Wide-Range Voltage Translator With Monostable Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage level shifters require multiple stages and data paths to handle large voltage shifts, leading to increased area consumption and power usage in digital systems, especially when dealing with voltage domains exceeding the maximum tolerance of transistors.
Innovation Solution
A single-stage voltage translation circuit using a monostable multivibrator feedback technique, which includes a bias generation segment and a wide range voltage translator with sub-segments for stress and contention minimization, allowing direct voltage level shifting from a first domain to a second domain with higher voltage levels without an intermediate auxiliary supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple stages and data paths are used to handle large voltage shifts, then reliable signal translation is achieved, but area consumption and power usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage translator is divided into functional sub-segments (input receiving, stress minimization, contention minimization, feedback generation) that work together in a single-stage configuration, eliminating the need for multiple separate voltage level shifter stages while maintaining reliable signal translation
Solution Approach 2:
A monostable multivibrator feedback mechanism is introduced as an intermediary control element that coordinates the switching of transistors during voltage translation, minimizing stress and contention while enabling direct single-stage voltage shifting without intermediate auxiliary supplies
2Reliability
If multiple stages and data paths are used to handle large voltage shifts, then reliable signal translation is achieved, but power usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is segmented into specialized sub-segments that perform specific functions (stress minimization, contention minimization) within a single stage, reducing the total number of active components and power supplies needed compared to multi-stage approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The monostable multivibrator feedback acts as a power-efficient intermediary that controls transistor switching sequences, minimizing simultaneous conduction and reducing power consumption during voltage translation operations
3Reliability
If conventional voltage level shifters are used for large voltage shifts, then voltage translation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (voltage level shifting, stress minimization, contention minimization, feedback control) are merged into a single integrated voltage translator circuit with parallel legs, eliminating the need for multiple separate voltage level shifter stages and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage translator is designed as a universal circuit that can handle wide voltage ranges through configurable bias generation and monostable multivibrator feedback, making it adaptable to different voltage domains without requiring specialized multi-stage designs for each case
Data Source
AI summary
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and circuit for wide range voltage translation using monostable multi-vibrator feedback are disclosed. The circuit includes a bias generation segment and a voltage translator to shift a voltage level of a signal from a first voltage domain of a digital system to a second voltage domain of the digital system. The bias generation segment is configured to detect a voltage range of the second voltage domain and to configure the voltage translator responsive to the voltage range. The voltage translator is configured to directly shift the voltage level of the signal to the second voltage domain. The second voltage domain has voltage levels that are higher than a maximum voltage that can be tolerated by transistors in the digital system.