CMOS Operational amplifier with reduced power dissipation

An operational amplifier comprising:

• a pair of conductors adapted for connection to potential sources at different voltage levels;
• a bias section connected between said pair of conductors, said bias section having an output terminal;
• a differential amplifier section, connected between said conductors including a constant current element connected to said output terminal of said bias section, said differential amplifier including an input section for receiving positive and negative signal inputs to said amplifier and having an output terminal;
• an output section connected between said conductors and comprised of a pair of complementary MOS transistors;
• first means for connecting said output terminal of said differential amplifier directly to one of said transistors of said output section;
• a level shift section connected between said conductors, said level shift section having an output terminal, where said level shift section comprises a pair of MOS transistors, one of which has its gate connected to said output terminal of said differential amplifier by a second means for connecting, and the second of which has its gate connected to said bias section;
• and
• third means for connecting said output terminal of said level shift section to the other transistor of said output section.