Voltage Regulator for I/O Transistor Gate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional I/O circuits in integrated circuit chips face issues with transistor burnout due to improper control of gate voltages, leading to source-drain voltages exceeding the withstanding range, especially when handling higher output voltages like 3.3V with 1.8V transistors.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator system comprising a controlling circuit, sink voltage generator, and source voltage generator that provides a sink voltage (e.g., 1.5V) and source voltage (e.g., 1.8V) to the pull-up and pull-down circuits respectively, ensuring the operating voltages remain within the withstanding range by managing gate signals and voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If 1.8V transistors are used in cascade connection for 3.3V output pads, then power consumption is reduced and operating speed is increased, but gate voltage control complexity increases and transistor burnout risk occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate voltage regulation system between the 3.3V output pad and the 1.8V transistors. This intermediary system includes voltage regulators that generate controlled gate voltages (VGG1, VGG2) and source/sink voltages (VSE, VSK) to ensure the 1.8V transistors never experience voltage exceeds their withstanding range, while still enabling 3.3V output capability. The intermediary voltage control layer decouples the output voltage requirement from the transistor voltage constraints.
2Speed
If 1.8V transistors are used in cascade connection for 3.3V output pads, then operating speed is increased, but transistor burnout risk occurs due to improper gate voltage control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary voltage establishment through startup circuits (PM1-PM4 transistors and associated capacitors) that pre-charge the gate voltages and source/sink voltages before the 1.8V transistors begin operating. The startup circuits ensure that VGG1 and VGG2 are already at safe levels before the cascade transistors are activated, preventing any transient voltage spikes that could cause burnout. This preliminary action guarantees transistor safety while maintaining high operating speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through the voltage regulator circuits that continuously monitor and adjust the gate voltages (VGG1, VGG2) and source/sink voltages (VSE, VSK). The regulators ensure that the voltage differences across any 1.8V transistor never exceed 1.8V by detecting voltage conditions and adjusting control signals accordingly. This feedback control maintains transistor reliability while enabling full 3.3V output capability.
3Reliability
If proper gate voltage control is implemented for cascade transistors, then transistor burnout is prevented, but device complexity and control circuitry increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voltage control functions into integrated voltage regulator blocks. The regulators combine gate voltage generation (VGG1, VGG2), source voltage generation (VSE), and sink voltage generation (VSK) into unified control circuits that work together. By merging these functions, the patent reduces the overall control circuitry complexity compared to having separate independent control circuits for each voltage parameter, while still providing comprehensive protection against transistor burnout.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator is connected with an input/output circuit. The voltage regulator includes a controlling circuit, a sink voltage generator and a source voltage generator. The controlling circuit generates a first reference voltage, a second reference voltage, a first power start control signal and a second power start control signal. The sink voltage generator receives the first reference voltage and the first power start control signal. The source voltage generator receives the second reference voltage and the second power start control signal. When the voltage regulator is in a normal working state, the controlling circuit inactivates the first power start control signal and the second power start control signal, the sink voltage generator generates a sink voltage according to the first reference voltage, and the source voltage generator generates a source voltage according to the second reference voltage.