Patent ID: 7292088
Filing Date: 2007-11-06
Classification: H01L,H03K

Abstract:
1. An output stage for a drive circuit comprising: first and second semiconductor devices each having a respective pair of main terminals, one main terminal of each of said devices being connected in series to form a half-bridge, an output drive signal being supplied at said connection point, each device further having a respective control terminal, said control terminals being connected together to receive a control signal; a third semiconductor device having one main terminal which receives a supply voltage, another main terminal connected in series with said first device, and a control terminal for receiving a bias voltage, said third device providing a voltage drop according to said bias voltage to prevent said supply voltage from being fully applied to said first and second devices; wherein said first, second and third devices are integrated in a semiconductor chip; and wherein said first and second devices are formed in a low-side well and said third device is formed in a high-side well of said chip.