Apparatus for translating digital signals

(a) Field of the Invention An apparatus for selectably converting emitter-coupled logic (ECL) and positive emitter-coupled logic (PECL) signals to negative complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (NCMOS) signals is disclosed. The apparatus uses an input level shifter, a secondary level shifter, and an output buffer to convert the ECL and PECL differential signals to single-ended signals. The apparatus also includes a disable output function for disabling the output of the output buffer. The apparatus may be integrated multiple times on a substrate containing NCMOS circuitry, thereby allowing the NCMOS circuitry to be driven by differential signals. Alternatively, the present invention may be integrated multiple times onto a single substrate to create a dedicated universal translator.