Shared Level Shifter Layout for Region-Specific Signal Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices require a large number of level shifting circuits due to each internal assignment signal being assigned to a separate region, leading to significant space usage.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device design that shares a plurality of level shifting circuits, utilizing common and individual level shifters to generate internal assignment signals for different regions through logic operations on common and individual shifting signals, reducing the overall size by consolidating signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate level shifting circuits are used for each internal assignment signal in different regions, then signal level conversion is achieved, but device area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate level shifting circuits into a single shared level shifting circuit that serves multiple internal assignment signals across different regions. This consolidation reduces the total device area while maintaining the necessary signal level conversion functionality through shared resources and multiplexing approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The level shifting circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple internal assignment signals for different regions (first region and second region). The circuit can be configured to perform level shifting for various signals including first through fifth internal assignment signals in the first region and sixth through tenth internal assignment signals in the second region, eliminating the need for dedicated separate circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate level shifting circuits are implemented, then region-specific signal control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control logic into region identification functionality and signal-specific control functionality. The level shifting circuit includes a region identification signal input that determines which region is active, and based on this identification, appropriately controls the level shifting for the corresponding internal assignment signals. This segmentation allows region-specific control without requiring completely separate circuits for each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a region identification signal as an intermediary that mediates between the multiple regions and the shared level shifting circuit. This intermediary signal enables the circuit to distinguish between first region and second region operations, allowing proper signal level conversion for different regions without direct separate circuit paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes: a first level shifter suitable for shifting a level of a region identification signal identifying first and second regions to a preset voltage; a plurality of second level shifters suitable for shifting levels of a plurality of internal control signals to the preset voltage; and a plurality of logic operators suitable for generating a plurality of first internal assignment signals assigned to the first region and a plurality of second internal assignment signals assigned to the second region in response to a common shifting signal output from the first level shifter and a plurality of individual shifting signals output from the plurality of second level shifters.