Level conversion circuit and semiconductor device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing level shift circuits in semiconductor integrated circuits occupy a large area due to the use of transistors with high withstanding voltage characteristics, leading to increased space requirements and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A level conversion circuit that includes a first conversion circuit converting a first clock signal from a first voltage to a second clock signal, and a flip-flop circuit operating at the first voltage, with a second conversion circuit synchronizing and converting an input signal from the first voltage to the second voltage, using a reduced number of high withstanding voltage transistors to minimize area and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transistors with high withstanding voltage characteristics are used in level shift circuits, then the circuit can operate at higher voltages, but the area occupied by the circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The level conversion circuit is divided into multiple stages: a first level conversion circuit converts the first clock signal from first voltage level to second voltage level, while a flip-flop circuit operates at the first voltage level. A second level conversion circuit then converts the input signal from first voltage level to second voltage level synchronized with the second clock signal. This segmentation allows different parts of the circuit to operate at different voltage levels, reducing the need for high withstanding voltage transistors throughout the entire circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
Different circuits within the system are assigned different operating voltage levels according to their specific functional requirements. The flip-flop circuit operates at the first voltage level where high withstanding voltage is not critical, while the level conversion circuits operate at the second voltage level. This local quality approach ensures that high withstanding voltage transistors are used only where necessary, minimizing their total quantity and the overall circuit area.
2Reliability
If transistors with high withstanding voltage characteristics are used in level shift circuits, then the circuit can handle higher voltage signals, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is segmented into multiple voltage domains with dedicated level conversion circuits. The first level conversion circuit converts the clock signal voltage level, while the second level conversion circuit converts the input signal voltage level. This segmentation allows each circuit segment to use transistors optimized for its specific voltage level, reducing overall power consumption compared to using high withstanding voltage transistors throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit operates with multiple voltage parameters (first voltage level and second voltage level) rather than a single high voltage level. By changing the voltage parameter locally in different circuit sections, the patent reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to handle higher voltage signals where needed through controlled level conversion rather than throughout the entire circuit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple level shift circuits are provided to convert signals between different voltage levels, then signal level conversion is achieved, but the device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clock signal conversion and input signal conversion into a coordinated system. The first level conversion circuit generates a second clock signal at the second voltage level, which is then used by the second level conversion circuit to convert the input signal. This merging of functions and synchronization approach reduces the total number of independent level shift circuits needed compared to converting each signal separately through identical circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The level conversion circuits are designed to work together in a multi-functional system. The second clock signal generated by the first level conversion circuit serves dual purposes: it clocks the flip-flop circuit and provides the timing reference for the second level conversion circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the overall circuit area by eliminating redundant components.
Data Source
AI summary
A first conversion circuit converts a first clock signal based on a signal level of a first voltage into a second clock signal based on a signal level of a second voltage. A flip-flop circuit supplied with the first voltage as an operation voltage latches and outputs a signal, which is based on the signal level of the first voltage, in accordance with the first clock signal. A second conversion circuit supplied with the second voltage as an operation voltage converts a signal level of an input signal, which is based on an output signal of the flip-flop circuit, into the signal level of the second voltage in synchronization with the second clock signal.