Abstract: An analog multiplexer may be used for sampling an input voltage that is capable of having a higher voltage level than an upper supply voltage. The analog multiplexer includes a plurality of input switch circuits and a shorting switch circuit. The plurality of input switch circuits include n-type or p-type laterally diffused field effect transistors (NLDFETs or PLDFETs). At least one of the input switch circuits includes a level shifting switch circuit that is able to sample an input voltage that is greater than the upper supply voltage for the multiplexer. A shorting switch circuit, at an output of the multiplexer, includes a capacitively coupled gate drive circuit and is configured to short a first differential output to a second differential output after the input voltage is sampled.

Abstract: An analog multiplexer may be used for sampling an input voltage that is capable of having a higher voltage level than an upper supply voltage. The analog multiplexer includes a plurality of input switch circuits and a shorting switch circuit. The plurality of input switch circuits include n-type or p-type laterally diffused field effect transistors (NLDFETs or PLDFETs). At least one of the input switch circuits includes a level shifting switch circuit that is able to sample an input voltage that is greater than the upper supply voltage for the multiplexer. A shorting switch circuit, at an output of the multiplexer, includes a capacitively coupled gate drive circuit and is configured to short a first differential output to a second differential output after the input voltage is sampled.

Abstract: Battery monitors are provided in association with battery stacks to monitor the health of individual batteries. This is important as damaged batteries present a fire risk. Usually the battery stack is assembled and connected to a multipin connector assembled and connected to a multipin connector which engages with a cooperating connector of a battery monitor. The connections have a tolerance so the connections make in a random and uncontrolled order. This disclosure provides ways of ensuring that the power supply connector connects first. This reduces voltage stress in the monitoring circuit and also allows steps to be taken to control inrush currents.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a monitoring system that may include a plurality of monitors. Each may have a plurality of input pairs coupled to respective components of a component stack, wherein adjacent monitors each have an input pair coupled to a common component. Embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated circuit that may include a plurality of detectors to locally measure a first group of channels. The integrated circuit may also include a receiver operable to receive a measurement of at least one channel of the first group of channels, and a controller to calculate a correction factor based on the received measurement and a local measurement of the at least one channel and to correct all first group measurements with the correction factor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a monitoring system that may include a plurality of monitors. Each may have a plurality of input pairs coupled to respective components of a component stack, wherein adjacent monitors each have an input pair coupled to a common component. Embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated circuit that may include a plurality of detectors to locally measure a first group of channels. The integrated circuit may also include a receiver operable to receive a measurement of at least one channel of the first group of channels, and a controller to calculate a correction factor based on the received measurement and a local measurement of the at least one channel and to correct all first group measurements with the correction factor.

Abstract: An analog to digital converter comprising at least two analog to digital conversion engines and a controller for controlling the operation of the analog to digital conversion engines such that during a first phase of an analog to digital conversion process the engines collaborate such that a plurality of bits can be determined during a single trial step; and during a second phase of the analog to digital conversion the conversion engines work independently; and the controller receives the outputs of at least one of the conversion engines and processes them to provide an output word.