Voltage Control Circuit for Level Conversion Ripple Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face transistor deterioration and breakdown due to ripples in the boost voltage applied to level conversion circuits, which are often in a standby state and not effectively utilizing the power supply voltage, leading to increased stress and potential leakage or short-circuit issues in the gate oxide films.
Innovation Solution
A voltage control circuit is introduced that connects a decoder circuit to a level conversion circuit, using a boost voltage connection switch to switch between boost voltage and power supply voltage based on the decoder circuit's selected or non-selected state, preventing unnecessary application of boost voltage and reducing ripple-induced stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If boost voltage is continuously applied to level conversion circuits, then signal level conversion is maintained, but transistor deterioration and breakdown occur due to ripple-induced stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply voltage switching dynamic based on decoder circuit state. The boost voltage connection switch transitions between connected and disconnected states according to whether the decoder circuit is selected or not, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational conditions and eliminate unnecessary ripple stress on transistors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the boost voltage connection switch - between the boost voltage line and the level conversion circuit. This intermediary mediates the voltage application by controlling the connection state based on decoder output, thereby protecting transistors from ripple-induced stress while maintaining proper signal level conversion when needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If boost voltage is applied to level conversion circuits in standby state, then circuit readiness is maintained, but unnecessary stress and potential leakage occur in gate oxide films
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power supply voltage to level conversion circuits based on operational state. When the decoder circuit is not selected, the boost voltage connection switch disconnects the boost voltage, reducing unnecessary stress and leakage current while maintaining circuit readiness through proper voltage application only when needed
3Reliability
If level conversion circuits are kept connected to boost voltage line, then signal level is maintained, but ripple in boost voltage causes transistor breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The boost voltage connection switch serves as an intermediary that selectively connects or disconnects the boost voltage line from the level conversion circuit. This intermediary blocks ripple propagation to transistors when the decoder circuit is not selected, while maintaining proper signal level connection when the decoder is selected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful ripple effect from the boost voltage line by introducing the boost voltage connection switch. When the decoder circuit is not selected, the switch opens to separate and remove the ripple-containing boost voltage from the level conversion circuit, preventing transistor breakdown while preserving the useful signal level conversion function
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage control circuit of the present invention is applicable to a combination of a decoder circuit and a level conversion circuit connected to the decoder circuit. The voltage control circuit includes a level conversion circuit voltage line for applying a voltage to the level conversion circuit, and a boost voltage connection switch for switching a voltage applied to the level conversion circuit voltage line according to an output signal from the decoder circuit. This configuration makes it possible to prevent, when a boost voltage is applied to the level conversion circuit, the breakdown of transistors in the level conversion circuit due to a ripple in the boost voltage.