HIGH-SPEED DIGITAL DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

摘要

According to the invention, a high-speed digital data communication system employs current mode circuitry as input and output devices at the ends of a transmission line, such as the interconnections between integrated circuit chips. Specifically, a current mode driver switch generates output current amplitudes responsive to a source of a digital signal representative of data to be transmitted. The switch output is connected to the input of a transmission line. The output of the transmission line is connected to the input of a receiving circuit that responds to the current amplitudes and has an input at an approximately constant voltage level. The receiving circuit is a transistor connected in a common base configuration. The emitter of the transistor is connected to the output of the transmission line. The base of the transistor is connected to a constant voltage source. A pulse shaper in the form of a Schmitt trigger has positive feedback from output to input. The described current mode circuitry is incorporated into an integrated circuit chip.