Patent ID: 8772981

Claim:
A multiplexer comprising: a first input terminal adapted for receiving a first voltage; a second input terminal adapted for receiving a second voltage different from the first voltage; a third input terminal adapted for receiving a third voltage greater than one of the first and second voltages and less than the other of the first and second voltages; an output terminal; a first switch unit coupled between said first input terminal and said output terminal and including a series connection of first and second switches, each of said first and second switches being operable between an ON-state and an OFF-state; a second switch unit coupled between said second input terminal and said output terminal, and operable between an ON-state and an OFF-state; and a third switch unit coupled to said third input terminal and a common node between said first and second switches, said third switch unit being operable to establish electrical connection between said third input terminal and said common node between said first and second switches; wherein said multiplexer is operable between a first mode, where said first and second switches are in the ON-state and where said second switch unit is in the OFF-state such that the first voltage is transmitted to said output terminal through said first and second switches, and a second mode, where said first and second switches are in the OFF-state, where said second switch unit is in the ON-state, and where said third switch unit establishes electrical connection between said third input terminal and said common node between said first and second switches such that the second voltage is transmitted to said output terminal through said second switch unit and that the third voltage is transmitted to said common node between said first and second switches through said third switch unit.