Auto-detect level shifter for multiple output voltage standards
First Claim
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1. A multiple voltage output driver comprising:
- an output pad;
an auto-detect level shifter for automatically detecting an output voltage supplied to the driver, wherein the auto-detect level shifter is selectively enabled depending on the automatically detected output voltage supplied to the driver;
a first output pulldown device for pulling down the output pad; and
a second output pulldown device for pulling down the output pad, wherein the second output pulldown device is controlled by an output of the auto-detect level shifter;
wherein the auto-detect level shifter comprises;
a level shifter circuit having a power pin; and
an auto-shutoff circuit coupled between the power pin of the level shifter circuit and the output voltage supplied to the driver.
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Abstract
A technique and circuit implementation are described for automatically detecting a change in a power supply voltage and selectively reconfiguring a circuit for optimized performance at the changed voltage. One application of particular interest is an auto-detect level shifter. The auto-detect level shifter can be used in an output driver and can be automatically enabled if it is needed to optimize performance for various I/O standards, including those that operate at different voltages.
26 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A multiple voltage output driver comprising:
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an output pad; an auto-detect level shifter for automatically detecting an output voltage supplied to the driver, wherein the auto-detect level shifter is selectively enabled depending on the automatically detected output voltage supplied to the driver; a first output pulldown device for pulling down the output pad; and a second output pulldown device for pulling down the output pad, wherein the second output pulldown device is controlled by an output of the auto-detect level shifter; wherein the auto-detect level shifter comprises; a level shifter circuit having a power pin; and an auto-shutoff circuit coupled between the power pin of the level shifter circuit and the output voltage supplied to the driver. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11)
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7. A system comprising:
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a first component; a second component, wherein at least one output driver of the second component is coupled to the first component, and wherein the at least one output driver comprises; an auto-detect level shifter for automatically detecting a voltage level supplied to the at least one driver, wherein the auto-detect level shifter is selectively enabled depending on the automatically detected voltage level supplied to the at least one driver; a first output pulldown device for pulling down an output pad of the at least one output driver; and a second output pulldown device for pulling down the output pad, wherein the second output pulldown device is controlled by an output of the auto-detect level shifter; wherein the auto-detect level shifter comprises; a level shifter circuit having a power pin; and an auto-shutoff circuit coupled between the power pin of the level shifter circuit and the voltage level supplied to the at least one driver. - View Dependent Claims (8, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification