Patent ID: 6222389
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
A driver for a signal line, comprising a circuit coupled to the signal line and coupled to a voltage source having a first voltage level and a second voltage level, to selectively provide a pull-up voltage level to the signal line, different from the first voltage level and different from the second voltage level, and to terminate the signal line with a predetermined impedance;wherein the circuit comprises a Thevenized split termination circuit which includes:a first switching device, having a first terminal coupled to the first voltage level, a second terminal for receiving a pull-up assist signal, and a third terminal which is selectively electrically connected and disconnected to the first voltage level through the respective first terminal under control of the pull-up assist signal;a first impedance, coupled between the third terminal of the first switching device and the signal line;a second switching device, having a first terminal coupled to the second voltage level, a second terminal for receiving the pull-up assist signal, and a third terminal which is selectively electrically connected and disconnected to the second voltage level through the respective first terminal under control of the pull-up assist signal; anda second impedance, coupled between the third terminal of the second switching device and the signal line.