Adaptive I/O Driver Output Force for Fast Signals Without Overdamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing the driving power of a driving circuit to enhance signal transmission speed leads to over damping, which causes electromagnetic interference and fails to meet safety specifications, while reducing the slew rate to prevent over damping slows down signal output processing speed.
Innovation Solution
A driving circuit with a main output stage and an enhancing unit that adjusts the output force based on the level of the output signal, turning on/off an auxiliary output stage to maintain or reduce the output force, thereby avoiding over damping without compromising signal transmission speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the driving power of the driving circuit is increased to achieve higher transmission speed, then the signal transmission speed is improved, but over damping is produced on the output signal causing electromagnetic disturbance and failure to meet safety specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the output force of the driving circuit adjustable rather than fixed. The driving circuit can dynamically change its output force between a first output level and a second output level based on the detected signal level, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions and avoid over damping while maintaining high transmission speed when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of output force by switching between two distinct output levels. The enhancing unit detects the signal level and accordingly adjusts the output force parameter, using a first output level for normal operation and a second output level when over damping is detected, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and safety
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the slew rate of the inverter is adjusted/controlled to resolve over damping, then the over damping problem is reduced, but the speed of signal output is greatly reduced affecting the processing speed of the entire IC
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of statically reducing the slew rate, the patent dynamically adjusts the output force based on real-time signal level detection. This allows the system to maintain high output speed during normal operation and only reduce power when over damping is actually detected, avoiding the continuous speed penalty of conventional approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the enhancing unit detect the output signal level and use this information to control the output force of the main output stage. This closed-loop control allows the system to respond to over damping conditions and adjust accordingly, preventing the need for continuous slew rate reduction
Data Source
AI summary
A driving circuit of an input/output (I/O) interface is provided. The driving circuit includes a main output stage and an enhancing unit. The main output stage receives at least one driving signal and outputs an output signal corresponding to an input signal accordingly. The enhancing unit is coupled to the main output stage. The enhancing unit receives and detects the level of the output signal so as to drive the output force of the main output stage in a first output level or a second output level, wherein the first output level is higher than the second output level.