Level-Shifting Synchronization Circuit for Phase-Matched Outputs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional synchronization circuits for phase synchronization of output signals from level shifters experience phase discord due to variations in circuit manufacturing processes and power supply voltages, leading to unstable system operation.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization circuit comprising a first level-shifting unit and a synchronization unit that generates output signals with substantially the same phase by ensuring identical manufacturing conditions and power supply voltages for corresponding level-shifting units, and using buffer units with complementary inverters to control signal delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional level shifters are used with different power supply voltages to achieve different swing voltages, then the output signals can drive different voltage domains, but the phase discord between output signals increases due to process variations and voltage differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage domain adaptabilityVSAvoidphase synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is divided into separate level-shifting units (first level-shifting unit 512, second level-shifting unit 513) with identical structures, each handling different voltage domains. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each unit while maintaining phase coherence through structural consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the power supply voltage parameters applied to identical level-shifting unit structures. By applying different power supply voltages (first and second power supply voltages) to structurally identical units, the circuit achieves different swing voltages while maintaining phase synchronization through the unified structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If different power supply voltages are applied to achieve different output swing voltages, then the circuit can interface with different voltage domains, but the delay differences between output signals increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswing voltage rangeVSAvoidsignal delay difference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates equipotential conditions by applying identical power supply voltages to corresponding level-shifting units. The first level-shifting unit and second level-shifting unit receive the same power supply voltages, ensuring equal operating conditions and minimizing delay differences despite different output swing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

By systematically changing the power supply voltage parameters applied to identical circuit structures, the invention achieves different swing voltages while maintaining consistent timing characteristics. The parameter changes are applied in a controlled manner to preserve phase relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If process variations occur in manufacturing, then circuit production becomes more flexible, but the phase synchronization between output signals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction flexibilityVSAvoidphase matching accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is segmented into identical level-shifting units that can be manufactured independently. This segmentation allows flexible production while ensuring that phase synchronization is maintained through the replication of identical structural units, reducing the impact of process variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs homogeneous structures for corresponding level-shifting units. By making the first and second level-shifting units structurally identical, the circuit achieves immunity to process variations, as any manufacturing deviations affect both units equally, preserving phase synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

4Reliability

If buffer units with complementary inverters are added to control signal delays, then phase synchronization is improved, but the circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase synchronizationVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer units and complementary inverters are merged into the level-shifting unit structure itself. Rather than adding separate synchronization circuits, the phase control functionality is integrated into the existing level-shifting blocks, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The level-shifting units perform self-synchronization through their internal complementary inverter structures. The circuits automatically compensate for delay differences using their own internal buffer units, eliminating the need for external phase adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7468621B2Synchronization circuits and methods

Publication Date: 2008.12.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A synchronization circuit includes a first level-shifting unit receiving an input reference signal having a first swing voltage and generating a first level change signal having a second swing voltage and a second level change signal having a third swing voltage, and a synchronization unit generating first and second output signals by synchronizing the first level change signal with the second level change signal.