Feedback-Controlled Level Shifter to Prevent Short-Circuit Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
As semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) become smaller and more complex, operating voltages decrease, leading to performance issues in digital devices like level shifter circuits that operate across different voltage domains, resulting in inefficiencies and increased power consumption due to short circuit currents.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a level shifter circuit with a feedback mechanism that includes separate paths enabled or disabled by feedback signals, preventing short circuit currents by controlling the enable signal, thereby optimizing power consumption and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the level shifter circuit operates across different voltage domains, then voltage level translation is enabled, but short circuit currents occur leading to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the output signal state and controls the enable signal accordingly. When the output signal is detected to be in a disabled state, the feedback circuit automatically disables the enable signal, preventing short circuit currents. This feedback control resolves the contradiction by maintaining voltage domain adaptability while eliminating energy loss from short circuit currents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the enable signal based on real-time detection of the output signal state. The circuit transitions between enabled and disabled states dynamically, rather than maintaining a fixed state. This dynamic adaptation allows the circuit to operate efficiently across different voltage domains while preventing short circuit currents during disabled states, thus resolving the energy consumption issue.
2Loss of energy
If the level shifter circuit is disabled to prevent short circuit currents, then power consumption decreases, but signal transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback circuit continuously monitors the output signal state and provides real-time control of the enable signal. When the output signal requires transmission, the feedback mechanism keeps the enable signal active, maintaining signal transmission capability. When transmission is not needed, it disables the enable signal to reduce power consumption. This feedback-based dynamic control resolves the contradiction between energy saving and productivity.
3Productivity
If the enable signal is continuously active, then signal transmission is maintained, but short circuit currents increase power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism detects when the output signal is in a disabled state and automatically deactivates the enable signal, preventing continuous operation that would cause short circuit currents. This ensures the enable signal is active only when necessary for signal transmission, resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit implements periodic monitoring of the output signal state through the feedback mechanism, enabling the enable signal only during necessary transmission periods. This periodic activation rather than continuous operation maintains signal transmission capability when needed while preventing energy waste during idle periods, thus resolving the contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a level shifter circuit, an output circuit and a feedback circuit. The level shifter circuit is coupled to a first voltage supply, and is configured to receive at least an enable signal, a first input signal or a second input signal. The level shifter circuit is configured to generate at least a first signal responsive to at least the enable signal or the first input signal. The output circuit is coupled to at least the level shifter circuit and the first voltage supply, is configured to receive the first signal, and to generate at least an output signal or a set of feedback signals responsive to the first signal. The feedback circuit is coupled to the level shifter circuit, the output circuit and the first voltage supply, and is configured to receive the enable signal, an inverted enable signal and the set of feedback signals.