Feedback-Configured Voltage Level Shifter for Low-Latency Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage level shifters exhibit high latency and inconsistent performance in high-speed interface applications, leading to data bandwidth and jitter issues due to distortions in duty cycle and rise/fall characteristics, especially as integrated circuits operate at lower voltages and higher frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A voltage level shifter configured by feedback from the shifted data signal, utilizing a main level shifting core and a configuration block that adjusts settings based on each signal transition to optimize shifting performance, including the use of PMOS and NMOS transistors and delay elements to manage voltage domain transitions without distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional voltage level shifters are used to transfer data signals between voltage domains, then voltage level shifting is achieved, but high latency and inconsistent performance occur in high-speed interface applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of the voltage level shifter by using the shifted data signal to control the configuration block, which adjusts the shifter's operating parameters based on the actual signal transitions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for different signal conditions, reducing latency and improving consistency in high-speed applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback by using the shifted data signal from the second voltage domain to configure the voltage level shifter's operation. The configuration block monitors the shifted signal and adjusts the shifter's configuration accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes performance and reduces latency variations
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional voltage level shifters are used, then voltage domain crossing is enabled, but duty cycle distortion and rise/fall characteristic distortions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration block dynamically adjusts the voltage level shifter's operating parameters based on real-time signal conditions. By monitoring the shifted data signal and adapting the shifter's configuration, the system maintains accurate duty cycles and rise/fall characteristics across different voltage domains, preventing signal distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the voltage level shifter based on the shifted signal characteristics. The configuration block modifies internal resistance values, transistor gate voltages, or timing parameters to compensate for voltage domain differences, thereby preserving signal integrity and preventing duty cycle distortion
3Use of energy by moving object
If voltage level shifters operate at lower core voltages (0.8V or lower) to reduce power density, then power consumption is reduced, but voltage level shifting becomes more critical and challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage level shifter configures itself automatically using the shifted data signal to control its own operation. The configuration block extracts timing and level information from the shifted signal and autonomously adjusts the shifter's parameters, eliminating the need for external complex control circuits and reducing overall system complexity despite operating at low voltages
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces latency and improves performance consistency across voltage extremes, enhancing data bandwidth and reducing jitter by dynamically configuring the level shifter based on the shifted signal, thereby addressing the limitations of conventional shifters.
Implementation Method 1
shifting the received data signal to a second voltage domain by the voltage level shifter
Data Source
AI summary
A method for voltage level shifting comprises several steps. A data signal in a first voltage domain is received by a voltage level shifter. The received data signal is shifted to a second voltage domain by the voltage level shifter, where the voltage level shifter is configured as a function of the shifted data signal. The shifted data signal is outputted.