Configurable High-Voltage I/O Circuit for Multi-Interface ICs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits (ICs) with configurable logic and interconnects are limited by non-configurable input/output (I/O) circuits that can only operate with specific voltage and frequency interfaces, leading to physical or electrical damage when used with different interfaces, and existing solutions like fingering increase circuit size and capacitance, reducing functionality.
Innovation Solution
A configurable I/O circuit with a higher voltage and a lower voltage driver, along with a configurable isolation device, allows the IC to selectively operate with multiple interfaces by using configuration data to enable the appropriate driver for each interface, ensuring optimal voltage and frequency support without increasing circuit size or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-configurable I/O circuits are designed to operate with a specific interface voltage and frequency, then optimal performance is achieved for that interface, but the IC cannot operate with other interfaces and may suffer physical or electrical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O circuit incorporates multiple driver circuits with different voltage thresholds that can be dynamically selected based on the operating conditions. The circuit transitions from a static, fixed-voltage design to a dynamic, selectable-voltage design, allowing the same physical circuit to adapt to different interface requirements (e.g., 3.3V PCI vs. 5V interfaces) without damage
Solution Approach 2:
The I/O circuit is designed with multiple drivers serving different functions: a first driver for high-voltage interfaces and a second driver for low-voltage interfaces. This multi-functional design allows a single I/O circuit to universally support multiple interface types and voltage levels, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple I/O circuits are configured to support different interfaces (e.g., PCI and non-PCI), then interface versatility is improved, but the circuit size and capacitance increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple I/O circuits that previously required separate physical circuits are merged into a single shared I/O circuit. The first and second drivers are integrated into one circuit structure, allowing both PCI and non-PCI interfaces to share the same physical I/O resources. This reduces the total number of I/O circuits and decreases overall circuit area and capacitance
Solution Approach 2:
The shared I/O circuit uses dynamic selection mechanisms (enable signals, configuration data) to switch between different driver modes based on the required interface. This dynamic sharing allows one physical circuit to serve multiple interface functions, reducing the need for additional dedicated circuits and minimizing circuit area
3Adaptability or versatility
If I/O circuits are designed for high voltage operation, then compatibility with 5V interfaces is achieved, but performance at lower voltages and higher frequencies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O circuit is segmented into multiple independent driver circuits, each optimized for specific voltage and frequency ranges. The first driver handles high-voltage (3.3V/5V) operations, while the second driver handles low-voltage (1.8V/1.5V) high-frequency operations. This segmentation allows each driver to be independently optimized without compromising overall versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes its operating parameters by selecting different drivers based on the required voltage and frequency. Configuration data and enable signals control which driver is active, allowing the circuit to adapt its electrical characteristics (voltage threshold, current drive capability) to match the operational requirements of different interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention provide an integrated circuit (IC) with configurable input/output (I/O) circuits for optimally operating with two or more interfaces. Some embodiments optimally operate over the two or more interfaces by supporting a particular voltage for each interface. Also, some embodiments optimally operate over two or more interfaces by supporting a particular frequency for each supported voltage whereby supporting a particular frequency involves producing sufficient current drive at each voltage to support the particular frequency.