Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Level Shift Transistor Signal Amplitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor integrated circuits, the repeated transition of data between high and low levels in signal lines leads to significant current consumption due to charge/discharge of electric charges, and existing technologies fail to effectively manage this, risking voltage fluctuations that can exceed the breakdown limits of elements connected to the signal lines.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit design incorporating a level shift transistor that reduces the amplitude of signals propagating through transmission lines by outputting signals with a voltage lower than the power supply voltage by its threshold voltage, and a protection circuit that allows current to flow if the line voltage exceeds a set voltage, preventing voltage fluctuations from exceeding safe limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If signal lines repeatedly transition between high and low levels for data transmission, then data communication between circuit blocks is achieved, but current consumption increases due to charge/discharge of electric charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the signal line by connecting a protection circuit that clamps the voltage to a safe level. When voltage exceeds the breakdown voltage, the protection circuit activates to limit the voltage, thereby changing the electrical parameter to prevent excessive current consumption and damage to circuit elements.
2Reliability
If signal amplitude is increased for reliable signal transmission, then signal integrity is improved, but voltage fluctuations may exceed the breakdown limits of connected elements
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit is pre-connected to the signal line to provide beforehand cushioning against voltage spikes. The circuit is designed to activate when voltage exceeds a predetermined level, cushioning the signal line and connected elements from harmful voltage fluctuations before they can cause breakdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection circuit acts as an intermediary between the signal line and connected elements. It mediates the voltage level by clamping excessive voltage, thereby protecting downstream elements from harmful voltage while allowing normal signal transmission to proceed.
3Reliability
If protection circuits are added to prevent voltage breakdown, then element safety is improved, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit uses simple, inexpensive components such as diodes or transistors that can be easily integrated into the chip. These components are designed to be replaced or reset if damaged, providing a cost-effective and area-efficient solution for protecting expensive circuit elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection circuit changes the electrical parameter (voltage) of the signal line by clamping it to a safe level. This parameter change approach allows for a simple circuit implementation that requires minimal area while providing effective protection against voltage-induced breakdown.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces current consumption and prevents voltage-induced breakdowns by maintaining signal amplitudes below levels that could damage connected elements, while maintaining a compact chip area by using a simple configuration with level shift transistors.
Implementation Method 1
outputs, to the transmission line, a signal having an amplitude lower than the first voltage by a threshold voltage of the level shift transistor
Implementation Method 2
The third circuit allows a current to flow from the transmission line when a voltage of the transmission line exceeds a set voltage
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first circuit that includes a level shift transistor, a transmission line through which the signal output from the first circuit propagates, a second circuit that is connected the transmission line to receive the signal propagating through the transmission line, and a third circuit that is connected to the transmission line. The first circuit is connected to a power supply line to which a first voltage is supplied, and outputs, to the transmission line, a signal having an amplitude lower than the first voltage by a threshold voltage of the level shift transistor. The third circuit allows a current to flow from the transmission line when a voltage of the transmission line exceeds a set voltage.