Over-voltage tolerant multifunction input stage
US7321238B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 22, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K19/00315
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An over-voltage tolerant input stage in a semiconductor device is disclosed. The input stage includes: an input pad for receiving an input signal to the semiconductor device, a buffer coupled to the input pad for buffering the input signal, a pullup circuit for limiting current in the input signal, a switching circuit coupled to the input pad for controlling the pullup circuit, and a voltage supply coupled to the input pad, the pullup circuit and the switching circuit. In operation, the switching circuit is enabled to cause the pullup circuit to stop current flow between the input signal and voltage supply in the event of an over-voltage condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.