Isolated Selector Circuit for Cross-Power-Domain Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital circuits face challenges in isolating signal paths across different power domains, leading to unpredictability and interference with other signal paths due to non-ideal effects like leakage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an isolated selector, which includes at least one isolated component, allows for the selection of data from either of two functional circuits based on a control signal, while setting isolated data to a fixed value to prevent interference from powered-off circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control logic is used to manage signal paths across power domains, then signal isolation can be achieved, but circuit complexity and control flow complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the isolation component and the multiplexer into a single integrated selector unit. The isolation component is directly coupled to the data input of the multiplexer, eliminating the need for separate control logic and reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining signal isolation functionality across power domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector unit serves multiple functions: it performs data selection via the multiplexer and simultaneously provides isolation between power domains through the isolation component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated isolation circuits and control logic.
2Reliability
If separate isolation components and control logic are implemented, then signal path isolation is achieved, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the isolation component and multiplexer into a single integrated unit where the isolation component is directly coupled to the multiplexer input. This integration eliminates separate control logic and reduces system complexity while maintaining effective signal path isolation across different power domains.
3Device complexity
If traditional multiplexer is used without isolation component, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but signal interference occurs when circuits are powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation component acts as an intermediary element between the data source and the multiplexer. It controls the flow of data by enabling or disabling the signal path based on power domain states, thereby preventing interference from powered-off circuits while maintaining circuit simplicity through direct coupling.
Data Source
AI summary
An isolated selector and an associated electronic device are provided. The isolated selector receives first data and second data from a first functional circuit and a second functional circuit, respectively, and the isolated selector includes an isolated component, wherein the isolated component receives the first data and generates isolated data according to a control signal and the first data. In addition, the isolated selector selects one of the first data and the second data to be output as output data of the isolated selector. When the isolated selector selects the second data to be output as the output data according to the control signal, the isolated component set the isolated data to be a fixed value according to the control signal, in order to prevent operations of the first functional circuit from interfering with the output data of the isolated selector.