Output driver using feedback network for slew rate reduction and associated output driving method

An output driver comprising:

• a first pre-driver circuit, arranged to receive a first data input signal to generate a first pre-driving output signal;
• a first driver circuit, arranged to receive the first pre-driving output signal to generate a first data output signal;
• a second pre-driver circuit, arranged to receive a second data input signal to generate a second pre-driving output signal, wherein the first data input signal and the second data input signal are a differential input of the output driver;
• a second driver circuit, arranged to receive the second pre-driving output signal to generate a second data output signal;
• and
• a feedback network, arranged to perform a latching operation upon the first pre-driving output signal and the second pre-driving output signal according to the first data output signal and the second data output signal, wherein the feedback network comprises:
• a first feedback path, coupled between an output port of the first driver circuit and an output port of the first pre-driver circuit;
• and
• a second feedback path, coupled between an output port of the second driver circuit and an output port of the second pre-driver circuit.

An output driving method comprising:

• receiving a first data input signal to generate a first pre-driving output signal;
• receiving the first pre-driving output signal to generate a first data output signal;
• receiving a second data input signal to generate a second pre-driving output signal, wherein the first data input signal and the second data input signal are a differential input;
• receiving the second pre-driving output signal to generate a second data output signal;
• and
• performing a latching operation upon the first pre-driving output signal and the second pre-driving output signal according to the first data output signal and the second data output signal, comprising:
• performing the latching operation upon the first pre-driving output signal according to the second data output signal, comprising:
• performing the latching operation upon the first pre-driving output signal by passing the second data output signal through a first feedback path with an even number of inverter circuits connected in series;
• and
• performing the latching operation upon the second pre-driving output signal according to the first data output signal, comprising:
• performing the latching operation upon the second pre-driving output signal by passing the first data output signal through a second feedback path with an even number of inverter circuits connected in series.

An output driving method comprising:

• receiving a first data input signal to generate a first pre-driving output signal;
• receiving the first pre-driving output signal to generate a first data output signal;
• receiving a second data input signal to generate a second pre-driving output signal, wherein the first data input signal and the second data input signal are a differential input;
• receiving the second pre-driving output signal to generate a second data output signal;
• and
• performing a latching operation upon the first pre-driving output signal and the second pre-driving output signal according to the first data output signal and the second data output signal, comprising:
• performing the latching operation upon the first pre-driving output signal according to the first data output signal;
• and
• performing the latching operation upon the second pre-driving output signal according to the second data output signal.