Patent ID: 6683475
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: G11C,H03K

Abstract:
A method of operating an inverter in a linear manner, the inverter having an input node and an output node, the method comprising:applying an input signal having a relatively small magnitude to the input node of the inverter while the inverter is operating in a linear manner, thereby causing the inverter to supply a current to the output node, the current supplied to the output node creating a relatively large voltage at the output node; providing current to the output node of the inverter from a first current source while the inverter is operating in a linear manner; increasing the magnitude of the input signal applied to the input node of the inverter while the inverter is operating in a linear manner; reducing the magnitude of the current supplied by the inverter to the output node of the inverter while the inverter is operating in a linear manner responsive to the increase in the magnitude of the input signal, the reduction in current causing a decrease in the value of the voltage at the output node of the inverter; and decreasing the current provided to the output node of the inverter from the first current source while the inverter is operating in a linear manner responsive to the decrease in the value of the voltage at the output node of the inverter.