Level Shifter Switch Path for Voltage-Domain Delay Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Level shifters in semiconductor devices experience delays and increased power consumption due to the number of transistors traversed during signal transition and low gate-source voltages, particularly when operating in a voltage domain lower than the input signal.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device incorporating a level shifter and a switch module that dynamically adjusts the signal path based on voltage domain comparison, bypassing the level shifter when the input voltage is higher than the output voltage to reduce delay and minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the level shifter operates in a lower voltage domain to enable lower voltage operation, then power consumption is reduced and circuit compatibility is improved, but signal delay increases due to low gate-source voltages and multiple transistor stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage domain selection by comparing input and output voltage domains and selectively activating either the level shifter path or the direct pass-through path. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the system to adapt its signal transmission path based on real-time voltage domain conditions, thereby optimizing both speed and power consumption characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal transmission path into two distinct routes: one through the level shifter for voltage domain conversion when needed, and another direct path for when voltage domains match. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path and enables selective activation based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If the level shifter uses multiple transistor stages to ensure signal integrity across voltage domains, then reliability is improved, but signal delay increases due to the number of transistors traversed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically selects between two signal transmission paths based on voltage domain comparison. When voltage domains match, the direct path is activated providing minimal delay. When voltage domains differ, the level shifter path is activated ensuring proper signal level conversion. This dynamic path selection maintains signal integrity while minimizing unnecessary delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the level shifter from the mandatory signal path and makes it optional based on voltage domain conditions. By using a switch module to conditionally connect or disconnect the level shifter, the system removes the delay-introducing component from the critical signal path when it is not needed, while preserving it for when voltage domain conversion is required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the level shifter continuously operates to handle voltage domain conversion, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases due to static current buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism controlled by a switch module that monitors voltage domain conditions. The level shifter is activated only when the input voltage domain differs from the output voltage domain, and deactivated when they match. This dynamic operation eliminates static current consumption during periods when voltage domain conversion is not required, while maintaining full adaptability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal signal transmission system that can handle both voltage domain conversion and direct signal passing through the same infrastructure. The switch module enables the system to function as either a level shifter or a direct pass-through based on conditions, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated paths for each operation mode.
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.