Capacitor-Boosted Level Shifter for Faster Low-Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level shifters consume significant power and time to convert voltage levels between different voltage domains in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A level shifter design that includes an input block, shifting block, and transistors connected with capacitors to boost anti-phase voltages, allowing for rapid transitions of nodes to power source voltages and ground voltages using transistors controlled by capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional level shifters are used to convert voltage levels between different voltage domains, then signal transmission between voltage domains is achieved, but significant power and time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor stores electrical charge in advance during the first phase. When the switching signal transitions to the second phase, the pre-stored charge is rapidly discharged to quickly charge the output node, eliminating the need for slow continuous charging and thereby reducing both power consumption and conversion time
Solution Approach 2:
The level shifter operates in periodic phases: during the first phase the capacitor charges through the first transistor, and during the second phase the capacitor discharges to rapidly charge the output node. This periodic switching mechanism enables efficient voltage level conversion with reduced power and time consumption compared to conventional continuous charging approaches
2Loss of time
If conventional level shifters are used to convert voltage levels, then voltage level conversion is achieved, but significant time is consumed for the conversion process
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is charged in advance during the first phase before the output voltage needs to transition. When the switching signal changes to the second phase, the pre-charged capacitor provides an immediate charge source, enabling rapid voltage transition at the output node and significantly reducing conversion time
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage element between the input switching signal and the output voltage. It decouples the slow charging process from the rapid discharge process, allowing the output node to be quickly charged through the capacitor's pre-stored energy rather than relying on slow direct charging from the power source
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
Reduces power and time consumption in converting voltage levels, enhancing the speed and efficiency of signal transitions between different voltage domains.
Implementation Method 1
at least one capacitor connected to the input block. A voltage having an anti-phase to the input voltage is boosted by charges previously stored in the at least one capacitor and applied to a gate electrode of the first transistor
Data Source
AI summary
A level shifter includes an input block, a shifting block connected to the input block and connected to a power source voltage, a first transistor, a second transistor and a third transistor, and at least one capacitor connected to the input block. A voltage having an anti-phase to the input voltage is boosted by charges previously stored in the at least one capacitor and applied to a gate electrode of the first transistor. When a voltage level of the input voltage transitions from a low level to a high level, the first transistor is turned on by a voltage boosted by the at least one capacitor such that the first node is connected to the power source voltage, and the second transistor is turned off such that the first node is disconnected from the first ground voltage.