US 2006/0132181 A1 · Multipath input buffer circuits

Abstract

Provided is a multi-path input buffer circuit, which passes a signal input to a semiconductor device through different paths in consideration of the voltage level of the input signal. The multi-path input buffer circuit includes an input buffer stage, which can be driven using one of at least two power supply voltages, outputs path signals by passing an input signal through at least two paths, selects and enables one of the path signals in response to a plurality of path selection signals, and maintains the rest of the path signals in a high impedance state. The buffer circuit also includes a level shifter, which shifts the voltage level of a signal output from the input buffer stage via the first path, and a first logic operation circuit, which operates in response to the output signal of the input buffer stage and a signal output from the level shifter.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A multi-path input buffer circuit, comprising:

an input buffer stage having at least first and second input paths therein powered at first and second different voltage levels, respectively, and responsive to first and second path selection signals, respectively;
a voltage level shifter having an input electrically coupled to an output of the first input path;
and
a first logic operation circuit having a first input electrically coupled to an output of said voltage level shifter and a second input electrically coupled to an output of the second input path.

1 more element

A multi-path input buffer circuit which is used in hardware designed to be able to selectively use one of at least two power supply voltages, converts an input signal to be compatible with one of the power supply voltages selected by a user, and outputs the converted input signal, the multi-path input buffer circuit comprising:

an input buffer stage which can be driven using one of at least two power supply voltages, outputs path signals by passing an input signal through at least two paths, selects and enables one of the path signals in response to a plurality of path selection signals, and maintains the rest of the path signals in a high impedance state;
a level shifter which shifts the voltage level of a signal output from the input buffer stage via the first path;
and
a first logic operation circuit, which operates in response to the output signal of the input buffer stage and a signal output from the level shifter.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multipath input buffer circuits

Life of this patent

Multipath input buffer circuits

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21