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Abstract

A translator circuit for converting from a first logic-level range to a second logic-level range, as is generally involved in the translation from an ECL stage to a CMOS stage. The translator includes a reference stage that provides a reference voltage that is coupled to the CMOS logic stage as well as the ECL logic stage. The ECL logic stage is indirectly coupled between a high potential power rail and a low potential power rail through a plurality of transistors. The CMOS stage is coupled to the ECL stage through two emitter-follower transistors. The CMOS stage uses current-mirroring techniques in combination with the isolated reference stage to effect a translation from the ECL logic level to the CMOS logic level. The CMOS stage also provides relatively fast propagation time which may be set, within certain limits, to a desired time. The reference stage provides an output signal to the gates of the transistors of the CMOS stage through a bipolar transistor that minimizes impedance and isolates the reference stage from switching noise. Use of the bipolar transistor in the reference stage permits fan out to a plurality of output stages through the use of a single reference stage of the present invention.

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First Claim