Single-stage and multi-stage voltage level shifters

Abstract

Disclosed structures include a single-stage and a multi-stage voltage level shifter. Each structure includes multiple transistors, which are optionally all symmetric low-voltage transistors, and the structures are configured to avoid operation outside the safe operating area (SOA) of such transistors. The single-stage voltage level shifter and the first stage of the multi-stage voltage level shifter can be essentially identical. In operation, input voltage pulses (including an input voltage pulse transitioning between a first positive voltage (V1) equal to the voltage rating of the transistors and ground) can be received at source nodes of N-type transistors and, in response, output voltage pulses (including an intermediate output voltage pulse transitioning between V1 and a second positive voltage (V2) that is higher than (e.g., double) V1 and an output voltage pulse that transitions between ground and V2) can be output.