High-Voltage Receiver Circuit for Low-Leakage Signal Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronic devices face challenges with receiver circuits that experience excessive leakage currents and signal distortion when receiving extended voltage range input signals, which exceed the normal operating voltage ranges.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage tolerant receiver circuit is implemented using a first and second string of diode connected transistors with parallel capacitor networks for AC-coupling, along with a circuit branch to provide logic low voltage values, minimizing leakage current and signal distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If receiver circuits receive extended voltage range input signals beyond normal operating voltage ranges, then voltage tolerance is improved, but leakage current increases and signal distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary voltage attenuation circuit between the high-voltage input signal and the low-voltage receiver circuit. This intermediary circuit consists of series-connected transistors that step down the voltage to a safe level for the receiver, preventing direct exposure to harmful high voltages while still enabling the receiver to process extended voltage range signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage attenuation function is segmented into multiple series-connected transistor stages rather than using a single transistor. This segmentation allows gradual voltage reduction, with each transistor handling a portion of the voltage attenuation, thereby distributing the stress and minimizing leakage current in any single component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If receiver circuits receive extended voltage range input signals beyond normal operating voltage ranges, then voltage tolerance is improved, but signal distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage attenuation circuit acts as an intermediary that conditionally passes signals based on voltage levels. When input signals exceed the maximum operating voltage, the attenuation circuit reduces them to safe levels, preventing distortion. When signals are within the normal range, the circuit allows them to pass through with minimal interference, preserving signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuation circuit dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the input signal voltage level. The series-connected transistors automatically modulate their resistance to provide appropriate attenuation only when needed (when voltage exceeds maximum operating voltage), thereby maintaining signal fidelity for normal-range inputs while protecting against high-voltage distortion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If voltage attenuation is implemented using series-connected transistors, then high voltage tolerance is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The series-connected transistor attenuation circuit is designed to be self-regulating, automatically adjusting its attenuation based on the input voltage level without requiring external control signals or complex feedback mechanisms. The transistors inherently respond to voltage conditions, providing automatic protection and simplifying the overall control architecture despite the increased component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit leverages changes in transistor operating parameters (such as gate-source voltage and channel resistance) to achieve voltage attenuation. By exploiting the natural electrical characteristics of the transistors and how their parameters change with applied voltages, the circuit achieves sophisticated voltage conditioning without requiring additional active control elements or complex circuit topologies.
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 effectively attenuates input signals within the maximum operating voltage rating, reducing signal distortion and leakage currents, while maintaining high voltage tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor network coupled in parallel with the first plurality of transistors and a second capacitor network coupled in parallel with the second plurality of transistors, where the capacitor networks are configured for AC-coupling an input signal
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver is provided. The receiver includes a first plurality of transistors configured and arranged as diodes connected in series and coupled between an input terminal and an output terminal. A first transistor of the first plurality is configured and arranged for receiving a signal at the input terminal having a voltage exceeding a voltage rating of the first transistor. A second plurality of transistors is configured and arranged as diodes connected in series and coupled between the output terminal and a voltage supply terminal. A second transistor includes a first current electrode coupled to a control electrode and a first current electrode of the first transistor and a control electrode coupled to a voltage source terminal. A third transistor includes a first current electrode coupled to a second current electrode of the second transistor at a first node. A fourth transistor includes a first current electrode coupled to a second current electrode of the third transistor and a second current electrode coupled at the output terminal.