Capacitor Network for Multi-Tier Voltage Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently communicating between multiple voltage tiers in integrated circuits due to increased system noise and the need for multiple level shifters, which complicates power management and increases power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a series of capacitors precharged to a predetermined voltage allows for simultaneous data bit translation across multiple voltage tiers without the need for level shifters, balancing current through charge pump and regulator circuits to reduce power consumption and enhance reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple level shifters are used to translate signals between multiple voltage tiers, then communication between voltage tiers is enabled, but device complexity increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple level shifting operations into a single level shifter by using a tree-structured capacitor network. Instead of requiring separate level shifters for each voltage tier transition, the capacitors are connected in a hierarchical structure that allows one level shifter to coordinate voltage translation across multiple tiers simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitor network as an intermediary element between the level shifter and multiple voltage tiers. These capacitors act as intermediate storage elements that temporarily hold charge and enable voltage translation across multiple tiers through a single level shifting operation, eliminating the need for direct level shifters at each tier interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple level shifters are used to translate signals between multiple voltage tiers, then communication between voltage tiers is enabled, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple level shifting functions into a single level shifter that serves multiple voltage tiers through a capacitor network. This consolidation reduces the total number of active devices performing level shifting operations, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to communicate across all voltage tiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic precharging of capacitors in the capacitor network to enable efficient signal translation. By periodically preparing the capacitive elements before actual data transmission, the system minimizes energy dissipation during active communication, as the capacitors are already charged and ready to transfer signals without requiring continuous power expenditure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If transistor sizes are reduced to lower power supply voltages, then power consumption decreases, but system noise becomes a larger percentage of the power supply voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a capacitor network configured to maintain equipotential relationships between different voltage tiers during signal translation. By ensuring that capacitive elements are precharged to appropriate voltage levels before signal transfer, the system minimizes voltage fluctuations and noise generation, allowing low-voltage operation without sacrificing signal integrity.
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
This solution enables efficient communication between multiple voltage tiers with reduced power consumption and improved reliability by using capacitors to translate data bits, eliminating the need for multiple level shifters and serial level shifting, thus enhancing the usability of power supply voltages.
Implementation Method 1
A circuit for allowing communication between circuits of multiple voltage tiers includes a plurality of capacitors coupled together in series, where a capacitor of the series is coupled between the outputs of input/output circuits corresponding to each of the plurality of circuits. The series of capacitors are first precharged to a predetermined voltage.
Implementation Method 2
A charge pump and regulator circuit is coupled to each of the power supply terminals of each of the plurality of circuits. The charge pump and regulator circuit sinks or sources current at the power supply terminals of one of the plurality of circuits to balance the amount of current provided through the circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes first, second, and third circuits and first and second capacitors. The first capacitor has a first power supply terminal coupled to positive power supply terminal, a second power supply terminal, and an input/output. The second capacitor has a first power supply terminal coupled the second power supply terminal of the first circuit, a second power supply terminal, and an input/output. The third circuit has a first power supply terminal coupled the second power supply terminal of the second circuit, a second power supply terminal, and an input/output. The first capacitor has a first terminal coupled to the input/output of the first circuit and a second terminal coupled to the input/output of the second circuit. The second capacitor has a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the first capacitor and a second terminal coupled to the input/output of the third circuit.