Programmable Interface Circuit for Configurable Differential Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional interface circuits face limitations in high-speed and low-power data transmission due to increased load on output driving circuits, high power consumption from operational amplifiers, and lack of configurability in common mode voltage and signal amplitude.
Innovation Solution
An interface circuit incorporating a programmable current array, common mode and differential mode generation circuit, and driving bias generation circuit to generate adjustable common mode and differential mode voltages, reducing the need for multiple operational amplifiers and improving flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the output common mode feedback circuit is connected to the output driver, then the common mode voltage can be stabilized, but the load of the output driving circuit increases, resulting in a low transmission rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the feedback circuit into separate common mode feedback and differential mode feedback circuits. The common mode feedback circuit is connected to a dedicated common mode output node rather than the differential output driver, separating the feedback function from the differential signaling path. This segmentation allows independent optimization of both common mode stability and differential transmission speed.
2Reliability
If each output driving circuit is matched with a common mode feedback loop, then the common mode voltage can be controlled, but the operational amplifier in each feedback loop consumes power, resulting in relatively high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple common mode feedback loops into a single shared common mode feedback circuit that serves all output driving circuits. The common mode feedback circuit generates a single common mode feedback signal that is distributed to multiple output stages, eliminating the need for separate operational amplifiers in each feedback loop and significantly reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The common mode feedback circuit is designed as a universal circuit that can serve multiple output driving circuits simultaneously. A single common mode feedback circuit performs the function of what would traditionally require multiple separate feedback circuits, making the system more efficient and reducing the number of active components needed.
3Device complexity
If the common mode voltage, signal amplitude, and other characteristics of the output signals are not configurable, then the circuit structure is simple, but there is less flexibility in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces programmable current arrays that can be dynamically configured through digital control signals. The current array allows programmable adjustment of output signal characteristics including common mode voltage and differential amplitude by controlling the switching of current sources. This dynamic configurability enables the circuit to adapt to different application requirements without changing the physical circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements programmable control over key signal parameters such as common mode voltage level and differential signal amplitude through the current array configuration. By changing the control codes supplied to the programmable current array, the output signal characteristics can be adjusted to match different transmission requirements, interfaces, or load conditions, providing flexibility while maintaining a fixed circuit architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface circuit and an electronic apparatus, including: a programmable current array (1), generating a first current and a second current transmitted to a common mode and differential mode generation circuit (2) according to an input code, and a third current and a fourth current transmitted to a driving bias generation circuit (3) according to the input code; the common mode and differential mode generation circuit (2), generating a common mode voltage according to the first current, and generating a high level voltage and a low level voltage according to the second current and the common mode voltage; a driving bias generation circuit (3), simulating a load according to the third and fourth currents, and generating a bias voltage based on the load and the low and high level voltages; an output driving circuit (4), converting an input signal into a differential signal in which the common mode voltage and a differential mode amplitude are configurable.