Feedback Level Shifter Circuit to Prevent Short-Circuit Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
As semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) become smaller and more complex, operating voltages decrease, leading to performance issues that existing level shifter circuits struggle to address effectively, particularly in managing voltage domains and preventing short circuit currents.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a level shifter circuit with a feedback mechanism that includes separate paths enabled or disabled by feedback signals, preventing short circuit currents and optimizing power consumption by switching between level shifting and latching modes based on an enable signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If operating voltages are decreased to enable smaller and more complex ICs, then integration density is improved, but circuit performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into multiple voltage domains with separate operating voltages. Different circuit blocks can operate at different voltage levels simultaneously, allowing high-voltage domains to maintain performance while low-voltage domains achieve higher integration density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable voltage operation where supply voltages are dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements. Level shifter circuits translate signals between different voltage domains, enabling flexible parameter changes that optimize both density and performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If level shifter circuits are used to manage voltage domains, then voltage domain compatibility is improved, but short circuit currents increase
Solution Approach 1:
The level shifter circuit employs dynamic control mechanisms where switching elements are actively managed to prevent simultaneous conduction paths between different voltage domains. The circuit transitions between states based on operational conditions, enabling voltage domain translation while minimizing short circuit currents through timed switching sequences.
3Loss of energy
If feedback mechanisms are added to prevent short circuit currents, then power performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback circuits that monitor voltage levels and switching states to detect conditions that could lead to short circuit currents. The feedback mechanism adjusts switching timing and control signals to prevent harmful current paths, providing automatic protection while managing the trade-off with circuit complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a level shifter circuit, an output circuit, and a first feedback circuit. The level shifter circuit is coupled to a first voltage supply, and configured to receive an enable signal, a first input signal or a second input signal, and to generate a first and second signal responsive to the enable signal or the first input signal. The output circuit coupled to the level shifter circuit and the first voltage supply, and configured to generate an output signal or a first feedback signal responsive to the first signal, and configured to latch a previous state of the output signal in response to the enable signal or an inverted enable signal. The first feedback circuit is coupled to the level shifter circuit, the output circuit and the first voltage supply, and configured to receive at least the enable signal, the inverted enable signal or the first feedback signal.