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:
Mar. 12, 2002
Filed:
Jul. 15, 1998
David Bundy Bell, Los Altos, CA (US);
Linear Technology Corporation, Milpitas, CA (US);
Abstract
Circuitry and methods are provided for reducing rise time associated with signals on an open-drain or open-collector signal line. Signal line voltage is monitored to determine if the signal line is being pulled LOW. If the signal line is not being pulled LOW, as indicated by signal line voltage exceeding a threshold level, additional pullup current is provided. The additional current may be provided gradually in relation to the signal line voltage, or may be provided in full whenever voltage exceeds the threshold. Circuitry may also be provided to monitor voltage slew rate on the signal line, and to enable the additional pullup current only when the slew rate exceeds a positive threshold level.