Dual supply voltage input/output buffer
US6282146A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K19/00315
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention discloses a voltage shifter capable of interfacing between two circuitry each is operating in different voltage range. The voltage shifter comprises an input buffer for converting an external input signal switching within a high voltage range to an internal input signal switching within a low voltage range, an output driver for converting an internal output signal switching within the low voltage range to an external output signal switching within the high voltage range; and a reference voltage generator for generating a reference voltage to the input buffer and the output driver. In addition, the voltage shifter is designed such that each of the transistors within is protected against voltage breakdown so that the voltage shifter can be built by transistors using the low voltage process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.