Abstract: A current source is selectively switched into the output circuit of a differential amplifier for producing hysteresis. In a circuit embodying the invention, a differential amplifier (diff-amp) stage operated at a first current level set by a first current source has first and second input terminals for the application therebetween of a differential input signal and first and second output nodes for the production of differential output signals. A second current source for inducing hysteresis is connected to one of the output nodes of the diff-amp and is selectively enabled. A differential input signal (VIN) is applied across the input terminals. When VIN varies in one direction and reaches a first threshold level, the second, hysteresis inducing, current source is enabled whereby a larger current can flow in the one node. VIN then has to vary in the opposite direction and reach a second threshold level to disable the second current source.

Abstract: A normally non-conducting control device whose turn-on threshold decreases with increasing temperature is supplied with a control voltage which increases with temperature for causing a more rapid increase in the conduction of the control device when a predetermined temperature is exceeded.

Abstract: A multiplexed sigma delta analog-to-digital (A/D) converter for low frequency applications has a single oversampling modulator together with a relatively high cutoff lowpass filter together with individual line frequency (50 or 60 Hz) rejection filters for each output channel.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for providing a current proportional to absolute temperature comprises circuitry for providing a first current exhibiting substantially zero temperature coefficient; circuitry for providing a second current exhibiting a negative temperature coefficient; and circuitry for summing the first and second currents for providing a third current proportional to absolute temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a capacitive switching network for producing signals of opposite polarity. In one embodiment of the invention, a first signal (V1) is applied to the first plate of a first capacitor (C1) and a second signal (V2) is applied to the first plate of a second capacitor (C2). The first plates of the first and second capacitors are then shorted together to produce a combined voltage (Vc). The generation of Vc causes an AC voltage equal to (Vc-V1) to be produced at the second plate of C1 and an AC voltage equal to (Vc-V2) to be produced at the second plate of C2. By way of example, for C1 equal to C2, there is produced a Vc equal to (V1+V2)/2. Furthermore, if V1 is greater than V2, a negative going AC signal equal to (VC-V1) is produced at the second plate of C1, and a positive going AC signal equal to (Vc-V2) is produced at the second plate of C2. The capacitive network of the invention is highly suited for use in high speed differential comparators.

Abstract: A non-linear current mirror amplifier includes a master diode-connected transistor in series with a resistor to provide a forward diode bias and a resistive drop. A slave transistor is forward biased by the forward diode bias and the resistive drop. A current splitter applies a fraction of an input current to the master diode-connected transistor.

Abstract: An amplifier includes first and second amplifying stages with the first amplifying stage having an inverting input, a non-inverting input and an intermediate output node at which is produced a signal responsive to signals applied to the inverting and non-inverting inputs. The second amplifying stage has an input connected to the intermediate output node and an output connected to an amplifier output terminal. A selectively enabled transmission gate is connected in series with a capacitor between the input and the output of the second amplifying stage. The selectively enabled transmission gate means, when enabled, functions as a resistance which in combination with the capacitor provides frequency compensation for the amplifier. When the transmission gate is disabled, it functions to disconnect one side of the capacitor and eliminates its loading effect on the amplifier stage.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an insulated gate field effect semiconductor device having self-aligned contact regions. The process avoids the need for a masking step for the application of interconnecting contacts by providing a dielectric material having a low melting point over the gate region of the semiconductor. The dielectric material is heated to its melting point such that it covers and encapsulates the gate. Contact material is then subsequently provided using the self-alignment feature of the melted dielectric which isolates the gate from the contacts.

Abstract: An improved switching arrangement for a direct coupled switching power supply is provided by utilizing a gate turn off SCR as the primary switching element and a second SCR as the turn-off control such that upon detection of any of a fully charged storage element, an excessive current through the gate turn off SCR, or an insufficient input voltage, the switch is turned off.