Auto-Direction Voltage Translator for Open-Drain and Push-Pull Buses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage translators are either limited to open-drain mode operations at lower switching speeds or push-pull mode operations at higher speeds, failing to support both modes effectively, and often require high pull-up resistors or lack sufficient signal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A voltage translator that operates in both open-drain and push-pull modes, utilizing edge-rate accelerators and configurable resistors to provide direct current drive and bias, enabling bi-directional signal translation across disparate voltage levels with adjustable switching speeds from less than 10 MHz to 100 MHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pass-gate type voltage translator is used, then open-drain mode operation is supported, but switching speed is limited to lower speeds (250 kHz to 10 MHz)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode selection where the voltage translator can switch between pass-gate mode (for open-drain applications) and fully-buffered mode (for push-pull applications). This is achieved through control logic that detects the operating mode and configures the internal circuitry accordingly, allowing the same device to optimize performance for different application requirements.
2Speed
If a fully-buffered type voltage translator is used, then higher switching speeds are supported (50 MHz to 100 MHz), but open-drain mode operation is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal voltage translator that can perform both pass-gate function (supporting open-drain mode with high-impedance output) and fully-buffered function (supporting push-pull mode with strong drive capability). The circuit includes switchable paths and configurable buffers that enable the same device to adapt to either open-drain or push-pull bus configurations, eliminating the need for separate translators for different modes.
3Power
If low on-resistance is used in pass-gate type translator, then DC drive to ground is provided, but signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different resistance characteristics to different parts of the circuit based on local requirements. The pass-gate transistors maintain low on-resistance for adequate DC drive when needed, while the buffered paths incorporate series resistors to provide proper signal integrity and impedance matching. This localized optimization allows each circuit path to have the resistance characteristics best suited for its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and system for translating voltage levels to interface electronic devices, a voltage translator is operable to perform the translation of voltage levels of the bi-directional signals exchanged between the electronic devices in accordance with an open-drain mode of operation and in accordance with a push-pull mode of operation. The voltage translator includes edge-rate accelerators to detect signal transitions and includes configurable resistors to provide a direct current (DC) drive current and a DC bias to hold desired voltage levels. The voltage translator is operable in the open-drain mode to detect a presence of an electronic device, and is operable in the push-pull mode upon the detection of the electronic device.