Level shifters having diode-connected devices for input-output interfaces
US8436671B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K19/018528
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A level shifter includes an input node, an output node, a pull-up transistor, a pull-down transistor, and at least one diode-connected device coupled between the pull-up transistor and the pull-down transistor. The level shifter is arranged to be coupled to a high power supply voltage, to receive an input signal having a first voltage level at the input node, and to supply an output signal having a second voltage level at the output node. The high power supply voltage is higher than the first voltage level. The at least one diode-connected device allows the output signal to be pulled up to about a first diode voltage drop below the high power supply voltage and/or to be pulled down to about a second diode voltage drop above ground. The first diode voltage drop and the second diode voltage drop are from the at least one diode-connected device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.