Logic Level Shifter With Safe Control Voltage Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logic level shifters are inefficient in translating logic signals between circuits with different potential levels, leading to limitations in applications such as display screens, particularly in ensuring safe control voltages and handling varying potential levels.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a logic level shifting method using first and second transistors connected in series, with dedicated voltage generators providing DC voltages that set high limits for control voltages, and additional transistors for current mirroring and voltage drop elements like diodes to manage signal states and voltages effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a logic level shifter translates signals between different potential levels, then adaptability to varying voltage conditions is improved, but the risk of transistor damage from unsafe control voltages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary voltage generators that act as mediators between the input signal and the transistor control terminals. These generators receive the input logic signal and transform it into safe control voltages through voltage transformation circuits, preventing direct application of potentially harmful voltages to the transistors while enabling adaptation to different voltage conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the control voltage parameters by using voltage generators that transform the input signal voltage levels into appropriate control voltages for the transistors. The voltage transformation circuits adjust the voltage magnitude and levels based on the input signal, ensuring that control voltages remain within safe operating ranges while adapting to varying input voltage conditions
2Reliability
If voltage generators provide DC voltages to set high limits for control voltages, then transistor protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage generation and signal transformation functions into integrated voltage generator circuits that are closely coupled with the transistor control structures. By combining these functions and using shared circuit elements between the voltage generators and the logic level shifting transistors, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable transistor protection through controlled voltage limits
3Manufacturing precision
If additional transistors and voltage generators are added to manage signal states, then signal translation accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the logic level shifting function into distinct modular blocks: input signal reception stage, voltage generation stage with transformation circuits, and transistor control stage. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized and manufactured independently using standard semiconductor fabrication processes, improving signal translation accuracy through specialized design while facilitating easier manufacturing through modular production approaches
Data Source
AI summary
An output potential level among two first levels is delivered according to an input level among two second levels. The output potential level is delivered at a first node connecting together first and second transistors electrically in series between two second nodes of application of the first levels. A first DC voltage defining a high limit for the control voltage of the first transistor is delivered by a first voltage generator powered by one of the second nodes. A second DC voltage defining a high limit for the control voltage of the second transistor is delivered by a second voltage generator controlled by a value representative of the first voltage and powered between the second nodes.