IC Output Terminal Backup Using Level Shifters and Memory Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit technologies face challenges in efficiently backing up the configuration of multiple output terminals in low-power mode without excessive power consumption and complex design additions.
Innovation Solution
A configuration backup device for low-power integrated circuits that includes multiple voltage level shift units, each with a memory cell powered by the supply voltage and controlled by a shared storage signal, which stores the output voltage state of each level shift unit in idle mode, and blocking means to eliminate transverse currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple voltage level shift units are added to backup configuration of multiple output terminals, then the configuration backup capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple voltage level shift units share a common output stage and are controlled by a unified control signal from the logic circuit. This merging approach allows multiple terminals to be backed up simultaneously without proportionally increasing the number of independent operating units, thus improving configuration backup capability while controlling device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The logic circuit generates a universal control signal that can control multiple voltage level shift units simultaneously. This multi-functional control approach enables a single control mechanism to manage the backup operation of multiple terminals, resolving the contradiction between backup capability and control complexity
2Use of energy by moving object
If the regulated internal voltage is cut off in idle mode to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the output terminals lose their configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The memory cells store the output state of each voltage level shift unit before the regulated internal voltage is cut off in idle mode. This preliminary storage action ensures that the configuration information is preserved in advance, allowing the output terminals to maintain their configuration even when power is reduced
Solution Approach 2:
Memory cells act as intermediary elements between the voltage level shift units and the output terminals. They temporarily hold the configuration state during the transition to idle mode, enabling the system to achieve low power consumption without losing terminal configuration information
Data Source
AI summary
The integrated circuit device (1) backs up the configuration of output terminals (O, SP) of said integrated circuit in low-power mode. To do this, the device includes several voltage level shift units (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) and an output stage (3) connected to each output of the level shift units and connected to at least one external contact pad (SP) of said integrated circuit. Each level shift unit includes an input stage powered by a regulated internal voltage (VREG) and a part for transferring the state of a specific output function, which is powered by a supply voltage (VDD) of the integrated circuit. Each level shift unit also includes a memory cell at output powered by the supply voltage, for storing the output state of a specific function of the level shift unit in the idle mode of the integrated circuit where the regulated voltage is cut off.