Negative Voltage Generator Without Level Shifters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative voltage generators require level shifters, which lead to performance degradation, increased power dissipation, and larger circuit area due to current consumption and signal misalignment issues, especially when implemented on integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A negative voltage generator design that operates without level shifters, using standard digital control signals to drive switches and generate control signals with nominal voltage levels, avoiding the need for AC coupling capacitors and reducing circuit complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If level shifters are used in negative voltage generators, then control signals can be generated for switches observing different voltage levels, but power dissipation increases and operating speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes level shifters from the negative voltage generator circuit, extracting the problematic component that caused power dissipation and speed issues. The control logic is redesigned to directly generate appropriate control signals for switches without requiring level shifting stages, thereby eliminating the associated power loss and delay.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using level shifters to adapt control signals to different voltage levels, the patent inverts the approach by designing the control logic to naturally generate signals at the required voltage levels. The control circuitry is configured to produce control signals that directly match the voltage requirements of the switches, eliminating the need for level conversion.
2Ease of operation
If level shifters are used in negative voltage generators, then control signals can be generated for switches, but circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes level shifters from the negative voltage generator circuit, extracting the problematic component that occupied valuable circuit area. By eliminating these unnecessary components and redesigning the control logic to directly generate appropriate control signals, the overall circuit footprint is reduced while maintaining full functionality.
3Ease of operation
If level shifters are used in negative voltage generators, then control signals can be generated, but signal misalignment and performance degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using level shifters that introduced signal misalignment and performance degradation, the patent inverts the approach by designing control logic that directly generates signals at the correct voltage levels and timing. The control circuitry is configured to produce control signals that naturally match the voltage requirements and timing needs of the switches, eliminating signal alignment issues.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces power dissipation, lowers costs, and enables faster operating speeds by eliminating the drawbacks associated with level shifters, resulting in a more efficient and compact negative voltage generation solution.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor coupled between a second internal node and a third node
Data Source
AI summary
Negative voltage generators that do not require level shifters or AC coupling capacitors are disclosed. In an exemplary design, a negative voltage generator includes first, second, third and fourth switches, a capacitor, and a control circuit. The first switch is coupled between an input node and a first node. The second switch is coupled between the first node and circuit ground. The third switch is coupled between a second node and circuit ground. The fourth switch is coupled between the second node and an output node. The input node receives a positive voltage, and the output node provides a negative voltage. The capacitor is coupled between the first and second nodes. The control circuit (e.g., an inverter) generates a control signal having positive and negative voltage levels for the third switch using a negative voltage level at the second node.