Output driver circuit comprising a programmable circuit for determining the potential at the output node and the method of implementing the circuit

A driver circuit, comprising:

• a) a supply node connectable to a circuit supply potential;
• b) a first driving device;
• c) a second driving device serially connected to said first driving device;
• d) an output node, said first and said second driving devices interposed between said supply node and said output node;
• and
• e) a programmable circuit for adjusting a control potential at a control input of said second driving device when said second driving device is actuated in conjunction with said first driving device being actuated, said programmable circuit maintaining a linear relationship between a supply potential of said programmable circuit and said control potential such that changes in said control potential are directly proportional to changes in said supply potential of said programmable circuit.

A driver circuit, comprising:

• a) a supply node connectable to a supply potential;
• b) a first driving device;
• c) a second driving device serially connected to said first driving device;
• d) an output node, said first and said second driving devices interposed between said supply node and said output node;
• and
• e) a regulator circuit for providing a control potential at a control input of said second driving device, said control potential regulated to control an output potential at said output node when said second driving device is actuated in conjunction with said first driving device being actuated, said control potential being less than or equal to the sum of said supply potential, said minimal threshold voltage required to actuate said second driving device, and a barrier potential of an active area of said first driving device.

A method of driving a potential to an output node comprising the following steps:

• a) connecting a supply potential to a supply node;
• b) actuating a first driving device;
• c) adjusting a value of a control potential at a control node of a second driving device to control an output potential at said output node with respect to said supply potential and to limit said control potential to a maximum value;
• and
• d) actuating said second driving device with said control potential in order to produce a current between said output node and said supply node through said first and said second driving devices thereby effecting said output potential.

A method of driving a potential to an output node comprising the following steps:

• a) connecting a supply potential to a supply node;
• b) actuating a first driving device;
• c) regulating a control potential at a control node of a second driving device to control an output potential at said output node;
• d) applying said control potential to said control node substantially continuously;
• and
• e) actuating said second driving device with said control potential in order to produce a current between said output node and said supply node through said first and said second driving devices thereby effecting said output potential.

A method of driving a potential to an output node comprising the following steps:

• a) connecting a supply potential to a supply node;
• b) actuating a first driving device;
• c) programmably adjusting a value of a control potential at a control node of a second driving device to control an output potential at said output node with respect to said supply potential and to maintain a linear relationship between the supply potential and said control potential such that changes in said control potential are directly proportional to changes in said supply potential;
• and
• d) actuating said second driving device with said control potential in order to produce a current between said output node and said supply node through said first and said second driving devices thereby effecting said output potential.