Patent ID: 6731141
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A line driver, comprising:a first current driver, coupled to a first terminal of an output which is coupled to a first terminal of a center-tap transformer, the first-current driver capable of providing sufficient current to cause a first maximum output voltage having a magnitude Y to appear at the first terminal of the output, where Y is the magnitude of the first maximum output voltage relative to ground; wherein the first current driver comprises a first element and a second element coupled to the first element, the first element comprising a first terminal coupled to receive a voltage having a magnitude X, and a second terminal coupled to the first terminal of the output; wherein the first element has a maximum voltage tolerance which is less than Y, and the second element has a maximum voltage tolerance which is less than Y; wherein X is greater than zero; and wherein X is less than or equal to the maximum voltage tolerance of the first element, and X is less than or equal to the maximum voltage tolerance of the second element.