Patent ID: 7336119
Filing Date: 2008-02-26
Classification: H01L,H03K

Abstract:
1. A method for increasing operating voltage range of an output stage of a drive circuit, said output stage comprising: first and second semiconductor devices each having a respective pair of main terminals, one main terminal of each of said devices being connected in series to form a half-bridge, an output drive signal being supplied at said connection point, each device further having a respective control terminal, said control terminals being connected to receive a control signal; said method comprising the steps of: providing a third semiconductor device having one main terminal which receives a supply voltage for said output stage, another main terminal connected in series with said first device, and a control terminal for receiving a bias voltage; integrating said first, second and third devices in a semiconductor chip; forming said first and second devices in a low-side well and forming said third device in a high-side well of said semiconductor chip; and controlling said third device by applying said bias voltage to said third device, for providing a voltage drop according to said bias voltage so as to prevent said supply voltage from fully being applied to said first and second devices.