Transistor-Resistor Level Conversion Across Different Reference Potentials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing level converters for adjusting reference potentials and communication voltages between components are often complex, expensive, and require significant space due to their inductive and galvanic isolation requirements, while traditional level shifters cannot handle different reference potentials.

Innovation Solution

A simple level converter design using a first transistor with a downstream resistor, where the second reference potential drops at the resistor in the transistor's blocked state, and the second communication voltage drops in the open state, allowing for the transformation of both communication voltage and reference potential without the need for inductive or galvanic separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If inductive and galvanically isolated transmission components are used as level converters, then reference potential and communication voltage can be transformed between components with different potentials, but the device complexity, cost, and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to transform reference potential and communication voltageVSAvoidcomplexity of level converter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the inductive and galvanic isolation components from the level converter design. By removing these complex isolation mechanisms while retaining the essential voltage transformation function through a simplified transistor-resistor circuit, the invention achieves the same adaptability without the associated complexity, cost, and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive inductive and galvanic isolation components with inexpensive, simple transistor and resistor elements. This substitution maintains the functional capability of transforming reference potentials and communication voltages while dramatically reducing component cost and circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to transform reference potential and communication voltageVSAvoidcircuit space occupied by level converter

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the space-consuming inductive and galvanic isolation components from the circuit design. The resulting simplified transistor-resistor implementation occupies minimal circuit space while preserving the essential function of transforming reference potentials and communication voltages between components with different electrical characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional level shifters are used, then communication voltage can be converted between different voltage levels, but they cannot handle different reference potentials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of level shifter designVSAvoidability to handle different reference potentials

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal level converter circuit that performs multiple functions: it converts communication voltage levels like a traditional level shifter, and simultaneously handles different reference potentials through the transistor's ability to establish different reference levels at its terminals. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate isolation components while expanding adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes parameter changes in the transistor operation to achieve reference potential transformation. By controlling the transistor's state and utilizing its inherent electrical characteristics, the circuit dynamically adjusts reference potentials and communication voltage levels, providing both simplicity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables efficient transformation of communication voltage and reference potential between components with different potentials, facilitating communication while reducing complexity, cost, and space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

the level converter has a first transistor with a downstream first resistor, wherein the level converter is configured in such a way that the second reference potential drops at the first resistor in a blocked state of the first transistor and that the second communication voltage drops at the first resistor in an open state of the first transistor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransistor switching:

Data Source

PatentUS12308835B2Level converter

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 ENDRESS & HAUSER GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a level converter for adjusting a first reference potential and/or a first communication voltage of a first component to a second reference potential and/or a second communication voltage of a second component, wherein the level converter is arranged between the first component and the second component, wherein the level converter has a first transistor with a downstream first resistor, wherein the level converter is configured in such a way that the second reference potential drops at the first resistor in a blocked state of the first transistor and that the second communication voltage drops at the first resistor in an open state of the first transistor.