CN1711690A

CN1711690A - Level shifting circuit between isolated systems

Info

Publication number: CN1711690A
Application number: CN 200380103487
Authority: CN
Inventors: K·-J·德兰根; B·辛格赫; E·托伊
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2002-11-18
Filing date: 2003-11-15
Publication date: 2005-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2023-11-15
Also published as: CN100353666C

Abstract

A level shifting circuit (20, 30) couples an input current (Iin) from one system to another, isolated, system, by driving a single load (L) via one or more current mirrors of a common type. In a first embodiment (20), two similar type (either N-type or P-type) current mirrors (M1,M2;M3,M4) provide output current (Iout1, Iout2) to a common load. Diodes (D1,D2) are used to split the input current (Iin1, Iin2) between the two current mirrors during normal, non-faulty conditions, and to turn off either one of the two current mirrors during a fault condition to permit proper operation in the presence of a fault. In a second embodiment (30), a single current mirror (M1,M2) mirrors the input current (Iin) to the output load (L), and a pair of diodes (D1,D2) selects which of the isolated systems to use as the power source in the event of a fault.

Description

Level shift circuit between shielding system

Technical field

The present invention relates to person in electronics, relate in particular to the level shift circuit that interface is provided between two or more shielding systems.

Background technology

Shielding system is often used in improving fault tolerance in bus system and the network, wherein the fault that in a system, causes for example voltage not necessarily can cause fault in another shielding system with being shorted to.For example automatic network is provided for the shielding system of safety means usually, as the airbag deployment system.

Fig. 1 represents conventional level shift circuit 10, and level shift circuit 10 is coupled to an input signal Iin of first system's (not shown) a pair of voltage output Vout1Vout2 of second system (also not shown).First system isolates mutually, because each all has an independently grounding system.The ground connection reference voltage of first system is Vgnd1, and the ground connection reference voltage of second system is Vgnd2, and Vgnd2 may be different with Vgnd1.(on November 28th, 2000 was authorized Hendrik Boezen to a kind of like this circuit 10 at United States Patent (USP) 6154061 " the shell bus driver with system's differential output signal ", Martinus Bredius, AloysiusJ.M.Boomkamp, Cecilius G.Kwakernaat, Abraham K.Van DenHeuvel) and United States Patent (USP) 6452418 " have independently the level shifter of isolating " and (awarded sub-Balwinder Singh on September 17th, 2002 with improved EME, Klaas-Jan DeLangen and Martijn Bredius) in open, here with reference to having quoted this two patents.

In non-fault mode, two ground connection reference voltage Vgnd1 and Vgnd2 are usually at identical current potential.In this non-fault mode, Vdd1 is basically greater than Vgnd2, and Vdd2 is basically greater than Vgnd1, so diode D1 and D2 forward bias and allow conducting.Input current Iinj becomes mirror image by two current mirror M1, M2 and M3, M4, produces output current Iout1 and Iout2 respectively, because two diode D1 and D2 are conductings.Under normal circumstances, suppose that two current mirrors mate fully, Iout1 will equal Iout2, therefore, not have total electric current to flow between shielding system.Yet, be noted that, what use in current mirror M1, M2 is the N channel device, and what use in current mirror M3, M4 is P-channel device, and this high frequency response that mates two current mirrors in the scope of temperature and technique change is very complicated.When between the ground of two systems, having electric current to flow, will increase from the electromagnetic emission of these systems.

If a fault makes earthing potential Vgnd1 and Vgnd2 produce difference, then one of two kinds of possibilities may take place.If Vgnd1 is approaching or surpass Vgnd2, diode D1 enters nonconducting state, and has blocked Iout1; Perhaps, if Vgnd2 is approaching or surpass Vdd1, diode D2 enters nonconducting state, and has blocked Iout2.No matter at which state, have at least one flowing among Iout1 and the Iout2, so input signal Iin is coupled to Vout1 or Vout2.

Because according to whether breaking down and the said input signal Iin of special-effect of this fault can be coupled to or Vout1 or Vout2 or the two, so need a combinational circuit (not shown) to determine to export, so that be coupled to the circuit subsequently in the shielding system corresponding to single-ended output or the difference of input signal Iin.If input and output signal is an analog signal, then making up these signals Vout1, Vout2 is difficult especially with a public output that produces corresponding to input current Iin.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a kind of level shift circuit that is used between the shielding system, the signal output voltage that one of them shielding system produces is corresponding to the input current on another shielding system.Another object of the present invention provides a kind of level shift circuit that is used between the shielding system, and the input current of the system that is used to be coupled is to the output voltage of another system, with minimizing of promoting that electric current flows between two systems.

These purposes and other purpose realize to the level shift circuit of another shielding system that by the input current that is used to be coupled from a system said level shift circuit drives single load through the current mirror of one or more shared types.In first embodiment, the current mirror of two similar type (or N type or P type) provides output current to shared load.In normal non-malfunction, between two current mirrors, use diode to divide input current, and, one of two current mirrors are ended, allow have operation correctly under the situation of fault.In a second embodiment, the single current speculum makes input current become mirror image with respect to output loading, and in the shielding system which be pair of diodes select as the power supply under the failure condition.In order to make two electric current minimums between the system, proposed various technology, thereby can make electromagnetic emission (EME) minimum from level shift circuit.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 represents the example that is used for the circuit diagram of the level shift circuit of coupled signal between two shielding systems of prior art;

Fig. 2 represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of a level shift circuit of coupled signal between two shielding systems;

Among Fig. 3 A and the 3B each all represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of another level shift circuit of coupled signal between two shielding systems;

Fig. 4 represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of a level shift circuit of coupled signal between a plurality of shielding systems;

Fig. 5 represents to be particularly suitable for the example of the circuit diagram of a level shift circuit of coupled simulation signal between two shielding systems;

Fig. 6 represents to be particularly suitable for the example of the circuit diagram of a level shift circuit of coupling digital signal between two shielding systems;

Fig. 7 represents to be used for the example of the calcspar of an isolated level shift circuit of compensation of coupled signal between two shielding systems;

Fig. 8 represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of a compensation level shift circuit of coupled signal between two shielding systems;

Fig. 9 represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of a differential compensated level shift circuit of coupled signal between two shielding systems;

Figure 10 represents to be particularly suitable for the example of the circuit diagram of a compensation level shift circuit of coupled simulation signal between two shielding systems;

Figure 11 represents to be particularly suitable for the example of the circuit diagram of another compensation level shift circuit of coupled signal between two shielding systems;

Figure 12 represents to be used for the example of the embodiment of a level shift circuit of coupled signal between two shielding systems;

Figure 13 represents to be used for the example of the calcspar of a level mobile system of a plurality of signals of coupling between two shielding systems;

Figure 14 represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of level shift circuit and power supply that have compensation;

Figure 15 represents to be used for the example of circuit diagram of the level shift circuit of level mobile system;

Figure 16 represents the example of the circuit diagram of another compensation level shift circuit;

Figure 17 represents the example of the embodiment of compensation level shift circuit.

Embodiment

Fig. 2 represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of a level shift circuit 20 of coupled signal between two shielding systems.Input system comprises voltage reference Vdd1 and Vgnd1, and output system comprises voltage reference Vdd2 and Vgnd2.

In the normal non-failed operation of circuit 20, input current Iin splits into two electric current I in1 and Iin2, and each electric current all provides input current to current mirror M1, M2 and M3, the M4 of correspondence respectively.Each current mirror M1, M2 and M3, M4 comprise P type device, and each current mirror all provides electric current I out1, Iout2 respectively to a public load, so that the voltage output Vout with respect to the second earth potential Vgnd2 is provided.If current mirror M1, M2 and M3, M4 are better mated, then between this system, do not have net current flow.Because two current mirror M1, M2 and M3, M4 are same types, compare with the circuit 10 of Fig. 1, can realize currents match a very wide temperature range at an easy rate.

If because fault raises Vgnd1 and near or surpass Vdd2, diode D2 ends, and makes current mirror M3, M4 and input disconnection.Then, make that whole input current Iin becomes mirror image by current mirror M1, M2 and flow to load L.If because fault raises Vgnd2 and near or surpass Vdd1, diode D1 ends, and makes current mirror M1, M2 and input disconnection.Then, make that whole input current Iin becomes mirror image by current mirror M3, M4 and flow to load L.

Circuit structure with the circuit structure complementation of Fig. 2 can also be provided, wherein use the current mirror of N raceway groove, its current source Iin and load are connected in series between reference voltage V dd1, Vdd2 and the current mirror.

Among Fig. 3 A and the 3B each all represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of another level shift circuit 30a of coupled signal between two shielding systems and 30b.Circuit 30a represents to use the level shifter of P-channel device, and circuit 30b represents to use its complementary circuit of N channel device.

Each

circuit

30a and 30b use single current mirror M 1, M2, so that input current Iin becomes the electric current of mirror image and flows to output loading L.Each

circuit

30a and 30b use pair of diodes D1, D2 to select which system that electric current I out is provided.In circuit 30a, Vmax is the higher person among Vdd1 and the Vdd2, and in circuit 30b, Vmin is the junior among Vgnd1 and the Vgnd2.Provide electric current I out in this way, and the voltage difference between two shielding systems is irrelevant.Preferably, for the analog signal coupling,, consequently make the switching of diode minimum specifically according to selecting to use

circuit

30a and 30b in the expectation voltage difference between the shielding system during the normal non-failed operation.If it is public, for example, if one of reference voltage V dd1 and Vdd2 always greater than another one, side by side current potential Vgnd1 and Vgnd2 are about equally, then preferably use circuit 30a, be conducting because be in diode D1, the D2 of high voltage Vdd1, Vdd2 always always.According to another kind of mode, if one of earth potential Vgnd1, Vgnd2 float on the current potential higher than another always, then preferably use circuit 30b, be conducting because be in diode D1, the D2 of low voltage Vgnd1, Vgnd2 always always.If relative voltage is unpredictable, the then preferred usually circuit 30b that uses is because N type device has intrinsic quick switching characteristic.Other characteristic of these circuit also may advise preferably using in the two.

Fig. 4 represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of a level shift circuit 40 of coupled signal between a plurality of (3) shielding system.Reference voltage all forms one of three isolation voltage systems among Vdd1-Vgnd1, Vdd2-Vgnd2, the Vdd3-Vgnd3 each.This circuit is to use the P-channel device statement; Can also use its complementary circuit promptly to use the circuit of N channel device.The principle of this circuit 40 can expand to a plurality of shielding systems of any number.

Diode apparatus D1, D2, D3 are used for selecting ceiling voltage Vmax from reference voltage V dd1, the Vdd2, the Vdd3 that isolate.This voltage Vmax passes through current mirror M1, M2 respectively, M3, M4, and M3, M5, M6, M7 provide output current to each load L1, L2a, L2b, L3.Setover with respect to two other for one among reference voltage V dd1, Vdd2, the Vdd3, so that corresponding diode D1, D2, D3 continuous conducting respectively, thereby can avoid that diode switches during normal non-failed operation.

Electric current input Iin1, Iin2, load L3 are represented as first benchmark of Vgnd1 isolator; Load L1, L2a, be represented as second benchmark of Vgnd2 isolator; Electric current input Iin3, load L2b are represented as the 3rd benchmark of Vgnd3 isolator.

Make electric current input Iin1 become image current by current mirror M1, M2, thereby can produce output voltage V out1 with respect to Vgnd2 so that in load L1, produce electric current with respect to Vgnd1.Making with respect to the electric current of Vgnd1 input Iin2 by current mirror M3, M4 and M3, M5 becomes image current so that produce electric current and produce electric current in load L2a in load L2b, thereby can produce respectively with respect to the output voltage V out2a of Vgnd2 with respect to the output voltage V out2b of Vgnd3.In a similar fashion, make electric current input Iin3 become image current by current mirror M6, M7, thereby can produce output voltage V out3 with respect to Vgnd1 so that in load L3, produce electric current with respect to Vgnd3.

Provide the typical circuit of following Fig. 5 and 6 to illustrate at the noise that may introduce through the variation of power supply reference voltage how

further intensifier circuit

20,30a, 30b, 40 operation.Remaining description of drawings makes the mobile minimum technology of the electric current between the system.

Fig. 5 represents to be particularly suitable for the example of the circuit diagram of a level shift circuit 50 of coupled simulation signal between two shielding systems.Current mirror M1, M2 and diode D1, D2 are corresponding with the level shift circuit 30b of Fig. 3 B.By current mirror M5, M6, by current mirror M1, M2, make input current Iin become image current by current mirror M3, M4 more at last, so that produce output current Iout, output current Iout is substantially equal to input current Iin.Diode D1, D2 select the junior of two earth potential Vgnd1 and Vgnd2 to set up Vmin.Therefore, input current always is delivered to output, and the voltage difference between two earth potentials is irrelevant.Use transistor M11, M12, M13, M14, M15, M16 make each current mirror M1, M2 respectively, and M3, M4, M5, M6 become common-emitter common-base and amplify, to improve the power supply repellency.So, can reduce the influence that two voltage differences between the earth potential change.In addition, increase that device M22 and M26 can offset respectively because the voltage difference between two earth potentials changes the signal that causes and introduce by grid-drain capacitance of M12 and M16.For example, suppose Vgnd1, so D1 blocks and the D2 conducting greater than Vgnd2.In this case, transistor M1 and M11 are connected to Vgnd2 by D2.When Vgnd1 and Vdd1 changed with respect to Vgnd2, the grid of M16-drain capacitance was injected the electric current of the input that is positioned at (cascoded) current mirror M1, M2 that common-emitter common-base amplifies and M11, M12.The grid of M26-the drain capacitance deduction is positioned at a similar signal of the output of current mirror M1, M2, thus the influence that can offset grid-drain capacitance of M16.Similarly, when Vdd2 changed with respect to Vmin, grid-drain capacitance of M22 had been offset the influence of grid-drain capacitance of M12.Transistor M25 by current source I25 biasing keeps apart the grid-drain capacitance of M16 and input current.

Fig. 6 represents to be particularly suitable for the example of the circuit diagram of a level shift circuit of coupling digital signal between two shielding systems.The core that comprises the digital level shift circuit of M1, M12 and M21, M22 is a full differential, can obtain very high power supply repellency, so that handle an earth potential with respect to another earthy variation.Another advantage of full differential level shift circuit is, numeral is switched not to be influenced from the electric current of power supply Vdd1 and Vdd2 suction or be delivered to the electric current of earth potential Vgnd1 and Vgnd2, therefore, and the influence that the electric current that flows between two ground is not switched by numeral.For the circuit of partly discussing in prior art, this is a very important advantage, and can improve eme performance.

The core of this circuit is two P channel current mirror M 3, M5 and M4, M6, and is similar with level shift circuit 30a as shown in Figure 3.These current mirrors use Vmax to realize that the level of current signal moves, and Vmax produces from supply voltage Vsup1 and Vsup2 respectively by diode D1, D2, and each among wherein said supply voltage Vsup1 and the Vsup2 is all greater than Vdd1 and Vdd2.Produce the difference current that is used for level migration current speculum by differential pair M1, M2.Transistor M1 is driven by digital input signals Vin, and transistor M2 is driven by reverse digital input signals, and said reverse digital input signals is produced by inverter M13, M14.Differential levels M1, M2 are through cascode amplifier (cascode) M21, M22 drive level migration current mirror M 3, M5 and M4, M6.These cascode amplifiers are DMOS transistors, and the big voltage that can handle in the drain electrode coupling part can also limit the voltage at low voltage CMOS transistors M1, M2 two ends simultaneously.Therefore, this circuit can also be operated under the very big situation of the voltage difference between Vgnd1 and the Vgnd2.Then, level migration current mirror M 3, M5 and M4, M6 is drive current mirror M 7, M9 and M8, M10 respectively.At last, make the drain current of M9 become image current by current mirror M11, M12, and this image current is added on the drain current of M10, thereby can in respect to the scope of the digital power Vdd2 of the second earth potential Vgnd2, produces a single-ended signal.Cushion said single-ended signal to produce output signal Vout by inverter M15, M16 and M17, M18.Increase current mirror M32, M33 so that in transistor M3-M12 and M21, M22, keep minimum bias current, thereby can improve the speed of circuit.As an example, consider that input signal Vin is the situation of high level.In this case, the grid of M1 is that the grid of high level and M2 is a low level.Therefore, transistor M21, M3, M5, M7, M9, M11, M12 are biased to big electric current, therefore simultaneously transistor M2, M22, M4, M6, M8, M10 are biased to little electric current, therefore raise at the voltage of the drain electrode of M10, M12 also makes output OUT become high level.

Following accompanying drawing provides various being used to reduce the technology that the electric current between shielding system flows, and is referred to as " compensation " technology here.

Fig. 7 represents to be used for the example of the calcspar of an isolated level shift circuit 70 of compensation of coupled signal between two shielding systems.This shielding system comprises first and second systems, and first system has reference voltage V gnd1 and Vdd1, and second system has reference voltage V gnd2 and Vdd2.This circuit 70 comprises a voltage source V os, with said voltage source V os be configured to can offset level shifter 71 biasing.This offset voltage Vos is bias level shifter 71 fully, so that voltage source V dd1 can provide power supply to level shifter 71 always, thereby can avoid occurring the switching of transient state (transient).Current feedback circuit Icomp provides the offset current from second system to first system, said offset current makes by first voltage source and is offset to the electric current that second system provides, and is 0 net current flow basically thereby can provide between these two systems.Said offset voltage Vos can also be configured to can bias level shifter 71 so that Vdd2 can provide power to level shifter 71, and so on.In a similar way, can dispose current feedback circuit Icomp, so that provide electric current from first system to second system, combination that perhaps can the using compensation generator comes balance basically to flow from the electric current of each system, and so on.

Fig. 8 represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of a compensation level shift circuit 80 of coupled signal between two shielding systems.The core of these circuit 80 examples is corresponding with the circuit 30a of Fig. 3 A.During normal failure-free operation, therefore voltage source V os offset voltage Vdd2 makes and switches minimum transit time so that diode D2 is ending and making diode D1 conducting always always.Current feedback circuit Icomp provides an electric current from second system (Vdd2) to first system (Vgnd1), and this electric current mates with the electric current I out that is provided by the load L of first system (Vdd1) in second system in a very wide frequency range.In a similar fashion, making two net current flow between the system is 0 basically.

Fig. 9 represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of a differential compensated level shift circuit 90 of coupled signal between two shielding systems, and the principle that provides in the circuit 80 of Fig. 8 is provided said circuit 90.The core of this circuit 90 is corresponding with the example of the circuit of Fig. 6 60.Compensating circuit comprises diode D40 and transistor M40, M41.Suppose in the example of this circuit 90 Vsup1 is configured to greater than Vsup2 that therefore, Vsup1 provides electric current to circuit 90 during non-failed operation.Bias current Ibias control is passed through the electric current of compensating circuit to Vgnd1 from Vsup2, passes through the electric current that M5, M6 provide to Vsup2 with compensator by Vsup1.

Figure 10 represents to be particularly suitable for the example of the circuit diagram of a compensation level shift circuit 100 of coupled simulation signal between two shielding systems.The core of the example of this circuit 100 is corresponding with the example of circuit 50 among above-described Fig. 5.In this circuit, at first use common-emitter common-base amplified current mirror M 7, M9 and M17, M19 to duplicate input current Iin.An output of drain electrode place of using M18 is as current mirror M5, M6, M15, M16, the input of M15, M25.By common-emitter common-base amplified current mirror M 31, M32, M33, M34 make second output of drain electrode place of M19 become mirror image, thereby can make electric current flow to Vgnd2 from Vdd1 through blocking diode D32.In this case, suppose at normal operating period Vgnd2, thereby D2 blocks, and the drain current of M2 flows to Vgnd1 from Vdd2 through D1 greater than Vgnd1.The current compensation that this electric current is produced by M32.

Figure 11 represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of another compensation level shift circuit 110 of coupled signal between two shielding systems.The example of this circuit 110 provides the General Principle of using this typical technology to carry out the automatic current compensation.First example be wherein Vdd1 greater than Vdd2, therefore only provide electric current I 1 to level shift circuit 110.Half of this electric current I 1 will flow through each branch of current mirror M1, M2, and the electric current (its amplitude is I1/2) by M2 flows into second system through overload L and arrives Vgnd2.Current feedback circuit I1/2 extracts the offset current of this equal number to Vgnd1 through diode D3 from Vdd2.In a similar fashion, when Vdd2 when level shift circuit 110 provides electric current I 2, current feedback circuit I1/2 extracts offset current through diode D4 to Vgnd2 from Vdd1.

Figure 12 represents to be used for the example of the embodiment of a level shift circuit 120 of coupled signal between two shielding systems, has wherein used the principle of discussing for the example of the circuit 110 of Figure 11.Basic level shift circuit still is made up of current mirror M1, M2, input current Iin and load L, and diode D1, D2 are used for selecting the highest supply voltage from Vdd1 and Vdd2.Connect into the transistor M11 of diode, electric current I 1, the I2 that diode D1, D2 are flow through in the M12 measurement by between diode and current mirror M1, M2, being provided with, and electric current I 1, I2 are offered current mirror M15, M17 and M16, M18.The ratio of the W/L of transistor M15, M16 is configured to the twice of ratio of the W/L of transistor M17, M18, thus make from power supply Vdd1 and Vdd2 through blocking diode D4, D3 extract half of the electric current I of surveying 1 and I2.The I1 that the total current that extracts from Vdd1 equals twice adds half of I2.The ratio of supposing the W/L of transistor M1, M2 equates thereby Iout equals Iin, and then the electric current that is delivered to Vgnd1 through M1 equals half of I1 and I2 sum, and the electric current that is delivered to Vgnd1 through M15, M17 equals 1.511, and sum equals 2I1 and adds 1/2I2.Therefore like this, the electric current that is provided by Vdd1 is provided the electric current that flows to Vgnd1 basically, and the net current flow from first system of Vdd1-Vgnd1 is 0 basically.Similarly, the electric current that is provided by Vdd2 is provided the electric current that is delivered to Vgnd2 basically.Though the previous compensating circuit of discussing of this circuit ratio is more complicated and need more bias current, it is automatic compensating, and therefore there is no need to regulate compensating circuit according to the number of level shift circuit.So, only use a current compensator just can transmit a plurality of signals, shown in Figure 13-15.

Figure 13 represents to be used for the example of the calcspar of a level mobile system 130 of a plurality of signals of coupling between two shielding systems, has wherein used the above-mentioned principle of discussing with reference to the circuit 110,120 of accompanying drawing 11,12.System 130 comprises a shared compensating voltage source 140, one or more level mobile module 150.Compensating voltage source 140 provides voltage Vmax to each module 150, and comprises current measurement and compensating circuit, as described in detail below.As further expression of Figure 15, each level mobile module 150 is coupled to corresponding output end vo uti (i=1-j) with input signal Iini, has wherein used the principle of being discussed with reference to the typical circuit 60 of accompanying drawing 6.

Figure 14 represents to be used for the example of the circuit diagram of level shift circuit 130 and power supply 140 that have compensation.This circuit has used above current measurement and the compensation technique of discussing with reference to the circuit 110,120 of accompanying drawing 11,12.In this circuit, all current mirror M11-M18 become common-emitter common-base by transistor M21-M28 and amplify.By these cascode amplifiers of biasing in the gate source voltage scope of current mirror transistors M11-M18, can be under quite low supply voltage the operation of holding circuit.If cascode amplifier M21-M28 is not placed on the top of current mirror transistors M11-M18, the grid of cascode amplifier M21-M28 can be connected to the grid of current mirror transistors M11-M18 through diode D21, D22, D25, D26.Diode can produce a voltage drop, so the drain source voltage of current mirror transistors is enough to keep correct operation.Also have, can provide power supply Vmax from the drain electrode of M11, M12 rather than from the grid of M11, M12 or from the grid of M21, M22.In other words, can think that current mirror M11, M13, M21, M23 and M12, M14, M22, M24 are collapsible cascode amplifier current mirrors.So, between Vsup1 and the Vmax or the voltage drop between Vsup2 and Vmax be limited in two diode drops approx.

Figure 16 represents the exemplary block diagram of another compensation level shift circuit 160.In this typical embodiment, which system to provide electric current to control two switch S 1, S2 according to level shift circuit 160.If Vdd1 is greater than Vdd2, then diode D1 is a forward bias, and diode D2 is a reverse bias, and electric current flows through diode D1, two branch roads of arrival current mirror M1, M2.In this exemplary, the electric current that will flow through transistor M1 is called I2.In this example, I1 is greater than I2, and switch S 1, S2 set as shown in figure 16, allow current feedback circuit I1-I2 to aspirate difference electric current I 1-I2 from power supply Vdd2 through D3.In this example, be I1 from the total current of Vdd1, the total current that flows to Vgnd1 also is I1.In this way, if Vdd2 provides electric current to level shifter, then I1 is 0 basically, and I2 is greater than I1, and switch S 1, S2 set becomes and the state of opposite states shown in Figure 16.In this case, Vdd2 provides electric current I 2 through M1 to Vgnd1, and Vdd1 is through providing the electric current I 2 that equates basically to D4 to Vgnd2, and the net current flow between these two systems is 0 basically.

Figure 17 represents the exemplary embodiments of compensation level shift circuit 170, has wherein used the principle of discussing at the circuit 160 of Figure 16.Expression compensating circuit and a simple level shift circuit among the figure, said level shift circuit comprises crystal M1, M2 and diode D1, D2.Flow through the electric current I 1 of diode D1 by the M11 measurement, and make said electric current I 1 become image current by current mirror M11, M13 and M21, M23.Measure the electric current I 2 that flows into the first ground Vgndf1 from level shift circuit by M12, and make said electric current I 2 become image current by current mirror M12, M14 and M22, M24.The output of two current mirrors links together in the drain electrode of M23 and M24, produces the difference of electric current I 1 and I2.This electric current difference flows into the source electrode of M15 or the source electrode of M16.As I1 during greater than I2, this electric current difference flows into the source electrode of M16, and becomes image current by common-emitter common-base amplified current mirror M 18, M20 and M28, M30.Then, aspirate out this difference between current through blocking diode D4 from Vdd2.As I2 during greater than I1, this electric current difference flows into the source electrode of M15, and becomes image current by common-emitter common-base amplified current mirror M 17, M19 and M27, M29.So, make this difference between current flow into Vdd2 through blocking diode D3.Transistor M35, M36 are connected to transistor M25, M26 in the mode identical with transistor M15, M16, thereby form current source I11, current source I11 is used to be provided with mirror M 11, M13, the quiescent current of M21, M23 and M12, M14, M22, M24, even so that when diode D1 blocks these two current mirrors also always through the biasing.So just improved dynamic characteristic.The value of I11 can not influence the difference between current I1-I2 of the source electrode that flows into M15, M16.Current source I25, I26 and transistor M25, M26 are that transistor M15, M16 are provided with quiescent current, are current mirror M18, M20 just also therefore, M28, M30 and M17, M19, and M27, M29 are provided with quiescent current.Because equate basically from the quiescent current of two power supplys suction, and these electric currents are delivered to two ground in substantially the same mode, so without any the ultimate current that flows between two ground.Thereby whole electric current is always setovered, and the dynamic characteristic beguine is far better according to the dynamic characteristic of the compensating circuit of first kind of technology.Also have, because used difference between current, so current sinking hardly.Use the setover source electrode of M15, M16 of reference voltage V ref, make its somewhere, thereby can correctly setover M23, M24 in the centre of supply voltage scope.Also may cancel voltage source V ref, and replace current source I26 with voltage source, a series of diode or several MOS transistor that connects into diode.

Above-described has illustrated principle of the present invention.Therefore, should be realized that those of ordinary skill in the art can design various device, though do not describe clearly and represent these equipment here, but these equipment have all been implemented principle of the present invention, therefore drop within the design and scope of following claims.

Claims

1. a level shifter (20), comprise: a pair of current mirror (M1, M2, M3, M4) and pair of diodes, this becomes the input signal from first system to be coupled to the shared output node (Vout) in second system that isolates with first system to current mirror arrangement, this is configured to make under situation about breaking down this that one in current mirror (M1, M2, M3, M4) is disconnected with said input signal to diode (D1, D2).

2. the level shifter of claim 1 (20), wherein: this all is identical channel type to each transistor in the included transistor (M1-M4) of current mirror (M1, M2, M3, M4).

3. the level shifter of claim 1 (20), wherein: this is configured to divide electric current (Iin1 from input signal (Iin) to diode (D1, D2), Iin2), so that when not breaking down, provide the electric current of half basically in the current mirror (M1, M2, M3, M4) each to this.

4. the level shifter of claim 1 (20), wherein: this is to current mirror (M1, M2, M3, M4) in first current mirror (M1, M2) by the power supply of first reference voltage (Vdd1) of first system, this is to second reference voltage (Vdd the tie up pixel) power supply of second current mirror (M3, M4) in the current mirror (M1, M2, M3, M4) by second system.

5. the level shifter of claim 4 (20) further comprises one the 3rd diode (D3), and the 3rd diode (D3) is configured to can make under situation about breaking down first current mirror (M1, M2) and shared output node (Vout) to disconnect.

6. the level shifter of claim 1 (20), further comprise a current feedback circuit (Icomp), current feedback circuit (Icomp) is configured to an offset current can be provided between first system and second system, to reduce in the net current flow between first system and second system to minimum.

7. the level shifter of claim 1 (20) further comprises a voltage source (Vos), said voltage source (Vos) is configured to and can provides biasing between first system and second system, to reduce switching moment to minimum.

8. a level shifter (30-170), be used for input signal (Iin from first system, Vin) be coupled to the output node (Vout) of second system that isolates with first system, comprise: a current mirror (M1, M2), current mirror (M1, M2) being configured to can be with corresponding to input signal (Iin, Vin) electric current becomes image current and flows to the load that is arranged in output node (Vout), and comprise pair of diodes (D1, D2), diode (D1, D2) be configured to from one of first system and second system, to select a reference voltage (Vmax, Vmin), flow to current mirror (M1 so that provide, M2) net current.

9. the level shifter of claim 8 (40), further comprise: the current mirror (M3 that at least one is other, M4, M3, M5), be configured for said at least one other current mirror, so that corresponding to input signal (Iin, Vin) electric current becomes image current, flow at least one the other load at least one other system, and comprise at least one other diode (D3), at least one other diode (D3) be coupled to operably said this to diode (D1, D2) to form a diode network, said diode network is configured to can be from first system, second system, with selection reference voltage (Vmax in one of at least one other system, Vmin), so that the total current that flows to current mirror is provided.

10. the level shifter of claim 8 (40), further comprise: second current mirror (M6, M7), be configured for said second current mirror, so that become image current, flow in the other load (L3) in first system corresponding to other electric current from the input (Iin3) of second system.

11. the level shifter of claim 8 (30a), wherein: current mirror (M1, M2) comprise p channel transistor, said paired diode (D1, D2) first diode (D1) in is connected in series in first supply voltage (Vdd1) and the current mirror (M1 of first system, M2) between, said paired diode (D1, D2) second diode (D2) in is connected in series in the second source voltage (Vdd2) and the current mirror (M1 of second system, M2) between, therefore, reference voltage (Vmax) is in higher current potential corresponding to which supply voltage in first supply voltage (Vdd1) and the second source voltage (Vdd2).

12. the level shifter of claim 8 (30b), wherein: current mirror (M1, M2) comprise the N channel transistor, said paired diode (D1, D2) first diode (D1) in is connected in series in current mirror (M1, M2) and between first earthed voltage (Vgnd1) of first system, said paired diode (D1, D2) second diode (D2) in is connected in series in current mirror (M1, M2) and between second earthed voltage (Vgnd2) of second system, therefore, reference voltage (Vmin) is in lower current potential corresponding to which earthed voltage in first earthed voltage (Vgnd1) and the second source voltage (Vgnd2).

13. the level shifter of claim 8 (60), further comprise second current mirror (M7, M9, M8, M10), second current mirror (M7, M9, M8, M10) be arranged to corresponding second electric current of inversion signal that can make with input signal (Vin) and become image current, so that difference output (M10, M12) is provided in second system.

14. the level shifter of claim 8 (60) further comprises one or more bias transistors (M30-M33), bias transistor (M30-M33) is configured to and can provides bias current to improve the switching rate of current mirror to current mirror.

15. the level shifter of claim 8 (50) further comprises and the corresponding cascode amplifier transistor (M11-M16) of each transistor in the current mirror (M1-M6).

16. the level shifter of claim 15 (50), further comprise one or more electric currents and inject transistor (M22, M26), electric current is injected transistor (M22, M26) be configured to reduce the grid-drain capacitance effect relevant with one or more cascode amplifier transistors (M11-M16).

17. the level shifter of claim 15 (50), further comprise one or more isolated transistors (M25), isolated transistor (M25) is configured to and grid-drain capacitance effect relevant with one or more cascode amplifier transistors (M11-M16) and input signal (Iin, Vin) can be disconnected.

18. the level shifter (70-140 of claim 8,160-170), further comprise a current feedback circuit (Icomp), current feedback circuit (Icomp) is configured to the electric current that can afford redress between first system and second system, so that the net current flow between first system and second system reduces to minimum basically.

19. one kind is used for being coupled from the input signal (Iin, Vin) of first system method to the shared output node (Vout) of second system that isolates with said first system, comprise: through a pair of current mirror (M1, M2, M3, M4) input signal (Iin, Vin) is coupled to shared output node, and provide pair of diodes (D1, D2), diode (D1, D2) is configured to make under situation about breaking down one of paired current mirror (M1, M2, M3, M4) and input signal (Iin, Vin) to disconnect.

20. one kind is used for being coupled from the input signal (Iin, Vin) of first system method to the shared output node (Vout) of second system that isolates with said first system, comprise: make electric current corresponding to input signal (Iin, Vin) become mirror image, it flows to the load that is positioned at output node (Vout) through current mirror (M1, M2), and select through the reference voltage (Vmax of pair of diodes (D1, D2) from one of first system and second system, Vmin), so that the net current that flows to current mirror (M1, M2) is provided.