Pre-buffer level shifter and input/output buffer apparatus
US7282953B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K19/018521
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A pre-buffer level shifter and an I/O buffer apparatus are provided. The pre-buffer level shifter includes a switchable current source, a current mirror, a buffer unit, a first clamping circuit and a second clamping circuit. Because of a clamping circuit inside a thin oxide MOS transistor device of the pre-buffer level shifter, the present invention can control the voltage swing of the signal for driving an output buffer within a suitable voltage range. Thus, the pre-buffer level shifter can correctly drive the output buffer made of thin oxide MOS transistor devices, increase the operating speed and ensure the reliability thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.