Shared MOS Transceiver Circuit for Low-Area, Low-Current I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in efficiently transmitting and receiving signals due to the need for large-sized transistors to handle both transmission and reception operations, which occupy significant space and increase current consumption.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver circuit design utilizing NMOS and PMOS transistors that can switch between transmission and reception modes by adjusting bias voltages and resistor configurations, allowing the same elements to perform both functions efficiently, thereby reducing the circuit area and current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large-sized transistors are used to handle both transmission and reception operations, then signal transmission and reception reliability is improved, but circuit area increases and current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a transceiver circuit where the same transistor serves dual functions as both a transmission transistor and a reception transistor. By configuring the transistor with appropriate biasing circuits and control logic, it can operate in transmission mode during TX periods and switch to reception mode during RX periods, eliminating the need for separate dedicated transistors for each function and thereby reducing overall circuit area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms where transistors change their operational state between transmission and reception modes based on timing control signals. The biasing circuits dynamically adjust transistor characteristics (such as threshold voltage) to optimize performance for the current operational mode, enabling reliable signal handling in both modes with a single transistor
2Reliability
If large-sized transistors are used to handle both transmission and reception operations, then signal transmission and reception reliability is improved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a transceiver circuit where the same transistor serves dual functions as both a transmission transistor and a reception transistor. By configuring the transistor with appropriate biasing circuits and control logic, it can operate in transmission mode during TX periods and switch to reception mode during RX periods, eliminating the need for separate dedicated transistors for each function and thereby reducing overall circuit area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between transmission and reception modes with precise timing control. Transistors are activated only during their required operational phase (TX or RX) and remain inactive during the other phase, reducing average current consumption compared to continuously active transistors while maintaining signal reliability during active periods
3Reliability
If separate transistors are used for transmission and reception, then signal transmission and reception performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a transceiver circuit where the same transistor serves dual functions as both a transmission transistor and a reception transistor. By configuring the transistor with appropriate biasing circuits and control logic, it can operate in transmission mode during TX periods and switch to reception mode during RX periods, eliminating the need for separate dedicated transistors for each function and thereby reducing overall circuit area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the transmission and reception transistor functions into a single transistor entity. The circuit architecture combines TX and RX signal paths through shared transistor elements, with control logic that manages the switching between modes, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining functional separation through time-division multiplexing
Data Source
AI summary
A transceiver circuit may include: a first NMOS transistor suitable for pulling up a transmission line in response to a TX signal in a TX mode and for being turned on or off according to a voltage level of the transmission line in an RX mode; and a first PMOS transistor suitable for pulling down the transmission line in response to the TX signal in the TX mode and for being turned on or off according to the voltage level of the transmission line in the RX mode.