Patent ID: 6369613
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
On an integrated circuit having interface circuitry and being configured to be powered by at least one supply voltage, an output driver for said interface circuitry, comprising:an open-drain pull-down device having a drive signal terminal and an open-drain terminal, wherein said open-drain terminal is configured to be coupled to an external pull-up device; and a level-shifting circuit having a first voltage lead, a second voltage lead, an input lead, and an output lead, said output lead being connected to said drive signal terminal, wherein said level-shifting circuit is configured to convert an input voltage applied on said input lead to an output voltage available on said output lead that is substantially similar to a first voltage applied on said first voltage lead, and wherein said level-shifting circuit is further configured to convert said input voltage to a second voltage applied on said second voltage lead instead of said first voltage if said second voltage is higher than said first voltage.