Abstract: Some embodiments relate an integrated circuit (IC) including a first substrate. An interconnect structure is disposed over the first substrate. The interconnect structure includes a plurality of metal features that are stacked over one another. A lowermost metal feature of the plurality of metal features is closest to the first substrate, an uppermost metal feature of the plurality of metal features is furthest from the first substrate, and intermediate metal features are disposed between the lowermost metal feature and the uppermost metal feature. A recess extends into the interconnect structure and terminates at a bond pad. A lower surface of the bond pad directly contacts an upper surface of the lowermost metal feature.

Abstract: An apparatus to power and dim LEDs is provided. The apparatus generally comprises a boost converter having an output node, a regulator node, a sensing network, and an impedance network. LEDs, which are coupled in series with one another, are coupled between the output node and the impedance network of the boost converter. A zener diode is coupled to the output node and coupled to the sensing network, and a dimming circuit is coupled to the boost converter. The dimming circuit includes a diode coupled to the impedance network, a switch coupled between the diodes and ground (which receives the signal for dimming the plurality of LEDs), and a network coupled to the regulator node and to the node between the second diode and the second switch.

Abstract: An apparatus to provide overvoltage protection is shown. The apparatus comprises a boost converter (having an output node, a sensing network, and an impedance network) and a zener diode. The zener diode is coupled to the output node and to the sensing network. The breakdown value of the zener diode is selected to be greater than a desired voltage drop across a load when the load is coupled to the output node, and the zener diode creates an overcurrent fault in the boost converter when the voltage at the output node is greater than its breakdown value.

Abstract: A lamp power circuit sensing system includes a unidirectional stage (22) having a unidirectional current, a bidirectional stage (24) operably connected to the unidirectional stage (22), and a power sensor (32, 34) operably connected to monitor the unidirectional current and to generate an indicated lamp signal (33, 35). The lamp power circuit sensing system further includes a power regulation circuit (19) having a lamp output (17) providing bidirectional lamp voltage (42), and a lamp voltage sensing circuit (26) operably connected across the lamp output (17) to generate indicated lamp voltage (46) in response to the bidirectional lamp voltage (42).

Abstract: Control circuitry for controlling the output power of an electronic ballast system having a power supply branch circuit having power lines comprising a line voltage line and a common line, and a ballast stage having (i) inputs connected to the power lines for providing power to the lamp, (ii) internal power control feedback circuitry that defines a feedback loop for controlling the amount of power applied to the lamp, and (iii) a control signal input for receiving a control signal that affects operation the internal power control feedback circuitry and the level of power outputted by the ballast stage. The control circuitry comprises a first circuit having an input for connection to one of the power lines. The first circuit generates a control signal for input into the control input of the ballast stage.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting system for a high-intensity discharge lamp. In one embodiment, the auxiliary lighting system has an auxiliary light source, an HID lamp status circuit having an input for connection to a status signal representative of the operational state of a high-intensity discharge lamp wherein the HID lamp status circuit determines whether the status signal meets predetermined signal criteria, a switch circuit having a first state that effects application of a voltage source to the auxiliary light source, and a second state that isolates the voltage source from the auxiliary light source, and a control circuit responsive to the HID lamp status circuit for controlling the switch circuit. The control circuit has a first state when the HID lamp status circuit determines that the status signal meets the predetermined signal criteria and a second state when the HID lamp status circuit determines that the status signal does not meet the predetermined signal criteria.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting system for a high-intensity discharge lamp. In one embodiment, the auxiliary lighting system has an auxiliary light source, an HID lamp status circuit having an input for connection to a status signal representative of the operational state of a high-intensity discharge lamp wherein the HID lamp status circuit determines whether the status signal meets predetermined signal criteria, a switch circuit having a first state that effects application of a voltage source to the auxiliary light source, and a second state that isolates the voltage source from the auxiliary light source, and a control circuit responsive to the HID lamp status circuit for controlling the switch circuit. The control circuit has a first state when the HID lamp status circuit determines that the status signal meets the predetermined signal criteria and a second state when the HID lamp status circuit determines that the status signal does not meet the predetermined signal criteria.