Complementary Logic Circuits With PVT and Timing-Skew Self-Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices face performance variations due to fabrication process variations, voltage differences, and temperature fluctuations, leading to asymmetrical output waveforms, reduced charge carrier mobility, and increased circuit area, with a need for self-correcting circuits that reduce power consumption and improve timing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of complementary logic circuits with separate variable power supplies for p-type and n-type transistors, along with bias networks, to mitigate switching time differences and improve slew rate, and the use of a feedforward configuration in inverters and buffers to enhance slew rate and duty-cycle accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the p-type semiconductor device is made larger to compensate for reduced charge carrier mobility, then the asymmetrical output waveform is mitigated, but the circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter applied to p-type and n-type transistors by introducing separate variable power supplies. Instead of making p-type devices larger, the invention adjusts the voltage supplied to each transistor type independently to equalize their switching times, thereby maintaining output waveform symmetry without increasing circuit area.
2Measurement precision
If separate variable power supplies are used for p-type and n-type transistors to equalize switching times, then timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the power supply system by making the voltage supplies variable rather than fixed. This allows the circuit to adapt and self-correct timing variations in real-time, improving timing accuracy while the variable nature of the supplies allows for flexible control without permanently increasing structural complexity.
3Reliability
If ESD components are coupled between power supplies and the complementary logic circuit to protect against electrostatic discharge, then reliability is improved, but circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ESD protection function with the existing power supply structure by coupling ESD components directly between the power supplies and the complementary logic circuit. This integration approach provides necessary protection while minimizing the additional area required compared to separate protection circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for circuits that self-correct errors due to variations in fabrication processes, voltages, and temperature (PVT), as well as input timing errors. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for improving output signal quality in a complementary logic circuit is provided. An n-type transistor in the complementary logic circuit is digitally enabled or biased with a first variable power supply. A p-type transistor in the complementary logic circuit is digitally enabled or biased with a second variable power supply, providing a voltage different from that of the first variable power supply, to mitigate a difference in the switching times between the p-type transistor and the n-type transistor.