Level Shifter Circuit to Prevent DC Leakage in Power-Down
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current voltage transition circuits fail to prevent direct current leakage when a low voltage domain is powered down, leading to increased power consumption and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A voltage transition circuit with a circuit component that includes a single-rail input level shifter and specific transistor configurations to prevent current leakage by using power down inputs to manage transistor activation during power down modes, reducing the number of signals required and minimizing DC current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a low voltage domain is powered down to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but direct current leakage occurs through the level shifter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by setting the output node to a predetermined voltage level (third voltage level) before the low voltage domain is fully powered down. This is achieved through the level shifter circuit configuration where the second transistor is turned off and the third transistor is turned on in advance, establishing a safe output state that prevents DC leakage paths from forming when the domain transitions to power-down mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the output voltage level based on the power domain state. When transitioning to power-down mode, the output node voltage is changed from the normal operating level (second voltage level) to a predetermined level (third voltage level), which eliminates the DC current path while maintaining signal integrity for power management functions
2Loss of energy
If dual rail inputs are used to prevent DC current flow, then power savings are achieved, but the number of signals to be routed doubles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single-rail input level shifter that handles both normal operation and power-down mode prevention functions using a single input signal line. The circuit achieves the DC leakage prevention capability traditionally requiring dual-rail inputs through a clever transistor switching arrangement controlled by a single input, thereby reducing signal routing complexity while maintaining power management effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of DC leakage prevention from the dual-rail input requirement. By analyzing the core need (preventing DC current flow during power-down) and separating it from the redundant dual-rail structure, the invention implements a simplified single-rail solution that retains the protective function while eliminating the excess signal routing complexity
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
The solution effectively prevents direct current leakage during power down modes, achieving significant power savings by reducing unnecessary power consumption and minimizing the number of signals needed to be routed, thus enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
voltage transition circuits adapted for power savings... voltage level shifters are used to convert voltages in the high power supply domain to voltages in the low power supply domain
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are provided for preventing a current leakage or direct current when a low voltage domain is powered down. Included is a voltage transition circuit connected between a low voltage domain and a high voltage domain. Such voltage transition circuit includes a circuit component for preventing a current leakage when the low voltage domain is powered down.