Level Shifter Circuit Using Pulse-Sustain Inputs Against Ground Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional level shifter circuits in power conversion devices experience erroneous output determinations due to changes in high-voltage ground signals, which can cause parasitic capacitance to transmit currents and affect voltage levels, leading to instability.
Innovation Solution
A level shifter circuit design incorporating a first and second pulse generator, level shifters, and a determination circuit that generates input signals with a pulse and sustain signal to produce indication signals, effectively converting high-voltage signals into low-voltage signals without being affected by high-voltage ground signal changes, utilizing a latch circuit and logic gate to stabilize the output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional level shifter circuit is used to convert high-voltage signals to low-voltage signals, then the conversion function is achieved, but erroneous output determination occurs when the high-voltage ground signal changes due to parasitic capacitance transmitting currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the level shifter circuit into multiple independent components: a first level shifter for initial signal conversion, a second level shifter for further conversion, and a determination circuit for final output determination. This segmentation isolates the effects of parasitic capacitance to specific stages, preventing them from directly affecting the final output determination and thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary determination circuit between the conventional level shifter and the logic unit. This determination circuit receives the converted low-voltage signal and performs additional processing to eliminate erroneous determination caused by parasitic capacitance effects, acting as a mediator that filters out harmful interference before the signal reaches the logic unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the high-voltage ground signal is allowed to change during operation, then the power conversion device can adapt to different working conditions, but parasitic capacitance transmits currents that pull up the low-voltage output signal level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the first level shifter convert the high-voltage signal to a low-voltage signal before the high-voltage ground signal changes occur. This preliminary conversion establishes a stable baseline signal that is less susceptible to subsequent ground signal variations, maintaining output stability while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by introducing a second level shifter and determination circuit that compensate for potential parasitic capacitance effects before they can significantly affect the output. These additional stages act as a buffer that absorbs and mitigates the impact of ground signal changes, ensuring stable operation across different working conditions.
3Device complexity
If a simple level shifter circuit is used for high-voltage to low-voltage conversion, then the device complexity is low, but the circuit cannot prevent erroneous determination caused by parasitic capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the level shifter circuit into multiple functional segments (first level shifter, second level shifter, determination circuit) that can be implemented using standard circuit components. This segmentation achieves improved reliability through multiple stages of signal processing while maintaining reasonable device complexity by using modular, standardized building blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal circuit components and design patterns that can be adapted to different voltage levels and applications. The multi-stage architecture with determination circuit provides a universal solution that handles both standard and edge-case scenarios, improving reliability without requiring application-specific custom designs that would increase 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 generates a correct and stable low-voltage signal, reducing power consumption and preventing erroneous output determinations caused by high-voltage ground signal changes, ensuring reliable operation in power conversion devices.
Implementation Method 1
parasitic capacitance 202 between a control terminal and a second terminal of the high-voltage transistor 201 may transmit currents I_C to a circuit node N1
Data Source
AI summary
A level shifter circuit of a driving device includes first and second pulse generators, first and second level shifters, and a determination circuit. The first pulse generator provides a first input signal according to a high-voltage signal. The first input signal includes a pulse signal having a first current level and a sustain signal having a second current level following the pulse signal. The first level shifter receives the first input signal to generate a first indication signal. The second pulse generator provides a second input signal according to the high-voltage signal. The second input signal includes the pulse signal and the sustain signal following the pulse signal. The second level shifter receives the second input signal to generate a second indication signal. The determination circuit generates a low-voltage signal according to the first indication signal and the second indication signal.