Patent ID: 6271703
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
An apparatus, including an overvoltage protection circuit, comprising:an input terminal configured to convey an input voltage;an output terminal configured to convey an output voltage;a buffer circuit including a plurality of buffer circuit terminals coupled between said input terminal and said output terminal, configured to receive and buffer said input voltage and in accordance therewith provide said output voltage;a voltage sensing circuit, coupled to said input terminal and said buffer circuit, configured to sense said input voltage and in accordance therewith maintain a plurality of voltages at said plurality of buffer circuit terminals of said buffer circuit in a corresponding predetermined plurality of voltage ranges; anda control circuit, coupled to said buffer circuit, configured to receive at least one control signal and in accordance therewith causes said output voltage to be maintained at the predetermined value irrespective of said input voltage.