Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Apparatus and method for level-shifting input receiver circuit from high external voltage to low internal supply voltage
- Patent Title (中): 输入接收电路从高外部电压到低内部电源电压的装置和方法
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Application No.: US09849755Application Date: 2001-05-04
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Publication No.: US06600338B1Publication Date: 2003-07-29
- Inventor: Huy Nguyen , Roxanne Vu , Benedict Lau , Jade Kizer
- Applicant: Huy Nguyen , Roxanne Vu , Benedict Lau , Jade Kizer
- Main IPC: H03K190175
- IPC: H03K190175

Abstract:
A circuit and method for level-shifting an input signal are disclosed that provide for level-shifting of a the input signal where an external voltage level is greater than an internal voltage of the signal. In the present invention, the input signal is compared to a reference signal to produce a differential current signal reflecting the logic level of the input signal. The differential current signal is reflected through a pair of current mirrors operating from the external voltage level to drive a pair of resistive loads. Each of the resistive loads is coupled in series with a current sink between the internal supply voltage and a ground voltage. As a result, the input signal may be received and level-shifted with gain even when the internal supply voltage is less than twice a transistor threshold voltage without introducing significant distortion to the received signal.
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