Switched Source Follower Output Circuit for Variable Voltage Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit devices face challenges in generating output signals at variable voltage levels without requiring dedicated external or internal voltage supplies, leading to increased size, weight, power consumption, and cost.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an output circuit with a switched source follower that level-shifts incoming signals to generate output signals at specified voltage levels, using existing voltages within the integrated circuit device without the need for dedicated supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated external or internal voltage supplies are used to generate output signals at variable voltage levels, then the output voltage level control is achieved, but the size, weight, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switched source follower circuit enables existing voltage supplies to serve multiple functions by dynamically configuring their output levels. The circuit allows a single voltage supply to support multiple output voltage levels through switching between different source follower configurations, eliminating the need for dedicated voltage supplies for each output level and thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters (voltage levels) of the output signals by using switched source followers that can be configured to different states. By switching between different source follower configurations, the output voltage levels are dynamically adjusted without requiring physical changes to the voltage supply infrastructure, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining output level control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated external or internal voltage supplies are used to generate output signals at variable voltage levels, then the output voltage level control is achieved, but the size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switched source follower circuit enables existing voltage supplies to serve multiple functions by dynamically configuring their output levels. The circuit allows a single voltage supply to support multiple output voltage levels through switching between different source follower configurations, eliminating the need for dedicated voltage supplies for each output level and thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple dedicated voltage supplies into a single voltage supply system with switched source followers. By combining the voltage supply function with the level-shifting function in one integrated circuit, the overall size is reduced while maintaining the capability to provide multiple output voltage levels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage supplies are used to support variable output levels, then the output signal flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switched source follower circuit enables existing voltage supplies to serve multiple functions by dynamically configuring their output levels. The circuit allows a single voltage supply to support multiple output voltage levels through switching between different source follower configurations, eliminating the need for dedicated voltage supplies for each output level and thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adaptability.
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 solution enables integrated circuit devices to support variable output levels efficiently, reducing the need for additional voltage supplies and simplifying the design, while also allowing independent control of each output circuit and improved switching speeds.
Implementation Method 1
The output circuit includes a switched source follower coupled to the output driver, where the switched source follower is configured to receive the incoming signal and set the specified voltage level for the output driver
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an output circuit configured to level-shift an incoming signal and generate an output signal having a voltage range different than a voltage range of the incoming signal. The output circuit includes an output driver configured to receive the incoming signal and generate the output signal at a specified voltage level. The output circuit also includes a switched source follower coupled to the output driver. The switched source follower is configured to receive the incoming signal and set the specified voltage level. The switched source follower may include first and second transistors, and the output driver may include a third transistor. The first and third transistors may be configured to be driven by the incoming signal. The second transistor may be configured to be driven by a gate voltage, and the specified voltage level for the output driver may be based on the gate voltage.