Programmable Output Driver for Voltage and Current Drive Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reprogrammable input/output (I/O) drivers in integrated circuits can only operate in single-ended or differential modes, requiring separate drivers and lacking flexibility to switch between voltage-drive and current-drive modes efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of reprogrammable logic circuitry that can couple bias voltages or reference voltages to the gate of a transistor component, allowing the I/O device to operate in multiple drive modes by selectively configuring the output driver to minimize source-drain channel resistance or control current flow, enabling operation in both voltage-drive and current-drive modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate drivers are provided for differential mode and single-ended mode, then the I/O device can operate in multiple drive modes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines differential mode driver and single-ended mode driver into a single merged output driver structure. The merged driver shares common transistors and circuit elements between the two modes, allowing the I/O device to operate in multiple drive modes without requiring completely separate driver circuits for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The merged output driver is designed to perform multiple functions by operating in different modes. The same driver circuit can be configured to operate in differential mode when both differential inputs are active, or in single-ended mode when only one input is active, making the driver universal and adaptable to different operational requirements.
2Reliability
If one driver is activated for a specific mode while the other is disabled, then the desired mode operation is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to mode switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The merged output driver employs dynamic configuration where the circuit automatically adapts its operation based on the input signals. The driver can dynamically switch between differential and single-ended modes through control logic that monitors the input signal conditions, eliminating the need for manual mode switching and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver circuit includes self-configuration capability where the control logic automatically determines the appropriate operating mode based on the input signal conditions. The system serves itself by autonomously selecting whether to operate in differential or single-ended mode without requiring external intervention or complex mode switching procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide input/output devices having programmable logic that is programmable to operate input/output devices in one of two drive modes. In various embodiments, to operate an input/output device in a first drive mode, logic circuitry is programmable to couple a reference voltage to a gate of a transistor element of an output driver. In various embodiments, to operate an input/output device in a second drive mode, the logic circuitry is programmable to couple a bias voltage to the gate of the transistor element of the output driver. In various embodiments, the logic circuitry may also be programmable to couple one of a plurality of data inputs to the output driver to operate an input/output device in either a single-ended mode or a differential mode.