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:
Jul. 18, 2000
Filed:
Dec. 18, 1997
Clive Roland Taylor, Herrfordshire, GB;
VLSI Technologies, Inc., San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for producing a square wave output signal with a clock circuit that possesses characteristics of low current consumption, relatively tight duty cycle control, and versatility over a wide range of voltages and input signal frequencies down to, and including DC. Exemplary embodiments receive an input signal, and process the input signal into an output square wave signal. A processing of the input signal is achieved using at least one current mirror for controlling a duty cycle of the output square wave signal said at least one current mirror being implemented in part with at least one pair of cascoded transistors. The processing is further achieved with an output stage having at least one inverter operatively connected with a node between the transistors of the at least one pair of cascoded transistors to control switching of the at least one pair of cascoded transistors.