Level Converter Circuit for Power Sequence and Through-Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing level converters in LSIs face a significant challenge in reducing power consumption due to through currents caused by the sequence of power supply voltages, leading to increased energy consumption as the number of output terminals increases, especially when the transistor is not completely turned off during normal operation periods.
Innovation Solution
A level converter design that includes a reference power supply line, a level conversion circuit, a control signal generating circuit, and a coupling circuit to control the electrical connection between the power supply lines based on control signals, ensuring complete turn-off of the transistor and minimizing through currents by using a P-channel transistor for power supply sequence control and an unbalanced on-resistance inverter configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transistor is used for power supply sequence control in a level converter, then the converter can operate with different power supply sequences, but through currents are generated during normal operation increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control signal generating circuit as an intermediary that monitors the power supply states and generates appropriate control signals to switch the coupling circuit's resistance state. This mediator enables the system to adapt to different power supply sequences without generating harmful through currents, as the control signal ensures the coupling circuit is in high-resistance state when both power supplies are active.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling circuit's resistance is made dynamic rather than fixed. The circuit transitions between low-resistance and high-resistance states based on the power supply sequence and operational requirements. During power supply sequence control, the coupling circuit provides low resistance for proper voltage level establishment, while during normal dual-power operation, it switches to high resistance to prevent through currents.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the transistor is kept on during normal operation to maintain voltage levels, then voltage stability is improved, but through currents increase power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic resistance control to the coupling circuit. During normal operation with both power supplies active, the coupling circuit is switched to a high-resistance state by the control signal generating circuit, effectively disconnecting it to prevent through currents. The voltage stability is maintained through the level conversion circuit's inherent design rather than continuous transistor conduction.
3Loss of energy
If the transistor is turned off completely to eliminate through currents, then power consumption is reduced, but voltage level control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling circuit's resistance is dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements. During power supply sequence control, it provides low resistance to establish proper voltage levels. During normal operation, it switches to high resistance to eliminate through currents. The control signal generating circuit coordinates these transitions to maintain voltage level control capability while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal generating circuit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the coupling circuit and level conversion circuit. It generates control signals that switch the coupling circuit's resistance state appropriately, ensuring that voltage level control is maintained during sequence control while preventing through currents during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A level converter includes a level conversion circuit, which is provided between a reference power supply line having a reference voltage level and a first power supply line coupled to a first power supply outputting a first voltage level, which inputs a first signal and outputs a second signal, the first signal having a first logic level and a second logic level, the second signal having a first logic level and a second logic level; a control signal generating circuit to output a control signal having the reference voltage level when a second power supply outputting the second voltage level is turned off and the first voltage level when the second power supply is turned on; and a coupling circuit to control an electrically connection between the first power supply line and an output node of the level conversion circuit based on the control signal.