Tristate driver for integrated circuit interconnects
US6181166A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K19/09429
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A signal driver circuit uses a single power supply to provide differential low voltage swing signals for use in an integrated circuit. The driver reduces interconnect voltage swing and power consumption, while improving the speed performance of the interconnect. The driver includes series coupled drive transistors to provide differential signals on integrated circuit interconnects. The driver circuit can include circuitry to place the interconnects in a tri-state condition to allow for shared interconnects. An integrated circuit, such as a processor, includes first and second differential interconnects, a receiver circuit connected to the first and second differential interconnects for detecting a differential voltage provided thereon, and a driver circuit connected to the first and second differential interconnects for providing the differential voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.