Abstract: A system and method for compensation of offset voltage in a digital differential input buffer driven by a terminated transmission line. Offset compensation currents are injected at the output of the first stage of the input buffer, which has a higher impedance than the terminated transmission line at the input of the buffer. The compensation current is determined by a network of MOS transistors, which saves die space compared to resistors. A pair of voltage multiplexers provides for compensation currents to correct offsets of either polarity. Offset correction currents are determined anew each time the system is powered up, compensating for component aging. The offset correction can also be performed while the input buffer is operating, during periods when the input is quiescent, and/or by adjusting the offset correction according to the duty cycle of the detected input.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing a reference voltage in a system such as an integrated circuit wherein a master reference voltage is distributed via a differential pair of conductors Local reference voltage generators produce local reference voltages proportional to the master reference voltage, but referred to local ground and/or a local power supply voltage.

Abstract: A system for protecting a high-speed input/output pad of an integrated circuit. The system includes a preferably parasitic silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) and a triggering mechanism that preferably includes an NMOS triggering FET. The SCR includes an anode connected to the input/output pad and a trigger input. The anode and the trigger input form a reverse-biased junction that, during normal operation of the integrated circuit, isolates the triggering mechanism from the input/output pad when power is applied to the integrated circuit.