Compact IC Input Level Shifting for Wide I/O Voltage Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit devices face challenges in supporting a range of input/output (I/O) voltages due to differences between core voltages and external component voltages, leading to limited operating ranges and increased complexity, size, weight, power, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A compact integrated circuit input with level-shifting capabilities, utilizing a blocking gate and an inverter or buffer in series, which level-shifts input signals to generate output signals with a voltage range different from the input signal, spanning between a first and second voltage provided to the inverter or buffer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing integrated circuit devices use fixed voltage ranges for I/O pads, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot support a wide range of input voltage levels from external components
Solution Approach 1:
The input circuit uses a dynamic voltage selection mechanism where the blocking gate can operate with different voltage ranges (first voltage range from external components, second voltage range for internal logic) based on the connected external component. This dynamic adaptability allows the same circuit structure to support multiple voltage standards without increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically by selecting between a first voltage range and a second voltage range based on the external component being connected. The blocking gate configuration allows the circuit to adjust its operating voltage parameters to match the external component, enabling wide voltage range support while maintaining simple circuit structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing integrated circuit devices add complex voltage conversion circuits to support multiple I/O voltages, then the voltage range support improves, but the device size, weight, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking gate circuit serves multiple functions: it acts as a voltage level shifter, an ESD protection device, and a signal buffer simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate voltage conversion circuits, maintaining device compactness while supporting multiple I/O voltage standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the voltage conversion function with the existing blocking gate structure that is already present for other purposes (such as ESD protection). By combining multiple functions into a single circuit element, the device supports wide voltage ranges without adding extra components that would increase weight and cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing integrated circuit devices add complex voltage conversion circuits to support multiple I/O voltages, then the voltage range support improves, but the device size, weight, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking gate circuit automatically adjusts its voltage range based on the external component connected to the I/O pad without requiring external control signals or additional power management circuits. The circuit self-configures to operate in the appropriate voltage range, minimizing power consumption while maintaining voltage compatibility
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing integrated circuit devices use simple input circuits without level-shifting capability, then the device structure remains compact, but the device cannot interface with external components having different voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking gate acts as an intermediary between external components with different voltage levels and the internal logic circuitry. It performs level-shifting by blocking direct voltage conflicts while allowing signal transmission, enabling interface between different voltage domains without complex conversion circuits
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an input circuit configured to level-shift an input signal and generate an output signal having a voltage range different than a voltage range of the input signal. The input circuit includes (i) a blocking gate configured to level shift the input signal and (ii) an inverter or buffer configured to generate the output signal based on an output of the blocking gate. The input circuit is configured to generate the output signal such that the voltage range of the output signal spans between a first voltage provided to the inverter or buffer and a second voltage provided to the inverter or buffer. The blocking gate may include a transistor, a source or drain of the transistor may be configured to receive the input signal, and a gate of the transistor may be configured to receive the first voltage. The first voltage may include a core voltage of an integrated circuit device.