Analog Standard Cell Layout for Cross-Domain Leakage Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Analog circuits experience leakage current due to poor transistor switching control caused by voltage differences during signal transmission across different voltage domains.

Innovation Solution

The analog circuit employs a specific configuration of standard cells, utilizing series-connected first-type transistors and parallel-connected second-type transistors to manage voltage differences, preventing leakage current and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If standard cells are applied to analog circuits, then the area and power consumption of the circuit are reduced, but voltage differences during signal transmission across different voltage domains cause poor transistor switching control and generate leakage current

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidleakage current

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The standard cell is divided into multiple transistor stages, with each stage handling a specific voltage domain transition. The series connection of transistors creates intermediate voltage domains, segmenting the voltage transition into manageable steps that prevent direct exposure to full voltage differences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Intermediate voltage domains are introduced between the first and second power supply voltages. These intermediate domains act as mediators, allowing gradual voltage transitions through multiple transistor stages rather than direct switching, thereby preventing leakage current while maintaining standard cell benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If standard cells are applied to analog circuits, then the area of the circuit is reduced, but voltage differences during signal transmission across different voltage domains cause poor transistor switching control and generate leakage current

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit areaVSAvoidleakage current

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The standard cell is divided into multiple transistor stages, with each stage handling a specific voltage domain transition. The series connection of transistors creates intermediate voltage domains, segmenting the voltage transition into manageable steps that prevent direct exposure to full voltage differences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Intermediate voltage domains are introduced between the first and second power supply voltages. These intermediate domains act as mediators, allowing gradual voltage transitions through multiple transistor stages rather than direct switching, thereby preventing leakage current while maintaining standard cell benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard cells are applied to analog circuits, then the standard cell can be composed of logic gates making the circuit more advantageous, but voltage differences during signal transmission across different voltage domains cause poor transistor switching control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit flexibilityVSAvoidtransistor switching control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The standard cell is divided into multiple transistor stages, with each stage handling a specific voltage domain transition. The series connection of transistors creates intermediate voltage domains, segmenting the voltage transition into manageable steps that prevent direct exposure to full voltage differences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Intermediate voltage domains are introduced between the first and second power supply voltages. These intermediate domains act as mediators, allowing gradual voltage transitions through multiple transistor stages rather than direct switching, thereby preventing leakage current while maintaining standard cell benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260074695A1Analog circuit

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

An analog circuit includes a logic output circuit and a standard cell. The logic output circuit outputs a first power supply voltage or a low-level signal to be an output signal. The standard cell includes at least two first-type transistors and at least two second-type transistors. The first-type transistors are connected in series. The first-type transistors receive a second power supply voltage, and output the second power supply voltage according to the output signal. A first voltage value of the first power supply voltage is less than a second voltage value of the second power supply voltage. The second-type transistors are connected in parallel, coupled to the first-type transistors at an output terminal, and output the low-level signal according to the output signal. First types of the first-type transistors are different from second types of the second-type transistors.