US 6,982,571 B2
Systems and methods for translating voltage levels of digital signals
Kenneth J. Eldredge, Boise, Id. (US); and Michael C. Allyn, Boise, Id. (US)
Assigned to Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., Houston, Tex. (US)
Filed on Dec. 04, 2003, as Appl. No. 10/727,402.
Prior Publication US 2005/0122133 A1, Jun. 09, 2005
Int. Cl. H03K 19/0175 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 326—63 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for translating voltage levels of digital signals, said method comprising:
providing a first digital signal operating between a first voltage and a second voltage, the first voltage corresponding to a logic 0 and the second voltage corresponding to a logic 1;
providing the first digital signal as an input to a capacitive element, an output of the capacitive element being electrically connected in parallel to a first branch and a second branch, the first branch being electrically connected to a third voltage, the second branch being electrically connected to a fourth voltage; and
causing the first and second voltages to interact with the first branch and the second branch such that a second digital signal is produced, the second digital signal operating between the third voltage and the fourth voltage;
wherein the first branch comprises a first diode and a first RC circuit electrically connected in parallel, and the second branch comprises a second diode and a second RC circuit electrically connected in parallel.