Systems and methods for level shifting using AC coupling

Systems and methods for conveying signals between integrated circuit (IC) components in domains having different supply voltages. AC coupling is used to increase the speed at which the common mode voltage of a signal is shifted from one level to another. One embodiment comprises a method for level s...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Kaneko, Masaaki, Boerstler, David W, Hailu, Eskinder, Qi, Jieming
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 31.03.2009
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Systems and methods for conveying signals between integrated circuit (IC) components in domains having different supply voltages. AC coupling is used to increase the speed at which the common mode voltage of a signal is shifted from one level to another. One embodiment comprises a method for level shifting a binary signal in an IC. This method includes receiving an input binary signal and decoupling its AC component from its common mode component. A second common mode component is added to the AC component, providing a binary output signal. The common mode voltage of the input signal may be greater (or smaller) than that of the output signal. In one embodiment of the method, duty cycle compensation (DCC) is performed. The DCC drives the duty cycle toward a desired value.