Receiver Circuit With Segmented Amplifiers For Wide Voltage Range
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receiver circuits in memory devices face challenges in operating efficiently across a wide range of reference voltages and consuming low power, as they are typically optimized for either higher or lower voltage ranges, leading to inefficiencies and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a receiver circuit with a pair of pre-stage amplifier circuits, one using n-type transistors and the other using p-type transistors, which operate efficiently in different voltage ranges, allowing the circuit to function across a wide range of reference voltages. Additionally, the circuit can disable one of the amplifier circuits during operation to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a receiver circuit uses a single amplifier circuit optimized for a specific voltage range, then power consumption is reduced, but the operating range of reference voltage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver circuit is segmented into multiple amplifier circuits (first amplifier circuit with n-type transistors and second amplifier circuit with p-type transistors), where each segment is optimized for different voltage ranges. This allows the system to divide the overall voltage range into multiple sub-ranges, with each amplifier handling a specific segment, thus expanding the total operating range while maintaining efficiency in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically switches between different amplifier circuits based on the reference voltage level. A control mechanism selects which amplifier circuit to activate depending on whether the reference voltage falls within the first voltage range (using first amplifier) or the second voltage range (using second amplifier), enabling the system to adapt its configuration to match operating conditions and maintain optimal performance across varying voltages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a receiver circuit uses multiple amplifier circuits to cover different voltage ranges, then the operating range of reference voltage is expanded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both amplifier circuits are designed with identical functional interfaces and connection topologies, allowing them to interchangeably perform the same receiver function across different voltage ranges. This universal design reduces the need for additional control logic or interface circuitry, as each amplifier circuit can directly replace the other without requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Each amplifier circuit is locally optimized for its specific voltage range with tailored transistor characteristics and component values, while maintaining global compatibility through standardized interfaces. The first amplifier circuit uses n-type transistors optimized for the first voltage range, while the second uses p-type transistors for the second voltage range, allowing each to operate at peak efficiency in its designated range without compromising the overall system integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a receiver circuit uses amplifier circuits optimized for different voltage ranges, then the operating range is expanded, but power consumption increases due to having multiple circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism periodically monitors the reference voltage level and switches between amplifier circuits based on which voltage range is currently active. By enabling only the appropriate amplifier circuit for the current operating conditions and disabling the other, the system performs useful action only when needed, avoiding continuous power consumption from both circuits simultaneously while maintaining readiness to switch when voltage conditions change.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver circuit that includes a pair of pre-stage amplifier circuits and a post-stage amplifier circuit is introduced. The pre-stage amplifier circuits are configured to receive an input signal and a reference voltage signal, output first pre-stage amplifying signals through a first connection node and a second connection node separately, and output second pre-stage amplifying signals through a third connection node and a fourth connection node separately. The post-stage amplifier circuit is configured to receive the first pre-stage amplifying signals and the second pre-stage amplifying signals from the pair of pre-stage amplifier circuits through the first connection node, the second connection node, the third connection node and the fourth connection node separately, and output a post amplifying signal according to the first pre-stage amplifying signals and the second pre-stage amplifying signals.