Patent ID: 6166580
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A voltage-buffer circuit for changing an input signal at a first voltage range to an output signal at a second voltage range, said voltage-buffer circuit comprising:an input lead for receiving said input signal at said first voltage range;a plurality of transistors coupled to said input lead, said plurality of transistors arranged into a plurality of stages, at least one of said plurality of transistors having a gate oxide of a first thickness and at least another one of said plurality of transistors having a gate oxide of a second thickness, said first thickness being less than said second thickness, said plurality of transistors for converting said input signal at said first voltage range to said output signal at said second voltage range, wherein a maximum voltage of said second voltage range is less than a maximum voltage of said first voltage range, and wherein said output signal has a waveform shape that is approximately the same as a waveform shape of said input signal; andan output lead coupled to said plurality of transistors, said output lead for receiving said output signal at said second voltage range from said plurality of transistors.