Protecting lower voltage domain devices during operation in a higher voltage domain
US8957703B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2010 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K19/00315
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Circuitry comprises a high voltage rail providing a high voltage level corresponding to a higher voltage domain, an intermediate voltage source, a low voltage rail, and devices that operate in a lower voltage domain. First devices in an upper voltage region are powered between the high voltage rail and an intermediate voltage rail powered by the intermediate source. Second devices in a lower voltage region are powered between the intermediate and low rails. On power up, the intermediate source is powered before the high voltage rail. An isolating circuit connects the intermediate source to a node when the high voltage rail is powered and isolates the node from the intermediate source when the high voltage rail is not powered to impede current flow from the intermediate source to the high voltage rail.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.