John Paul Clapp

US Patent:

55393349, Jul 23, 1996

Filed:

Dec 16, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/991622

Inventors:

John S. Clapp - Plano TX
Wayne T. Chen - Plano TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

H03K 190185
H03K 19003

US Classification:

326 68

Abstract:

A voltage level shifter circuit (10) for outputting an output high (18) and output low (18) signal is provided which accommodates multiple power supplies (12 and 22) at different relative voltage to each other. The voltage level shifter (10) includes an input stage (24) which is characterized by voltage ranges applicable to the process used to make the circuit. The voltage level shifter circuit includes an output stage (18) which is also characterized by the same voltage ranges which cannot be exceeded. The output stage outputs the translated output high (16) and output low (18) voltage signals. A clamping network (20) is employed to ensure that the output stage voltage ranges are not exceeded. The present invention implements a high voltage level shifter (10) using low voltage components by extending the breakdown capability of the voltage level shifter circuit (10) past the breakdown voltage of any single component in the circuit.

US Patent:

54125316, May 2, 1995

Filed:

Jan 5, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/000843

Inventors:

John S. Clapp - Plano TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Ballas TX

International Classification:

H01H 4700

US Classification:

361190

Abstract:

A circuit (16) having an extended breakdown capability is provided for switching an inductive load driver (12). The circuit (16) includes a first switch (18) for providing a first drive voltage when the first switch (18) is closed. A second switch (20) is provided for receiving the first drive voltage from the first switch (18) and delivering the first drive voltage to the inductive load driver (12) when the second switch (20) is closed. The second switch (20) limits the voltage across the first switch (18) to a predetermined level when the first switch (18) is open. A third switch (22) provides a second drive voltage to the inductive load driver (12) when the third switch (22) is closed.