Patent attributes
Disclosed is a dynamically controlled, output slew rate pad driver that generates a controlled voltage on an interface node of an interface circuit, such as an input circuit, an output circuit, or a combined input/output circuit, to control the process of slewing the controlled voltage on the interface node. The slewing occurs substantially independently of capacitive loads connected to the interface node. Prior to initiation of the slewing process, an initial charge is generated on a storage capacitor. The storage capacitor is then connected to the gate of a driver transistor to charge the input parasitic gate capacitance of the driver transistor to approximately a gate threshold voltage of the driver transistor. A constant current source is also provided that is applied to the input of an integrating amplifier and an integrating capacitor that is connected to the interface node. The constant current is integrated to provide a controlled, slewed voltage on the interface node by charging the integrating capacitor with a constant current from the constant current source.
