Dual-Voltage Driver Circuit for MIPI D-PHY Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems using the MIPI D-PHY standard, the high operation ratio of the HSTX mode to LPTX mode leads to increased power consumption, and the requirement for high withstand-voltage transistors in driver circuits complicates power reduction efforts.
Innovation Solution
A driver circuit configuration with a first driver and a second driver operating in parallel, where the power supply voltage for the second driver is lower than that of the first driver, and an optional electrostatic discharge protection circuit and anti-load fluctuation circuit are included to manage power consumption and signal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the driver circuit uses high withstand-voltage transistors to comply with LPTX mode requirements, then the circuit can support low-power mode operation, but power consumption increases and power reduction becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The driver circuit is divided into two separate driver circuits: a first driver circuit for LPTX mode and a second driver circuit for HSTX mode. Each driver circuit uses transistors with withstand voltages matched to its specific operating requirements, avoiding the need for high withstand-voltage transistors in both circuits. This segmentation allows the HSTX mode driver to use lower withstand-voltage transistors, reducing power consumption while maintaining LPTX mode compatibility through the first driver circuit.
2Speed
If the operation ratio of HSTX mode to LPTX mode is increased to achieve high-speed transmission, then transmission speed improves, but power consumption becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing each driver circuit with power supply voltage tailored to its specific needs. The second driver circuit (HSTX mode) is supplied with lower power supply voltage compared to the first driver circuit (LPTX mode), matching the voltage requirements of each mode. This allows the HSTX mode to operate at high speed with reduced power consumption by using appropriate voltage levels rather than uniformly high voltage across both modes.
3Device complexity
If a single power supply voltage is used for both LPTX and HSTX modes, then the circuit design is simplified, but power consumption in HSTX mode becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply configuration by providing different power supply voltages to different driver circuits based on their operational requirements. The power supply voltage for each driver circuit can be independently controlled and adjusted according to the operating mode, allowing the system to optimize power consumption dynamically rather than using a fixed single voltage level for all operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A first driver operates with a first power supply and outputs a signal in response to a first input signal. A regulator receives a second power supply lower in voltage than the first power supply and provides a third power supply lower in voltage than the second power supply. A second driver operates with the third power supply and outputs a signal in response to a second input signal. The output of the first driver and the output of the second driver are connected in common to an output terminal.