Configurable Voltage Regulator for Multi-Standard Transmitter Circuits
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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 costs, as they struggle to support diverse interface specifications efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A configurable transmitter circuit is developed, incorporating a voltage regulator circuit, data serialization circuit, and driver circuit that can support various interface specifications, including MIPI D-PHY, MIPI C-PHY, sub-LVDS, LVDS, and HDMI, using a multi-mode data serialization scheme and configurable voltage regulation to adapt to different lane configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate dedicated circuits are used for different interface standards (MIPI D-PHY, MIPI C-PHY), then interface compatibility and reliability are improved, but chip area and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter circuit is designed with configurable voltage regulation and multi-mode data serialization capabilities that allow a single circuit to support multiple interface standards including MIPI D-PHY, MIPI C-PHY, sub-LVDS, LVDS, and HDMI. The voltage regulator can be configured through control signals to provide different voltage levels required by different interface standards, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each standard.
2Reliability
If separate dedicated circuits are used for different interface standards, then interface compatibility is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single transmitter circuit design with configurable voltage regulation supports multiple interface standards, reducing the number of different circuit designs that need to be manufactured. The control logic can be programmed or configured to support different standards, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs associated with maintaining multiple dedicated circuit designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configurable voltage regulation is implemented, then adaptability to different interface specifications is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator incorporates dynamic configuration capability where control signals can switch the regulator between different operating modes to provide different voltage levels. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same hardware circuit to adapt to different interface standards without requiring multiple static circuit designs, managing complexity through controlled flexibility.
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 achieves operational flexibility, reduces manufacturing costs, and lowers power consumption by enabling the same transmitter circuit to support multiple interface specifications with a simplified design, while maintaining efficient data transmission.
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, and a second input terminal. The second amplifier includes a first input terminal coupled to a second reference voltage, and a second input terminal
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.