Signal driving system
US7161781B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H9/04
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A signal driving system generates an output swinging between a first power supply (e.g., about 1.2 Volts), powering first and second drivers, and a second power supply (e.g., about 3.3 Volts), powering a first current mirror. The second power supply is generated external to the signal driving system and is used to allow for a desired common-mode differential output signal range. However, the second power supply produces voltage at a level above a rating of the devices in the signal driving system. Therefore, protection devices are used to protect the elements of the signal driving system from the second power supply. Accordingly, through use of the signal driving system of the present invention, a high voltage current mode driver can operate in a low voltage process without damaging the devices in the signal driving system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.