Wide temperature range switching circuit

Abstract

In a circuit in which a current is supplied to an internal node and in which transistors have their base-to-emitter junctions connected in series between the internal node and a point of reference potential, (m-1) Schottky diodes, poled to conduct current in a direction opposite to that of the "m" base-to-emitter junctions, are connected in series between the internal node and an input terminal; where m is an integer greater than 2. The (m-1) diodes compensate for the change in the base-to-emitter voltages and extend the operating range of the circuit as a function of temperature. Also, the use of two or more diodes connected in series between the input terminal and the internal node decreases the capacitance between the input terminal and the internal node, and reduces the voltage swing at the internal node necessary to turn-on and turn-off the "m" base-to-emitter junctions.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.