Abstract: A low voltage differential signaling receiver includes a gain compensation and control circuit having a low common mode compensation circuit and a high common mode compensation circuit. A control circuit is coupled to both compensation circuits and senses the operation of one to control the operation of the other. The operation of the compensation circuits ensures that differential signals having a wide range of common mode input voltages are accurately detected by the receiver. The control circuit serves to keep the combined operation of the compensation circuits stable over the wide range of common mode input voltages.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of laying out the same includes routing primary power and ground distributions in the second metallization layer, rather than the first metallization as is conventionally done. This improves routability in the first metallization layer while providing sufficient current handling ability in the power and ground distributions.

Abstract: A low voltage differential signaling receiver includes a gain compensation and control circuit having a low common mode compensation circuit and a high common mode compensation circuit. A control circuit is coupled to both compensation circuits and senses the operation of one to control the operation of the other. The operation of the compensation circuits ensures that differential signals having a wide range of common mode input voltages are accurately detected by the receiver. The control circuit serves to keep the combined operation of the compensation circuits stable over the wide range of common mode input voltages.

Abstract: An optical data signaling apparatus includes a trans-impedance amplifier for receiving a data signal current produced by a sensing photodiode in response to an optical data signal and an ambient current produced by a dark photodiode. Preferably, the dark photodiode has the same performance and manufacturing characteristics as the photodiode sensing the optical data signal, but is masked from receiving any light. The trans-impedance amplifier is configured to receive the ambient current from the dark photodiode as a first differential input and the data signal current from the sensing photodiode as a second differential input, the first differential input thus serving to cancel noise and environmental effects of the photodiodes, and allowing the amplifier to produce a stable and accurate differential voltage in response to the data signal current.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of laying out the same includes routing primary power and ground distributions in the second metallization layer, rather than the first metallization as is conventionally done. This improves routability in the first metallization layer while providing sufficient current handling ability in the power and ground distributions.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of laying out the same includes routing primary power and ground distributions in the second metallization layer, rather than the first metallization as is conventionally done. This improves routability in the first metallization layer while providing sufficient current handling ability in the power and ground distributions.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of laying out the same includes routing primary power and ground distributions in the second metallization layer, rather than the first metallization as is conventionally done. This improves routability in the first metallization layer while providing sufficient current handling ability in the power and ground distributions.