IC Chip Voltage Reference Terminals for Low Power Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-chip circuitry systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting high-data-rate signals between integrated circuits using different fabrication process technologies, particularly when digital circuitry is on a separate chip from mixed-signal circuitry, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and signal line usage.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves connecting the high and low voltage-reference terminals of one IC chip to those of another, allowing currents to circulate independently of the second chip's power supply, enabling data-independent power consumption and reducing the number of signal lines required by using a potential-divider arrangement and CMOS inverters to maintain consistent current draw regardless of signal levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional differential links are used for high-data-rate signal transmission between IC chips, then signal transmission capability is achieved, but power consumption is high and number of wires per signal link is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the signal transmission function by separating the data signal transmission from the power supply function. The data signal is transmitted through a single wire from the first IC chip to the second IC chip, while power supply is provided through a separate potential divider arrangement. This segmentation allows the data transmission to be more efficient with lower power consumption while maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary potential divider arrangement between the power supply and the data input terminal. This intermediary structure allows the power supply voltage to be dynamically adjusted based on the data signal levels, enabling the receiver to operate efficiently without requiring separate power supply wires for each data signal line. The potential divider acts as a mediator that coordinates power delivery with data transmission requirements.
2Reliability
If separate power supply connections are provided for each signal line, then power delivery is ensured, but device complexity and number of connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal power supply structure that serves multiple data signal lines simultaneously. The potential divider arrangement provides power supply to all receiver terminals through a single common connection, rather than requiring separate power supply wires for each data signal line. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of connections while ensuring reliable power delivery to all signal lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the power supply function with the data signal transmission infrastructure. By combining the power delivery path with the data signal path through the potential divider arrangement, the invention eliminates the need for separate power supply wires for each data line. The power supply is merged into the existing signal transmission architecture, reducing overall device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If voltage reference terminals are connected between IC chips, then voltage stability is improved, but additional connection requirements are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the voltage reference connection with the existing data signal transmission infrastructure. The voltage reference terminals of the first IC chip are connected to the corresponding terminals of the second IC chip through the same wiring that carries the data signals. This merging approach provides voltage stability without requiring separate dedicated voltage reference wires, as the existing signal transmission paths serve dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal connection structure where the same wires that transmit data signals also serve as voltage reference paths. The potential divider arrangement ensures that voltage reference stability is maintained across all data signal lines through a single common connection structure, rather than requiring separate voltage reference connections for each signal line.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed herein a circuitry system comprising first and second IC chips, configured or configurable such that; the first IC chip has an output terminal connected to receive an output signal from an output-signal unit of the first IC chip, the output-signal unit being connected between high and low voltage-reference sources of the first IC chip, the high and low voltage-reference sources being connected to respective high and low voltage-reference terminals of the first IC chip; and the second IC chip has an input terminal connected in a potential-divider arrangement between high and low voltage-reference terminals of the second IC chip, wherein: the high and low voltage-reference terminals of the first IC chip are respectively connected to the high and low voltage-reference terminals of the second IC chip; and the output terminal of the first IC chip is connected to the input terminal of the second IC chip for transmission of the output signal from the first IC chip to the second IC chip.