Patent ID: 7772883
Filing Date: 2010-08-10
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. A level shifter that converts an input signal having an amplitude between a ground and a first power supply voltage into an output signal having an amplitude between the ground and a second power supply voltage, said level shifter comprising: an input unit, driven by said first power supply voltage, that raises a first pulse signal at a rise of said input signal and raises a second pulse signal having the same polarity as said first pulse signal at a fall of said input signal; a level shift unit that includes a first level shift circuit that converts a signal level of said first pulse signal into an amplitude level of said second power supply voltage, and a second level shift circuit that converts a signal level of said second pulse signal into an amplitude level of said second power supply voltage; an output unit, driven corresponding to said first and second pulse signals whose levels have been converted, that generates said output signal and is operated by said second power supply voltage; and a hold unit that holds a level of said generated output signal and is operated by said second power supply voltage, wherein said input unit causes said first pulse signal to fall in response to a rise of said output signal and second pulse signal to fall in response to a fall of said output signal.