Abstract: An amplifier used in some embodiments as a sense amplifier for a memory includes a plurality of first sense amplifiers 220.i whose outputs are connected to high capacitance nodes SA, SA which in turn are connected to inputs of second sense amplifier 240. The state of nodes SA, SA is defined by the currents on the two nodes. The voltages on nodes SA, SA, however, are kept substantially constant, which increases the state switching speed and reduces the power consumption. When the amplifier is not in use and the power-down circuitry reconfigures the amplifier to reduce the power consumption, the second amplifier 240 places its output OUT2 into a valid state in order to prevent oscillations of the output and to reduce power consumption. When the amplifier returns from the power-down mode, the output OUT2 is kept in that state until nodes SA, SA and certain other nodes within the first and second amplifiers settle to proper current and voltage values.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved output driver stage for a BiCMOS logic gate is provided by including a clamping transistor. Such clamping transistor avoids, in the pull-up bipolar transistor, both degradation of current gain and emitter-to-collector breakdown.

Abstract: A combined ECL-to-TTL translator and decoder circuit consumes less power and has improved speed over prior art translator-decoder circuits. Low power consumption occurs since current does not flow appreciably through the combined translator-decoder circuit when its corresponding decoded output line is not selected. The combined circuit is faster than prior art translator-decoders due to reduced circuitry. The circuit includes a pair of transistors connected in series, a pair of transistors connected in parallel, and a pair of transistors connected as a current mirror.