Dual-Mode Level Shifter for Low-Static-Power Voltage Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level shifters (LSs) for IoT devices face challenges in minimizing power consumption and logic errors when operating across different voltage domains, particularly due to high static power consumption and limited voltage range.
Innovation Solution
A level shifter that alternates between two modes, using a power supply switch unit to transmit different power supply voltages to a latch unit, allowing the latch unit to change signal levels and an output unit to isolate and invert signals, thereby reducing static power consumption and preventing logic errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional level shifters (DCVS-based or adaptive PUNs structure) are used to convert signal levels between different voltage domains, then signal level conversion is achieved, but static power consumption increases and logic errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode switching between first mode (signal transmission) and second mode (isolation) based on whether signal conversion is needed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the working state of the level shifter, switching it to isolation mode when no conversion is required, thereby eliminating unnecessary static power consumption while maintaining signal conversion capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The level shifter operates in periodic alternating modes between signal transmission and isolation states. The control unit periodically switches the operational mode based on input signal presence, creating a rhythmic on-off pattern that reduces average power consumption while ensuring signal conversion occurs during active periods
2Use of energy by moving object
If level shifters operate across different voltage domains to enable low power consumption in deep sleep state, then power saving is achieved, but logic errors and nonnegligible static power consumption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that monitors the operational state and switches between different voltage domain configurations. It mediates between the need for voltage domain isolation (to prevent logic errors) and the need for signal level conversion (to maintain functionality), activating the appropriate voltage domain configuration based on real-time operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the level shifter by switching between different power supply voltage configurations. The control unit adjusts which power supply voltage (first or second) is applied to the level shifter based on whether signal conversion is needed, thereby changing the voltage domain parameters dynamically to match operational requirements and eliminate logic errors
3Speed
If DCVS-based level shifters are used to achieve rapid signal conversion, then conversion speed is improved, but application range is limited due to requirement of low power supply voltage not being excessively low
Solution Approach 1:
The level shifter is designed with multi-functionality to operate across multiple voltage domains. By incorporating switchable power supply connections and configurable operational modes, the device can adapt to different voltage ranges (first voltage domain and second voltage domain), making it universally applicable to various IoT devices with different power requirements while maintaining rapid conversion capability through its core DCVS structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides implementations of a level shifter (LS), an integrated circuit, and a method. A LS may run in a first mode and a second mode, alternating with each other. The LS may include: an input unit that is configured to: transmit a first signal to a latch unit in the first mode, and be turned off in the second mode; a power supply switch unit that is configured to: transmit a first power supply voltage to the latch unit in the first mode, and transmit a second power supply voltage to the latch unit in the second mode, where the first power supply voltage is lower than the second power supply voltage; the latch unit that is configured to: latch the first signal in the first mode, change a level amplitude of the first signal from the first power supply voltage to the second power supply voltage in the second mode, and output a second signal whose logic is opposite to that of the first signal to an output unit; and the output unit that is configured to: isolate the second signal and output the second power supply voltage in the first mode, and output, in the second mode, a third signal whose logic is opposite to that of the second signal, where a level amplitude of the third signal is the second power supply voltage.