Patent ID: 7750735
Filing Date: 2010-07-06
Classification: H03F

Abstract:
1. A voltage-level translator, comprising: an input node operable to receive an input signal associated with an input voltage range; a differential amplifier operable to: a first output transistor of a first conductivity type having a drain terminal coupled to an output node and a source terminal coupled to the voltage supply, and operable to provide a substantially constant current to the output node through the drain terminal of the first output transistor; a second output transistor of a second conductivity type having a drain terminal coupled to the output node, a source terminal coupled to a ground node, and a gate terminal coupled to the second amplifier node, and wherein the second voltage swing produced by the differential amplifier is less than a cut-in voltage of the second output transistor; a current source operable to provide a substantially constant current to the differential amplifier, and further operable to provide a substantially constant current through the first output transistor; wherein the voltage-level translator is operable to output a first voltage in an output voltage range at the output node when the input signal is at a high voltage in the input voltage range, and wherein the voltage-level translator is further operable to output a second voltage in the output voltage range at the output node when the input signal is at a low voltage in the input voltage range.