Adaptive Input Circuit for Mixed-Voltage Signal Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circuit systems with lower voltage capabilities face reliability issues when receiving higher voltage inputs due to the lack of adaptive voltage-receiving mechanisms, leading to potential device damage.
Innovation Solution
An input circuit with an adaptive voltage-receiving mechanism that includes a voltage transmission circuit and a control voltage generation circuit, utilizing N-type transistors and voltage dividing circuits to adjust input voltages to the same power domain as the circuit, preventing damage from higher voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If circuits are designed to withstand only lower voltages (e.g., 1.8 volts) to match manufacturing process capabilities, then manufacturing precision and device compatibility are improved, but reliability deteriorates when higher voltage inputs (e.g., 2.5, 3.3, or 5 volts) are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage transmission circuit as an intermediary between the input node receiving higher voltage signals and the internal circuit operating at lower voltage. This intermediary circuit includes control circuits that generate control voltages to regulate the voltage transmission, preventing direct exposure of low-voltage components to harmful high voltages while maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes voltage parameters through control circuits that generate control voltages based on the input voltage level. The voltage transmission circuit adjusts its operating parameters (control voltages) in response to varying input conditions, enabling the same circuit to safely handle different voltage levels (1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, or 5V inputs) while protecting the internal low-voltage circuitry.
2Reliability
If adaptive voltage-receiving mechanisms are added to protect against higher voltage inputs, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage reception function into distinct modules: a voltage transmission circuit with multiple transistors (first, second, third, and fourth transistors), separate control circuits (first and second control circuits), and an output circuit. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific protective function, making the overall protection mechanism more manageable and maintainable despite the increased component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage transmission circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple voltage levels (1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5V inputs) using the same basic circuit architecture. The control circuits generate appropriate control voltages for different input conditions, allowing a single circuit design to provide protection across various voltage scenarios without requiring completely separate protection circuits for each voltage level.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an input circuit having adaptive voltage-receiving mechanism. A voltage transmission circuit includes an internal N-type transistor and a first N-type transistor. The internal N-type transistor is coupled between an output node for generating an output voltage and a first node. The first N-type transistor is coupled between a first node and a second node and is controlled by a control voltage. The first N-type transistor generates a first node voltage at the first node. The second node is coupled to an input node for receiving an input voltage. A control voltage generation circuit includes a voltage dividing circuit and a first generation circuit. The voltage dividing circuit receives and compares the input voltage to generate a divided voltage. The first generation circuit receives the divided voltage and a supply voltage to generate the control voltage equaling the supply voltage according to the supply voltage being larger than the divided voltage.