low voltage differential signal receiver according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of a low voltage differential signal receiver according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an input stage and a latch circuit of a low voltage differential signal receiver according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032]
Explanation of symbols
[0033] 100,200: Low voltage differential signal receiver
[0034] 110:Resistive load pair
[0035] 120,220: Input level
[0036] 122,222: P-type transistor pair
[0037] 124,224: N-type transistor pair
[0038] 126,226: Bias circuit
[0039] 130: Current Mode Logic Level
[0040] 140,140',240: Latch circuit
[0041] 142: Feedback control circuit
[0042] 150,250: Comparison circuit
[0043] Sdin: differential input signal
[0044] VIP: The first input signal of the differential input signal
[0045] VIN: Second input signal of differential input signal
[0046] VO1: First output voltage
[0047] VO1B: First complementary output voltage
[0048] VO2: Second output voltage
[0049] VO2B: Second complementary output voltage
[0050] VO3: The third output voltage
[0051] VO3B: Third complementary output voltage
[0052] Sout: single-ended output signal
[0053] VB, VBC: Bias voltage
[0054] VHV: First System Power Supply
[0055] VLV: Second system power supply
[0056] TP1: First PMOS transistor
[0057] TP2: Second PMOS transistor
[0058] TP3: The third PMOS transistor
[0059] TP4: The fourth PMOS transistor
[0060] TP5: Fifth PMOS transistor
[0061] TP6: Sixth PMOS transistor
[0062] TN1: First NMOS transistor
[0063] TN2: Second NMOS transistor
[0064] TN3: The third NMOS transistor
[0065] TN4: The fourth NMOS transistor
[0066] R1: The first resistor
[0067] R2: Second resistor
[0068] R3: The third resistor
[0069] R4: The fourth resistor
[0070] Iadd1: first supplementary current
[0071] Iadd2: Second supplementary current
[0072] CS1: First current source
[0073] CS2: Second current source
[0074] IN1: The first input terminal of the comparison circuit
[0075] IN2: The second input terminal of the comparison circuit
[0076] VREF: reference voltage
[0077] CLK: Clock signal
[0078] CN1: First counter
[0079] CN2: Second counter DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0080] The following will illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or similar elements or method flows.
[0081] refer to Figure 1 ,in Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) receiver 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0082] One of the challenges in designing the LVDS receiver 100 is achieving a rail-to-rail input voltage range at the input buffer of the LVDS receiver 100. The input buffer of the LVDS receiver 100 is used to convert the differential input signal into a single-ended output signal that can be processed by the rest of the LVDS receiver 100. In order for the input buffer to operate properly, the input buffer must be able to handle input signals that span the entire voltage range between the supply rails.
[0083] However, achieving a rail-to-rail input voltage range may be difficult due to some factors. For example, the input buffer of the LVDS receiver 100 may be sensitive to common-mode noise or other interference, which may limit the usable input voltage range. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an architecture of the LVDS receiver 100 that can achieve a rail-to-rail input voltage range.
[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, the LVDS receiver 100 includes a resistive load pair 110 , an input stage 120 , a current mode logic stage 130 , a latch circuit 140 , and a comparison circuit 150 .
[0085] like Figure 1 As shown, the input stage 120 is used to receive a differential input signal Sdin (including a first input signal VIP and a second input signal VIN), and generate a first differential output voltage (including a first output voltage VO1 and a first complementary output voltage VO1B) according to the differential input signal Sdin. In some embodiments, the first input signal VIP can be regarded as a positive signal of the differential input signal Sdin, and the second input signal VIN can be regarded as a negative signal of the differential input signal Sdin.
[0086] For example, when the voltage level of the first input signal VIP is higher than the voltage level of the second input signal VIN, the voltage level of the first output voltage VO1 generated by the input stage 120 is higher than the voltage level of the first complementary output voltage VO1B. On the other hand, when the voltage level of the first input signal VIP is lower than the voltage level of the second input signal VIN, the voltage level of the first output voltage VO1 generated by the input stage 120 is lower than the voltage level of the first complementary output voltage VO1B.
[0087] like Figure 1 As shown, the input stage 120 includes a P-type transistor pair 122 and an N-type transistor pair 124. The P-type transistor pair 122 is coupled to the resistor load pair 110. The N-type transistor pair 124 is coupled to the resistor load pair 110. In some embodiments, the P-type transistor pair 122 and the N-type transistor pair 124 are both used to generate a first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) on the resistor load pair 110 according to the differential input signal (VIP, VIN). The main difference is that the P-type transistor pair 122 and the N-type transistor pair 124 can operate in different voltage ranges of the common mode voltage of the differential input signal Sdin.
[0088] For example, when the common mode voltage of the differential input signal Sdin is relatively low (e.g., 0V to 1.1V), the P-type transistor pair 122 is used to generate the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) on the resistor load pair 110 according to the differential input signal (VIP, VIN), and the N-type transistor pair 124 is disabled by the differential input signal Sdin. When the common mode voltage of the differential input signal Sdin is relatively high (e.g., 3.3V to 5V), the N-type transistor pair 124 is used to generate the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) on the resistor load pair 110 according to the differential input signal (VIP, VIN), and the P-type transistor pair 122 is disabled by the differential input signal Sdin. When the common mode voltage of the differential input signal Sdin is an intermediate value (e.g., 1.1V to 3.3V), the P-type transistor pair 122 and the N-type transistor pair 124 are both used to generate a first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) on the resistor load pair 110 according to the differential input signal (VIP, VIN). Based on the above configuration, the input stage 120 of the LVDS receiver 100 can cover a wider voltage range in the differential input signal Sdin, thereby achieving a rail-to-rail input voltage range.
[0089] Refer to Figure 2 ,in Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the resistor load pair 110 and the input stage 120 of the LVDS receiver 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0090] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the resistor load pair 110 includes a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2. The input stage 120 includes a P-type transistor pair 122, an N-type transistor pair 124, and a bias circuit 126. The bias circuit 126 is coupled between the N-type transistor pair 124 and the resistor load pair 110.
[0091] like Figure 2 As shown, the P-type transistor pair 122 includes a first PMOS transistor TP1 and a second PMOS transistor TP2. A first end of the first PMOS transistor TP1 is coupled to a first system power source VHV. A second end of the first PMOS transistor TP1 is coupled to a first resistor R1. A control end of the first PMOS transistor TP1 is coupled to receive a first input signal VIP of a differential input signal Sdin.
[0092] A first terminal of the second PMOS transistor TP2 is coupled to the first system power source VHV. A second terminal of the second PMOS transistor TP2 is coupled to the second resistor R2. A control terminal of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to receive a second input signal VIN of the differential input signal Sdin.
[0093] Due to the characteristics of PMOS transistors, the first PMOS transistor TP1 and the second PMOS transistor TP2 have a relatively low threshold voltage (compared to NMOS transistors), and when the control end of the first PMOS transistor TP1 and the control end of the second PMOS transistor TP2 receive a high voltage signal, the first PMOS transistor TP1 and the second PMOS transistor will be turned off (disabled). When the common mode voltage of the differential input signal Sdin is relatively low (for example, 0V to 3.3V), the first PMOS transistor TP1 and the second PMOS transistor TP2 are suitable for generating a first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B).
[0094] like Figure 2 As shown, the input stage 120 includes a bias circuit 126. The bias circuit 126 is coupled between the first system power supply VHV and the resistive load pair 110. The transistors in the bias circuit 126 are driven in the saturation region by the bias voltages VB and VBC. In other words, the transistors in the bias circuit 126 are turned on by the bias voltages VB and VBC. In some embodiments, the bias circuit 126 can be regarded as an isolation barrier for preventing signal interference between the P-type transistor pair 122 and the N-type transistor pair 124.
[0095] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the N-type transistor pair 124 includes a first NMOS transistor TN1 and a second NMOS transistor TN2. A first terminal of the first NMOS transistor TN1 is coupled to a system ground terminal. A second terminal of the first NMOS transistor TN1 is coupled to a first resistor R1 through a bias circuit 126. A control terminal of the first NMOS transistor TN1 is coupled to receive a first input signal VIP of a differential input signal Sdin.
[0096] A first terminal of the second NMOS transistor TN2 is coupled to the system ground terminal. A second terminal of the second NMOS transistor TN2 is coupled to the second resistor R2 via the bias circuit 126. A control terminal of the second NMOS transistor TN2 is coupled to receive a second input signal VIN of the differential input signal Sdin.
[0097] Due to the characteristics of NMOS transistors, the first NMOS transistor TN1 and the second NMOS transistor TN2 have a relatively high threshold voltage (compared to the PMOS transistor), and when the control end of the first NMOS transistor TN1 and the control end of the second NMOS transistor TN2 receive a low voltage signal, the first NMOS transistor TN1 and the second NMOS transistor TN2 will be turned off (disabled). When the common mode voltage of the differential input signal Sdin is relatively high (for example, 1.1V to 5V), the first NMOS transistor TN1 and the second NMOS transistor TN2 are suitable for generating a first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B).
[0098] As mentioned above Figure 1 and Figure 2 As discussed above, the input stage 120 is used to generate a first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) on the resistor load pair 110. Due to the resistor load pair 110, the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) can react quickly to changes in the differential input signal Sdin, compared to the longer reaction time on the capacitive load. In some embodiments, the signal gain of the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) generated on the resistor load pair 110 is relatively small (compared to the higher signal gain on the capacitive load), so it is more difficult for the comparator to capture the voltage difference between the first differential output voltages (VO1, VO1B).
[0099] In this case, if Figure 1 As shown, the LVDS receiver 100 includes a current mode logic stage 130, which is used to enhance the gain of the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) and generate a second differential output voltage (including a second output voltage VO2 and a second complementary output voltage VO2B) accordingly. The current mode logic stage 130 is coupled to the resistor load pair 110 and the input stage 120.
[0100] like Figure 1 As shown, the latch circuit 140 is coupled to the current mode logic stage 130. The latch circuit 140 is used to generate a third differential output voltage (including a third output voltage VO3 and a third complementary output voltage VO3B) according to the second differential output voltage (VO2, VO2B), and latch the third differential output voltage (VO3, VO3B). The comparison circuit 150 is coupled to the latch circuit 140 and is used to compare the third differential output voltage (VO3, VO3B) to generate a single-ended output signal Sout.
[0101] Refer to Figure 3 ,in Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the current mode logic stage 130 and the latch circuit 140 of the LVDS receiver 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0102] like Figure 3 As shown, the current mode logic stage 130 includes a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, a third PMOS transistor TP3 and a fourth PMOS transistor TP4. A first end of the third PMOS transistor TP3 is coupled to the second system power supply VLV. A second end of the third PMOS transistor TP3 is coupled to the third resistor R3. A control end of the third PMOS transistor TP3 is coupled to the second resistor R2 and receives the first output voltage VO1 of the first differential output voltage.
[0103] A first terminal of the fourth PMOS transistor TP4 is coupled to the second system power source VLV. A second terminal of the fourth PMOS transistor TP4 is coupled to the fourth resistor R4. A control terminal of the fourth PMOS transistor TP4 is coupled to the first resistor R1 and receives the first complementary output voltage VO1B of the first differential output voltage.
[0104] like Figure 3 As shown, the latch circuit 140 includes a fifth PMOS transistor TP5, a sixth PMOS transistor TP6, a third NMOS transistor TN3, and a fourth NMOS transistor TN4. A first terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor TP5 is coupled to the second system power supply VLV. A second terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor TP5 is coupled to the first input terminal IN1 of the comparison circuit 150. A control terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor TP5 is coupled to receive the second output voltage VO2 of the second differential output voltage generated by the current mode logic stage 130.
[0105] A first terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor TP6 is coupled to the second system power supply VLV. A second terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor TP6 is coupled to the second input terminal IN2 of the comparison circuit 150. A control terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor TP6 is coupled to receive the second complementary output voltage VO2B of the second differential output voltage generated by the current mode logic stage 130.
[0106] A first terminal of the third NMOS transistor TN3 is coupled to the system ground terminal. A second terminal of the third NMOS transistor TN3 is coupled to a second terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor TP5 and a first input terminal IN1 of the comparison circuit 150. A control terminal of the third NMOS transistor TN3 is coupled to a second terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor TP6 and a second input terminal IN2 of the comparison circuit 150.
[0107] A first terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor TN4 is coupled to the system ground. A second terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor TN4 is coupled to the second terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor TP6 and the second input terminal IN2 of the comparison circuit 150. A control terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor TN4 is coupled to the second terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor TP5 and the first input terminal IN1 of the comparison circuit 150. The latch circuit 140 is used to generate a third differential output voltage (VO3, VO3B) according to the second differential output voltage (VO2, VO2B) and latch the third differential output voltage (VO3, VO3B). The comparison circuit 150 is used to compare the third differential output voltage (VO3, VO3B) and generate a single-ended output signal Sout.
[0108] The latch circuit 140 is used to latch the third output voltage VO3 of the third differential output voltage at the second end of the sixth PMOS transistor TP6 and the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor TN4. At the same time, the latch circuit 140 is also used to latch the third complementary output voltage VO3B of the third differential output voltage at the second end of the fifth PMOS transistor TP5 and the second end of the third NMOS transistor TN3.
[0109] For example, when the third output voltage VO3 is greater than the third complementary output voltage VO3B, the single-ended output signal Sout generated by the comparison circuit 150 may be logic "1". On the other hand, when the third output voltage VO3 is less than the third complementary output voltage VO3B, the single-ended output signal Sout generated by the comparison circuit 150 may be logic "0". In some embodiments, the single-ended output signal may be a digital signal reflecting the differential input signal (VIN, VIP).
[0110] It should be noted that Figure 2 The first system power supply VHV and Figure 3 The second system power VLV in the circuit components is a system power source (e.g., VDD) for driving the circuit components. In some embodiments, the voltage level of the second system power VLV is lower than the voltage level of the first system power VHV. By using a lower second system power VLV, the power consumption of the circuit components driven by the second system power VLV can be reduced. In this case, the input stage 120 (driven by the first system power VHV) can achieve a wider input voltage range; at the same time, the power consumption of the current mode logic stage 130 and the latch circuit 140 (driven by the second system power VLV) can also be reduced.
[0111] like Figure 3 As shown, the latch circuit 140 also includes a first current source CS1 and a second current source CS2. The first current source CS1 is coupled to the second end of the third NMOS transistor TN3. The first current source CS1 is used to provide a first supplementary current Iadd1 to the second end of the third NMOS transistor TN3. The second current source CS2 is coupled to the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor TN4. The second current source CS2 is used to provide a second supplementary current Iadd2 to the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor TN4. The first current source CS1 and the second current source CS2 are beneficial for maintaining data latched in the latch circuit 140. In some cases, due to leakage current flowing through the third NMOS transistor TN3 and the fourth NMOS transistor TN4, the data latched in the latch circuit 140 may be affected (or lost) over time. Figure 3 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the first supplementary current Iadd1 and the second supplementary current Iadd2 can compensate for the leakage current to protect the data latched in the latch circuit 140 .
[0112] In some other embodiments, the first supplementary current Iadd1 and the second supplementary current Iadd2 can be dynamically adjusted according to the third differential output voltage (VO3 and VO3B). Figure 4 ,in Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a latch circuit 140 ′ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0113] In some embodiments, Figure 4 The latch circuit 140' in can be used in Figures 1 to 3 In the low voltage differential signal receiver 100. Compared to Figure 3 In the embodiment of the latch circuit 140 , the latch circuit 140 ′ further includes a feedback control circuit 142 . Figure 4 The first current source CS1 and the second current source CS2 in the circuit 142 can be dynamically adjusted to provide the first supplementary current Iadd1 and the second supplementary current Iadd2 with different amplitudes. The feedback control circuit 142 is used to sample the third output voltage VO3 and the third complementary output voltage VO3B, and compare them with the reference voltage VREF. Based on the comparison result between the third complementary output voltage VO3B and the reference voltage VREF, the count value of the first counter CN1 driven by the clock signal CLK can be increased or decreased accordingly. The count value of the first counter CN1 is transmitted to the first current source CS1 to adjust the current amplitude of the first supplementary current Iadd1 provided by the first current source CS1. Based on the comparison result between the third output voltage VO3 and the reference voltage VREF, the count value of the second counter CN2 driven by the clock signal CLK can be increased or decreased accordingly. The count value of the second counter CN2 is transmitted to the second current source CS2 to adjust the current amplitude of the second supplementary current Iadd2 provided by the second current source CS2.
[0114] The feedback control circuit 142 is arranged to adjust the current amplitude of the first supplementary current Iadd1 and the current amplitude of the second supplementary current Iadd2 according to the third complementary output voltage VO3B of the third differential output voltage and the third output voltage VO3 of the third differential output voltage.
[0115] Based on the above embodiments, the low voltage differential signal receiver 100 can achieve a rail-to-rail input voltage range. In addition, the resistive load pair 110 can provide a faster response time for the differential input signal (compared to a capacitive load or an inductive load). The current mode logic stage 130 can enhance the gain of the differential output voltage. The current mode logic stage 130 and the latch circuit 140 / 140' can operate at a relatively low system power supply VLV to reduce the overall power consumption.
[0116] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to using resistor loads. In some embodiments, the resistor load pair can be replaced by a latch-type load to simplify the architecture of the low voltage differential signal receiving circuit. Figure 5 ,in Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a low voltage differential signal receiver 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0117] like Figure 5 As shown, the LVDS receiver 200 includes an input stage 220, a latch circuit 240, and a comparison circuit 250. Figure 5 As shown, the input stage 220 includes a P-type transistor pair 222 and an N-type transistor pair 224. The P-type transistor pair 222 is used to generate a first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) according to a differential input signal (VIN, VIP). The N-type transistor pair 224 is used to generate a first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) according to the differential input signal (VIN, VIP). The latch circuit 240 is coupled to the input stage 220. The latch circuit 220 is used to latch the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B). The comparison circuit 250 is coupled to the input stage 220 and the latch circuit 240. The comparison circuit 250 is used to compare the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) and generate a single-ended output signal Sout.
[0118] Refer to Figure 6 ,in Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the input stage 220 and the latch circuit 240 of the LVDS receiver 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0119] Compared to Figure 1 and Figure 2 LVDS receiver 100, LVDS receiver 200 does not include a resistive load, and the latch circuit 240 is directly coupled to the input stage 220, such as Figure 6 As shown. Figure 6 In the embodiment, for the input stage 220, the latch circuit 240 acts as a load to generate the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B), and the latch circuit 240 also acts as a latch to maintain the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B).
[0120] like Figure 6 As shown, the P-type transistor pair 222 includes a first PMOS transistor TP1 and a second PMOS transistor TP2. A first terminal of the first PMOS transistor TP1 is coupled to a first system power supply VHV. A second terminal of the first PMOS transistor TP1 is coupled to the latch circuit 240. A control terminal of the first PMOS transistor TP1 is coupled to receive a first input signal VIP of the differential input signal Sdin.
[0121] A first terminal of the second PMOS transistor TP2 is coupled to the first system power source VHV. A second terminal of the second PMOS transistor TP2 is coupled to the latch circuit 240. A control terminal of the second PMOS transistor TP2 is coupled to receive the second input signal VIN of the differential input signal Sdin.
[0122] like Figure 6 As shown, the input stage 220 further includes a bias circuit 226 . The bias circuit 226 is coupled between the first system power source VHV and the latch circuit 240 .
[0123] The transistors in the bias circuit 226 are driven in the saturation region by the bias voltages VB and VBC. In other words, the transistors in the bias circuit 226 are turned on by the bias voltages VB and VBC. In some embodiments, the bias circuit 226 can be regarded as an isolation barrier for preventing signal interference between the P-type transistor pair 222 and the N-type transistor pair 224.
[0124] like Figure 6 As shown, the N-type transistor pair 224 includes a first NMOS transistor TN1 and a second NMOS transistor TN2. A first terminal of the first NMOS transistor TN1 is coupled to the system ground. A second terminal of the first NMOS transistor TN1 is coupled to the latch circuit 240 through a bias circuit 226. A control terminal of the first NMOS transistor TN1 is coupled to receive a first input signal VIP of the differential input signal Sdin.
[0125] like Figure 6 As shown, a first terminal of the second NMOS transistor TN2 is coupled to the system ground terminal. A second terminal of the second NMOS transistor TN2 is coupled to the latch circuit 240 through the bias circuit 226. A control terminal of the second NMOS transistor TN2 is coupled to receive a second input signal VIN of the differential input signal Sdin.
[0126] The latch circuit 240 is used to latch the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B). The comparison circuit 250 is coupled to the latch circuit 240. The comparison circuit 250 is used to compare the first output voltage (VO1, VO1B) and generate a single-ended output signal Sout.
[0127] like Figure 6 As shown, the latch circuit 240 includes a third NMOS transistor TN3 and a fourth NMOS transistor TN4. A first terminal of the third NMOS transistor TN3 is coupled to the system ground terminal. A second terminal of the third NMOS transistor TN3 is coupled to a second terminal of the first PMOS transistor TP1 and a first input terminal IN1 of the comparison circuit 250. A control terminal of the third NMOS transistor TN3 is coupled to a second terminal of the second PMOS transistor TP2 and a second input terminal IN2 of the comparison circuit 250.
[0128] like Figure 6 As shown, a first terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor TN4 is coupled to the system ground terminal. A second terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor TN4 is coupled to the second terminal of the second PMOS transistor TP2 and the second input terminal IN2 of the comparison circuit 250. A control terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor TN4 is coupled to the second terminal of the first PMOS transistor TP1 and the first input terminal IN1 of the comparison circuit 250.
[0129] The latch circuit 240 is used to latch the first output voltage VO1 of the first differential output voltage at the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor TN4. In addition, the latch circuit 240 is also used to latch the first complementary output voltage VO1B of the first differential output voltage at the second end of the third NMOS transistor TN3.
[0130] like Figure 6 As shown, the latch circuit 240 further includes a first current source CS1 and a second current source CS2. The first current source CS1 is coupled to the second end of the third NMOS transistor TN3. The first current source CS1 is used to provide a first supplementary current Iadd1 to the second end of the third NMOS transistor TN3. The second current source CS2 is coupled to the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor TN4. The second current source CS2 is used to provide a second supplementary current Iadd2 to the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor TN4.
[0131] In some other embodiments, the first supplementary current Iadd1 and the second supplementary current Iadd2 can be dynamically adjusted according to the first differential output voltage (VO1 and VO1B). In this case, the latch circuit 240 further includes a feedback control circuit ( Figure 6 (not shown) to dynamically adjust the current amplitudes of the first supplementary current Iadd1 and the second supplementary current Iadd2. The architecture of the feedback control circuit has been Figure 4 The latch circuit 140' is described in the embodiment of the present invention and will not be repeated here.
[0132] In some embodiments, both the P-type transistor pair 222 and the N-type transistor pair 224 are used to generate a first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) according to the differential input signal (VIP, VIN). The main difference is that the P-type transistor pair 222 and the N-type transistor pair 224 can operate in different voltage ranges of the common mode voltage of the differential input signal Sdin.
[0133] For example, when the common mode voltage of the differential input signal Sdin is relatively low (e.g., 0V to 1.1V), the P-type transistor pair 222 is used to generate the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) according to the differential input signal (VIP, VIN), and the N-type transistor pair 224 is disabled by the differential input signal Sdin. When the common mode voltage of the differential input signal Sdin is relatively high (e.g., 3.3V to 5V), the N-type transistor pair 224 is used to generate the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) according to the differential input signal (VIP, VIN), and the P-type transistor pair 222 is disabled by the differential input signal Sdin. When the common mode voltage of the differential input signal Sdin is between an intermediate value (e.g., 1.1V to 3.3V), both the P-type transistor pair 222 and the N-type transistor pair 224 are used to generate the first differential output voltage (VO1, VO1B) according to the differential input signal (VIP, VIN). Based on the above configuration, the input stage 220 of the LVDS receiver 200 can cover a wider voltage range of the differential input signal Sdin, thereby achieving a rail-to-rail input voltage range.
[0134] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications and equivalent changes may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.
[0135] In summary, all modifications and equivalent changes made to the present disclosure within the scope of the following claims are within the scope of the present disclosure. All equivalent changes and modifications made according to the claims of the present disclosure are within the scope of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A low voltage differential signal receiver, characterized in that: Include: a resistive load pair; An input stage, comprising: a P-type transistor pair coupled to the resistor load pair, the P-type transistor pair being used to generate a first differential output voltage on the resistor load pair according to a differential input signal; and an N-type transistor pair coupled to the resistor load pair, the N-type transistor pair being used to generate the first differential output voltage on the resistor load pair according to the differential input signal; a current mode logic stage coupled to the resistor load pair and the input stage, the current mode logic stage for enhancing a gain of the first differential output voltage to a second differential output voltage; a latch circuit coupled to the current mode logic stage, the latch circuit being used to generate a third differential output voltage according to the second differential output voltage and latch the third differential output voltage; as well as A comparison circuit is coupled to the latch circuit, and is used for comparing the third differential output voltage and generating a single-ended output signal.
2. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The resistor load pair includes a first resistor and a second resistor, and the P-type transistor pair includes: a first PMOS transistor, a first terminal of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to a first system power supply, a second terminal of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to the first resistor, and a control terminal of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to receive a first input signal of the differential input signal; as well as A second PMOS transistor, a first terminal of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to the first system power supply, a second terminal of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to the second resistor, and a control terminal of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to receive a second input signal of the differential input signal.
3. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 2, wherein: The input stage further includes a bias circuit coupled between the first system power supply and the resistor load pair.
4. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 3, wherein: The resistor load pair includes a first resistor and a second resistor, and the N-type transistor pair includes: a first NMOS transistor, a first terminal of the first NMOS transistor being coupled to a system ground terminal, a second terminal of the first NMOS transistor being coupled to the first resistor through the bias circuit, and a control terminal of the first NMOS transistor being coupled to receive the first input signal of the differential input signal; as well as A second NMOS transistor, a first terminal of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to the system ground terminal, a second terminal of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to the second resistor through the bias circuit, and a control terminal of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to receive the second input signal of the differential input signal.
5. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 2, wherein: The current mode logic stage includes: a third resistor; a fourth resistor; a third PMOS transistor, a first terminal of the third PMOS transistor being coupled to a second system power source, a second terminal of the third PMOS transistor being coupled to the third resistor, a control terminal of the third PMOS transistor being coupled to the resistor load pair and receiving one of the first differential output voltages; as well as a fourth PMOS transistor, a first terminal of the fourth PMOS transistor is coupled to the second system power supply, a second terminal of the fourth PMOS transistor is coupled to the fourth resistor, a control terminal of the fourth PMOS transistor is coupled to the resistor load pair, and receives the other of the first differential output voltages.
6. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 5, wherein: A voltage level of the second system power supply is lower than a voltage level of the first system power supply.
7. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The latch circuit comprises: a fifth PMOS transistor, a first terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor being coupled to a second system power supply, a second terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor being coupled to a first input terminal of the comparison circuit, and a control terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor being coupled to receive one of the second differential output voltages; a sixth PMOS transistor, a first terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor being coupled to the second system power supply, a second terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor being coupled to a second input terminal of the comparison circuit, and a control terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor being coupled to receive the other of the second differential output voltages; a third NMOS transistor, a first terminal of the third NMOS transistor being coupled to a system ground terminal, a second terminal of the third NMOS transistor being coupled to the second terminal of the fifth PMOS transistor and the first input terminal of the comparison circuit, and a control terminal of the third NMOS transistor being coupled to the second terminal of the sixth PMOS transistor and the second input terminal of the comparison circuit; and a fourth NMOS transistor, a first end of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the system ground end, a second end of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the second end of the sixth PMOS transistor and the second input end of the comparison circuit, and a control end of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the second end of the fifth PMOS transistor and the first input end of the comparison circuit.
8. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 7, wherein: The latch circuit is used to latch an output voltage of the third differential output voltage at the second end of the sixth PMOS transistor and the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor, and the latch circuit is used to latch a complementary output voltage of the third differential output voltage at the second end of the fifth PMOS transistor and the second end of the third NMOS transistor.
9. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 8, wherein: The latch circuit further comprises: a first current source coupled to the second end of the third NMOS transistor, the first current source being used for providing a first supplementary current to the second end of the third NMOS transistor; and A second current source is coupled to the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor, and is used for providing a second supplementary current to the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor.
10. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 9, wherein: The latch circuit further comprises: A feedback control circuit is coupled to the first current source and the second current source, and is used for adjusting the current amplitudes of the first supplementary current and the second supplementary current according to the complementary output voltage of the third differential output voltage and the output voltage of the third differential output voltage.
11. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 1, wherein: in, In response to a common mode voltage of the differential input signal being within a first voltage range, the P-type transistor pair is used to generate the first differential output voltage, and the N-type transistor pair is disabled by the differential input signal, and In response to the common mode voltage of the differential input signal being in a second voltage range, the N-type transistor pair is used to generate the first differential output voltage, and the P-type transistor pair is disabled by the differential input signal.
12. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 11, wherein: The first voltage range is lower than the second voltage range.
13. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 1, wherein: in, In response to the common mode voltage of the differential input signal being in a third voltage range, the P-type transistor pair and the N-type transistor pair are used to generate the first differential output voltage, wherein the third voltage range is between the first voltage range and the second voltage range.
14. A low voltage differential signal receiver, characterized in that: Include: An input stage, comprising: a P-type transistor pair, the P-type transistor pair being configured to generate a first differential output voltage according to a differential input signal; and an N-type transistor pair, the N-type transistor pair being used to generate the first differential output voltage according to the differential input signal; a latch circuit coupled to the input stage, the latch circuit being used to latch the first differential output voltage; as well as A comparison circuit is coupled to the input stage and the latch circuit, and is used for comparing the first differential output voltage and generating a single-ended output signal.
15. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 14, wherein: in, The P-type transistor pair comprises: a first PMOS transistor, a first terminal of the first PMOS transistor being coupled to a first system power supply, a second terminal of the first PMOS transistor being coupled to the latch circuit, and a control terminal of the first PMOS transistor being coupled to receive a first input signal of the differential input signal; as well as A second PMOS transistor, a first terminal of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to the first system power supply, a second terminal of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to the latch circuit, and a control terminal of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to receive a second input signal of the differential input signal.
16. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 15, wherein: in, The input stage further includes a bias circuit coupled between the first system power supply and the latch circuit.
17. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 16, wherein: The N-type transistor pair comprises: a first NMOS transistor, a first terminal of the first NMOS transistor being coupled to a system ground terminal, a second terminal of the first NMOS transistor being coupled to the latch circuit through the bias circuit, and a control terminal of the first NMOS transistor being coupled to receive the first input signal of the differential input signal; as well as A second NMOS transistor, a first terminal of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to the system ground terminal, a second terminal of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to the latch circuit through the bias circuit, and a control terminal of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to receive the second input signal of the differential input signal.
18. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 17, wherein: The latch circuit comprises: a third NMOS transistor, a first terminal of the third NMOS transistor coupled to the system ground terminal, a second terminal of the third NMOS transistor coupled to the second terminal of the first PMOS transistor and a first input terminal of the comparison circuit, and a control terminal of the third NMOS transistor coupled to the second terminal of the second PMOS transistor and a second input terminal of the comparison circuit; and a fourth NMOS transistor, a first terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the system ground terminal, a second terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the second terminal of the second PMOS transistor and the second input terminal of the comparison circuit, and a control terminal of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the second terminal of the first PMOS transistor and the first input terminal of the comparison circuit.
19. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 18, wherein: The latch circuit is used for latching an output voltage of the first differential output voltage at the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor, and the latch circuit is used for latching a complementary output voltage of the first differential output voltage at the second end of the third NMOS transistor.
20. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 19, wherein: The latch circuit further comprises: a first current source coupled to the second end of the third NMOS transistor, the first current source being used for providing a first supplementary current to the second end of the third NMOS transistor; and A second current source is coupled to the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor, and is used for providing a second supplementary current to the second end of the fourth NMOS transistor.
21. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 14, wherein: in, In response to a common mode voltage of the differential input signal being within a first voltage range, the P-type transistor pair is used to generate the first differential output voltage, and the N-type transistor pair is disabled by the differential input signal, and In response to a common mode voltage of the differential input signal being in a second voltage range, the N-type transistor pair is used to generate the first differential output voltage and the P-type transistor pair is disabled by the differential input signal, wherein the first voltage range is lower than the second voltage range.
22. The low voltage differential signal receiver according to claim 21, wherein: In response to the common mode voltage of the differential input signal being in a third voltage range, the P-type transistor pair and the N-type transistor pair are used to generate the first differential output voltage. The third voltage range is between the first voltage range and the second voltage range.