Patent ID: 7432762

Claim:
A circuit having an enhanced input signal range, the circuit comprising: a differential amplifier operative to receive at least first and second signals and to amplify a difference between the first and second signals, the differential amplifier generating a difference signal at an output thereof which is a function of the difference between the first and second signals, the differential amplifier comprising: an input stage including at least first and second transistors, each of the first and second transistors having a first threshold voltage associated therewith, the first and second transistors being operative to receive the first and second signals, respectively; and a load including at least third and fourth transistors, each of the third and fourth transistors having a second threshold voltage associated therewith, the first threshold voltage being greater than the second threshold voltage, the load being adapted for connection to a first voltage source supplying a first voltage and to the input stage, the output of the differential amplifier being formed at a junction between the load and the input stage; and an output stage coupled to the differential amplifier and being operative to receive the difference signal and to generate an output signal of the circuit, the output signal being indicative of the difference signal and being referenced to the first voltage source; wherein the circuit is configured to accept the first and second signals having a voltage swing which is potentially greater than the first voltage.