Level Shifter Voltage Control for Low-Power High-Speed I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor apparatuses face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining high-speed data transmission and reception capabilities, as existing designs often require multiple voltage sources and complex voltage management systems to optimize data input/output operations.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor apparatus incorporates a control circuit that activates or deactivates data input/output circuits based on set voltage levels, using a power control signal to manage power consumption by switching between different voltage states, and employs a level shifter with thin gate insulating transistors to reduce circuit dimensions and improve stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple voltage sources are used to optimize data input/output operations, then data transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control by switching between different voltage sources (first voltage source for high-speed mode, second voltage source for low-power mode) based on operational requirements. The control circuit dynamically selects appropriate voltage levels to activate data input/output circuits only when needed, enabling the system to adapt its power consumption and performance characteristics in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes voltage parameters dynamically by using multiple voltage sources with different voltage levels. The control circuit monitors operational conditions and adjusts the voltage supplied to data input/output circuits, switching between high voltage (for high-speed operation) and low voltage (for power saving), thereby optimizing the trade-off between speed and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If voltage is divided into separate voltages for data transmission circuits and non-data circuits, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage supply system into multiple independent voltage sources, each dedicated to specific circuit functions. A first voltage source supplies voltage to data input/output circuits while a second voltage source supplies voltage to non-data circuits. This segmentation allows independent power management for different functional blocks, enabling selective activation and reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed with multi-functionality to manage multiple voltage sources and switch between different operational modes. It can detect voltage levels, control circuit activation, and coordinate between different voltage domains, thereby handling complex voltage management through a unified control mechanism that reduces the need for separate control circuits for each voltage domain.
3Length of moving object
If thin gate insulating layer transistors are used, then circuit dimensions are reduced, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different gate insulating layer thicknesses to different transistors based on their specific functional requirements. Critical transistors that require high reliability (such as those in control circuits or safety-critical paths) are equipped with thicker gate insulating layers, while non-critical transistors can use thinner layers to minimize device footprint. This localized differentiation optimizes the balance between size and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor apparatus includes a control circuit and a level shifter. The control circuit is configured to output a power control signal for activating a data input/output circuit operated by a first voltage when the first voltage is higher than a first set voltage and a second voltage is higher a second set voltage. The level shifter configured to receive the power control signal and lower operating voltages of devices including a plurality of transistors with a thin gate insulating layer based on the power control signal.