Dynamic level shifter circuit and ring oscillator using the same
US8912853B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K3/0315
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A dynamic level shifter circuit and a ring oscillator implemented using the same are disclosed. A dynamic level shifter may include a pull-down circuit and a pull-up circuit. The pull-up circuit may include an extra transistor configured to reduce the current through that circuit when the pull-down circuit is activated. A ring oscillator may be implemented using instances of the dynamic level shifter along with instances of a static level shifter. The ring oscillator may also include a pulse generator configured to initiate oscillation. The ring oscillator implemented with dynamic level shifters may be used in conjunction with another ring oscillator implemented using only static level shifters to compare relative performance levels of the static and dynamic level shifters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.