Patent ID: 6278294
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
An output buffer circuit comprising:first and second potential points which receive first and second potentials, respectively;an output point;a first conduction control element which has a control terminal for receiving a third potential corresponding to either one of binary logical values consisting of first logic and second logic complementary to the first logic and which permits and inhibits conduction between said first potential point and said output point when the third potential corresponds to the first logic and the second logic, respectively;a second conduction control element which has a control terminal for receiving a fourth potential corresponding to either one of binary logical values consisting of third logic and fourth logic complementary to the third logic and which permits and inhibits conduction between said second potential point and said output point when the fourth potential corresponds to the third logic and the fourth logic, respectively, wherein the first logic and the third logic are complementary to each other;through-current detection logic generating means for generating a through-current detection signal which starts when the third potential and the fourth potential correspond to the first logic and the third logic, respectively; andforced logic-application means which responds to the through-current detection signal to perform either one of a first logic applying function of forcedly applying the second logic to said control terminal of said first conduction control element and a second logic applying function of forcedly applying the fourth logic to said control terminal of said second conduction control element, said forced logic-application means including switching means which has a first terminal for connection to said control terminal of said first conduction control element and a second terminal for providing a fifth potential corresponding to the second logic, and which conducts in response to starting of the through-current detection signal.