Voltage Level Control Between Multi-Voltage Function Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in maintaining stable voltage levels across function blocks operating at different voltages, leading to potential time delays and reduced reliability due to varying voltage conditions.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a voltage level control unit that selectively performs level shifting operations based on detected voltage differences between function blocks, using separate power lines and a combination of level shifters and buffer units to maintain or adjust voltage levels accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voltage level shifting operation is performed between function blocks operating at different voltages, then signal transmission between function blocks is enabled, but time delay is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage level control where the voltage level of transmitted signals is adjusted in real-time based on the operating voltages of source and destination function blocks. The control unit detects voltage differences and dynamically sets appropriate voltage levels, enabling adaptive signal transmission that minimizes time delay while ensuring compatibility between function blocks operating at different voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of transmitted signals based on the operating conditions of function blocks. By detecting the operating voltages of source and destination blocks and adjusting the signal voltage level accordingly, the system enables efficient signal transmission without introducing unnecessary time delays from fixed voltage level shifting operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate power lines are used for different voltage ranges, then voltage stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into separate power lines for different voltage ranges. First power lines are dedicated to function blocks operating at first voltage range, while second power lines serve function blocks at second voltage range. This segmentation ensures voltage stability for each group while organizing complexity through systematic separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage level control unit serves multiple functions: it detects voltage differences, determines appropriate voltage levels, and controls signal transmission. This multi-functional component reduces overall device complexity by consolidating control logic that would otherwise require separate mechanisms for each function block.
3Loss of time
If voltage level is maintained without shifting, then time delay is reduced, but signal compatibility between different voltage blocks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the voltage level control unit continuously detects the operating voltages of source and destination function blocks. Based on this feedback, the control unit determines whether voltage level shifting is necessary and adjusts signal voltage levels accordingly, ensuring compatibility while minimizing unnecessary processing that would introduce time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts signal voltage levels based on real-time detection of function block operating conditions. When source and destination blocks operate at the same voltage, no shifting occurs (minimizing delay). When voltage differences exist, appropriate shifting is applied (ensuring compatibility). This dynamic approach optimizes both time delay and signal compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device including a first function block operating at a first operation voltage having a first range and for generating a data signal, a second function block operating at a second operation voltage having a second range, and a voltage level control unit for performing or not performing a level shifting operation on a voltage level of the data signal depending on the existence or non-existence of a difference between the first operation voltage and the second operation voltage, and for transmitting a level-shifted data signal or the data signal to the second function block.