Logic Gate Level Shifting Across Multiple Voltage Domains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional level shifting circuits introduce signaling delays and complicate reconfiguration when transitioning between different voltage domains in integrated circuits, particularly in multi-voltage IC designs.
Innovation Solution
The proposed level shifting circuitry uses a first and second logic gate of complementary types, connected via header transistors, to bridge multiple voltage domains without introducing significant signaling delays, and includes bypass circuitry to optimize operations in single or multi-voltage environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional level shifting circuits are used to translate signals between voltage domains, then voltage domain translation is achieved, but signaling delays are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses header transistors as intermediary elements to couple logic gate circuits between different voltage domains. These header transistors act as mediators that enable signal translation while minimizing delay by providing a direct conduction path when activated, avoiding the multi-stage buffering typical in conventional level shifters.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically configures the coupling between voltage domains by selectively activating header transistors based on signal transition needs. The complementary logic gate circuits dynamically control the header transistor states to optimize signal propagation speed while maintaining proper voltage level translation.
2Reliability
If conventional level shifting circuits are used, then voltage domain translation is achieved, but circuit reconfiguration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The logic gate circuits are designed with dual functionality: they perform their primary logic operation and simultaneously control header transistors for voltage domain coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control circuitry and simplifies reconfiguration when transitioning between single-voltage and multi-voltage operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the voltage domain coupling function with the logic gate function by integrating header transistors directly into the logic gate circuit structure. This consolidation eliminates separate level shifting stages and reduces overall circuit complexity while maintaining translation capability.
3Loss of time
If header transistors are used to couple logic gate circuits between voltage domains, then signaling delay is minimized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The header transistors are activated periodically only when signal transitions occur between voltage domains, rather than remaining continuously conductive. The complementary logic gate circuits control the timing of header transistor activation to coincide with actual translation needs, reducing unnecessary power dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically adjusts the conduction state of header transistors based on real-time signal conditions and voltage domain requirements. When operating in a single voltage domain, the header transistors remain non-conductive to minimize power consumption, and are activated only when multi-voltage operation is required.
Data Source
AI summary
Briefly, example apparatuses, articles of manufacture, and/or techniques are disclosed that may be implemented, in whole or in part, to implement, facilitate and/or support integrated circuits comprising Boolean logic gate circuitry and corresponding voltage level shifting circuitry.