The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 19, 1999
Filed:
Mar. 15, 1996
Applicant:
Inventor:
Nalini Ranjan, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Assignee:
S3 Incorporated, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G06K / ; H03K / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
39575001 ; 395872 ; 326 80 ; 326 87 ;
Abstract
A universal input/output buffer uses all digital-type components, can be included on an integrated circuit chip and operates in a mixed voltage, multi-rail, power supply environment. The input/output buffer includes a multi-stage driver section and a sequencing section. Several types of sequencing techniques are used to control a plurality of driver stages and provide a combination of multiple firing schemes. In addition, other control techniques are employed such as full and partial feedback, sequential turn on/turn off of driver stages, and controlled introduction of a small amount of 'crow bar' current.