Patent ID: 6351171
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
An apparatus for accelerating the transmission of a signal across an interconnect wire of an integrated circuit, said interconnect wire comprising a driven end on which a signal is driven and a receiving end on which said signal is received, comprising:a first clamp circuit in proximity to said receiving end, said first clamp circuit clamping said receiving end of said interconnect wire to a maximum voltage level when said interconnect wire is driven to a high voltage level at said driven end, said maximum voltage level less than said high voltage level; and a second clamp circuit in proximity to said receiving end, said second clamp circuit clamping said receiving end of said interconnect wire to a minimum voltage level when said interconnect wire is driven to a low voltage level at said driven end, said minimum voltage level greater than said low voltage level; and a sensor coupled to said wire; wherein said first clamp circuit and said second clamp circuit maintain a voltage gradient between said driven end and said receiving end so long as said driven end is actively driven.