Abstract: A method for controlling a charge to a battery pack via a battery management system (BMS) integrated circuit (IC) includes monitoring one or more parameters associated with the battery pack. The method also includes monitoring a charge output from a direct current (DC)-DC converter to the battery pack. The method further includes adjusting feedback to the DC-DC converter in accordance with monitoring the one or more parameters and monitoring the charge output, the feedback being a local feedback to the DC-DC converter or a reference input to the DC-DC converter.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a circuit can include a pass device configured to receive an input voltage and provide an output voltage. The circuit can further include a current sink coupled with a control terminal of the pass device, the current sink being configured to discharge the control terminal of the pass device to limit the output voltage in response to the input voltage exceeding a threshold voltage. The circuit can also include a switch coupled in series with the current sink, the switch being configured to enable the current sink in response to the input voltage exceeding the threshold voltage.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a circuit can include a pass device configured to receive an input voltage and provide an output voltage. The circuit can further include a current sink coupled with a control terminal of the pass device, the current sink being configured to discharge the control terminal of the pass device to limit the output voltage in response to the input voltage exceeding a threshold voltage. The circuit can also include a switch coupled in series with the current sink, the switch being configured to enable the current sink in response to the input voltage exceeding the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A circuit and method for reducing the reverse leakage current in a reverse-biased diode device, such as a Schottky diode, is disclosed. The diode device is electrically coupled between an N-channel depletion mode device and a P-channel depletion mode device, and the gates of the depletion mode devices are electrically coupled to opposite terminals of the circuit so that both are either in an ON state or an OFF state, based on a voltage applied to terminals of the circuit. When the circuit is forward-biased both depletion mode devices are in an ON state and when the diode device is reversed biased both the depletion mode devices are in the OFF state. The depletion mode devices in the OFF state reduce a reverse leakage current of the diode device. This reduction is useful for applications that require efficient diode operation, such as solar cell systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for optimizing LED driver efficiency. The present invention offers low cost solutions for powering LEDs while minimizing overall power dissipation in devices powered by a depletable power source. Low system cost is attained using a charge pump to increase LED drive voltage level and implementing combinations of drive techniques to overcome the inefficiency of the charge pump. A switch bypasses the charge pump when depletable power source output voltage is sufficient to directly drive an LED load. At certain output voltage levels, the switch can be opened causing the charge pump to boost drive voltage. The output voltage may also be PWM modulated to drive the LED load and, at some voltages, the depletable power source may drive the LED load directly. Efficiency levels of 90-97% are attainable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for optimizing LED driver efficiency. The present invention offers low cost solutions for powering LEDs while minimizing overall power dissipation in devices powered by a depletable power source. Low system cost is attained using a charge pump to increase LED drive voltage level and implementing combinations of drive techniques to overcome the inefficiency of the charge pump. A switch bypasses the charge pump when depletable power source output voltage is sufficient to directly drive an LED load. At certain output voltage levels, the switch can be opened causing the charge pump to boost drive voltage. The output voltage may also be PWM modulated to drive the LED load and, at some voltages, the depletable power source may drive the LED load directly. Efficiency levels of 90-97% are attainable.

Abstract: An apparatus consisting of a single wire bond silicon sub-mount used to make an LED device which also has built-in ESD protection in the sub-mount. The single wire bond silicon sub-mount uses a pass-through interconnection between the topside of the sub-mount and the underside so that the LED chip mounted thereon is electrically coupled through the sub-mount to the anode.

Abstract: An apparatus consisting of a single wire bond silicon sub-mount used to make an LED device which also has built-in ESD protection in the sub-mount. The single wire bond silicon sub-mount uses a pass-through interconnection between the topside of the sub-mount and the underside so that the LED chip mounted thereon is electrically coupled through the sub-mount to the anode.