Patent ID: 6281741
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
An integrated circuit comprisinga pair ot circuit nodes,a current mirror including a first transistor and a dual-function transistor, in a first state said dual-function transistor cooperating with said first transistor to provide current gain and also providing a relatively high impedance between said nodes, said current gain being defined as the ratio of the output current from said dual-function transistor to the input current to said first transistor, and in a second state said dual-function transistor cooperating with said first transistor to provide no current gain and also providing a relatively lower impedance between said nodes,a switch coupled to said first transistor, in said first state said switch coupling the control terminal to the output terminal of said first transistor so that said first transistor functions as a diode and in said second state decoupling said control terminal from said output terminal of said first transistor; andcontrol means for switching said switch and said dual-function transistor between said states.