Abstract:
One feature pertains to a multi-chip module that comprises at least a first integrated circuit (IC) die and a second IC die. The second IC die has an input/output (I/O) node electrically coupled to the first IC die by a through substrate via. The second die's active surface also includes a fuse that is electrically coupled to the I/O node and adapted to protect the second IC die from damage caused by an electrostatic discharge (ESD). In particular, the fuse protects the second IC die from ESD that may be generated as a result of electrically coupling the first die to the second die during the manufacturing of the multi-chip module. Upon coupling the first die to the second die, the fuse may bypass the ESD current generated by the ESD to ground. After packaging of the multi-chip module is complete, the fuse may be blown open.
Abstract:
A method includes thinning a back-side of a substrate to expose a portion of a first via that is formed in the substrate. The method also includes forming a first diode at the back-side of the substrate. The first diode is coupled to the first via.
Abstract:
Aspects generally relate to receivers, and in particular to a receiver that converts a high-voltage input signal into a low-voltage signal. The high voltage input signal is split into a upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is coupled to a high input receiver that is powered by dynamic supply shifters that can vary supply voltage during operation to optimize switching.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to a data level shifter circuit including a boost circuit configured to generate a boosted input data signal based on a transition of an input data signal; a first input transistor including a first control signal configured to receive the input data signal; a second input transistor including a second control terminal configured to receive the boosted input data signal, wherein the first and second input transistors are coupled in parallel between a node and a lower voltage rail; and a latch circuit configured to generate an output data signal based on the input data signal, wherein the latch circuit is coupled between an upper voltage rail and the node.
Abstract:
System, methods, and apparatus are described that facilitate signaling between devices over a single bi-directional line. In an example, the apparatus couples a first device to a second device via a single bi-directional line, indicates initiation of a first action, initiated at the first device, by sending a first single transition on the single bi-directional line from the first device to the second device, and indicates initiation of a second action, initiated at the second device, by sending a second single transition on the single bi-directional line from the second device to the first device. In another example, a first device initiates a first action, indicates initiation of the first action by generating a first event on a single bi-directional line, and receives an indication of a second action initiated at a second device by observing a second event on the single bi-directional line.
Abstract:
A back-power prevention circuit is provided that protects a buffer transistor from back-power during a back-power condition by charging a signal lead coupled to a gate of the buffer transistor to a pad voltage and by charging a body of the buffer transistor to the pad voltage.
Abstract:
A method includes thinning a back-side of a substrate to expose a portion of a first via that is formed in the substrate. The method also includes forming a first diode at the back-side of the substrate. The first diode is coupled to the first via.
Abstract:
One feature pertains to a multi-chip module that comprises at least a first integrated circuit (IC) die and a second IC die. The second IC die has an input/output (I/O) node electrically coupled to the first IC die by a through substrate via. The second die's active surface also includes a fuse that is electrically coupled to the I/O node and adapted to protect the second IC die from damage caused by an electrostatic discharge (ESD). In particular, the fuse protects the second IC die from ESD that may be generated as a result of electrically coupling the first die to the second die during the manufacturing of the multi-chip module. Upon coupling the first die to the second die, the fuse may bypass the ESD current generated by the ESD to ground. After packaging of the multi-chip module is complete, the fuse may be blown open.
Abstract:
In certain aspects, a receiving circuit includes a splitter, a first receiver, a second receiver, and a boost circuit. The splitter is configured to receive an input signal, split the input signal into a first signal and a second signal, output the first signal to the first receiver, and output the second signal to the second receiver. In certain aspects, the voltage swing of the input signal is split between the first signal and the second signal. The boost circuit may be configured to shift a supply voltage of the second receiver to boost a gate-overdrive voltage of a transistor in the second receiver during a transition of the input signal (e.g., transition from low to high). In certain aspects, the boost circuit controls the gate-overdrive voltage boosting based on the first signal and the second signal.
Abstract:
Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to a level-shifting circuit. The level-shifting circuit generally includes a first pull-up path having at least one first diode and at least one first transistor, and a second pull-up path having at least one second diode and at least one second transistor. The level-shifting circuit may also include a first pull-down path having a third transistor and a fourth transistor, wherein the fourth transistor is coupled between the third transistor and the first diode; a second pull-down path having a fifth transistor and a sixth transistor, wherein the sixth transistor is coupled between the fifth transistor and the second diode; and an overvoltage protection circuit coupled to gates of the fourth transistor and the sixth transistor.