Samsung patents circuit part that boosts signal strength using stored charge
This patent describes a level shifter, a small electronic component that changes the voltage level of a signal so different parts of a chip can talk to each other. It uses a capacitor to store electrical charge and release it to boost the signal, ensuring the output is strong enough to trigger the next stage of the circuit.
In the filing’s own words
A level shifter includes an input block, a shifting block connected to the input block and connected to a power source voltage, a first transistor, a second transistor and a third transistor, and at least one capacitor connected to the input block. A voltage having an anti-phase to the input voltage is boosted by charges previously stored in the at least one capacitor and applied to a gate electrode of the first transistor. When a voltage level of the input voltage transitions from a low level to a high level, the first transistor is turned on by a voltage boosted by the at least one capacitor such that the first node is connected to the power source voltage, and the second transistor is turned off such that the first node is disconnected from the first ground voltage.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A level shifter, comprising: an input block configured to receive an input voltage through an input terminal; a shifting block connected to the input block through a first node and a second node and connected to a power source voltage; a first transistor connected between the first node and the shifting block; a second transistor and a third transistor connected in series between the first node and a first ground voltage; and at least one capacitor connected to the input block, wherein a voltage having an anti-phase to the input voltage is boosted by charges previously stored in the at least one capacitor and applied to a gate electrode of the first transistor, and wherein, when a voltage level of the input voltage transitions from a low level to a high level, the first transistor is turned on by a voltage boosted by the at least one capacitor such that the first node is connected to the power source voltage, and the second transistor is turned off such that the first node is disconnected from the first ground voltage.
Facts
- Company
- Samsung (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
- Official title
- Level shifter including capacitor and method of operating the same
- Patent number
- US12763775B2
- Application number
- 18895535
- Filed
- Sep 25, 2024
- Granted
- Oct 13, 2026
- Inventors
- 4
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H03K 19/018521 Electricity & electronicsH03K 19/0013 Electricity & electronicsMore from Samsung in Chips & hardware
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.