Integrated Mux-Translator Circuit for Multi-Voltage Logic Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems face challenges in interfacing different logic families and systems with varying voltage levels, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for multiple translators and additional circuitry to manage incompatible supply voltages.
Innovation Solution
A monolithically integrated bi-directional, open-drain auto sense multiplexer-translator-demultiplexer circuit that performs voltage level shifting, allowing data transfer between systems operating at different supply voltages by translating logic signals between input and output voltage supplies, and enabling multiplexing and demultiplexing of electrical signals without directional pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete translators are used to interface different logic families and systems with varying voltage levels, then compatibility between different voltage systems is achieved, but system cost increases due to the need to inventory multiple translators and lack of economies of scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple translator functions into a single integrated circuit device. The translator is configured with multiple inputs and outputs that can handle different voltage levels (e.g., 3.3V, 5V, 12V) simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate translator devices. This merging approach reduces system cost by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple discrete components into one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The translator is designed as a universal interface that can translate between multiple voltage levels and logic families through a single device. The circuit includes multiple input/output pairs that can be configured to handle different voltage combinations, providing multi-functional capability that replaces several specialized translators with one versatile device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional circuitry is added to overcome incompatible supply voltage levels, then voltage compatibility is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates voltage level shifting and logic translation functions into a single circuit block. The translator includes internal circuitry that handles voltage level conversion between different logic families (e.g., CMOS, LVDS, PECL) without requiring external additional components. This consolidation reduces overall device complexity compared to using separate translators with external circuitry.
3Reliability
If discrete translators are used for each voltage interface, then proper signal translation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to lack of economies of scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple translation channels within a single integrated circuit, allowing high-volume manufacturing of one device type to replace the need to manufacture and inventory multiple different translator devices. This approach enables economies of scale in production while maintaining proper signal translation accuracy through dedicated circuit paths for each input/output pair.
Data Source
AI summary
A monolithically integrated multiplexer-translator-demultiplexer and a method for multiplexing and translating an electrical signal or demultiplexing and translating an electrical signal. A multiplexer and a demultiplexer are monolithically integrated with a translator. Circuits that operate at different voltage supply levels from each other may be coupled to the multiplexer and a circuit that operates at a different voltage supply level from the circuits coupled to the multiplexer or that operates at the same voltage supply level as at least one of the circuits coupled to the multiplexer is coupled to the demultiplexer. The monolithically integrated multiplexer-translator-demultiplexer selects a signal from one of the circuits coupled to the multiplexer, translates its voltage level and provides the translated signal level as an output signal. Alternatively, the monolithically integrated multiplexer-translator-demultiplexer creates demultiplexed signals from an electrical signal and translates the voltage levels of the demultiplexed signals.