Integrated Level Shifter Circuit for Simultaneous Signal Shifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing level shifters for liquid crystal display devices cannot simultaneously shift input signal levels on negative and positive power sources, requiring separate level shifters for each power source side.

Innovation Solution

A level shifter circuit comprising multiple transistors and capacitors that can simultaneously shift input signal levels on both negative and positive power sources, utilizing a specific configuration of electrical connections between these components to achieve this functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate level shifters are used for negative and positive power source sides, then level shifting function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevel shifting functionVSAvoidnumber of level shifters
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate level shifters (one for negative power source side and one for positive power source side) into a single integrated level shifter circuit. This is achieved by sharing common transistors and capacitors between the two level shifting functions, allowing both negative and positive power source level shifting to be performed simultaneously by one unified circuit rather than requiring separate independent level shifters for each power source side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple separate level shifters are used, then complete level shifting coverage is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevel shifting coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces manufacturing cost by merging multiple level shifters into a single integrated circuit. The shared transistors and capacitors reduce the total component count, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing material costs while maintaining complete level shifting coverage for both negative and positive power sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The level shifter circuit is designed with universal components that serve multiple functions. The same transistors and capacitors are used for both negative power source level shifting and positive power source level shifting operations, making the circuit multi-functional and reducing overall component requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If separate level shifters are used for each power source, then signal level accuracy is maintained, but circuit area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal level accuracyVSAvoidcircuit area
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves signal level accuracy for both negative and positive power sources while reducing circuit area by combining the level shifting functions into a single integrated circuit. The shared components are strategically connected to maintain precise level shifting performance for both power sources simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate dedicated level shifters that would occupy more space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8471596B2Semiconductor device and electronic apparatus having the same
Publication Date: 2013.06.25 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD
  • US8471596B2 patent drawing
  • US8471596B2 patent drawing
  • US8471596B2 patent drawing

AI summary

With an offset circuit including transistors of the same conductivity type, offset of an input signal is performed. Then, the input signal after the offset is supplied to a logic circuit including transistors of the same conductivity type as that of the offset circuit, thereby H and L levels of the input signal can be shifted at the same time. Further, since the offset circuit and the logic circuit are formed using the transistors of the same conductivity type, a display device can be manufactured at a low cost.