Variable-Resistance Level Shift Circuit for Lower ISI Power Loss

Solution Overview

Problem

Level shift circuits experience issues with inter-symbol interference (ISI) and increased power consumption due to through currents, particularly in signal transmission between circuits with different power supply voltages.

Innovation Solution

Employing a semiconductor integrated circuit with a variable resistance switch circuit that adjusts resistance values based on operation states to reduce ISI and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a resistive circuit is employed in a level shift circuit to reduce inter-symbol interference (ISI), then ISI is reduced, but power consumption increases due to through current

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinter-symbol interference (ISI)VSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the resistance value variable rather than fixed. The resistance switch circuit dynamically adjusts its resistance based on the operation state of the level shift circuit, selecting between a first resistance value (when output signal level changes) and a second resistance value (when output signal level remains constant). This dynamic adjustment allows the circuit to reduce ISI when needed while minimizing power consumption during steady-state operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the resistance parameter of the switch circuit based on operational conditions. The resistance value is changed between two distinct states: a first resistance value that reduces ISI during signal transitions, and a second resistance value that minimizes through current during stable signal levels. This parameter change approach directly addresses the contradiction by optimizing the resistance parameter for different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a resistive circuit is used to improve signal quality, then waveform quality improves, but through current increases causing higher power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaveform qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the resistance value variable rather than fixed. The resistance switch circuit dynamically adjusts its resistance based on the operation state of the level shift circuit, selecting between a first resistance value (when output signal level changes) and a second resistance value (when output signal level remains constant). This dynamic adjustment allows the circuit to reduce ISI when needed while minimizing power consumption during steady-state operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the resistance parameter of the switch circuit based on operational conditions. The resistance value is changed between two distinct states: a first resistance value that reduces ISI during signal transitions, and a second resistance value that minimizes through current during stable signal levels. This parameter change approach directly addresses the contradiction by optimizing the resistance parameter for different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a level shift circuit converts signals between different voltage levels, then signal transmission between different power supply circuits is enabled, but through current flows increasing power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the resistance value variable rather than fixed. The resistance switch circuit dynamically adjusts its resistance based on the operation state of the level shift circuit, selecting between a first resistance value (when output signal level changes) and a second resistance value (when output signal level remains constant). This dynamic adjustment allows the circuit to reduce ISI when needed while minimizing power consumption during steady-state operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the resistance parameter of the switch circuit based on operational conditions. The resistance value is changed between two distinct states: a first resistance value that reduces ISI during signal transitions, and a second resistance value that minimizes through current during stable signal levels. This parameter change approach directly addresses the contradiction by optimizing the resistance parameter for different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12549184B2Semiconductor integrated circuit, interface device, and memory system

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 KIOXIA CORP

AI summary

A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first circuit generating a differential third signal based on a first signal, a second circuit generating a second signal from a third signal, wherein the second circuit includes a first signal line and a second signal line for transmitting the third signal from the first circuit to the second circuit, and a third circuit including a first terminal connected to the first signal line and a second terminal connected to the second signal line. The third circuit includes first and second electrical paths with different electrical resistances, that are connected in parallel between the first terminal and the second terminal, and is controlled to switch between the first and second electrical paths.