Patent ID: 8760211
Filing Date: 2014-06-24
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. A level converter comprising: a reference power supply line which has a reference voltage level; a level conversion circuit which has an output node, which is provided between the reference power supply line and a first power supply line, which inputs a first signal and outputs a second signal from the output node, the first power supply line being coupled to a first power supply outputting a first voltage level that is higher than the reference voltage level, the first signal having a first logic level that is a second voltage level that is lower than the first voltage level and is higher than the reference voltage level, and a second logic level that is the reference voltage level and is lower than the first logic level, the second signal having a first logic level that is the first voltage level and a second logic level that is the reference voltage level; a control signal generating circuit to output a control signal, the control signal having the reference voltage level when a second power supply outputting the second voltage level is turned off and the first voltage level when the second power supply is turned on, wherein the second power supply is external to the level converter and connects with the level converter via a second supply line; and a coupling circuit to control an electrically connection between the first power supply line and the output node of the level conversion circuit based on the control signal.