Line driver architecture for 10/100/1000 base-t ethernet

Abstract

A multimode line driver circuit is provided having improved performance. The multimode line driver comprises at least first and second driver circuits that, when “active,” respectively transmit data using first and second modes. The multimode line driver further comprises a circuit arrangement including a voltage regulator and an associated set of switches. In operation, at least some of the switches are coupled to the second driver circuit and are turned on when the first driver circuit is active. The voltage regulator supplies a direct current to at least some of the turned-on switches in order to decrease a common mode voltage at the second driver circuit while the first driver circuit transmits data using the first mode. As such, components of the second driver circuit can be powered off while the first driver circuit is active, thus reducing power consumption in the first mode.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.