AC-Coupled Input Receiver for Mixed-Voltage Signal Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face compatibility issues due to varying operating voltages, leading to incompatible high and low voltage definitions, which traditional methods attempt to address through voltage translation or increased pin counts, resulting in increased chip count, power dissipation, and costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with a receiving circuit that uses AC coupling and transition detection, employing FETs to drive internal signals independently of input signal steady-state levels, allowing operation across different voltage ranges without requiring matching voltage levels between transmitting and receiving devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voltage translation devices are added to resolve incompatible voltage ranges, then compatibility between different voltage ranges is improved, but chip count and power dissipation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage level information from the input signal and uses only the transition information (edges) to control the output. The capacitive coupling blocks the steady-state voltage levels while allowing transition detection, effectively removing the need for voltage translation while maintaining compatibility across different voltage ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary element that couples the input signal to the transition detection circuit while blocking the steady-state voltage levels. This intermediary allows the circuit to detect transitions without being affected by incompatible voltage ranges, resolving the compatibility issue without requiring voltage translation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If voltage translation devices are added to resolve incompatible voltage ranges, then compatibility between different voltage ranges is improved, but chip count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage detection functionality with the existing input circuitry by using capacitive coupling and transition detection. Instead of adding separate voltage translation devices, the solution integrates voltage range compatibility directly into the receiving circuit, reducing chip count while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bringing transmitting power voltage onto the receiving chip is implemented, then voltage compatibility is improved, but die and package costs increase due to additional pins and pads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary transition information from the input signal while blocking the steady-state voltage levels through capacitive coupling. This approach achieves voltage compatibility without requiring additional power voltage pins or pads on the package, reducing package complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If bringing transmitting power voltage onto the receiving chip is implemented, then voltage compatibility is improved, but power dissipation increases due to voltage mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor serves as an intermediary that allows transition detection while blocking the steady-state voltage levels. This prevents direct connection of incompatible voltage levels, eliminating power dissipation due to voltage mismatch while maintaining voltage compatibility through edge-triggered operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient signal reception with reduced static current draw and minimal power dissipation, maintaining compatibility across diverse voltage ranges without the need for additional voltage translation or increased pin counts, thus reducing costs and improving system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a transition detection circuit that uses capacitive coupling of the input signal to isolate the transition detection circuit from a steady-state value of the input signal
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangement for accepting an input signal in a first voltage range and producing an output signal in a second voltage range. A transition detection circuit (230) detects a transition from a high level to a low level of the input signal and a control circuit (245) operates a first FET to produce the low level of the output signal. A second FET is operated by the high level of the input signal to output the high level of the output signal.