Line driver architecture for 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet
US7863935B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L25/028
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multimode line driver circuit is provided having improved performance. The multimode line driver comprises at least first and second driver circuits that, when “active,” respectively transmit data using first and second modes. The multimode line driver further comprises a circuit arrangement including a voltage regulator and an associated set of switches. In operation, at least some of the switches are coupled to the second driver circuit and are turned on when the first driver circuit is active. The voltage regulator supplies a direct current to at least some of the turned-on switches in order to decrease a common mode voltage at the second driver circuit while the first driver circuit transmits data using the first mode. As such, components of the second driver circuit can be powered off while the first driver circuit is active, thus reducing power consumption in the first mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.