Patent ID: 6064612
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A differential transmission circuit for transmission of data in a semiconductor integrated circuit, comprising:a first pair of complementary signal lines;a first equalization circuit for equalizing voltages on said first pair of complementary signal lines to a first voltage level;a second pair of complementary signal lines;a second equalization circuit for equalizing voltages on said second pair of complementary signal lines to a second voltage level;means for receiving data onto said first pair of complementary signal lines;a first detection circuit for detecting a voltage swing of not less than a specified amount on each of said first pair of complementary signal lines;a first transmission circuit for transmitting said data on said first pair of complementary signal lines onto said second pair of complementary signal lines; anda control circuit for controlling said first equalization circuit, said second equalization circuit, and said first transmission circuit;wherein said control circuit has the functions of:directing said first equalization circuit to voltage-equalize said first pair of complementary signal lines in a standby state;in response to an enable signal, directing said first equalization circuit to interrupt the voltage equalization of said first pair of complementary signal lines, directing said first transmission circuit to disconnect communication between said first pair of complementary signal lines and said second pair of complementary signal lines, and directing said second equalization circuit to start voltage-equalizing said second pair of complementary signal lines;generating a timing signal in response to the detection of said voltage swing by said first detection circuit; andin response to said timing signal, directing said second equalization circuit to interrupt the voltage equalization of said second pair of complementary signal lines and directing said first transmission circuit to establish communication between said first pair of complementary signal lines and said second pair of complementary signal lines.