Mixed-Voltage Driving Circuit With Integrated Level Shifting

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional driving circuits in portable systems face challenges due to mixed voltage sources, leading to increased complexity and power consumption, hindering miniaturization as they require additional voltage levels for different components like analog and digital circuits.

Innovation Solution

A driving circuit design comprising a level shifter, operational amplifier, and output stage that generates and manages multiple voltage levels, with a bandgap voltage reference circuit providing a stable reference voltage, allowing for efficient switching and reduced power consumption by utilizing a negative feedback loop and NFET transistors for driving capability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complicated driving circuit is used to provide extra voltage levels, then voltage level requirements are met, but device complexity and area increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage level provisionVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operational amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a buffer for the bandgap voltage reference circuit to generate stable reference voltages, functions as a comparator to detect input signal levels, and serves as a driver for the output stage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate circuits for each voltage level, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining adaptability to provide multiple voltage levels (1.8V, 1.2V, 0V) as required by different circuit components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the reference voltage generation, signal comparison, and output driving functions into a single integrated operational amplifier circuit that works in conjunction with the bandgap voltage reference. Instead of using separate dedicated circuits for each function, the design merges these operations into a unified structure that efficiently provides multiple voltage levels while minimizing device area and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complicated driving circuit is used to provide extra voltage levels, then voltage level requirements are met, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage level provisionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bandgap voltage reference circuit continuously provides stable reference voltages (1.8V and 1.2V) that serve multiple purposes within the circuit. The operational amplifier continuously monitors the input signal and maintains the output at the correct voltage level through negative feedback, ensuring continuous useful action without requiring additional power-consuming switching or regulation stages for each voltage level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The operational amplifier automatically adjusts its operation based on the input signal level and reference voltages provided by the bandgap circuit. The circuit self-regulates to provide the appropriate output voltage (1.8V, 1.2V, or 0V) without requiring external control or additional power management circuits, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional driving circuits are used, then multiple voltage levels are provided, but miniaturization is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage level provisionVSAvoidcircuit area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The operational amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a buffer for the bandgap voltage reference circuit to generate stable reference voltages, functions as a comparator to detect input signal levels, and serves as a driver for the output stage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate circuits for each voltage level, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining adaptability to provide multiple voltage levels (1.8V, 1.2V, 0V) as required by different circuit components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the reference voltage generation, signal comparison, and output driving functions into a single integrated operational amplifier circuit that works in conjunction with the bandgap voltage reference. Instead of using separate dedicated circuits for each function, the design merges these operations into a unified structure that efficiently provides multiple voltage levels while minimizing device area and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8836382B1Mixed voltage driving circuit

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 VIA TECH INC

AI summary

A driving circuit is provided. The driving circuit has: a level shifter configured to receive a reference voltage and an input signal at a first voltage to generate a second voltage; an differential amplifier, coupled to the level shifter, configured to receive the second voltage and an output signal to provide an operating voltage, wherein the differential amplifier is supplied by a first power source at a third voltage; and an output stage, coupled to the differential amplifier, configured to receive the input signal and the operating voltage for switching the output signal, wherein the first voltage is smaller than the third voltage, and the output signal has a fourth voltage between the first voltage and the third voltage.