Reverse current throttling of a MOS transistor

摘要

The invention is a means for ensuring full current flow in the "forward" direction in a MOS transistor, and substantially reducing (and/or eliminating) current flow in the "reverse" direction. The forward voltage drop and reverse current are controllable and are determined by ratios of device size. In one embodiment, the present invention is a circuit coupled to an output stage transistor having an output voltage thereon to ensure current flow in one direction and to throttle current flow in a reverse direction. The circuit includes a first circuit coupled to the output transistor to progressively turn off the same as the output voltage reaches a first threshold voltage and approaches a rail voltage. The circuit further includes a second circuit coupled to the output transistor to turn off the same as the output voltage reaches a second threshold voltage where the second threshold voltage is greater than the rail voltage.