Patent ID: 7236018

Claim:
A low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) output driver comprising: first and second input terminals for receiving a differential input signal; first and second output terminals for outputting a differential output signal; a programmable current source for providing a source current; a plurality of transistors for steering a majority of the source current as an output current out of one of the first and second output terminals; and impedance circuitry coupled between the first and second output terminals, wherein: the impedance of the impedance circuitry is programmable; and the current flowing through the impedance circuitry is programmable; said LVDS output driver further comprising: circuitry for tri-stating the differential output signal, said circuitry for tri-stating comprising a switch coupled to the programmable current source, wherein the switch is open to allow the source current to flow and closed to block the source current from flowing.