Dynamic Supply Shifting in High-Voltage Input Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in receiving high-voltage input signals due to the voltage difference across their terminals exceeding the maximum rated voltage, leading to potential malfunctions when trying to process signals from higher-voltage I/O domains within a low-voltage core domain.
Innovation Solution
A receiver circuit that includes a waveform splitter to split high power domain input signals into high and low voltage signals, coupled with dynamic supply shifters to adjust the power supply voltages, ensuring the high voltage input receiver operates within safe voltage levels by temporarily lowering the supply voltages during signal transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the receiver uses a fixed high power supply voltage to receive high-voltage input signals, then the receiver can process high-voltage signals, but the voltage difference across device terminals exceeds the maximum rated voltage, causing devices to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic power supply voltage adjustment by switching between a first power supply voltage (lower than the high-voltage signal) and a second power supply voltage (higher than the low-voltage signal) based on the input signal state. This dynamic adjustment allows the receiver to adapt to different voltage conditions, enabling it to process high-voltage signals without exceeding device voltage ratings, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply voltage parameter dynamically based on the input signal voltage level. When a high-voltage signal is detected, the power supply voltage is switched to the first (lower) voltage level to prevent excessive voltage stress across device terminals. When the input signal is at a lower voltage level, the power supply voltage is switched to the second (higher) voltage level to ensure proper signal processing. This parameter change strategy enables the receiver to handle both high-voltage and low-voltage signals reliably
2Reliability
If the receiver uses a fixed low power supply voltage to protect devices from excessive voltage stress, then device reliability is maintained, but the receiver cannot correctly process high-voltage input signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching between two power supply voltage levels based on the input signal conditions. The voltage selection circuit monitors the input signal and switches the power supply voltage to the appropriate level: a lower voltage when processing high-voltage signals to protect devices, and a higher voltage when processing low-voltage signals to maintain processing capability. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the power supply voltage adaptive rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary voltage adjustment by switching the power supply voltage to the appropriate level before the actual signal processing occurs. The voltage selection circuit detects the input signal voltage level and pre-adjusts the power supply voltage to the safe level before the high-voltage signal is applied to the receiver devices, preventing voltage stress before it can cause damage
3Adaptability or versatility
If the receiver dynamically adjusts power supply voltage based on input signal levels, then the receiver can process both high-voltage and low-voltage signals, but the device complexity increases due to additional voltage shifting circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing a unified receiver structure that can process both high-voltage and low-voltage signals through dynamic power supply voltage adjustment. The same receiver circuitry handles different voltage levels by switching its power supply voltage, eliminating the need for separate receiver circuits for different voltage domains. This universal approach increases adaptability while controlling complexity by reusing existing circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage selection circuit as an intermediary component that mediates between the input signal and the receiver devices. This intermediary circuit monitors the input signal voltage level and selects the appropriate power supply voltage level, acting as a buffer that protects the receiver while enabling versatile signal processing. The intermediary approach adds minimal complexity while achieving the desired adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects generally relate to receivers, and in particular to a receiver that converts a high-voltage input signal (102) into a low-voltage signal (135). The high voltage input signal (102) is split into a upper portion (125) and a lower portion (130). The upper portion is coupled to a high input receiver (115) that is powered by dynamic supply shifters that can vary supply voltage during operation to optimize switching.