Patent ID: 6445222
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
A data output circuit for providing a signal of a logic corresponding to a logic of an input signal applied to an input node to an output node, comprising:drive element means for driving said output node to a potential level corresponding to a first logic level of said input signal according to said input signal, and control means for increasing driving capability of said drive element means as a potential of the signal of said output node approaches said potential level; wherein said drive element means includes: a first drive element coupled between the output node and a power node supplying a first potential, for driving said output node to said potential level in response to said input signal, and a second drive element coupled in a parallel with said first drive element between said output node and said power node; and said control means includes: delay means coupled to receive said input signal, for delaying transition of said input signal from a second logic level to the first logic level, and variable drive means coupled to receive an output signal of said delay means, for activating said second drive means in response to the output signal of said delay means, said variable drive means including limiting means for progressively increasing an operating current flowing through said variable means in accordance with the potential of the signal of said output node approaching said potential level.