Abstract: An output buffer circuit includes multiple programmable boost drive stages which allow selection of one of several drive strengths to accommodate a range of output load conditions, thereby achieving low noise and low power dissipation. In one embodiment, one or more of the boost circuits turn on after the primary driver circuit is turned on, and turn off before the primary circuit is turned off, thereby achieving soft turn-on and turn-off.

Abstract: Input/output and local area network functions are combined into a single integrated circuit on a single semiconductor (e.g., a single piece of silicon). Preferred system embodiments on a single integrated circuit are typically placed inside a host system (e.g., a personal computer based on Intel.RTM.'s 286, 386, 486, and Pentium microprocessors) and interrelate with standard operating systems (e.g., Microsoft.RTM.'s DOS, IBM.RTM.'s OS/2) on traditional, commonly used bus architectures (e.g., Industry Standard Architecture and Enhanced Industry Standard). Local area network circuitry and input and output circuitry are both coupled to at least one host system (and indirectly to potentially any number of host systems tied together via the local area network system) via a common data bus. The input and output circuitry couples the host system to at least one input/output channels.