Input/output driver with controlled transistor voltages
US8217685B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K19/018507
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In an embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises core circuitry and at least one driver circuit. The core circuitry is powered by a first supply voltage during use, and comprises a control circuit configured to generate a pull up control signal, a pull down control signal, and at least one reference voltage. The driver circuit is powered by a second supply voltage during use, the second supply voltage having a greater magnitude than the first supply voltage. The driver circuit is connected to a pad to be connected to a pin on a package of the integrated circuit. The driver circuit comprises a cascode connection of a first transistor and a second transistor, and a capacitor coupled between a first gate terminal of the first transistor and a second gate terminal of the second transistor. The first gate terminal is coupled to receive the pull down control signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.