Data output method and data output circuit for applying reduced precharge level

A data output method comprising:

• (a) precharging output terminals to a first voltage lower than a supply voltage, in response to a clock signal having a first state;
• and
• (b) converting received first differential output signals into second differential output signals, in response to the clock signal having a second state, and outputting the converted signals to the output terminals,
• wherein the clock signal is provided at a second voltage lower than the first voltage.

A data output circuit adapted to output a differential output signal to output terminals, comprising:

• a precharge circuit adapted to precharge the output terminals to a precharge voltage lower than a supply voltage in response to a clock signal having a first state;
• and
• an output circuit adapted to output the differential output signals to the output terminals in response to differential input signals in response to the clock signal having a second state,
• wherein a voltage of the clock signal is lower than the precharge voltage.

A data output circuit with a flip-flop having a master latch and a slave latch, wherein the master latch comprises:

• a precharge circuit adapted to precharge output terminals to a precharge voltage lower than a supply voltage in response to a clock signal having a first state;
• and
• an output circuit adapted to output differential output signals to the output terminals in response to differential input signals in response to the clock signal having a second state,
• wherein a voltage of the clock signal is lower than the precharge voltage.