Configurable Voltage Regulator for Multi-Standard MIPI Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmitter circuits require separate dedicated circuits for different interface standards like MIPI D-PHY and MIPI C-PHY, leading to increased chip area and manufacturing costs due to the need for supporting multiple interface specifications.
Innovation Solution
A configurable transmitter circuit that includes a voltage regulator circuit, data serialization circuit, and driver circuit, capable of supporting various interface specifications through a multi-mode data serialization scheme and configurable voltage regulation, allowing for flexible operation across different lane configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate dedicated circuits are used for different interface standards (MIPI D-PHY and MIPI C-PHY), then each interface standard can be supported reliably, but chip area and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator circuit is designed with multiple amplifiers (first amplifier with first reference voltage, second amplifier with second reference voltage) and switchable transistor connections that allow a single circuit to support multiple interface standards (MIPI D-PHY and MIPI C-PHY). The circuit can be configured to output different regulated voltages by selectively coupling transistors to different amplifiers, enabling one circuit to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated circuits for each interface standard.
2Reliability
If separate dedicated circuits are used for different interface standards, then each interface standard can be supported reliably, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit employs a universal voltage regulator design with switchable configurations that can adapt to different interface standards. By using multiple amplifiers with different reference voltages and switchable transistor connections, the circuit achieves multi-functionality, allowing a single manufactured circuit to support both MIPI D-PHY and MIPI C-PHY standards, thereby reducing per-unit manufacturing costs compared to producing separate dedicated circuits for each standard.
3Area of stationary object
If a configurable voltage regulator circuit is used to support multiple interface standards, then chip area and manufacturing costs are reduced, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit merges multiple voltage regulation functions into a single unified structure. By combining multiple amplifiers with different reference voltages and using switchable transistor connections, the design consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated circuits into one integrated unit. This merging approach reduces overall chip area while managing complexity through systematic integration of shared components.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit incorporates dynamic switching capability where transistors can be selectively coupled to different amplifiers based on the required interface standard. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical circuit to adapt its behavior and output characteristics, enabling support for multiple standards without requiring permanent dedicated hardware for each standard, thus reducing chip area while maintaining functionality.
4Reliability
If separate dedicated circuits are used for different interface standards, then each standard operates reliably, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator circuit is designed with multiple amplifiers (first amplifier with first reference voltage, second amplifier with second reference voltage) and switchable transistor connections that allow a single circuit to support multiple interface standards (MIPI D-PHY and MIPI C-PHY). The circuit can be configured to output different regulated voltages by selectively coupling transistors to different amplifiers, enabling one circuit to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated circuits for each interface standard.
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
The solution enables operational flexibility, reduces manufacturing costs, and lowers power consumption by allowing a single transmitter circuit to support multiple interface standards with a simplified design.
Implementation Method 1
The first amplifier and the second amplifier are supplied by a second supply voltage. The first amplifier includes a first input terminal coupled to a first reference voltage. The second amplifier includes a first input terminal coupled to a second reference voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator circuit includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier and a transistor. Respective first input terminals of the first and second amplifiers are coupled to a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage, respectively. A connection terminal of the transistor is coupled to a supply voltage. A control terminal of the transistor is selectively coupled to one of respective output terminals of the first and second amplifiers. When the control terminal of the transistor is coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier, another connection terminal of the transistor is coupled to a second input terminal of the first amplifier to output a regulated voltage. When the control terminal of the transistor is coupled to the output terminal of the second amplifier, the another connection terminal of the transistor is coupled to a second input terminal of the second amplifier to output the regulated voltage.