Multi-Signal Potential Sensing Circuit With Reduced Comparator Scale
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices requiring multiple comparators to sense potential levels of multiple signals result in increased circuit scale, size, power consumption, and complexity, particularly when using CMOS transistors with mixed conductivity types, which degrade performance.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device design utilizing a first and second circuit with series-connected transistors of the same conductivity type, such as n-channel transistors, to sense potential levels without the need for comparators, reducing circuit scale and power consumption, and allowing for fabrication by a simple method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a larger number of comparators are used to sense the potential levels of a larger number of signals, then the sensing capability is improved, but the circuit scale becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single comparator circuit that can sense the potential levels of multiple signals (first signal and second signal) through different input configurations. The same comparator structure is used to compare different signal combinations, eliminating the need for separate comparators for each signal pair, thus reducing circuit scale while maintaining sensing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger number of comparators are used to sense the potential levels of a larger number of signals, then the sensing capability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces power consumption by making the comparator circuit multi-functional. The same comparator is reused to sense multiple signal combinations (first signal vs. second signal, and their inverted combinations), eliminating the need for multiple comparators that would each consume power independently. This universal usage significantly reduces overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to sense multiple signal levels.
3Ease of manufacture
If a comparator is constituted by only n-channel transistors, then the fabrication simplicity is improved, but the characteristics of the comparator significantly degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically placing p-channel transistors only where they are most needed - in the reference potential generation circuit and specific switching elements - while using n-channel transistors for the main comparison functionality. This localized use of p-channel transistors improves comparator characteristics (gain, input voltage range) without requiring a full CMOS structure, thus maintaining fabrication simplicity while enhancing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device with a small circuit scale is provided. The semiconductor device includes a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit includes first to n-th (n is an integer of 2 or more) transistors and the second circuit includes (n+1)-th to 2n-th transistors. The first to n-th transistors are connected in parallel to each other and the (n+1)-th to 2n-th transistors are connected in series to each other. First to n-th signals are supplied to the first circuit and the second circuit. The first circuit has a function of outputting a first potential when each of potentials of the first to n-th signals is lower than or equal to a first reference potential, and outputting a second potential when at least one of the potentials of the first to n-th signals is higher than the first reference potential. The second circuit has a function of outputting a third potential when each of the potentials of the first to n-th signals is higher than a second reference potential, and outputting the first potential when at least one of the potentials of the first to n-th signals is lower than or equal to the second reference potential.