Dynamic Tracking Bias Circuit for Multi-Voltage Interface I/O

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interface devices require multiple supply voltages from external devices, increasing circuit complexity and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The interface device incorporates a dynamic tracking bias circuit that generates a first supply voltage from the main and second supply voltages, eliminating the need for an ESD clamp on the first supply voltage and simplifying the circuit by using a level shifter and output driver, with transistors and resistors configured to balance voltage differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple supply voltages are provided from external devices, then the interface device can operate with required voltage levels, but the circuit complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage level compatibilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple voltage supply paths into a single integrated dynamic tracking bias circuit. This circuit generates both the first supply voltage (VDD1) and second supply voltage (VDD2) from a single main power voltage (VDD), eliminating the need for multiple external voltage sources and reducing circuit complexity while maintaining voltage level compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple supply voltages are provided from external devices, then the interface device can operate with required voltage levels, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage level compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple voltage generation functions into a single integrated circuit block, reducing the number of external components and interconnections required. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly costs while maintaining the ability to provide multiple voltage levels for different circuit blocks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a dynamic tracking bias circuit is used to generate supply voltages, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but additional circuit components are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidcircuit components

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic tracking bias circuit is self-regulating, automatically adjusting the generated voltage levels based on the main power voltage input. The circuit uses feedback mechanisms where the generated voltages are tracked and adjusted dynamically, eliminating the need for external voltage regulators or complex control circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240364339A1Interface device and dynamic tracking bias circuit

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 MEDIATEK INC

AI summary

An interface device includes a dynamic tracking bias circuit, an ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) clamp circuit, a pre-driver, a post-driver, and an I/O (Input/Output) pad. The dynamic tracking bias circuit provides a first supply voltage. The first supply voltage is determined according to a main power voltage and a second supply voltage. The ESD clamp circuit limits the second supply voltage. The post-driver is driven by the pre-driver. The I/O pad is driven by the post-driver. The pre-driver and the post-driver are supplied by the main power voltage, the first supply voltage, and the second supply voltage.