Switchable Diode Pad Circuit for Configurable Voltage Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input-output circuits in electronic chips are limited by the inflexibility of having either intolerant or tolerant connection pads, which restricts the range of admissible input voltages and lacks modifiability, making them unsuitable for diverse applications.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising three MOS transistors connected in series, where a digital signal controls the transistors to switch between a diode and an open circuit, allowing for configurable pads that can function as either intolerant or tolerant, providing flexibility in voltage handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diodes are used to protect against current injections, then protection against harmful effects is improved, but the range of admissible input voltages is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the protection configuration dynamically switchable between diode and open circuit modes through digital control signals. The third transistor acts as a switch that can be turned ON or OFF based on the digital signal state, allowing the circuit to adapt its protection level and voltage handling capability dynamically rather than being fixed in one state
2Reliability
If the chip is manufactured with a specific pad type, then protection characteristics are determined, but flexibility for different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling post-manufacturing reconfiguration of pad characteristics through digital control signals. The switchable transistor association can be programmed to function as a diode or open circuit based on application requirements, allowing the same physical chip to serve multiple applications with different protection needs without remanufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the electrical characteristics of the connection pads through control signals. By changing the state of the third transistor from OFF to ON, the circuit parameters (protection level, voltage range) are dynamically adjusted to match different application requirements, achieving versatility without changing the physical structure
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a first connection pin, a second connection pin, a third connection pin, and a fourth connection pin. The second connection pin is configured to be connected to a supply voltage. The fourth connection pin is configured to be coupled to a reference voltage. The device further includes a first transistor including: a first gate and a first source/drain coupled to the first connection pin; a second transistor including a second gate and a second source/drain connected to the first transistor; and a third transistor including a third gate, a third source/drain connected to the second transistor, and a fourth source/drain connected to the fourth connection pin. The third transistor is configured to be controlled by a digital signal using the third connection pin. Both the first gate and the second gate are directly connected to the second connection pin.