Output MOSFET Driver With Dynamic-Static Switching for Low Bias Current

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing integrated circuits face a trade-off between high data rates, power consumption, and die area, with prior art solutions requiring higher power and larger capacitors for high-speed operation, leading to inefficient use of silicon die area.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit with a driver that combines a dynamic driver stage to rapidly switch an output PMOS transistor and a static driver stage to maintain its condition, using a dynamic switch-on and switch-off mechanism to minimize power consumption and die area without large capacitors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a larger capacitor CHSGND is used to enable fast switching of output PMOS MPo, then the data rate is improved, but the die area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoiddie area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The driver is divided into two independent stages: a dynamic driver stage for fast switching and a static driver stage for maintaining the output state. This segmentation allows the dynamic stage to use a small capacitor for rapid transitions while the static stage sustains the output without requiring large energy storage, thereby achieving high data rates with minimal die area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driver employs a dynamic switching mechanism where the dynamic driver stage actively transitions the output PMOS between conductive and non-conductive states using stored charge from a small capacitor. This dynamic approach enables fast switching without requiring the large continuous power supply that would be needed with static design, thus improving data rate while reducing die area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a higher bias current IB is used to restore high side ground voltage VHSGND faster, then the data rate is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The high side ground generation stage operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when charge replenishment is needed. The dynamic driver stage uses a capacitor to store charge during active periods and release it during switching events, allowing the bias current to be pulsed rather than continuous. This periodic operation achieves fast voltage restoration and high data rates while significantly reducing average power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic driver stage pre-charges a capacitor during inactive periods so that when switching is required, the stored charge can be immediately deployed for rapid PMOS transition. This preliminary charging action eliminates the need for continuous high bias current, enabling fast data rates with low power consumption by preparing energy in advance rather than supplying it continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a larger capacitor CHSGND is used to support high-speed operation, then the data rate is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The driver is divided into two independent stages: a dynamic driver stage for fast switching and a static driver stage for maintaining the output state. This segmentation allows the dynamic stage to use a small capacitor for rapid transitions while the static stage sustains the output without requiring large energy storage, thereby achieving high data rates with minimal die area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driver employs a dynamic switching mechanism where the dynamic driver stage actively transitions the output PMOS between conductive and non-conductive states using stored charge from a small capacitor. This dynamic approach enables fast switching without requiring the large continuous power supply that would be needed with static design, thus improving data rate while reducing die area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12597923B2High performance low bias current output driver in high voltage environment

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 RENESAS DESIGN NETHERLANDS BV

AI summary

An integrated circuit is provided. The integrated circuit includes a central processing unit built to process data and an output pin of the integrated circuit to provide processed data at the output pin to an external device connected to the output pin and a driver for the output pin with an output MOSFET of the driver connected to the output pin to provide the processed data with the power specified for the output pin. The driver includes a dynamic driver stage built to switch the output MOSFET between its conductive and non-conductive condition and a static driver stage built to maintain the condition of the output MOSFET until the dynamic driver stage switches the condition.