Level Shifter Dynamic Voltage Regulation for Ground Bounce
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The level shifter device is susceptible to function failure due to ground bounce in the analog reference voltage, which can cause a small swing in the input signal, especially when the digital power supply voltage is low, leading to operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A level shifter device incorporating a dynamic voltage regulation circuit that generates a dynamic voltage capable of reflecting the bounce of the analog reference voltage, which is provided as a power supply or bias voltage to the buffer and level shifter to increase resistance against ground noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the analog reference voltage is used to power the level shifter, then the level shifter can operate with standard power supply, but the ground bounce in the analog reference voltage causes small swing in input signal and leads to function failure
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent parts: the analog reference voltage GNDA continues to power the analog circuit, while a separate dynamic voltage VD generated by the dynamic voltage regulation circuit powers the level shifter. This segmentation isolates the level shifter from ground bounce effects in the analog reference voltage, ensuring reliable operation without compromising the standard power supply configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic voltage regulation circuit acts as an intermediary between the analog reference voltage and the level shifter. It generates a dynamic voltage VD that reflects the bounce characteristics of GNDA but provides electrical isolation, thereby mediating the power supply relationship and protecting the level shifter from harmful ground noise while maintaining operational reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the digital power supply voltage VCC is reduced to lower power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the voltage swing margin becomes smaller and the level shifter becomes more susceptible to ground bounce effects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of power supply voltage from a fixed value to a dynamic value that adapts to operating conditions. The dynamic voltage regulation circuit generates VD that varies according to the bounce characteristics of the analog reference voltage, ensuring that the level shifter maintains sufficient voltage swing margin even when the digital power supply voltage VCC is reduced for lower power consumption.
3Device complexity
If a fixed voltage is used to power the level shifter, then the circuit design is simple, but the level shifter cannot adapt to varying ground bounce conditions and may fail under large ground bounce
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static fixed voltage supply into a dynamic voltage supply that automatically adapts to varying ground bounce conditions. The dynamic voltage regulation circuit continuously adjusts the output voltage VD based on the bounce characteristics of the analog reference voltage, enabling the level shifter to maintain reliable operation across different operating conditions without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A level shifter device and an operation method thereof are provided. The level shifter device includes a buffer, a first level shifter and a dynamic voltage regulation circuit. The buffer includes an output terminal. The first level shifter has a first input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the buffer. The first level shifter has a reference voltage terminal coupled to an analog reference voltage. The dynamic voltage regulation circuit generates a dynamic voltage having a level varied according to a bounce of the analog reference voltage, and provides the dynamic voltage to at least one of the buffer as a power supply and the first level shifter as a bias voltage.