Cross-Coupled Level Shifter for Dead-Zone-Free Ground Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuits face challenges in efficiently providing varied voltage levels without incurring high costs and reliability issues, particularly due to the dead-zone effect where level shifters fail to reach ground voltage levels in under-drive modes.
Innovation Solution
A cross-coupled level shifter system utilizing PMOS and NMOS transistors with a cross latch output component that supports both over-drive and under-drive modes, ensuring outputs toggle between appropriate voltage levels, including ground, by adjusting middle power supply and I/O power supply voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a level shifter is used to select or provide varied levels from a single power source, then die space and complexity are reduced, but reliability issues and dead-zone effect occur where outputs fail to reach ground voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The level shifter dynamically switches between over-drive mode and under-drive mode based on operational requirements. The circuit transitions between different transistor conduction states to ensure outputs reach proper voltage levels, eliminating the dead-zone effect where outputs fail to reach ground voltage. This dynamic operation allows the same circuit to adapt to different voltage level requirements while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the conduction parameters of transistors by switching between over-drive mode (where both PMOS and NMOS transistors are fully conductive) and under-drive mode (where transistor conduction is reduced). This parameter change allows the level shifter to overcome the dead-zone effect and ensure outputs reach ground voltage levels, improving reliability without increasing die space.
2Reliability
If separate power sources are utilized to provide varied voltage levels, then voltage level reliability is improved, but die space and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The level shifter circuit performs multiple functions using a single power source. It can operate in over-drive mode to provide high-current drive capability and in under-drive mode to achieve proper voltage level translation, including reaching ground voltage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power sources while maintaining voltage level reliability and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The level shifter uses its own internal transistor switching mechanism to generate the necessary voltage level translations without requiring external separate power sources. The circuit self-regulates by switching between over-drive and under-drive modes, providing reliable voltage levels while simplifying the overall power architecture.
3Speed
If over-drive mode is used to improve drive capability, then speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The level shifter uses periodic switching between over-drive mode and under-drive mode based on signal transition requirements. Over-drive mode is activated during critical signal transitions to ensure fast switching, while under-drive mode is used during stable states to reduce power consumption. This periodic action optimizes the balance between speed and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically adjusts its operating mode based on real-time signal conditions. When fast transitions are required, the circuit switches to over-drive mode for high-speed operation. When signals are stable or transitions are less critical, it transitions to under-drive mode to minimize power consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance based on actual operational needs.
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 provides reliable output levels across both over-drive and under-drive modes, mitigating the dead-zone effect and ensuring outputs reach ground voltage, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of voltage level conversion.
Implementation Method 1
The cross latch output component is configured to drive the intermediary inverting and non-inverting outputs to inverting and non-inverting outputs, respectively. The inverting and non-inverting outputs are at selected upper and lower levels according to the inverting input and non-inverting inputs, respectively.
Implementation Method 2
A cross-coupled level shifter system utilizing PMOS and NMOS transistors with a cross latch output component that supports both over-drive and under-drive modes, ensuring outputs toggle between appropriate voltage levels, including ground
Data Source
AI summary
A level shifter system includes an inverting portion, a non-inverting portion and a cross latch output component. The inverting portion is configured to receive an inverting input, a supply voltage and to generate an intermediary inverting output. The non-inverting portion is configured to receive a non-inverting input, the supply voltage and to generate an intermediary non-inverting output. The cross latch output component is configured to drive the intermediary inverting and non-inverting outputs to inverting and non-inverting outputs, respectively. The inverting and non-inverting outputs are at selected upper and lower levels according to the inverting input and non-inverting inputs, respectively.