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. 31, 2009
Filed:
Aug. 28, 2007
Francesco Rezzi, Cava Manara, IT;
Nicola Ghittori, Pavia, IT;
Giovanni Antonio Cesura, Cremona, IT;
Shafiq M. Jamal, Gilroy, CA (US);
Stefano Marchesi, Pavia, IT;
Francesco Rezzi, Cava Manara, IT;
Nicola Ghittori, Pavia, IT;
Giovanni Antonio Cesura, Cremona, IT;
Shafiq M. Jamal, Gilroy, CA (US);
Stefano Marchesi, Pavia, IT;
Marvell International Ltd., Hamilton, BM;
Abstract
In a circuit to convert a first logic signal having a first range to a second logic signal having a second range, a first metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor selectively couples an output node to a first reference voltage when the output node is to be in a first state. A second MOS transistor has a source coupled to the output node and a gate coupled to a bias voltage. A current source circuit selectively biases the second MOS transistor to act as part of a source-follower circuit when the output node is to be in a second state. Additionally, a memory circuit has an input coupled to the output node, and an output. The memory circuit is configured to temporarily store a Boolean value of the output node when the output node transitions from the first state to the second state. Further, a discharging circuit is coupled to the output node and a second reference voltage. The discharging circuit is configured to temporarily provide a discharging path between the output node and the second reference voltage when the output node is transitioning from the first state to the second state. The discharging circuit has a first input coupled to the output of the memory circuit and a second input coupled to a control signal. The control signal indicates that the output node is to transition from the first state to the second state.