Patent ID: 9136796
Filing Date: 2015-09-15
Classification: H02H,H03F,H03K

Abstract:
1. Self-grounded circuitry comprising: (a) a first signal channel conducting a first output signal on a first output conductor; (b) a charge pump powered by a first reference voltage and producing a control voltage signal on a control conductor, the control voltage signal having a relatively low value if the first reference voltage is at a relatively low level and having a relatively high value if the first reference voltage is at a relatively high level; (c) a ground switch circuit including a first depletion mode transistor having a source coupled to the first output conductor, a gate coupled to receive the control voltage signal, and a drain coupled to a second reference voltage, the first depletion mode transistor having a first well region, a first parasitic diode including a PN junction between the source and the first well region, a second parasitic diode including a PN junction between the drain and the first well region, and a third parasitic diode including a PN junction between the first well region and a substrate ajoining the first well region; and (d) a first negative voltage protection circuit including