High-speed, low-power input buffer for integrated circuit devices
AssigneeProMOS Technologies PTE.LTD.
InventorDouglas Butler
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A high-speed, low-power input buffer for an integrated circuit device in which the input voltage (VIN) is coupled to both a pull-up and a pull-down transistor. In accordance with a specific embodiment, the input buffer utilizes a reference voltage input (VREF) during a calibration phase of operation but not when in an active operational mode. A maximum level of through current is supplied when VIN=VREF with lower levels of through current at all other VIN voltages. In an integrated circuit device incorporating an input buffer as disclosed, two (or more) input buffers may be utilized per device input pin.
Claims5
An integrated circuit input buffer comprising:
- an input terminal;
- means for coupling an input voltage signal to said input terminal when the input buffer is in an operational phase;
- and
- means for coupling a reference voltage signal to said input terminal when the input buffer is in an alternative calibration phase of operation.
A method for operating an input buffer for an integrated circuit device having input and reference voltage inputs thereto, said method comprising;
- said input buffer allowing a first level of through current through pull-up and pull-down devices of the input buffer when a first voltage on said input voltage input is substantially equal to a second voltage on said reference voltage input;
- and
- said input buffer allowing a second lesser level of through current through the pull-up and pull-down devices of the input buffer when said first voltage on said input voltage input is not substantially equal to said reference voltage input.
An integrated circuit device comprising:
- at least two input buffers coupled to an input pin of said integrated circuit device,
- wherein said at least two input buffers are alternatively in operational and calibration phases of operation, and receive a first signal in the operational phase and receive a second signal in the calibration phase.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.