Programmable Multi-Supply Output Circuit for Voltage-Compatible I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ICs with general-purpose output buffers require additional voltage supply pins for each configurable output to operate with different external circuit supply voltages, increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integrated circuits with multiple supply voltage nodes and configurable output circuits that selectively connect to an appropriate supply voltage node based on control signals, using supply drive circuits and blocking circuits to manage current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an extra voltage supply pin is added for each configurable output buffer, then the output can operate with different external circuit supply voltages, but the device complexity and pin count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The output buffer is designed to accept multiple supply voltages (VDD1 and VDD2) through a single pin configuration. The buffer can be programmed to operate from either voltage level, making it universal and adaptable to different external circuit requirements without requiring separate pins for each voltage option.
Solution Approach 2:
The output buffer's supply voltage connection is made dynamically configurable through programming. The buffer can switch between operating from VDD1 or VDD2 based on system requirements, allowing the same physical pin to serve different voltage levels dynamically rather than being fixed to a single voltage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple supply voltage nodes are provided, then flexible operation with various external circuit voltages is enabled, but the current management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A programming mechanism acts as an intermediary between the multiple supply voltage nodes (VDD1 and VDD2) and the output buffer. This intermediary selectively connects the buffer to the appropriate voltage node based on programming inputs, managing the complexity of current flow from multiple voltage sources through controlled switching.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed examples include ICs and general-purpose I/O circuitry to facilitate interfacing of the IC with a variety of external circuits operating at different supply voltages, in which an integer number N supply drive circuits are individually coupled with a corresponding supply voltage node and selectively connect the corresponding supply voltage node to a general-purpose output node based on a supply drive control signal to allow programmable interfacing of individual general-purpose output pads or pins of the IC with an external circuit at the appropriate signal level.