Pre-Driver Logic for Faster IC 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 due to inefficient translation circuit logic, which hampers performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pre-driver logic with latch logic and programmable pre-drivers and driver logic pairs, utilizing a combination of p-channel and n-channel transistors to efficiently translate low-level voltages to high-level voltages, ensuring valid outputs and increased drive strength through parallel connections.
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 translation circuit is divided into separate pre-driver and driver stages, each handling specific voltage translation tasks. The pre-driver translates low-level voltages to intermediate high-level voltages, while the driver handles final output driving, allowing optimized speed at each stage
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-driver performs preliminary voltage translation before the main driver operation. By pre-translating voltages to the appropriate high-level before the driver stage, the main driver can operate more efficiently without waiting for voltage level conversion
2Adaptability or versatility
If translation circuit logic is added, then voltage level conversion is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-driver and driver circuitry is designed to handle multiple voltage levels and I/O standards through programmable configuration. The same hardware infrastructure supports different voltage translations by reconfiguring transistor connections rather than requiring dedicated circuits for each standard
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-driver and driver functions are combined into an integrated circuit block that shares common transistor resources and control logic. Multiple pre-driver/driver pairs share the same physical infrastructure, reducing overall complexity compared to separate independent circuits
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 solution enables faster voltage translation, enhancing the speed and efficiency of IC operations by ensuring valid outputs and increased drive strength, thereby improving communication with external devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-driver logic (106) comprising a first transistor combination including a first p-channel transistor and a first n-channel transistor, a second transistor combination including a second p-channel transistor and a second n-channel transistor, and an independent, third p-channel transistor
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.