Level Shifter Circuit With Transient Speed-Up for Fast Edge Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level shifters face limitations in operating speed and voltage converting range due to slow positive edge transitions and inability to maintain duty cycle across varying operating voltages and temperatures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a transient speed-up circuit that accelerates the transient speed of output terminals when they are at the same logic level, combined with a latch circuit and input stage circuit to determine steady-state levels, allowing for higher speed and larger voltage converting capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional latch circuit is used without transient speed-up, then the circuit structure remains simple, but the operating speed is limited due to slow positive edge transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The level shifter circuit is divided into three functional modules: input stage circuit, latch circuit, and transient speed-up circuit. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the circuit to achieve high speed without excessive overall complexity by localizing the speed-up function.
Solution Approach 2:
The transient speed-up circuit acts as an intermediary component between the input stage and latch circuit. It detects when both output terminals are at the same logic level and temporarily accelerates the transition, mediating the speed issue without fundamentally altering the latch circuit structure.
2Speed
If transistors are designed to be stronger to speed up transitions, then the transient response improves, but the voltage converting range becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit uses dynamic control of transistor activation rather than fixed strong transistor design. The transient speed-up circuit dynamically enables additional transistors only when needed (when both outputs are at the same logic level), allowing the circuit to adapt to different voltage ranges while providing speed enhancement when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes the operational parameters of transistors based on circuit state. During normal operation, transistors operate with standard parameters for broad voltage compatibility. During transient states when both outputs are equal, the transient speed-up circuit activates to temporarily enhance transistor conductivity, speeding up the transition without permanently limiting voltage range.
3Reliability
If the level shifter uses a simple latch circuit, then the duty cycle may drift under varying conditions, but the circuit remains stable and simple
Solution Approach 1:
The transient speed-up circuit implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the logic levels of both output terminals. When it detects that both terminals are at the same logic level, it activates to correct the duty cycle drift, providing automatic adjustment without complex external control circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A level shifter includes an input stage circuit, a latch circuit and a transient speed-up circuit. The input stage circuit receives an input signal. The latch circuit is coupled to the input stage circuit through a first output terminal and a second output terminal, and determining steady-state levels of the first and the second output terminals according to the input signal. The transient speed-up circuit is coupled to the first and the second output terminals. When the transient speed-up circuit determines the first and the second output terminals are at the same logic level, the transient speed-up circuit accelerates the positive edge transition of the first or the second terminals.