Voltage Control Circuit for High-Voltage Input Semiconductor Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor apparatuses face challenges in reducing energy consumption while maintaining the withstand voltage of transistors when dealing with input signals having voltages higher than the power voltage, leading to potential circuit failures and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor apparatus incorporating a voltage control circuit with a step-down circuit and a switching circuit that generates a control voltage based on both the input voltage and the power voltage, ensuring the transistor withstand voltage is secured by switching between internal and power voltages, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the drive voltage is lowered to reduce energy consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but the transistor withstand voltage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control by switching between two power supply voltages (first and second power supply voltages) based on the absolute value of the input signal. When the input signal exceeds a threshold, the circuit switches to the higher voltage to ensure transistor withstand capability, and when it's below the threshold, it uses the lower voltage to reduce energy consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and voltage withstand capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply voltage parameter dynamically based on input signal conditions. The voltage control circuit monitors the input signal and adjusts the power supply voltage between two discrete levels, thereby adapting the transistor's withstand voltage capability to match the actual operating conditions while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
2Reliability
If a tolerant function is added to protect against high voltage input signals, then circuit protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power supply voltage itself serve a dual function: it both provides power to the circuit and acts as a protection mechanism against high voltage input signals. The voltage control circuit, by switching between two voltage levels, simultaneously performs power supply and over-voltage protection functions, eliminating the need for separate protection circuits and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit uses its own power supply voltage to protect itself from high voltage damage. When a high voltage input signal is detected, the voltage control circuit switches to a higher power supply voltage that matches the input signal level, allowing the transistor to withstand the high voltage without damage. This self-service approach simplifies the protection mechanism compared to external protection circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor apparatus includes an internal circuit connected to a first power line to which a first power voltage is applied; a transistor including a first terminal, which is connected to a node to which an input voltage is applied, a second terminal connected to the internal circuit, and a control terminal to which a control voltage is applied; and a voltage control circuit, which is connected to the node, generating the control voltage. Further, the voltage control circuit includes a step-down circuit generating an internal voltage by lowering the input voltage applied to the node, and a switching circuit, which is connected to the first power line, generating the control voltage based on the first power voltage and the internal voltage.