Abstract: A piezo driver is described that is configured to furnish electric charge to a piezo component during a first operational state and configured to transfer electric charge from the piezo component to a passive energy storage component during a second operational state. In one or more implementations, the piezo driver includes a passive energy storage component configured to store electric charge. The piezo driver also includes a voltage converter configured to electrically connect between a piezo component and the passive energy storage component. The voltage converter is configured to furnish electric charge from the passive energy storage component to the piezo component during a first state of operation and configured to furnish electric charge from the piezo component to the passive energy storage component during a second state of operation.

Abstract: A piezo driver is described that is configured to furnish electric charge to a piezo component and configured to transfer electric charge from the piezo component to a passive energy storage component during various operational states of the piezo driver. In one or more implementations, the piezo driver includes a first passive energy storage component and a second passive energy storage component configured to store electric charge. The piezo driver also includes a voltage converter configured to electrically connect between a piezo component and the first passive energy storage component and the second passive energy storage component. The voltage converter is configured to furnish electric charge from the first passive energy storage component to the piezo component, and vice versa. The voltage converter is also configured to furnish electric charge from the second passive energy storage component to the piezo component, and vice versa.

Abstract: A piezo driver is described that is configured to furnish electric charge to a piezo component during a first operational state and configured to transfer electric charge from the piezo component to a passive energy storage component during a second operational state. In one or more implementations, the piezo driver includes a passive energy storage component configured to store electric charge. The piezo driver also includes a voltage converter configured to electrically connect between a piezo component and the passive energy storage component. The voltage converter is configured to furnish electric charge from the passive energy storage component to the piezo component during a first state of operation and configured to furnish electric charge from the piezo component to the passive energy storage component during a second state of operation.

Abstract: A piezo driver is described that is configured to furnish electric charge to a piezo component and configured to transfer electric charge from the piezo component to a passive energy storage component during various operational states of the piezo driver. In one or more implementations, the piezo driver includes a first passive energy storage component and a second passive energy storage component configured to store electric charge. The piezo driver also includes a voltage converter configured to electrically connect between a piezo component and the first passive energy storage component and the second passive energy storage component. The voltage converter is configured to furnish electric charge from the first passive energy storage component to the piezo component, and vice versa. The voltage converter is also configured to furnish electric charge from the second passive energy storage component to the piezo component, and vice versa.

Abstract: A power converter receiving a single-sided supply which is ground-terminated and providing a regulated positive supply and a regulated negative supply that is optimized to the expected output range of a class AB amplifier, as well as providing excellent efficiency. The converter finds application as a compact converter to power an audio amplifier driving an audio device which is ground terminated, such as a speaker.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating a switching device that couples an output locus with one of a first voltage locus and a second voltage locus in response to a driver unit includes: a voltage feedback unit coupling the driver unit with at least one of the first voltage locus and the second voltage locus. The feedback unit provides a voltage feedback signal to the driver unit. The driver unit responds to the voltage feedback signal to affect the coupling by the switching device.

Abstract: A power converter receiving a single-sided supply which is ground-terminated and providing a regulated positive supply and a regulated negative supply that is optimized to the expected output range of a class AB amplifier, as well as providing excellent efficiency. The converter finds application as a compact converter to power an audio amplifier driving an audio device which is ground terminated, such as a speaker.

Abstract: A power converter receiving a single-sided supply which is ground-terminated and providing a positive supply and a regulated negative supply that is optimized to the expected output range of a class AB amplifier, as well as providing a symmetric positive supply having excellent efficiency. The converter finds application as a compact converter to power an audio amplifier driving an audio device which is ground terminated, such as a speaker.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating a switching device that couples an output locus with one of a first voltage locus and a second voltage locus in response to a driver unit includes: a voltage feedback unit coupling the driver unit with at least one of the first voltage locus and the second voltage locus. The feedback unit provides a voltage feedback signal to the driver unit. The driver unit responds to the voltage feedback signal to affect the coupling by the switching device.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing voltage surge while powering up an amplifier device, the amplifier device charging an input capacitance in at least one input line during the powering up, the charging being subject to a time constant established by the input capacitance in cooperation with an input resistance in the at least one input line, includes: a resistive load switchingly coupled with at least a portion of the input resistance in the at least one input line. The switchingly coupling is effected during at least a portion of the powering up.

Abstract: Latch-up preventing circuits and methods are provided for ESD protection cells. A method of preventing latch-up in an ESD protection cell is described which includes monitoring the ESD protection cell to detect the activation of the ESD protection cell in response to an ESD event. After detection of the activation of the ESD protection cell, the supply current to the ESD protection cell is turned off, preventing latch-up. Circuit embodiments are described in which ESD protection circuits include are provided with a detection and reset circuit. The circuit is adapted to turn off the supply current to the ESD protection cell upon the detection of the activation of the ESD cell.