Enable-Controlled Level Shifter Circuit for Low-Leakage Voltage Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
As semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) become smaller and more complex, the decreasing operating voltages affect IC performance, and existing level shifter circuits face challenges in efficiently managing voltage domains and reducing power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a circuit architecture that includes an input circuit, a level shifter circuit with a header and footer configuration, and an output circuit. The level shifter circuit is enabled or disabled by an enable signal, which reduces leakage current and power consumption by selectively coupling paths to different voltage supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the level shifter circuit operates continuously to maintain signal level shifting capability, then the voltage domain conversion function is preserved, but power consumption increases due to continuous leakage current
Solution Approach 1:
The level shifter circuit transitions from a static continuous operation mode to a dynamic mode where it can be enabled or disabled based on operational requirements. The enable signal dynamically controls the switching elements to connect or disconnect the input and output circuits, allowing the circuit to adapt its state between active and low-power modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful leakage current path is extracted or removed from the circuit by disabling the level shifter when not in use. The enable signal selectively activates or deactivates the coupling between voltage domains, effectively taking out the source of unnecessary power consumption while preserving the voltage domain conversion capability when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the level shifter circuit is disabled to reduce power consumption, then leakage current decreases, but the ability to shift signals between voltage domains is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The level shifter circuit operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active and disabled states based on the enable signal. During active periods, it performs voltage domain conversion; during disabled periods, it conserves power by isolating the voltage domains. This periodic enable-disable operation allows the system to balance functionality with power efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the circuit uses a simple pass-transistor level shifter, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot effectively control leakage current and manage multiple voltage domains
Solution Approach 1:
The level shifter circuit is segmented into distinct functional blocks: an input circuit, a level shifter circuit with switching elements, and an output circuit. This segmentation allows independent control of each section, enabling effective leakage current management while maintaining clear voltage domain boundaries. The enable signal controls the switching elements to selectively connect or disconnect segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Switching elements act as intermediaries between the input and output circuits, controlled by the enable signal. These intermediaries manage the coupling between different voltage domains, allowing the circuit to selectively establish or break connections to control leakage current while maintaining the ability to shift signals when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a first region including a first set of transistors that include a first set of active regions having a first threshold voltage, the first set of transistors in a first portion of a level shifter circuit, the first portion of the level shifter circuit being coupled to a first voltage supply. The integrated circuit further includes a second region adjacent to the first region. The second region includes a second set of transistors that include a second set of active regions having a second threshold voltage different from the first threshold voltage, and the second set of transistors being in a second portion of the level shifter circuit.