Abstract: A wireless communication device (101), such as a radiotelephone or a pager, comprises a signal generator (200), a radiator (202), a sensor (204) and a controller (206) to form an electromagnetic wave proximity sensor (201). The signal generator (200) generates a signal (210). The radiator (202) radiates the signal (210) to produce an electromagnetic field (212) near the radiator (202). The electromagnetic field (212) changes by a predetermined amount responsive to the proximity (214) of the radiator (202) to a predetermined object (216), such as a human body (232), external to the wireless communication device (101). The sensor (204) provides an indication (218) of the predetermined amount of change in the electromagnetic field (212). The controller (206) controls circuitry (208), such as a tactile alert device (416) and an audible alert device (418), in the wireless communication device (101) responsive to the indication (218) of the predetermined amount of change in the electromagnetic field (212).

Abstract: A bidirectional voltage translator (102) includes a first port (200/400), a second port (202/402) and a bidirectional translator circuit (208-215/404-408, 410, 412-415) coupled between the first and second ports (200/400,202/402). The first and second ports (200/400,202/402) communicate signals at a first voltage level and a second voltage level, respectively. The second voltage level is different from the first voltage level. When a first port signal input at the first voltage level at the first port (200/400) is detected, the bidirectional translator circuit (208-215/404-408, 410, 412-415) translates the first port signal into the second voltage level at the second port (202/402) and disables translation of a signal at the second port (202/402) to the first port (200/400).