Level Shifter Output Switching for Lower Delay and Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Level shifters in semiconductor devices experience delays and increased power consumption due to the number of transistors involved in signal traversal and static current buildup, especially when operating in voltage domains with low gate-source voltages.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device design that includes a level shifter and a switch module, where the switch controller determines the relative voltages and generates control signals to either connect or disconnect the level shifter from the output path, thereby reducing signal delay and power consumption by bypassing the level shifter when the input voltage is higher than the output voltage domain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the level shifter is used to shift signals between voltage domains, then voltage domain compatibility is improved, but signal delay increases due to the number of transistors involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection between two operational modes: a level-shifting mode for voltage domain compatibility and a direct-pass mode for minimal delay. The switch module dynamically routes signals based on voltage domain requirements, allowing the system to adapt its behavior in real-time rather than being fixed in one configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal path is segmented into multiple routes: one path through the level shifter for voltage domain conversion, and another direct path bypassing the level shifter. This segmentation allows selective activation of the appropriate path based on operational requirements, reducing unnecessary delay when level shifting is not needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the level shifter operates in voltage domains with low gate-source voltages, then lower voltage domain operation is enabled, but power consumption increases due to static current buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between level-shifting operation and direct signal passing based on voltage domain requirements. When operating within the same voltage domain, the direct path is used to eliminate static current consumption entirely, while the level shifter is only activated when voltage domain conversion is actually required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively discards the level-shifting function when it is not needed by routing signals through the direct path. This avoids the static current consumption inherent in level shifters operating in low gate-source voltage conditions, recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more transistors are used in the level shifter to improve signal shifting capability, then voltage domain adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing function is segmented into two separate paths: a level-shifting path with the necessary transistor complexity for voltage domain conversion, and a direct-pass path with minimal complexity. This segmentation allows the system to use the complex level shifter only when needed, rather than always incurring its complexity overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch module serves multiple functions: it routes signals through the level shifter when voltage domain conversion is needed, and provides a direct path when it is not. This multi-functionality allows a single switching mechanism to handle both scenarios, managing the complexity of the level shifter without requiring separate circuitry for each mode.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the level shifter is always connected to the output path to ensure signal level compatibility, then voltage domain compatibility is improved, but signal delay and power consumption increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the level shifter and output path is made dynamic rather than static. The switch module enables or disables the level shifter connection based on real-time voltage domain requirements, allowing the system to optimize for speed and efficiency when level shifting is not required while maintaining compatibility when it is needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes an input, a level shifter, an output, and a switch module. The input is configured to receive an input signal in a first voltage domain. The level shifter is connected to the input and is configured to shift the input signal from the first voltage domain to a second voltage domain. The switch module is configured to connect one of the input and the level shifter to the output. A method of mitigating a delay between input and output signals of the semiconductor device is also disclosed.