IC Pad Switching Circuit Prevents Voltage Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face the issue of signal voltage flowing back to the system voltage rail during power-off modes, causing incorrect operations due to uncertain switch states or parasitic diodes, leading to potential voltage increases and operational errors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first and second switch configuration, where the control terminal of the first switch is coupled to the impedance matching component during power-off modes, preventing communication signals from flowing back to the system voltage rail by ensuring the first switch is turned off when a high voltage is detected on the pad.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the IC enters power-off mode to save power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but signal voltage can flow back to the system voltage rail causing wrong operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively coupling the control terminal of the first switch to the second terminal of the impedance matching component before signal backflow can occur. This preemptive configuration ensures the first switch is turned off to block potential backflow paths, allowing the IC to enter power-off mode safely without risking signal voltage leakage to the system voltage rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second switch as an intermediary element between the control terminal of the first switch and the second terminal of the impedance matching component. This second switch acts as a mediator that controls the coupling state, enabling dynamic management of the first switch's control signal to prevent signal backflow while maintaining power-saving operation.
2Device complexity
If a single switch is used for impedance matching, then device complexity is reduced, but signal backflow cannot be prevented during power-off mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single switch function into two separate switches: the first switch for impedance matching and the second switch for controlling the control signal path. This segmentation allows independent control of signal isolation and impedance matching functions, preventing signal backflow while maintaining manageable device complexity through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second switch serves as an intermediary that mediates the control signal path to the first switch. By introducing this intermediate control element, the patent enables precise control over when the first switch should be activated or deactivated, providing reliable signal isolation during power-off mode while keeping the overall device complexity acceptable through systematic control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit is provided. The integrated circuit includes a pad, a core circuit, an impedance matching component, a first switch and a second switch. The pad is configured to transmit a communication signal. A communication terminal of the core circuit is coupled to the pad, and a power terminal of the core circuit is coupled to a system voltage rail. A first terminal of the impedance matching component is coupled to the pad. A first terminal of the first switch is coupled to the system voltage rail, and a second terminal of the first switch is coupled to a second terminal of the impedance matching component. A first terminal of the second switch is coupled to a control terminal of the first switch, and a second terminal of the second switch is coupled to the second terminal of the impedance matching component.