Output driver circuit for an integrated circuit

An integrated circuit having an output driver means coupled to a first output and a second output of said integrated circuit such that a voltage difference between said first output and said second output provides an output signal, said output driver means comprising:

• first transistor means for switching by a first input signal, said first transistor means being coupled between a first power supply and said first output;
• first resistor means coupled between said first output and a second power supply;
• second transistor means for switching by a second input signal, said second transistor means being coupled between said first power supply and said second output;
• second resistor means coupled between said second output and said second power supply;
• first bypass transistor means for switching by a first bypass control signal, said first bypass transistor means being coupled between said first output and said second power supply so as to be connected in parallel with said first resistor means;
• and
• second bypass transistor means for switching by a second bypass control signal, said second bypass transistor means being coupled between said second output and said second power supply so as to be connected in parallel with said second resistor means;
• wherein
• said first bypass transistor means is switched by said first bypass control signal to provide a low impedance path that bypasses said first resistor means as a first output voltage at said first output approaches a second power supply voltage of said second power supply;
• and
• said second bypass transistor means is switched by said second bypass control signal to provide a low impedance path that bypasses said second resistor means as a second output voltage at said second output approaches a second power supply voltage of said second power supply.

A method of operating an integrated circuit having an output driver circuit coupled to a first output and a second output of said integrated circuit such that a voltage difference between said first output and said second output provides an output signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• switching a first transistor coupled between a first power supply and said first output using a first input signal;
• providing a first resistor coupled between said first output and a second power supply;
• switching a second transistor coupled between said first power supply and said second output using a second input signal;
• providing a second resistor coupled between said second output and said second power supply
• switching a first bypass transistor coupled between said first output and said second power supply so as to be connected in parallel with said first resistor using a first bypass control signal;
• and
• switching a second bypass transistor coupled between said second output and said second power supply so as to be connected in parallel with said second resistor using a second bypass control signal;
• wherein
• said first bypass transistor is switched by said first bypass control signal to provide a low impedance path that bypasses said first resistor as a first output voltage at said first output approaches a second power supply voltage of said second power supply;
• and
• said second bypass transistor is switched by said second bypass control signal to provide a low impedance path that bypasses said second resistor as a second output voltage at said second output approaches a second power supply voltage of said second power supply.