Level Shifter Power Monitoring to Cut Standby Current
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power source monitoring circuits experience increased steady-state current consumption, particularly when there is a voltage difference between power source blocks, leading to inefficiencies in current management.
Innovation Solution
A power source monitoring circuit that controls the operation of a level shifter based on the status of a first power source and an operation status control signal for a second power source, using a current control unit to inhibit steady-state current flow, and includes a transistor that is turned off when the second block is set to a standby state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a level shifter circuit is used to convert signal levels between blocks operating on different power sources, then signal transmission between blocks with different power source voltages is enabled, but through current flows when the front-stage block power source is not activated, increasing current consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The power source monitoring circuit proactively detects the power source status of the front-stage block before signal transmission occurs. When the front-stage block is not activated, the monitoring circuit预先 determines the logic state and controls the level shifter to stop operation, preventing through current flow before it can occur.
2Loss of energy
If a power source monitoring circuit is implemented to prevent through current in the level shifter, then through current is prevented when the front-stage block power source is not activated, but steady-state current flows in the monitoring circuit when power sources are activated, increasing current consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The level shifter circuit dynamically adjusts its operation state based on real-time power source status detection. When the front-stage block power source is not activated, the level shifter stops operation to prevent through current. When activated, it resumes normal signal level conversion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source monitoring circuit automatically monitors the power source status of the front-stage block and autonomously controls the level shifter operation without external intervention. The circuit serves itself by using its own operational state to control the level shifter, eliminating the need for additional control circuits.
3Speed
If the level shifter operates continuously to ensure signal transmission readiness, then signal transmission is immediately available, but current consumption increases due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the level shifter circuit adopts periodic operation by monitoring power source status changes. It operates only when needed (when the front-stage block is activated and signal transmission is required) and remains inactive otherwise, achieving both energy savings and rapid response when activated.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to a semiconductor device that includes a level shifter circuit that performs level conversion on a digital signal output from a predetermined block and outputs a resultant signal to another block that operates by a power source different from the power source of the predetermined block, and a power source monitoring circuit that controls an operation of the level shifter circuit. The power source monitoring circuit stops an operation of the level shifter circuit on the basis of a status of the power source that supplies power to the predetermined block and a standby control signal for controlling an operation status of the other block. Further, the power source monitoring circuit is provided with a transistor on a path of a steady-state current, and the steady-state current is inhibited from flowing in accordance with the standby control signal.