Power Domain Change Circuit for Transition Jitter Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power domain change circuits experience transition jitter when changing power domains, leading to unstable signal transfer and reliability issues in subsequent circuit operations.
Innovation Solution
A power domain change circuit that generates intermediate processing signals in a first power domain and changes them to a second power domain, averaging and combining transition jitter components to produce a final output signal, thereby mitigating jitter effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power domain change is implemented to enable signal transfer between different power domains, then adaptability is improved, but transition jitter occurs causing instability in signal transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary circuit stage between the first and second power domains. This intermediate stage receives the input signal from the first power domain, performs level translation and signal conditioning, and then drives the output circuit in the second power domain. This mediator circuit isolates the direct coupling between different power domains, eliminating the transition jitter that would otherwise propagate through the signal path.
Solution Approach 2:
The power domain change circuit is divided into distinct functional segments: an input circuit operating in the first power domain, an intermediate circuit stage for level translation and signal conditioning, and an output circuit operating in the second power domain. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently and prevents the propagation of jitter between power domains while maintaining adaptability.
2Device complexity
If direct power domain change is used to simplify circuit structure, then device complexity is reduced, but transition jitter causes reliability issues in subsequent circuit operations
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate circuit stage serves as a mediator that reconciles the conflict between simplicity and reliability. While it adds some circuit elements, it uses standard CMOS transistor configurations (PMOS and NMOS transistors in series) that are familiar and easy to implement. The intermediary stage reliably eliminates transition jitter, ensuring signal integrity for subsequent circuit operations with minimal added complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power domain change circuit is implemented to enable signal transfer between different power domains, then adaptability is improved, but transition jitter occurs causing timing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate circuit stage acts as a timing-stabilizing mediator between power domains. It receives the input signal, performs level translation through controlled transistor switching, and generates a clean output signal with consistent timing characteristics. This intermediary processing eliminates the timing variations and jitter that would otherwise occur during direct power domain transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the power domain change circuit into distinct stages with clear functional boundaries, the patent ensures that timing-critical operations are isolated and controlled. The intermediate stage specifically handles timing-sensitive signal transitions, providing stable and predictable delay characteristics that prevent timing instability in the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
A power domain change circuit includes an input circuit and an output circuit. The input circuit is suitable for operating in a first power domain and generating first and second intermediate processing signals. The output circuit is suitable for operating in a second power domain and generating a final output signal by averaging and combining transition jitter components of the first and second intermediate processing signals.