CMOS level shifters from 0 to 18 V output

A design methodology for level shifters voltage translators, where the output voltage ranges from 0 to 18 V, and the input voltage ranges from 2 to 5.5 V in a 0.6 µm CMOS-HV technology, is presented. This family of circuits have a special interest in the case of implantable medical devices where is common to handle previously unknown voltages either positive or negative, above or below the control logic supply V_DD. Two application examples are presented: a composite switch to control negative stimuli voltage pulses, and a multi-channel programmable charge-pump voltage multiplier, aimed at charging the output capacitors of an IMD.