Dynamic Gain Adjustment in Receiving Amplifiers for Single-Ended Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

In semiconductor amplifiers, the common mode drift and decreased AC gain occur when receiving single-ended signals due to the fixed reference voltage, leading to inefficiencies in signal amplification and interference compensation.

Innovation Solution

The amplifier design incorporates multiple gain adjusting circuits and an equalization stage to dynamically adjust voltage levels and current flow based on input signals and control signals, ensuring optimal AC and DC gain management, even with single-ended inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed reference voltage is used in the amplification circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but the common mode drifts and AC gain decreases when receiving single-ended signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplification circuit structureVSAvoidcommon mode stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reference voltage is changed from a fixed value to a dynamically adjustable value that varies according to the input signal characteristics. The reference voltage generation circuit responds to the voltage levels at the amplification nodes and adjusts the reference voltage accordingly, enabling the amplification circuit to maintain stable common mode voltage even when receiving single-ended signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reference voltage parameter is made variable rather than fixed. By changing the reference voltage level dynamically based on the input signal type and the voltage levels at the amplification nodes, the circuit adapts to different signal conditions and prevents common mode drift while maintaining AC gain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a fixed reference voltage is used in the amplification circuit, then the circuit design is straightforward, but the AC gain decreases when receiving single-ended signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplification circuit designVSAvoidAC gain
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The reference voltage becomes dynamic and adjusts in response to the input signal characteristics. This dynamic adjustment allows the amplification circuit to maintain optimal AC gain whether receiving differential or single-ended signals, as the reference voltage is optimized for the current signal condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reference voltage generation circuit uses feedback from the voltage levels at the first and second amplification nodes to adjust the reference voltage. This feedback mechanism ensures that the reference voltage remains appropriate for the current signal condition, preventing AC gain degradation when receiving single-ended signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If the amplification circuit receives differential signals, then the AC gain can be increased to compensate for channel losses, but the circuit cannot handle single-ended signals effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAC gainVSAvoidsignal type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The amplification circuit is designed to handle both differential and single-ended signals effectively. By making the reference voltage adjustable based on the input signal type and the voltage levels at the amplification nodes, the circuit achieves universal functionality and can process different signal types without performance degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference voltage parameter is dynamically changed according to the input signal characteristics. When receiving single-ended signals, the reference voltage adjusts to accommodate the swinging voltage level, maintaining proper common mode voltage and AC gain. When receiving differential signals, the reference voltage maintains the appropriate level for differential operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If the voltage level of the reference voltage is fixed, then the circuit operation is simple, but the common mode voltage drifts when the input signal voltage swings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference voltage controlVSAvoidcommon mode voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The reference voltage is changed from a static fixed value to a dynamic value that adjusts in response to the input signal and the voltage levels at the amplification nodes. This dynamic behavior allows the reference voltage to track and compensate for signal variations, maintaining stable common mode voltage throughout signal swings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reference voltage generation circuit incorporates feedback from the voltage levels at the first and second amplification nodes. This feedback enables the reference voltage to automatically adjust and maintain the common mode voltage at the desired level, preventing drift during signal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11233489B2Amplifier and receiving circuit, semiconductor apparatus, and semiconductor system using the same
Publication Date: 2022.01.25 SK HYNIX INC
  • US11233489B2 patent drawing
  • US11233489B2 patent drawing
  • US11233489B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An amplifier includes an amplification circuit, an equalization circuit, an output circuit, a first gain adjusting circuit, and a second gain adjusting circuit. The amplification circuit changes voltage levels of first and second amplification nodes based on first and second input signals. The equalization circuit changes the voltage levels of the first and second amplification nodes. The output circuit generates an output signal based on the voltage levels of the first and second amplification nodes. The first gain adjusting circuit changes voltage levels applied to the first and second amplification nodes based on the voltage levels of the first and second amplification nodes and a first gain control signal. The second gain adjusting circuit changes a voltage level of the output signal based on a second gain control signal.