Patent ID: 7688111

Claim:
A level-shifting circuit, comprising: an input node operable to receive an input signal within an input voltage range; a first output transistor operable to turn on when the input signal is at a first voltage level within the input voltage range and to couple an output node to a positive supply voltage when turned on; a second output transistor operable to couple the output node to a negative supply voltage when turned on, wherein the second output transistor comprises a bipolar junction transistor; and a pull-up transistor operable to: turn on when the input signal is at a second voltage level; and generate a voltage at a base terminal of the second output transistor that is sufficient to turn the second output transistor on; and wherein the level-shifting circuit is operable to generate, at the output node, an output signal having a voltage level within an output voltage range and wherein a voltage swing associated with the output voltage range includes a positive voltage range and a negative voltage range.