Three-Pin Level Conversion Circuit With Merged Reference Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level conversion circuits require six pins, leading to large chip area and high costs, particularly in mobile devices where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A level conversion circuit with a core module and switch configuration that uses only three pins, where the core module controls the switch to transmit signals at specified voltage amplitudes, reducing the need for multiple reference high level pins by implementing both enabling and reference high level functions within the target pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a level conversion circuit uses six pins including two reference high level pins, then the logic level conversion function is achieved, but the chip area increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The target pin is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the enabling pin (controlling switch on/off) and the first reference high level pin (providing voltage reference). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated pins, reducing the total pin count from six to three and thereby reducing chip area
Solution Approach 2:
The enabling pin and the first reference high level pin are merged into a single target pin. By combining these two functions into one pin, the circuit achieves the same logic level conversion capability with fewer pins, directly addressing the chip area reduction goal
2Reliability
If a level conversion circuit uses six pins including two reference high level pins, then the logic level conversion function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target pin performs dual roles as enabling pin and reference voltage source, reducing the total pin count from six to three. Fewer pins mean reduced packaging costs, reduced assembly complexity, and lower overall manufacturing costs while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the enabling pin and first reference high level pin into one target pin, the circuit reduces component count and assembly steps, leading to lower manufacturing costs without compromising the logic level conversion function
Data Source
AI summary
A level conversion circuit includes a first pin, a second pin, a target pin, a core module and a switch. A first terminal of the switch is connected to the first pin, a second terminal of the switch is connected to the second pin, and the core module is connected to the target pin, the second pin and a control terminal of the switch respectively. The core module is configured to: when a voltage connected to the target pin is at a first reference high level, control the switch to turn on to transmit a signal with a specified voltage amplitude, and pull the first pin to the first reference high level and the second pin to a second reference high level based on the first reference high level; where the first reference high level is higher than the second reference high level.