Differential Signal Driver Circuit With Bias-Based Amplitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices require complex configurations and resistors to set voltage amplitudes of differential signals, leading to decreased yield and longer manufacturing times, and cannot easily adjust voltage amplitudes without replacing components.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with first and second switch elements and a voltage control circuit that uses a bias voltage to adjust the voltage amplitudes of differential signals, eliminating the need for external resistors and simplifying the system configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If resistors are used to set voltage amplitudes of differential signals, then voltage amplitudes can be set, but the system configuration becomes complex and manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage amplitude setting function from external resistors and relocates it to the driver circuit by using the on-resistance of switch elements. This eliminates the need for external resistors, simplifying the system configuration while maintaining voltage amplitude control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch elements in the driver circuit serve dual functions: they control the differential signal transmission and simultaneously provide the resistance needed for setting voltage amplitudes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate resistor components, reducing system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If resistors are used to set voltage amplitudes of differential signals, then voltage amplitudes can be set, but yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage amplitude setting function with the driver circuit by utilizing the on-resistance of integrated switch elements. This integration eliminates separate resistor components that would require additional assembly steps and external connections, thereby improving manufacturing yield while maintaining precise voltage amplitude control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current source value is changed to adjust voltage amplitudes, then voltage amplitudes may be adjusted, but appropriate voltage amplitudes cannot be obtained without replacing resistors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage amplitude control by using switch elements whose on-resistance can be adjusted through control signals. This allows the voltage amplitudes to be dynamically adjusted without replacing any physical components, providing both adaptability and precise control. The on-resistance of the switch elements varies with control conditions, enabling flexible voltage amplitude setting.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes first upper and lower arms, second upper and lower arms disposed in parallel, and a voltage control circuit. The first upper and lower arms include first and second switch elements connected in series and output a first signal by operating the first and second switch elements complementarily, the first switch element being on a first potential side and the second switch element being on a lower second potential side. The second upper and lower arms include third and fourth switch elements connected in series and output a second signal having a potential changing complementarily with the first signal by operating the third and fourth switch elements complementarily, the third switch element being on the first potential side, and the fourth switch element being on the second potential side. The voltage control circuit limits voltage amplitudes of the first and second signals based on a bias voltage.