Configurable Power-Domain Interface for Selective Level Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level-shifting circuits are susceptible to supply voltage ripples, require large areas due to capacitors, and suffer from signal slope issues, leading to inefficiencies and throughput limitations in power domain implementations.
Innovation Solution
A configurable interface circuit that selectively shifts voltage levels between power domains, allowing direct communication when domains operate at the same voltage and using level shifters only when necessary to convert signals between different voltage ranges, thereby reducing delay and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If level shifters are used to interface between power domains with different voltage ranges, then voltage level conversion is achieved, but circuit area increases due to capacitor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the capacitor component from the level shifter circuit, replacing it with a resistor-based voltage division network. This removal of the capacitor eliminates the area requirement while maintaining the voltage level conversion function through resistive分压 and signal buffering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the level shifter function with the power domain interface circuitry by using shared resistors that serve both as voltage division elements and as pull-up/pull-down resistors for signal buffering. This integration eliminates discrete capacitor components and reduces overall circuit area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If level shifters are used to interface between power domains with different voltage ranges, then voltage level conversion is achieved, but supply voltage ripples cause undesirable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resistors instead of capacitors, where resistors provide stable voltage division without the charge storage effects that cause ripple sensitivity. The resistive network naturally filters voltage variations through its high impedance, providing stable operation even with supply ripples.
3Adaptability or versatility
If level shifters are used to interface between power domains, then voltage level conversion is achieved, but signal slope issues and throughput limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the level shifter operation by using enable signals that activate the voltage conversion only when needed. The circuit can rapidly switch between direct connection and level-shifting modes, optimizing throughput by bypassing the level shifter when voltage domains are compatible.
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 approach enhances power savings and throughput by minimizing the need for level-shifting in common voltage scenarios while efficiently handling voltage differences, reducing the throughput penalty and enabling power recycling between stacked power domains.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage level of each communication received from one of the first and second circuits is converted to a voltage level of the other one of the first and second circuits in response to the detected voltage ranges being different
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure are directed to level-shifting approaches with communications between respective circuits. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments characterized herein, a voltage level of communications passed between respective circuits are selectively shifted. Where the respective circuits operate under respective power domains that are shifted in voltage range relative to one another, the voltage level of the communications is shifted. This approach may, for example, facilitate power-savings for stacked circuits in which a low-level voltage of one circuit is provided as a high-level voltage for another circuit. When the respective circuits operate under a common power domain, the communications are passed directly between the respective circuits (e.g., bypassing any level-shifting, and facilitating fast communication).