Abstract: An electronic control device includes an input terminal connected to a second terminal of a switch via an electrically conductive lead, an input circuit connected to the input terminal via a signal line, and a microcontroller to detect whether the switch is in an electrically conducting state or an electrically non-conducting state based on an output signal from the input circuit, and to perform at least one process in accordance with a detected result. The input circuit includes a first resistor connected to a supply voltage or ground and to the signal line, and a transient current circuit connected to the supply voltage or ground and to the signal line, the transient current circuit including a second resistor that allows a transient current to flow through the switch when the switch transitions from the electrically non-conducting state to the electrically conducting state.

Abstract: A noise detection circuit includes a first transistor configured to receive a delayed version of a clock signal; a second transistor configured to receive a delayed version of a reference clock signal; and a latch circuit, coupled to the first transistor at a first node and coupled to the second transistor at a second node, and configured to latch logic states of voltage levels at the first and second nodes, respectively, based on whether a timing difference between transition edges of the clock signal and the reference clock signal exceeds a pre-defined timing offset threshold.

Abstract: According to the inventive concepts disclosed herein, a level shifter can include an input node in a first voltage domain and an output node in a second voltage domain, higher than the first voltage domain. The input node receives an input signal in the first, lower-voltage domain, and the output node is configured to output a representation of the input signal in the second, higher-voltage domain. A lower-voltage control circuit can control a supply of the lower-voltage level to a boundary node arranged at a boundary between the first and second domains. A higher-voltage control circuit can also be provided to control a supply of the higher-voltage level to the boundary node. The lower-voltage control circuit can cut off the lower-voltage supply to the boundary node when the higher-voltage control circuit supplies the higher-voltage level to the boundary node. The higher-voltage control circuit can, for instance, include logic circuitry that enables and disables a connection to the higher-voltage supply.

Abstract: A high speed level shifter interfaces a high speed DAC to the digital information that the DAC processes. The level shifter may convert CMOS level digital representations to, for example, CML level digital representations for processing by the DAC. The level shifter conserves the voltage swing in the CMOS level representations (e.g., about 1V). The level shifter also avoids voltage overstress, using a feedback loop to constrain the voltage amplitude, and thereby facilitates the use of fast thin film transistors in its architecture.

Abstract: To prevent an electrostatic damage on a display device formed with a driving circuit. Protective circuits are provided not only at input terminal parts, but also at intermediate parts of a circuit or at the ends of wiring lines. Otherwise, the protective circuits are provided at the ends of the wiring lines and at the places immediately before and after the input terminals, respectively, and then the circuit is interposed therebetween. Further, the protective circuits are provided around a circuit with a large current consumption.

Abstract: A level shifter converting a binary signal having a first potential and a second potential into a signal having the first potential and a third potential, and a signal processing circuit using the level shifter are provided. The first potential is higher than the second potential. The second potential is higher than the third potential. The potential difference between the first potential and the third potential may be more than or equal to 3 V and less than 4 V. The level shifter includes a current control circuit which generates a second signal for operating an amplifier circuit for a certain period in accordance with the potential change of the first signal which is input to the amplifier circuit. The output of level shifter is input to a gate of an N-channel transistor whose threshold voltage is lower than 0 V.

Abstract: An IO circuit capable of high voltage signaling in a low voltage BiCMOS process. The IO circuit includes a voltage rail generator circuit that receives a reference voltage and generates a voltage rail supply. A BJT (bi-polar junction transistor) buffer circuit is coupled to the voltage rail generator circuit and a pad. The BJT buffer circuit includes a pull-up circuit and a pull-down circuit. The pull-up circuit receives the voltage rail supply. The pull-down circuit is coupled to the pull-up circuit. The pad is coupled to the pull-up circuit and the pull-down circuit.

Abstract: A battery assisted level shifter comprises a pull up transistor pulling up an output when a received input signal is high, a pull down transistor pulling down the output when the received input signal is low, and a battery element to provide voltage offsets. The battery element can be implemented using one or more pull-up transistors for assisting with pulling up the output. The level shifter can be used in class-D amplifiers, DC-DC power converters and interfaces between circuits having different reference voltages.

Abstract: An integrated circuit output driver is provided that exhibits improved performance and signal integrity. In one embodiment, circuitry for producing an oscillatory output signal having a peak voltage of V volts uses MOS transistor circuitry transistors of which are designed for a maximum port-to-port voltage of substantially less than V volts. A first inverter chain is coupled to an input signal to produce a predriver output signal. A second inverter chain of multiple of inverters including a first inverter produces a driver output signal. Circuitry is provided for AC-coupling the predriver output signal to the second inverter chain, it being configured to translate the predriver output signal to a higher voltage range to produce a translated predriver output signal.

Abstract: System and method for a clock driver. An input taking circuit is used for receiving small-signal logic inputs. A voltage follower circuit is coupled to the input taking circuit and used to generate a set of voltage follower outputs. An output circuit is coupled to the voltage follower circuit to receive the set of voltage follower outputs as inputs and generate output signals. The voltage follower circuit is coupled to a switching circuit, that is connected to the set of voltage follower outputs and is deployed for reducing the phase noise level of the output signals.

Abstract: System and method for a clock driver. An input taking circuit is used for receiving small-signal logic inputs. A voltage follower circuit is coupled to the input taking circuit and used to generate a set of voltage follower outputs. An output circuit is coupled to the voltage follower circuit to receive the set of voltage follower outputs as inputs and generate output signals. The voltage follower circuit is coupled to a switching circuit, that is connected to the set of voltage follower outputs and is deployed for reducing the phase noise level of the output signals.

Abstract: Electronic circuitry and techniques are disclosed for controlling one or more timing parameters associated with a circuit that converts a signal of a first type to a signal of a second type. For example, the converter circuit may convert a differential digital logic signal, such as a current mode logic (CML) signal, to a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) signal. For example, apparatus for converting a first type of signal to a second type of signal comprises the following circuitry. First circuitry is configured for generating a first pair of CMOS signals in response to a differential digital logic signal, the first pair of CMOS signals comprising a first CMOS signal having a first polarity and a second CMOS signal having a second polarity.

Abstract: A serial data receiving apparatus includes a transistor, a resistor, and a diode, converts input data of an RS232 standard to data of a TTL/CMOS standard.

Abstract: A level-shifting circuit includes an input node, a first output transistor, a second output transistor, a pull-up transistor, and an output node. The input node receives an input signal. The first output transistor turns on when the input signal is at a first voltage level and couples an output node to a positive supply voltage when turned on. The second output transistor, a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), couples the output node to a negative supply voltage when turned on. The pull-up transistor turns on when the input signal is at a second voltage level and generates a voltage at a base terminal of the second output transistor that turns the second output transistor on. Additionally, the level-shifting circuit generates, at the output node, an output signal with a voltage swing that includes a positive voltage range and a negative voltage range.

Abstract: A system for providing a CMOS I/O circuit design that may replace existing bipolar I/O circuitry, and thus behave in substantially the same manner as bipolar I/O circuitry. Thus, an I/O circuit using a standard CMOS process is made that mimics operation of an ECL I/O circuit created using bipolar transistors. The CMOS input circuitry can receive input signals from an ECL output circuit, so as to mimic traditional ECL input circuitry. The CMOS output circuitry can output signals to an ECL input circuit, so as to mimic traditional ECL output circuitry. The CMOS I/O circuitry is designed to mimic the temperature dependent signals level, as present within traditional ECL I/O circuitry.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (200) includes a translator circuit (210) for translating from a lower logic-level voltage range signal (101(a), 101(b)) to a higher logic-level voltage range signal (141(a), 141(b)). The translator (210) includes a differential input stage (110) including a first (Q39) and a second input transistor (Q38) coupled to receive at least a first input signal (101(a), 101(b)) that defines the lower voltage range signal. A voltage follower 120 includes first and second follower transistors (Q41, Q40). An output of the first and second input transistors (Q39, Q38) is coupled to inputs of the first and second follower transistors (Q41, Q40). A dynamic gain boosting switching circuit (130) is coupled to receive outputs from the first and second follower transistors (Q41, Q40) and includes a first and a second control node (131, 132).

Abstract: An integrated circuit (200) includes a translator circuit (210) for translating from a lower logic-level voltage range signal (101(a), 101(b)) to a higher logic-level voltage range signal (141(a), 141(b)). The translator (210) includes a differential input stage (110) including a first (Q39) and a second input transistor (Q38) coupled to receive at least a first input signal (101(a), 101(b)) that defines the lower voltage range signal. A voltage follower 120 includes first and second follower transistors (Q41, Q40). An output of the first and second input transistors (Q39, Q38) is coupled to inputs of the first and second follower transistors (Q41, Q40). A dynamic gain boosting switching circuit (130) is coupled to receive outputs from the first and second follower transistors (Q41, Q40) and includes a first and a second control node (131, 132).

Abstract: Example low-delay complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) to emitter-coupled logic (ECL) converters, methods and apparatus are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a reference level generator circuit to generate first and second reference signals and a bias signal based on a CMOS supply voltage, a source follower circuit to convert a CMOS input signal to a single-ended ECL signal based on the first and second reference signals, and an ECL buffer circuit to convert the single-ended ECL signal to a differential ECL output signal based on the bias signal and an ECL supply voltage.

Abstract: A system for providing a CMOS I/O circuit design that may replace existing bipolar I/O circuitry, and thus behave in substantially the same manner as bipolar I/O circuitry. Thus, an I/O circuit using a standard CMOS process is made that mimics operation of an ECL I/O circuit created using bipolar transistors. The CMOS input circuitry can receive input signals from an ECL output circuit, so as to mimic traditional ECL input circuitry. The CMOS output circuitry can output signals to an ECL input circuit, so as to mimic traditional ECL output circuitry. The CMOS I/O circuitry is designed to mimic the temperature dependent signals level, as present within traditional ECL I/O circuitry.

Abstract: Example low-delay complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) to emitter-coupled logic (ECL) converters, methods and apparatus are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a reference level generator circuit to generate first and second reference signals and a bias signal based on a CMOS supply voltage, a source follower circuit to convert a CMOS input signal to a single-ended ECL signal based on the first and second reference signals, and an ECL buffer circuit to convert the single-ended ECL signal to a differential ECL output signal based on the bias signal and an ECL supply voltage.

Abstract: An interface circuit includes a first and a second input terminal, a first output transistor, a second output transistor, a first output controller for implementing control according to a voltage supplied to the first and the second input terminal so that a predetermined current appears at a control terminal of the first output transistor if the first output transistor is in saturated state and supplies a predetermined current to the control terminal of the first output transistor if the first output transistor is in shutoff state, and a second output controller for implementing control according to a voltage supplied to the first and the second input terminal so that a predetermined current appears at a control terminal of the second output transistor if the second output transistor is in saturated state and supplies a predetermined current to the control terminal of the second output transistor if the second output transistor is in shutoff state.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes M first terminals and N second terminals, where M and N are positive integers, and where M>N>1. The circuit further includes a converter which receives M base-A-level input signals from the M first terminals, respectively, encodes each of AM values represented by the M base-A-level input signals as a different base-K value represented by N base-K-level output signals, A and K are positive integers, and where K>A>1. The converter then outputs the N base-K-level output signals to the N second terminals, respectively.

Abstract: The CML (current mode logic) to CMOS converter with a leakage balancing transistor for jitter reduction includes: a differential input stage; an output stage having a first branch coupled to a first output of the differential input stage and a second branch coupled to a second output of the differential input stage; and a leakage balancing transistor coupled to the first branch of the output stage.

Abstract: A CMOS to PECL voltage level converter includes a pad driver containing drive compensation circuitry and a feedback circuit for sensing the output drive level and providing control signals to the drive compensation circuitry for compensating for temperature and process variations while minimizing power consumption.

Abstract: The invention relates to a converter from ECL to CMOS having an input stage (Q1, Q2, N3, N4), a level shifter stage (N1, N2, N5, R1, R2, R3) including an NFET differential stage (N1, N2), and an output stage (P1, P2, P3, P4, N6, N7, N8, N9), and to a network element for transmitting signals which comprises a converter from ECL to CMOS having an input stage (Q1, Q2, N3, N4), a level shifter stage (N1, N2, N5, R1, R2, R3), and an output stage (P1, P2, P3, P4, N6, N7, N8, N9), with the level shifter stage (N1, N2, N5, R1, R2, R3) including an NFET differential stage (N1, N2).

Abstract: An input circuit comprises an input terminal for receiving an input signal, an output terminal for outputting an output signal, a node connected to the input terminal, a terminating resistor connected between the node and a ground, a potential shift element connected between the node and the output terminal, a potential source for supplying a predetermined potential, and a current source connected between the potential source and the output terminal.

Abstract: An emitter coupled logic circuit with a data reload function is disclosed. The emitter coupled logic (ECL) circuit includes first and second in series transistors consisting of bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field effect transistors (FETs), respectively. The bipolar junction transistor receives a reload signal, and the field effect transistor receives a reload data. Therefore, using the serial control of the bipolar junction transistors together with the field effect transistors, the digital reload data may be reloaded into the ECL circuit. Since the invention utilizes the field effect transistors to directly receive and set the reload data, it is not necessary to pre-convert the digital reload data into a front-stage ECL voltage level. In addition, because the reload data can be sent to the field effect transistors before the reload signal enables, the field effect transistors may be set to ON or OFF in advance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a converter from ECL to CMOS having an input stage (Q1, Q2, N3, N4), a level shifter stage (N1, N2, N5, R1, R2, R3) including an NFET differential stage (N1, N2), and an output stage (P1, P2, P3, P4, N6, N7, N8, N9), and to a network element for transmitting signals which comprises a converter from ECL to CMOS having an input stage (Q1, Q2, N3, N4), a level shifter stage (N1, N2, N5, R1, R2, R3), and an output stage (P1, P2, P3, P4, N6, N7, N8, N9), with the level shifter stage (N1, N2, N5, R1, R2, R3) including an NFET differential stage (N1, N2).

Abstract: Assuming that clocks in an A clock driver (102), a B clock driver (103) and a CMOS buffer circuit (119) have delay values Ta, Tb and Td, respectively, a delay value Ta−Td is stored in a register circuit (117) when terminals “0” of selector circuits (114, 115, 116) are selected, and a delay value Ta−Td−Tb is stored in a register circuit (118) when the terminals “0” are switched to “1”. Thus, determining a delay value at the CMOS buffer circuit (119) allows a phase difference between the A clock driver (102) and B clock driver (103) to be determined.

Abstract: A logic level converter for translating differential CMOS logic signals to into differential logic signal pairs such as those associated with ECL levels. The converter includes two components. A first component consists of two branches coupled to the switchable CMOS level input and it provides a first switchable translated output. The second component is an ECL current switch. The current associated with the converter is mirrored through the branches to minimize the effects of fabrication, temperature, and/or power supply vagaries, as well as a very fast and tolerance independent signal level translation.

Abstract: An improved ECL circuit, based upon an ECL circuit of conventional design, functions as the required transceiver for the bi-directional data transmission between a computer and an electronic device with a specific interface of USB 2.0. The value of an emitter resistor within an emitter resistance network in the conventional ECL circuit is adjusted till its output voltage amplitude meets the USB 2.0 specification. A number of voltage level shifting and capacitive coupling circuits are added to both the input and output sections of the conventional ECL circuit making it directly interfaceable with the popular CMOS logic family. A collector electrode switch network is also added to the conventional ECL circuit to make its output terminals tri-statable thus compatible with the communication scheme of half duplexing under the USB 2.0 specification.

Abstract: A CMOS ECL input buffer buffers signals from an ECL circuit to a CMOS circuit. The CMOS ECL input buffer has a CMOS differential amplifier. A CMOS input circuit is coupled between a buffer input that receives the ECL circuit and a first input of the CMOS differential amplifier. The CMOS input circuit couples an input signal to the first input of the CMOS differential amplifier, and the input signal has an input voltage swing. A reference circuit provides a reference to a second input of the CMOS differential amplifier. The reference is nominally set at substantially a midpoint of the input voltage swing. A CMOS output circuit is coupled between the output of the CMOS differential amplifier and the buffer output, and is arranged to provide an output signal to the buffer output. The output signal, in response to the CMOS differential amplifier, swings between a typical CMOS positive source voltage and ground as the input signal traverses the reference.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectably converting emitter-coupled logic (ECL) and positive emitter-coupled logic (PECL) signals to negative complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (NCMOS) signals is disclosed. The apparatus uses an input level shifter, a secondary level shifter, and an output buffer to convert the ECL and PECL differential signals to single-ended signals. The apparatus also includes a disable output function for disabling the output of the output buffer. The apparatus may be integrated multiple times on a substrate containing NCMOS circuitry, thereby allowing the NCMOS circuitry to be driven by differential signals. Alternatively, the present invention may be integrated multiple times onto a single substrate to create a dedicated universal translator.

Abstract: The transmission of high-frequency low-voltage signals between systems of different low-voltage technology fields is often desired. In the conversion from systems with low Vss parameters to systems with high Vss parameters, the invention uses a wired high-frequency transformer (T1), whereby the wiring contains passive components that allow the setting of the conversion parameters. A dc-related coupling of the transformer is also provided. In the reverse conversion, the invention includes an RC attenuation element (R4, C2) and a shunt resistor (R5) to the supply voltage. High immunity to noise and great adaptability are achieved in addition to space-savings and cost-elimination. The application to the clock supply of high bit rate switching network structures is especially advantageous.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving an input clock signal to an integrated circuit device is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a CMOS receiver configured to receive the input clock signal and a PECL receiver configured to receive the input clock signal. The PECL receiver shares a common output node with the CMOS receiver. A receiver selection mechanism is coupled to the CMOS receiver and the PECL receiver, with the receiver selection mechanism alternatively activating or deactivating the CMOS receiver and the PECL receiver.

Abstract: A CMOS signal transmission system for sending a large amount of CMOS signals into a separate quiet analog power domain. Transmission system comprises a converter sub-system which provides at least another device stage through which noise in the CMOS signals must flow and be attenuated to provide converted CMOS signals and a multiplexer coupled to the converter wherein the multiplexer receives converted CMOS signals from the converter sub-system and also receives delayed path control signals. The converter comprises a constant current source for providing a high level voltage reference and a constant current, two complimentary pass gates, and two sets of components for providing paths to ground from the constant current source through the two complimentary pass gates.

Abstract: Such a configuration is provided that a clamp circuit and a level shifting circuit are connected to an output of a source-follower circuit connected to a positive power supply, to apply a negative power supply via a transmission line and a terminating resistor to an output end of the level shifting circuit. With this, a CMOS-level logic signal input to the source-follower circuit is shifted in level toward a level of the negative power supply side. In this case, that signal is clamped by the clamp circuit, during which thus level-shifted signal is shifted in level by the level shifting circuit further toward the negative power supply side, thus permitting an ECL-level signal to pass through the transmission line and appear across the terminating resistor in order to be subsequently applied to an ECL logic circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to generate a differential intermediate signal in response to a differential input signal. The second circuit may be configured to generate one or more output signals in response to said differential intermediate signal.

Abstract: A driver circuit is provided comprising a detection circuit, configured to sense a plurality of different variable operating condition signals, and in accordance therewith, provide a plurality of operating condition dependent output signals; a selection circuit, having a plurality of output signals, configured to receive said plurality of operating condition dependent output signals, and in accordance therewith, discretely enable, during a non-transmission state, an N number of enabled output signals; and an output circuit, having a plurality of identical segmented output modules, each of the output modules associated with a respective one of the plurality of output signals and configured to provide a respective output driving signal, wherein the output modules associated with the N number of enabled output signals each provide the output driving signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to the interfacing of high speed, low voltage data streams with CMOS circuits and, more specifically, to converting low voltage, differential ECL signals levels to higher voltage levels which are compatible with CMOS circuits while maintaining high speed and sufficient drive capability. This is accomplished by making first stage inverters 5 and 6 as geometrically small as possible subject to the design rules in use to minimize the capacitance at the input of these inverters. The inputs of the first stage inverters are clamped by bias circuits 9/10/11 and 12/13/14 at DC levels so as to provide a narrow range of operation. Additional output inverters 7 and 8 act as buffers to provide the needed capacitive load drive capability.

Abstract: The present invention is a CML to CMOS converter which includes a bipolar input stage, a current source/current sink stage, and an output stage. The converter is able to transfer a CML input voltage differential to a CMOS compatible voltage having constant high and low voltage levels with a constant duty cycle. The bipolar input stage receives an incoming CML voltage differential and steps the voltage levels down. Utilizing the stepped down CML voltage differential, the current/source sink drives the output stage by maintaining an equal current source and current sink to and from the output stage, ensuring that an output voltage at the output stage rises and falls to constant high and low voltage levels, thereby maintaining a constant duty cycle. A first pair of NMOS transistors, coupled to the output stage drive current to the output stage from a high input voltage rail whenever the input differential is high.

Abstract: A logic level converter for translating CMOS logic signals to into differential logic signal pairs such as those associated with ECL levels. The converter includes a first converter branch coupled to the switchable CMOS level input and it provides a first switchable translated output. A second converter branch is not coupled to the input nor is it coupled to the first converter branch. The second converter branch provides a fixed reference signal output around which the output of the first converter branch switches. Changes in the input signal to the first converter branch cause its output potential to be more than or less than the potential of the fixed reference signal supplied by the second converter branch. The components of the respective branches may be tailored to position the fixed signal at a selectable level and to define the differential between the two output signals.

Abstract: This invention relates to interfacing high speed, low voltage, data streams with CMOS circuits and, more specifically, to converting low voltage, differential, ECL signal levels to higher voltage levels which are compatible with CMOS circuits while maintaining high speed and sufficient drive capability for larger system applications. This is accomplished primarily by making the first stage inverters 5 and 6 as geometrically small as possible and providing additional cross-coupled buffers 7 and 8 capable of driving large capacitive loads.

Abstract: A level translating circuit suitable for converting ECL level signals to CMOS level signals. The ECL signal is converted to a pair of buffered differential signals that are level shifted and divided to produce four transistor drive signal, two of which are connected to the respective gate and source of a P-type MOS transistor and two of which are connected to the respective gate and source of another P-type MOS transistor. An N-type transistor is connected in series with each of the P-type transistors so as to provide CMOS outputs at the junction of the N and P-type transistors.

Abstract: A CML-CMOS conversion circuit according to this invention includes: a differential circuit in which resistance is connected as load; a first current mirror circuit made up from an n-channel MOS transistor connected to one output of the differential circuit; a second current mirror circuit made up from an n-channel MOS transistor connected to the other output of the differential circuit; a third current mirror circuit made up of two p-channel MOS transistors connected in series to the first current mirror circuit and the second current mirror circuit; and a CMOS inverter that takes as input the output signal of the second current mirror circuit and that outputs a signal at CMOS logic amplitude.

Abstract: An emitter-coupled logic to CMOS logic converter includes a first current mirror having a first transistor that has a terminal. The first current mirror is operable to mirror a current in the terminal of the first transistor to produce a mirrored first current. The converter also includes a first current sink operable to generate a first current in the terminal of the first transistor. The converter also includes a second current mirror having a second transistor that has a terminal. The second current mirror is operable to mirror a current in the terminal of the second transistor to produce a mirrored second current. The converter further includes a second current sink operable to generate a second current in the terminal of the second transistor and a differential input pair operable to receive a differential voltage input and direct a current, based on the differential voltage input, to the terminal of the first transistor or the terminal of the second transistor.

Abstract: A first load 10 is connected between a signal terminal 12 for driving an output transistor 11 and a highest potential VCC. A first switch 7 is connected in parallel with the first load 10. A second switch 8 is connected between the signal terminal 12 and a current source 14. A third switch 9 is connected between the highest potential VCC and the current source 14. The first to third switches are on-off operated according to a CMOS level input to provide an ECL level from an output transistor. The current source 14 includes a bipolar transistor 1 and a resistor 2, thereby occupying only a small area and precluding output fluctuations due to fluctuations in manufacture.

Abstract: A level conversion circuit as a semiconductor integrated circuit has a first load resistance (R1), a second load resistance (R2), a first NMOS transistor (MN3) and a second NMOS transistor (MN4) connected to them (R1 and R2) in parallel, respectively, that are driven directly by positive CMOS level signals, a first bipolar transistor (Q1), and a second bipolar transistor (Q2). Both emitters of the first and second bipolar transistors (Q1 and Q2) are connected commonly, and a voltage potential that is lower than a voltage potential of a collector of the first bipolar transistor (Q1) by a predetermined voltage potential is supplied into a base of the second bipolar transistor (Q2).

Abstract: A pair of complementary signals are switched between a high state and a low state such that the complementary signals are switched within a time period less than two gate delays. An inverter biases other inverters so that these two inverters are maintained at their threshold levels. The maintenance at the threshold values enable these two inverters to be switched quickly.

Abstract: A single chip IC includes a bipolar logic, a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) logic, and a level translator which interfaces the bipolar logic with the CMOS logic. The single chip IC comprises a MOS transistor logic, provided in the bipolar logic, for receiving a control signal which controls an operation of the bipolar logic. The control signal issues from the CMOS logic and bypasses the level translator and is applied to the MOS transistor logic.