Patent ID: 8441281

Claim:
A differential buffer circuit having increased output voltage swing, comprising: a differential input stage including at least first and second transistors, the first and second transistors being operative to receive first and second signals, respectively; a bias stage connected between the differential input stage and a first voltage source, the bias stage being operative to generate a quiescent current as a function of a third signal supplied to the bias stage; and a load circuit connected between a second voltage source and the differential input stage, first and second differential outputs of the buffer circuit being generated at a junction between the load circuit and the differential input stage, the load circuit including first and second switching elements coupled with the first and second transistors, respectively, the first switching element being operative to electrically connect the first differential output to the second voltage source when the first transistor is turned off as a function of only the first signal, the second switching element being operative to electrically connect the second differential output to the second voltage source when the second transistor is turned off as a function of only the second signal.