Level shifter

Abstract

A level shifter includes a latch having a first output node and a second output node complementary to each other. A first pre-charge transistor has a source-drain path coupled between a positive power supply node and the first output node. A second pre-charge transistor has a source-drain path coupled between the positive power supply node and the second output node. The integrated circuit structure further includes a delay-inverter coupled between a signal input node and inputs of a first NMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor in the latch. The delay-inverter is configured to allow one of the first pre-charge transistor and the second pre-charge transistor to pre-charge a respective one of the first output node and the second output node before an input signal at the signal input node arrives at a gate of a respective one of the first NMOS transistor and the second NMOS transistor. The invention has advantages of high shifting speed, low shifting noise and reduced chip applying area.

Description

Technical field [0001] The present invention mainly relates to an integrated circuit, and particularly relates to a level shifter. Background technique [0002] The level shifter is a circuit for converting an input signal with a first voltage amplitude into an output signal with a second voltage amplitude, where the second voltage amplitude is different from the first voltage amplitude. Generally speaking, the amplitude conversion is to fix the low potential part and switch the high potential part. Level shifters are widely used in integrated circuits that integrate different types of circuits with different operating voltages. [0003] The general application of the level shifter is to shift the voltage level of the signal transmitted between the I / O circuit and the core circuit of the integrated circuit device. Traditionally, the operating voltage of the I / O circuit is compatible with the operating voltage of the core circuit. However, with the shrinking of VLSI circuits, the...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

therefore not suitable for operation at high frequency

In addition, traditional level shifters cannot be used in different specifications, which means that this kind of voltage level shifter needs to operate according to different I / O voltages (VDDIO) (such as 1.2 volts, 1.5 volts, 1.8 volts, 2.5 volts, etc.) while adjusting

A further problem is that the switching noise current flowing to the voltage VSS (node ​​104) is quite large

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