Programmable read only memory card with improved buffer circuit

Claim 1

A programmable read only memory card comprising: memory means, including at least one programmable read only memory having an external data port that can withstand an electrostatic discharge up to a first magnitude without damage, for storing data written into said memory means; a connector for electrical connection of said programmable read only memory card to external circuitry; distinct input and output lines connected between said memory means and said connector including a power supply line for supplying power to said programmable read only memory card, a ground line for connection to an electrical ground, a write power supply line for supplying power during writing in said memory means, an address bus for supplying an address for reading data from and writing data into said memory means, a data bus for supplying data to and transmitting data from said programmable read only memory card, a card enable control line for controlling operation of said programmable read only memory card, and an output enable control line for controlling output of data from said programmable read only memory card; a bidirectional buffer circuit connected to said data bus for selectively enabling transmission of data to said at least one programmable read only memory for writing data into said at least one programmable read only memory and transmission of data from said at least one programmable read only memory in response to a directional control signal, said bidirectional buffer circuit withstanding an electrostatic discharge up to a second magnitude without damage, the second magnitude exceeding the first magnitude; and a read/write control circuit connected to said output enable control line and said write power supply line for controlling writing of data into and reading of stored data from said at least one programmable read only memory in response to the voltages on said output enable control line and said write power supply line and for generating the directional control signal supplied to said bidirectional buffer circuit in response to the voltages of said output enable control line and said write power supply line, said read/write control circuit including: a first differential amplifier having a first input connected to the write power supply line and a second input connected to a first reference voltage, the first differential amplifier generating an output signal indicative of a difference between the voltage on the write power supply line and the reference voltage; and control logic means connected to said output enable control line and receiving the output signal from said first differential amplifier for outputting the directional control signal in response to the voltage on the output enable control line and the output signal.