Patent ID: 6028481
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: H03F

Abstract:
An output stage for use in an amplifier which provides an output signal, said output stage comprising:a first transistor including a base, an emitter and a collector, said base being coupled to an input signal applied to said output stage, and said emitter being coupled to a first source of operating potential;a second transistor including a base, an emitter and a collector, said collector being coupled to the collector of said first transistor for providing said output signal, said emitter being coupled to a second source of operating potential; anda level shifter for providing level shifting, said level shifter coupled to both the input signal and to said base of said second transistor, and including a first differential pair of transistors that are commonly coupled at their emitters to a first current source, and a second differential pair of transistors that are commonly coupled at their emitters to a second current source.