Providing Higher-Swing Output Signals When Components Of An Integrated Circuit Are Fabricated Using A Lower-Voltage Process

摘要

An output block fabricated using a lower-voltage process provides output signals with a higher voltage swing. The output block contains a differential amplifier portion and a hold circuit portion. The differential amplifier portion is activated only when the logic level of an output signal needs to be switched. Once the logic level is switched, the hold circuit portion maintains the logic level. As a result, high switching speeds may be achieved with relatively low power consumption. The circuits of the output block are also designed so that no constituent components are subjected to excessive voltages, thereby providing enhanced reliability.