Configurable Output Driver for CML, LVDS, and Open-Drain Modes

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drivers for electronics and communication devices lack versatility and efficiency, as they are limited to specific modes of operation such as CML, LVDS, and OD, which restrict their adaptability to different applications and increase power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A configurable driver is developed, incorporating a combination of transistors and multiplexers that allow the driver to operate in multiple modes (CML, LVDS, and OD) by selectively configuring the multiplexers and switching devices, enabling adaptability to various applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple dedicated drivers are used for different modes (CML, LVDS, OD), then each driver can be optimized for its specific mode, but the device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode-specific optimizationVSAvoidnumber of drivers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single driver circuit that can operate in multiple modes (CML, LVDS, and OD) by using configurable transistors and multiplexers. The driver includes first and second transistors of first type, first and second transistors of second type, and four multiplexers that can be configured to route signals differently to achieve different output modes, replacing the need for multiple dedicated drivers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through multiplexers that can switch between different connection configurations based on the desired operating mode. The multiplexers allow the circuit to dynamically change its topology and transistor connections to adapt between CML, LVDS, and OD modes during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple dedicated drivers are used for different modes, then each driver can be optimized for its specific mode, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode-specific optimizationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single driver circuit that can operate in multiple modes (CML, LVDS, and OD) by using configurable transistors and multiplexers. The driver includes first and second transistors of first type, first and second transistors of second type, and four multiplexers that can be configured to route signals differently to achieve different output modes, replacing the need for multiple dedicated drivers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple dedicated drivers into a single integrated driver circuit. By combining the CML, LVDS, and OD driver functionalities into one circuit with shared transistors and multiplexers, the total power consumption is reduced compared to running three separate drivers, while still providing optimized performance for each mode through proper configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single driver is designed to support multiple modes, then device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different applications decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of driversVSAvoidmode adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single driver circuit that can operate in multiple modes (CML, LVDS, and OD) by using configurable transistors and multiplexers. The driver includes first and second transistors of first type, first and second transistors of second type, and four multiplexers that can be configured to route signals differently to achieve different output modes, replacing the need for multiple dedicated drivers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through multiplexers that can switch between different connection configurations based on the desired operating mode. The multiplexers allow the circuit to dynamically change its topology and transistor connections to adapt between CML, LVDS, and OD modes during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12328118B2Channel based configurable CML, LVDS, open drain output

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A configurable driver is presented, comprising: a first transistor of a first type coupled to a first node; a second transistor of the first type coupled to a second node; a first transistor of a second type coupled to the first node; a second transistor of a second type coupled to the second node; a first multiplexer coupled to a gate of the first transistor of the first type; a second multiplexer coupled to a gate of the second transistor of the first type; a third multiplexer coupled to a gate of the first transistor of the second type; a fourth multiplexer coupled to a gate of the second transistor of the second type; and one or more switching devices coupled between the first node and the second node.