Patent ID: 6118324
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
An output driver circuit for selectively changing a voltage level applied to an output pad of an integrated circuit device from a first voltage level to a second voltage level, the output driver circuit comprising:a first switch having a gate terminal connected to a signal source, a first terminal connected to a first voltage source, and a second terminal connected to the output pad;a second switch having a gate terminal connected to the signal source, a first terminal connected to the output pad, and a second terminal;a one-shot circuit having an input terminal connected to the signal source and an output terminal; anda third switch having a gate terminal connected to the output terminal of the one-shot circuit, a first terminal connected to the second terminal of the second switch, and a second terminal connected to the first voltage source;wherein, during a first switching stage that occurs immediately after the signal source switches from a first state to a second state that turns on the first and second switches, the one-shot circuit turns on the third switch such that current flows between the first voltage source and the output pad through the first, second and third switches;wherein, during a second switching stage that occurs a first predetermined period after a beginning of the first stage, the one-shot circuit turns off the third switch such that current flows between the first voltage source and the output pad through the first switch; andwherein, during a third switching stage that occurs a second predetermined period after a beginning of the second switching stage, the one-shot circuit turns on the third switch to connect the output pad to the first voltage source through the first, second and third switches.