Reconfigurable Buffer Circuit for Multi-Standard Output Swing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-standard buffers for electronic devices require significant chip area and consume excessive power due to the need to accommodate multiple signal standards, leading to inefficiencies in design and operation.
Innovation Solution
A configurable buffer design utilizing series-connected switches and current sources that can adjust output swing and common mode voltage levels across different operation modes, including LVDS, HCSL, LVCMOS, and CML, without increasing chip area complexity, by employing high-speed CMOS transistors and a duty cycle correction circuit to optimize signal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate buffers are provided for each standard (LVDS, HCSL, LVCMOS, CML), then multi-standard compatibility is achieved, but chip area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple buffer functions into a single reconfigurable buffer that can operate in different standards (LVDS, HCSL, LVCMOS, CML) by dynamically configuring the same hardware circuitry through control signals, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated buffers for each standard and reducing chip area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal buffer design that can perform multiple functions across different communication standards using the same physical infrastructure. The buffer includes configurable elements such as switchable current sources, adjustable termination resistors, and reconfigurable output stages that adapt to different standard requirements, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate buffers are provided for each standard, then all standards are supported, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple buffer functions into a single reconfigurable unit, the patent ensures that only one buffer instance is active at any given time, dynamically switched according to the required standard. This eliminates the continuous power consumption that would occur if multiple dedicated buffers were simultaneously powered, even if only one is actively used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic configuration mechanisms including switchable current sources, controllable termination resistors, and reconfigurable output stages that adapt to different standard requirements in real-time. This dynamic behavior allows the buffer to optimize its power consumption profile for each specific standard being used, rather than maintaining fixed high-power configurations for all standards simultaneously.
3Area of stationary object
If a reconfigurable buffer is implemented to reduce area, then chip area is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reconfigurable buffer into distinct functional modules including switchable current sources, controllable termination resistors, and reconfigurable output stages. Each module can be independently controlled and configured, which simplifies the overall design and control logic compared to a fully integrated monolithic approach, thereby managing complexity while achieving area reduction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If current sources are made variable to adjust output swing, then adaptability across standards is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable current sources that can dynamically adjust their output current magnitude based on control signals. This allows the buffer to adapt its output swing characteristics to match different standard requirements (e.g., smaller swings for LVDS, larger swings for HCSL). The current sources are controlled through dedicated control logic that translates standard selection into appropriate current levels, managing complexity through systematic parameter adjustment rather than requiring completely different circuit topologies for each standard.
Data Source
AI summary
A buffer is provided. The buffer includes a first switch and a second switch coupled in series at a first output node, a third switch and a fourth switch coupled in series at a second output node, a first current source and a second current source. The first current source is coupled with one side to the first switch and the third switch and with another side to a first supply voltage, the second current source is coupled with one side to the second switch and the fourth switch and with a second side to a second supply voltage. The first current source is configured to adjust an output swing in a first operation mode and in a second operation. The second current source is configured to adjust a common mode voltage level of the output signal in the first operation mode and to provide maximum series resistance in the second operation mode.