US 2011/0298290 A1 · SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE

Abstract

In one embodiment, to maintain the operation stability of a semiconductor device even when an external voltage changes. An input signal discrimination unit operates with a power supply potential supplied from a first power supply line VDDI. The input signal discrimination unit compares an input signal VIN with a reference potential Vref. The comparison result is inverted into a signal V0 by an inverter INV1. A power supply sensor circuit monitors the potential of the first power supply line VDDI. If an external potential VDDI falls below a reference potential VX, the power supply sensor circuit turns on a second current source. When the second current source is turned on, an operating current is supplied to a discrimination unit from the second current source as well as a first current source.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A semiconductor device comprising:

an input signal discrimination unit that operates with a power supply potential supplied from a first power supply line;
and
a power supply sensor that compares the power supply potential with a predetermined potential, wherein
the input signal discrimination unit includes:
a discrimination unit that determines a logic level of an input signal;
and
a current source that is connected to the first power supply line and supplies an operating current having a first current value to the discrimination unit, wherein
even when the power supply sensor detects a drop in the power supply potential from the predetermined potential, the current source supplies the operating current having the first current value to the discrimination unit by compensating a decrease of the operating current so as to prevent the first current value from decreasing.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Semiconductor device

Life of this patent

Semiconductor device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20