Low Voltage Transistor High Dynamic Range Voltage Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage circuits require expensive and prone-to-failure high-voltage electronic components, necessitating a cost-effective and reliable solution for varying voltage sources with a wide dynamic range using low-voltage domain components.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage source apparatus utilizing a current sink to ground connected to a pull-up resistor, comprising a pull-up resistance module, low voltage domain current mirror module, and cascode cell stages, with a clamping voltage source to protect transistors and allow voltage variation without high-voltage transistors, employing low voltage transistors for reduced failure susceptibility and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage electronic components are used, then high voltage varying source can be generated, but manufacturing cost increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter domain by using low-voltage transistors (operating at 5V or less) to generate high-voltage outputs (up to 200V or more). This is achieved through a charge pump circuit that multiplies the voltage of low-voltage signals, allowing the system to operate transistors in their low-voltage domain while producing high-voltage outputs, thereby improving reliability and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a charge pump circuit as an intermediary mechanism between low-voltage transistors and high-voltage outputs. The charge pump acts as a voltage multiplier that converts low-voltage signals into high-voltage outputs, enabling low-voltage components to control high-voltage operations without being directly exposed to high-voltage stress, thus resolving the contradiction between component reliability and high-voltage functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high voltage electronic components are used, then high voltage varying source can be generated, but device complexity and fabrication cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes low-voltage transistors perform multiple functions: they serve as both the primary switching elements and the voltage control elements for generating high-voltage outputs. The same low-voltage transistors that would normally only switch low-voltage signals are made to control the charge pump circuit that generates high-voltage outputs, thereby achieving versatility across voltage domains without requiring separate high-voltage transistor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voltage generation function into distinct stages: low-voltage signal generation, voltage multiplication through charge pump, and high-voltage output. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, with low-voltage transistors handling signal control and the charge pump handling voltage multiplication, reducing overall circuit complexity compared to using high-voltage transistors for the entire function.
3Ease of manufacture
If low voltage transistors are used, then manufacturing cost decreases and reliability increases, but voltage output range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter through active voltage multiplication. Low-voltage transistors (operating at 5V or less) control a charge pump circuit that multiplies the voltage by a factor of 40 or more, achieving high-voltage outputs (200V or more) from low-voltage inputs. This parameter transformation allows inexpensive low-voltage transistors to generate high-voltage outputs with wide dynamic range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic voltage multiplication where the charge pump circuit can adjust its multiplication ratio based on control signals from the low-voltage transistors. This dynamic operation allows the system to vary the output voltage across a wide range (from near ground to over 200V) while continuously using the same low-voltage transistor components, achieving both cost-effectiveness and wide voltage dynamic range.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a varying high voltage source implemented with low voltage domain electronic components that are less costly to manufacture. According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a high voltage circuit apparatus comprising a pull up resistance module, a plurality of cascode cell stages, a first of the cascode cell stages being coupled to the pull up resistance module, a low voltage domain current sink module coupled to a last of the cascode cell stages, and a clamping voltage source coupled to the last of the cascode cell stages. The circuit apparatus is devoid of high-voltage transistor components.