Switched current source for current limiting complementary symmetry inverter

摘要

A complementary symmetry inverter comprising two field effect transistors and a current mirror amplifier. A constant bias current is supplied to the master path of the current mirror amplifier. The slave path of the current mirror amplifier and one of said field effect transistors are connected to form a switched current source in series with the other of said transistors. The switched current source limits the peak value of the switching current pulse in the inverter in fixed relation to the current in the master path of the current mirror amplifier when the inverter switches between logic states. The switched current source also limits the current between the inverter output and an external device.