A High-Voltage Cascode-Connected Three-Level Pulse-Generator for Bio-Medical Ultrasound Applications

This paper presents a high-voltage three-level pulse-generator circuit which reduces the driving requirement of the input signals. This is achieved by cascoding making it possible to use low-voltage input transistors. The reduced driving requirement of the input signals makes it possible to use simple two-component capacitive level-shifters. The circuit is implemented in a commercially available 180nm high-voltage CMOS process. Circuit functionality is verified by simulation on schematic and layout using high supply voltages of positive and negative 70V. Simulation results indicate a reduction in input gate-charge by a factor of about 28. Average power consumption of about 0.61mW and 0.44mW is observed for a three-level and a two level 4-period 5MHz pulse using a pulse-repetition frequency of 5kHz.