Patent ID: 7348801
Filing Date: 2008-03-25
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. A level shifter, comprising: first and second first-conductivity type transistors for signal input, the first and second first-conductivity type transistors respectively receiving at gates complementary first and second input signals generated using a first voltage supply as a power supply and having ends connected to a ground and the other ends connected to first and second nodes, respectively; a power supply circuit having an end connected to a second voltage supply and the other end connected to the first and second nodes, the power supply circuit supplying a voltage of the second voltage supply to one of the first and second nodes while interrupting the supply of the voltage of the second voltage supply to the other node; an OFF leakage generation circuit formed by a third first-conductivity type transistor which has an end and gate connected to the ground and the other end connected to a third node; and a current conversion circuit connected to the third node to convert a current flowing through the third first-conductivity type transistor to a current flowing from the second voltage supply and amplify the converted current by a predetermined factor, the amplified current being output to the first and second nodes.