Abstract: A power efficient circuit for charging the gate of a transistor switch to a charge-pumped voltage level in excess of a supply rail voltage is provided. The circuit includes a current-controlled oscillator which generates an oscillating waveform that drives a capacitive charge-pump circuit. The circuit monitors the gate voltage of the transistor switch and reduces the frequency of the oscillating waveform, thereby reducing power consumption, when the gate voltage exceeds a frequency switching value indicating that the transistor switch has been sufficiently turned so as to allow the circuit to enter a micropower mode.

Abstract: A power efficient circuit for charging the gate of a transistor switch to a charge-pumped voltage level in excess of a supply rail voltage is provided. The circuit includes a current-controlled oscillator which generates an oscillating waveform that drives a capacitive charge-pump circuit. The circuit monitors the gate voltage of the transistor switch and reduces the frequency of the oscillating waveform, thereby reducing power consumption, when the gate voltage exceeds a frequency switching value indicating that the transistor switch has been sufficiently turned so as to allow the circuit to enter a micropower mode.

Abstract: An automotive voltage regulator is disclosed to have plural regulated outputs using a transient protected isolator output stage (TPIOS) that prevents a system fault condition on any one output from adversely affecting the other outputs. In an automotive environment employing a nominal 14-volt supply, an individual output can be taken from -4 to +26 volts without causing damage or having any significant reaction on the non-faulted outputs. The circuit employs a relatively small NPN output pass transistor and, therefore, requires a relatively low value stabilizing bypass capacitor.

Abstract: A CMOS structure is employed to create an isolated large area power output transistor along with a voltage multiplier that acts to develop an overdrive bias in response to clock pulses. The circuit can be employed to couple a relatively low power supply voltage to an output terminal while encountering a small voltage drop across the power transistor.

Abstract: A pair of voltage triplers are formed in a C/DMOS circuit along with a self-isolated DMOS transistor. The voltage triplers are driven in phase opposition from the system clock and their outputs commonly drive the gate of the DMOS transistor which acts as the pass element in a voltage regulator. A control circuit includes a reference voltage generator and a differential amplifier that senses a fraction of the d-c output voltage. The amplifier has an output coupled to the DMOS gate thereby to create a stabilizing negative feedback loop. The voltage triplers overdrive the DMOS transistor so the dropout voltage is low and the full wave rectifier action will double the clock frequency for easier filtering.

Abstract: A latching comparator circuit with hysteresis, including bi-state circuit means responsive to an input signal and to a reference signal for, while in a first state, changing to a second state when the input signal has a first predetermined relationship with the reference signal, and for, while in the second state, changing to the first state when the input signal has a second predetermined relationship with the reference signal. Latch means is included for connection with the bi-state circuit means and is responsive to a control signal for preventing the bi-state circuit means from changing from one of the two states to the other of the two states after the bi-state circuit means changes to the other of the two states.

Abstract: An IC voltage regulator having a low dropout voltage is disclosed. A pass transistor driver is described in which the regulator quiescent current is reduced to a very small value.