Abstract: A differential buffer circuit having increased output voltage swing includes a differential input stage including at least first and second transistors, the first and second transistors being operative to receive first and second signals, respectively. The buffer circuit further includes a bias stage connected between the differential input stage and a first voltage source. The bias stage is operative to generate a quiescent current as a function of a third signal supplied to the bias stage. A load circuit is connected between a second voltage source and the differential input stage, first and second differential outputs of the buffer circuit being generated at a junction between the load circuit and the differential input stage. The load circuit includes first and second switching elements coupled with the first and second transistors, respectively.

Abstract: A differential buffer circuit having increased output voltage swing includes a differential input stage including at least first and second transistors, the first and second transistors being operative to receive first and second signals, respectively. The buffer circuit further includes a bias stage connected between the differential input stage and a first voltage source. The bias stage is operative to generate a quiescent current as a function of a third signal supplied to the bias stage. A load circuit is connected between a second voltage source and the differential input stage, first and second differential outputs of the buffer circuit being generated at a junction between the load circuit and the differential input stage. The load circuit includes first and second switching elements coupled with the first and second transistors, respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a temperature sensor method for providing an output voltage response that is linear to the temperature of the integrated circuit to which the temperature sensor belongs and/or the integrated circuit die on which the temperature sensor resides. The output voltage of the temperature sensor has an adjustable gain component and an adjustable voltage offset component that both are adjustable independently based on circuit parameters. The inventive temperature sensor includes an offset circuit that diverts a portion of current from the scaled PTAT current before the current is sourced through the output resistor. The offset circuit includes a bandgap circuit arrangement, a voltage to current converter arrangement, and a current mirror arrangement that are configured to provide a voltage offset adjustable based on independent circuit parameters such as resistor value ratios and transistor device scaling ratios.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a temperature sensor apparatus, method and system for providing an output voltage response that is linear to the temperature of the integrated circuit to which the temperature sensor belongs and/or the integrated circuit die on which the temperature sensor resides. The output voltage of the temperature sensor has an adjustable gain component and an adjustable voltage offset component that both are adjustable independently based on circuit parameters. The temperature sensor includes a conventional bandgap circuit, which generates an internal PTAT (proportional to absolute temperature) current to produce a bandgap reference voltage, and a current mirror arrangement that provides a scaled current that is proportional to the bandgap circuit's PTAT current. Conventionally, the scaled PTAT current is sourced through an output resistor to provide the output voltage of the temperature sensor.