Unified-Supply Level Shifter Circuit for Leakage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current level shifting circuits face issues with current leakage between multiple supply voltages, leading to power wastage and increased complexity in charge pump design, due to the use of multiple voltage pumps with different setup and recovery times.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit design that includes a voltage regulator circuit using a depletion mode transistor to generate a first supply voltage based on a reference voltage, which is then used to power a level shifter and a pull-up circuit, simplifying timing control and reducing leakage by using a single supply voltage for both circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple supply voltages are used to power different stages of the level shifting circuit, then the maximum and minimum voltages can be changed between input and output, but current leakage occurs from higher voltage to lower voltage supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple supply voltage sources into a single unified supply voltage source. Instead of using separate voltage pumps for different supply voltages (VPP1, VPP2, etc.), the invention uses one voltage pump to generate a single supply voltage that powers all stages of the level shifting circuit. This eliminates the leakage paths that exist between multiple independent voltage sources, as there is now only one voltage reference for the entire circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The single supply voltage generated by the voltage pump serves multiple functions simultaneously. It powers all stages of the level shifting circuit, provides the reference voltage for voltage regulation, and enables the pull-up circuit to achieve higher output voltages. This universal supply voltage replaces the need for multiple specialized voltage sources, reducing complexity and eliminating leakage between sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage pumps are used to provide different supply voltages, then voltage level shifting can be achieved, but the setup and recovery times differ between voltage pumps causing timing control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage pump operations into a single voltage pump. Instead of coordinating the operation of multiple independent voltage pumps with different setup and recovery times, the invention uses one voltage pump to generate the supply voltage for all circuit stages. This eliminates the timing synchronization problems that arise when multiple voltage sources must be switched on and off in coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voltage generation function from the voltage distribution function. The single voltage pump generates the voltage, while separate voltage regulator circuits distribute and regulate this voltage to different stages as needed. This segmentation allows each stage to have independent voltage control without requiring complex coordination between multiple voltage pumps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If voltage pumps are used to change the voltage of charge, then the desired voltage levels are achieved, but power is consumed and leakage represents power wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voltage pumping operations into a single voltage pump, eliminating the redundant power consumption associated with running multiple independent voltage pumps. By using one voltage pump to supply all stages, the system avoids the cumulative power consumption of multiple pumps while achieving the same voltage level shifting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voltage regulator circuits as intermediary elements between the single voltage pump and the various circuit stages. These regulators efficiently distribute the voltage from the single pump to different stages, minimizing power loss and eliminating the need for additional voltage pumping operations at each stage.
4Loss of energy
If timing control and level control circuitry is added to prevent current leakage, then leakage paths are minimized, but extra circuitry and associated power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing control and level control functions from separate dedicated circuitry and integrates them into the voltage regulator circuits. The voltage regulators inherently provide the necessary timing and level control to prevent leakage without requiring additional control circuits, as they automatically regulate the voltage distribution based on the single supply voltage reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of voltage regulation, timing control, and level control into unified voltage regulator circuits. Instead of having separate control circuits for timing and level management, these functions are integrated into the voltage regulation mechanism itself, eliminating the need for extra control circuitry while still preventing current leakage effectively.
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
This approach minimizes current leakage and power wastage while simplifying circuitry, as both the level shifter and pull-up circuit operate within a unified supply voltage framework, enhancing efficiency and reducing the demand for complex timing and level control.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage regulator circuit includes a transistor having a threshold voltage with a magnitude determining the first supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit has a level shifter, a pull-circuit, and a voltage regulator. The level shifter and the pull-up circuit receive power from the same supply voltage. The voltage regulator changes the voltage level from the supply voltage to another voltage level used by the level shifter.