Selectable Mode Buffer Circuit for Shared Charge Pump and Interfacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional chip designs require multiple pads for charge pump circuits, increasing chip size and cost due to the need for separate components for charge pumping and interfacing operations.

Innovation Solution

A selectable mode buffer circuit with a mode selecting circuit and control circuit that uses switches to perform either charge pumping or interfacing operations based on a mode selecting signal, allowing the same circuit components to be used for both functions, thereby integrating a charge pump circuit and interfacing circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate charge pump circuit and interfacing circuit are implemented on the chip, then the chip can perform both charge pumping and interfacing operations, but the number of pads increases and chip size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidchip size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as an interfacing circuit in normal mode and as a charge pump circuit when a charge pump enable signal is activated. The same circuit components and pads are reused for both functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits and reducing pad count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit configuration is dynamically changed based on operational requirements. By controlling the switching elements with the charge pump enable signal, the buffer circuit can reconfigure itself to function either as a standard interface buffer or as a charge pump circuit, allowing adaptive functionality without physical hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specified pads are disposed on the chip for charge pump operations, then charge pumping function can be implemented, but the cost of the chip increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge pump functionalityVSAvoidchip cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer circuit serves dual purposes: normal interfacing operations and charge pump operations. The same pads and circuit components are used for both functions, eliminating the need for additional dedicated pads for charge pump operations, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charge pump circuit functionality is merged with the existing buffer circuit structure. By combining the interfacing and charge pump functions into a single circuit block, the patent reduces the total component count and simplifies the manufacturing process, leading to lower chip costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10461742B2Chip, selectable mode buffer circuit and mode selecting method thereof

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

The invention is directed to the selectable mode buffer circuit including a plurality of pads, a mode selecting circuit, and a control circuit. The mode selecting circuit has a plurality of switches, coupled to the pads, and performs a charge pumping operation or an interfacing operating by changing on or off status of at least one of the switches according to a mode selecting signal. The control circuit receives the mode selecting signal, and generates a plurality of input signals for controlling the switches according to the mode selecting signal.