Method and apparatus for regulating predriver for output buffer
US6707722B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C2207/2254
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved predriver circuit for an output buffer is provided that can enable the output buffer to operate well within maximum and minimum IOL current specifications at lower internally regulated voltages. The predriver circuit comprises a limiter device configured to limit or otherwise regulate the maximum gate voltage provided to the gate of the pull-down transistor device. As a result, the pull-down transistor device can be sized optimally to provide additional margin to exceed the minimum IOL specification, while also improving the margin under the maximum IOL specification. The device is configured to limit the maximum gate voltage of the output pull-down transistor device to less than the maximum external power supply voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.