Capacitive Voltage Translator With Intermediate Domain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage translators are inadequate in translating signals between power domains with low power supply voltages, often resulting in inefficiencies and limitations in semiconductor die area usage.
Innovation Solution
A voltage translator device incorporating a capacitive coupling circuit and an intermediate voltage domain circuit, which includes a driver circuit with a switch device, enables effective signal translation between voltage domains with low power supply voltages by using capacitors for isolation and an intermediate voltage to trigger switching, allowing operation at low voltage supplies and reducing semiconductor die area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional voltage translators are used to translate signals between power domains, then signal translation can be achieved, but they are incapable of appropriately translating signals when power supply voltages are relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate voltage domain circuit is introduced between the first and second voltage domain circuits. This intermediate circuit receives signals from the first voltage domain, translates them to an intermediate voltage level, and then passes them to the second voltage domain. The intermediate voltage domain acts as a mediator that enables proper signal translation when direct translation between the first and second voltage domains would fail at low power supply voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage translation process is divided into two separate stages: first from the first voltage domain to the intermediate voltage domain, then from the intermediate voltage domain to the second voltage domain. This segmentation allows each stage to operate within its optimal voltage range, with the driver circuit specifically optimized to drive the second voltage domain circuit from the intermediate voltage level.
2Reliability
If traditional translator circuits are implemented, then signal translation is achieved, but semiconductor die area is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage translator device integrates multiple functions into a single compact circuit block. The first voltage domain circuit, capacitive coupling circuit, intermediate voltage domain circuit, driver circuit, and second voltage domain circuit are merged into one unified structure that performs both signal translation and voltage level adaptation simultaneously, reducing the overall die area compared to separate translator and driver circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate voltage domain circuit serves multiple functions: it acts as a buffer between voltage domains, provides signal regeneration, and enables the driver circuit to properly drive the second voltage domain circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated circuits, thereby minimizing die area.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If voltage translators operate at low power supply voltages, then power consumption is reduced, but translation accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit utilizes different voltage levels (first upper voltage, intermediate voltage, second upper voltage) as operating parameters for different stages of the translation process. By changing the voltage parameter appropriately at each stage, the circuit maintains high translation accuracy even when the overall power supply voltage is low, as each stage operates at its optimal voltage level.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate voltage domain circuit acts as a mediator that ensures accurate signal translation between the first and second voltage domains at low power supply voltages. It receives weak signals from the first voltage domain, regenerates them at an intermediate voltage level with sufficient amplitude, and passes them to the second voltage domain, thereby maintaining translation accuracy throughout the low-voltage 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
The solution enables efficient signal translation with minimal propagation delay and low static power dissipation, supporting operation at low voltage supplies and reducing semiconductor die area, while maintaining high-frequency functionality across varying voltage domains.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive coupling circuit electrically connected between the first voltage domain circuit and the second voltage domain circuit
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one general aspect, an apparatus can include a first voltage domain circuit configured to operate based on a first upper voltage and a first lower voltage, and a second voltage domain circuit configured to operate based on a second upper voltage and a second lower voltage. The apparatus can include a capacitive coupling circuit electrically connected between the first voltage domain circuit and the second voltage domain circuit, and a driver circuit including a switch device and electrically coupled to the second voltage domain circuit. The apparatus can also include an intermediate voltage domain circuit configured to trigger switching of the switch device included in the driver circuit where the intermediate voltage domain is configured to operate based on an intermediate voltage and the second upper voltage or the second lower voltage.