Abstract: A low voltage testing circuit (125), system (100 and 200), and method for performing low-voltage testing of a circuit (127) in an integrated circuit package (104 and 204) include a selectable threshold reset circuit (125) that includes a voltage-divider ladder (320) that produces a voltage that is a fraction of a power supply voltage, a comparator (310) that compares the fraction with a reference voltage, a switch (350) that controls topology of the voltage-divider ladder thereby changing a value of the fraction, the switch controlled by a signal from a production tester (102 and 202), the signal causing a reset threshold of the selectable threshold reset circuit to be reduced below a normal reset threshold to allow testing of the circuit at a power supply voltage below the normal reset threshold.

Abstract: A low voltage testing circuit (125), system (100 and 200), and method for performing low-voltage testing of a circuit (127) in an integrated circuit package (104 and 204) include a selectable threshold reset circuit (125) that includes a voltage-divider ladder (320) that produces a voltage that is a fraction of a power supply voltage, a comparator (310) that compares the fraction with a reference voltage, a switch (350) that controls topology of the voltage-divider ladder thereby changing a value of the fraction, the switch controlled by a signal from a production tester (102 and 202), the signal causing a reset threshold of the selectable threshold reset circuit to be reduced below a normal reset threshold to allow testing of the circuit at a power supply voltage below the normal reset threshold.

Abstract: An electronic device can be used with a system, such as an ignition system, that operates a relatively high voltage. The device can include a signal clamping control module that can include a signal reference module and a feedback control module. The signal reference module is operable to provide a reference signal to the feedback control module. The feedback control can be configured to receive a scaled signal from a signal scaling module, wherein the scaled signal is representative of a signal at a current carrying electrode of a power transistor. Based on the comparison of the reference signal to the scaled signal, the measurement module provides one or more signals to a control signal drive module. The feedback control module provides a control electrode signal to a control electrode of the power transistor.

Abstract: A filled-core optical fiber (100) spliced to conventional, solid core optical transmission fiber (175) and a related method of making the same are provided. The optical fiber (100) comprises a core region (140), a cladding ring (120) enclosing the core region (120), and an outer cladding layer (160). A fill hole (115) is formed in the optical fiber (100) which extends from an outer sidewall (110) to the core region (140). The fill hole (115) is for introducing optical material (165) into the core region (140). The optical material (165) is introduced into the core region (140) after opposing ends (121, 122) of the optical fiber (100) are spliced to the free ends (176, 176) of conventional, solid core optical transmission fiber (175). The optical material (165) is introduced into core region (140) after splicing to avoid damage to the optical material (165) due to exposure to high temperatures generated during splicing.

Abstract: An electronic device can be used with a system, such as an ignition system, that operates a relatively high voltage. The device can include a signal clamping control module that can include a signal reference module and a feedback control module. The signal reference module is operable to provide a reference signal to the feedback control module. The feedback control can be configured to receive a scaled signal from a signal scaling module, wherein the scaled signal is representative of a signal at a current carrying electrode of a power transistor. Based on the comparison of the reference signal to the scaled signal, the measurement module provides one or more signals to a control signal drive module. The feedback control module provides a control electrode signal to a control electrode of the power transistor.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes first and second MOS transistors and a bipolar transistor. The first MOS transistor has a first conductivity type and has a drain coupled to a first power supply voltage terminal, a gate for receiving a first bias voltage, and a source. The second MOS transistor has a second conductivity type and has a source coupled to the first power supply voltage terminal, a drain coupled to the source of the first MOS transistor, and a gate for receiving a second bias voltage. The bipolar transistor has a collector coupled to the source of the first MOS transistor, a base for receiving a third bias voltage, and an emitter for providing an output voltage. The first MOS transistor and the second MOS transistor control a voltage level at the collector of the bipolar transistor in response to a varying power supply voltage provided to the first power supply voltage terminal.

Abstract: System and method protects power drivers (10) and (12) that are used for airbag deployment. Temperature sensors (38) are strategically located on the integrated circuit (36) to detect temperature levels in power drivers (10) and (12). When the temperature in the power drivers (10) and (12) reaches a maximum level, an output is provided to logic block (26). Current detecting circuit (24) provides an output when the current flowing in power driver (10) reaches a desired level. Timing circuit (28) is activated when it receives the output from current detecting circuit (24). At the expiration of the time, timing circuit (28) provides an output to logic block (26). When logic block (26) receives both outputs, logic block (26) shuts drivers (10) and (12) down. When temperature sensors (38) detects that the temperature in integrated circuit (36) has reached a minimum level, logic block (26) reactivates drivers (10) and (12).

Abstract: System and method protects power drivers (10) and (12) that are used for airbag deployment. Temperature sensors (38) are strategically located on the integrated circuit (36) to detect temperature levels in power drivers (10) and (12). When the temperature in the power drivers (10) and (12) reaches a maximum level, an output is provided to logic block (26). Current detecting circuit (24) provides an output when the current flowing in power driver (10) reaches a desired level. Timing circuit (28) is activated when it receives the output from current detecting circuit (24). At the expiration of the time, timing circuit (28) provides an output to logic block (26). When logic block (26) receives both outputs, logic block (26) shuts drivers (10) and (12) down. When temperature sensors (38) detects that the temperature in integrated circuit (36) has reached a minimum level, logic block (26) reactivates drivers (10) and (12).

Abstract: A voltage regulator which has two regulation circuits and a comparator for controlling the two regulation circuits is disclosed. The input of the comparator is connected to a power supply voltage such that the output of the comparator changes states when the power supply voltage reaches a predetermined voltage of around 8 volts. The first regulation circuit is enabled to provide the Vcc from the battery voltage until the power supply voltage reaches around 8 volts which is when the comparator changes states. At that point, the first regulation is disabled and the second regulation circuit is enabled to provide the Vcc voltage from the power supply voltage. Since the power supply voltage never reaches the load dump high voltages, the second pass transistors never gets exposed to a high voltage condition. Also, the first transistor can withstand higher voltages since its base is grounded.

Abstract: A voltage regulator with load pole stabilization is disclosed. An error amplifier has a non-inverting input receiving a reference voltage and an inverting input receiving a feedback voltage from the output of the voltage regulator. A gain stage has an input connected to the output of the error amplifier and an output connected to a pass transistor that provides current to a load. A variable impedance device such as a FET transistor configured as a variable resistor is connected between the input and output of the gain stage to provide variable zero to cancel the varying pole when the output current drawn by the load fluctuates. Consequently, the disclosed voltage regulator has high stability without a significant increase in power dissipation.

Abstract: A voltage regulator with load pole stabilization is disclosed. The voltage regulator consists of an error amplifier, an integrator which includes a switched capacitor, a pass transistor, and a feedback circuit. In one embodiment, the integrator circuit includes an amplifier, a capacitor, and a switched capacitor which is driven by a voltage controlled oscillator. The voltage controlled oscillator changes its frequency of oscillation proportional to the output current. In another embodiment, the switched capacitor is driven by a current controlled oscillator whose frequency of oscillation is also proportional to the output current of the voltage regulator. When the output current demand is large, the controlled oscillators increase the frequency which decreases the effective resistance of the switched capacitor thereby changing the frequency of the zero to respond to the change in the load pole.

Abstract: A voltage regulator with load pole stabilization is disclosed. An error amplifier has a non-inverting input receiving a reference voltage and an inverting input receiving a feedback voltage from the output of the voltage regulator. A gain stage has an input connected to the output of the error amplifier and an output connected to a pass transistor that provides current to a load. A variable impedance device such as a FET transistor configured as a variable resistor is connected between the input and output of the gain stage to provide variable zero to cancel the varying pole when the output current drawn by the load fluctuates. Consequently, the disclosed voltage regulator has high stability without a significant increase in power dissipation.

Abstract: A voltage regulator with load pole stabilization is disclosed. The voltage regulator consists of an output stage, a comparator stage, and an active load. The active load draws current from the output of the voltage regulator inversely proportional to the current demand on the voltage regulator. When the output current demand is low, the active load draws relatively low current. When the output current demand is large, the active load draws a relatively large amount of current. Consequently, the disclosed voltage regulator has high stability without consuming excess power.

Abstract: A current limiting circuit used with voltage regulators or other similar circuits is disclosed. The current limiting circuit uses two transistors, configured as a differential pair, combined with a fixed current source to limit the current available to a pass transistor of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: An inductive load driver is constructed with a driving means (205), responsive to a control input (211). The driving means (205) provides energy to an inductive load (203) and then prevents the providing of energy to the inductive load (203). The inductive load (203) reflects the previously provided energy to the driving means (205) when the driving means (205) is preventing the providing of energy. A control means adjusts the energy to the inductive load (203) responsive to the reflected energy provided by the inductive load (203).

Abstract: An automotive electronic module (22) including a sealing arrangement having a power transistor (4) attached to a printed circuit board (2); a sealing compound layer (18) encapsulating the transistor; a heat sink (8) contacting the transistor and extending through the sealing compound at a surface of the sealing compound remote from the transistor; and a flange (10) formed of flexible material secured to the heat sink and extending into the sealing compound from beyond the surface. The flange prevents loss of adhesion due to differential thermal expansion between the sealing compound and the heat sink (which could create a path for water ingress) by (i) intercepting the force caused by thermal contraction of the sealing compound, (ii) providing increased surface area for the sealing compound to adhere to, and (iii) re-distributing the thermal contraction force through its flexibility and that of the potting compound and the increased surface area of adhesion.

Abstract: Elongated tubular elements containing burnable absorber material are clustered in an array to provide a burnable absorber assembly for insertion within one or more guide thimbles of a fuel assembly for controlling reactivity. The burnable absorber assembly, in alternative embodiments, include three tubular elements in triangular relationship and four tubular elements in rectangular relationship. The use of the burnable absorber assembly within the guide thimbles of a fuel assembly results in increased core thermal margin, minimization of end of cycle reactivity penalty, increase in operating cycle length before required refueling, and the ability to utilize burnable absorber assemblies having different strengths at different locations within the fuel assembly for controlling fuel assemblies having significant power gradients, as well as finer control of radial powered distribution and thus achieving lower peaking factors.