Current source responsive to supply voltage variations
US5703497A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K19/017527
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A current source varies the bias current to a differential amplifier according to fluctuations in the supply voltage. In this manner, the operating point of the differential amplifier is automatically adjusted to compensate for variations in the supply voltage. Adjusting bias current in this manner provides for a reduction in power dissipation. The current supply is coupled to the differential amplifier in such a manner that a current mirror is not required to be connected between the differential amplifier and the inverter. Eliminating the need for such a current mirror is advantageous in reducing the number of gate delays and thereby increasing the speed of a level translator to which the current source is coupled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.