Programmable Pre-Driver Logic for Faster Voltage Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits (ICs) face slow voltage translation between low-level intra-IC operations and high-level communications with other electronic devices due to inefficient translation circuit logic.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pre-driver logic with latch logic and programmable pre-drivers that store and release signals for a specific number of clock cycles, allowing for efficient translation between low-level and high-level voltages by utilizing a combination of p-channel and n-channel transistors to enhance drive strength and speed up voltage translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional translation circuit logic is used, then voltage translation between low-level and high-level is achieved, but the translation speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements latch logic that stores input signals before they need to be translated, preparing the signal state in advance. This preliminary storage action allows the translation circuit to operate more efficiently by working with pre-prepared signals rather than processing raw inputs directly, thereby increasing translation speed without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation circuit is divided into distinct functional segments: latch logic for signal storage, pre-driver logic for signal preparation, and driver logic for final output. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall translation speed while managing complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If drive strength is increased to speed up voltage translation, then translation speed improves, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs programmable pre-drivers with configurable drive strengths that can be dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements. This dynamic configurability allows the circuit to optimize drive strength for each translation operation, maximizing throughput when needed while reducing complexity when lower drive strength suffices, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one of the disclosed systems includes driver logic that is capable of driving a device and pre-driver logic coupled to the driver logic and that drives the driver logic. If the pre-driver logic receives an input signal of a first type, the pre-driver logic activates a first transistor such that the pre-driver logic provides an output signal. If the pre-driver logic receives an input signal of a second type, the pre-driver logic activates a second transistor and a third transistor that together cause the pre-driver logic to provide a different output signal. If the third transistor is not activated, the pre-driver logic provides the output signal.