Abstract: A low-dropout regulator with inrush current limiting capabilities may include an output terminal to provide an output signal, a first current branch comprising a pass device connected to the output terminal, and a second current branch comprising a driver transistor and a current generator. The low-dropout regulator may further include an error amplifier to control the driver transistor. The error amplifier may have a first input node to apply a reference signal, and a second input node coupled to the output terminal. The low-dropout regulator may include a current mirror to couple the second current branch to the first current branch. The current mirror is configured to mirror a current in the second current branch to the output current branch.

Abstract: A voice-activity detector (VAD) system comprises a microphone operable to receive and to process audio inputs from an environment to generate an analog audio input signal. The system further comprises an analog VAD operable to process the analog audio input signal to perform an initial detection of human speech, and operable to send a wake up command to a digital signal processing chain to awaken the digital signal processing chain from a sleep mode, when the analog VAD detects human speech. Further, the system comprises the digital signal processing chain operable to process the analog audio input signal to perform a secondary detection of human speech, and operable to output a signal indicating that human speech is detected, when the digital signal processing chain detects human speech. In one or more embodiments, the secondary detection of human speech is more accurate than the initial detection of human speech.

Abstract: A voice-activity detector (VAD) system comprises a microphone operable to receive and to process audio inputs from an environment to generate an analog audio input signal. The system further comprises an analog VAD operable to process the analog audio input signal to perform an initial detection of human speech, and operable to send a wake up command to a digital signal processing chain to awaken the digital signal processing chain from a sleep mode, when the analog VAD detects human speech. Further, the system comprises the digital signal processing chain operable to process the analog audio input signal to perform a secondary detection of human speech, and operable to output a signal indicating that human speech is detected, when the digital signal processing chain detects human speech. In one or more embodiments, the secondary detection of human speech is more accurate than the initial detection of human speech.