Abstract: In one embodiment, apparatus is provided with current optimization logic, a programmable current source for generating a reference current threshold, and current programming logic. In response to a plurality of input pulses received by a first TIA, the current optimization logic produces a series of digitized current values in response to i) a signal correlated to an output of the first TIA, to ii) a reference signal to which the output of the first TIA is compared. The current programming logic i) programs the programmable current source using ones of the series of digitized current values, until a predetermined condition is met, and then ii) locks the programmable current source to a most recent one of the digitized current values. In response to the reference current threshold, a second TIA produces the reference signal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit battery sensor and system thereof are provided. The battery sensor includes a voltage sensor configured to sample a voyage of a battery and a buffer in electrical communication with the voltage sensor and configured for scaling the sampled battery voltage and outputting a voltage signal proportional to the sampled battery voltage; wherein the voltage sensor is further configured for isolating the buffer from the battery. The voltage sensor includes a first capacitor coupled to a positive potential terminal of the battery and a second capacitor coupled to a negative potential terminal of the battery. The battery sensor includes a first die including a first and second input terminal configured for coupling to the positive and negative potential terminals of the battery; and a second die including the voltage sensor, wherein the first and second die are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: An optically isolated circuit device includes a first opto-isolator circuit that is driven by a first clock signal, and the output of the first opto-isolator circuit is used to drive a phase-locked loop (PLL) that is configured to synthesize a second clock signal having a frequency that is a multiple of the first clock signal frequency. The second clock signal is used as an input to a suitable clocked circuit of a type that benefits from optical isolation, such as an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

Abstract: An optical coupler having an optical transmitter and an optical receiver are disclosed. The optical transmitter receives a logic signal to be transmitted to a circuit connected to the optical receiver and a photo emitter for generating a light signal having an intensity related to the states of the logic signal. The optical receiver includes a photodetector assembly, a hold circuit, a threshold generating circuit, and a signal generator. The photodetector assembly receives the light signal and generates a photo signal having an amplitude related to that of the light signal. The hold circuit stores a potential related to the maximum amplitude of the photo signal during a preceding time period. The threshold generating circuit generates a high threshold signal related to the stored potential. The signal generator generates an output logic signal that has first and second states that change state when the photo signal crosses the high threshold.