Abstract: Disclosed is a load pump type of voltage generator circuit designed to produce several levels of voltage higher than a supply voltage of the circuit. The circuit comprises two cascades of elementary pumping cells. Each cell is controlled by at least one driving signal. To make the two cascades work together, it is planned to modify the driving signal or one of the driving signals assigned to the last cell of the first cascade in such a way that the first cascade delivers a voltage equal to the sum of the voltages delivered by the two cascades. In a particular embodiment, the two cascades comprise the same number of cells and can work in parallel. Application to the field of non-volatile memories for the production of read and write voltages.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided, for use with a portable authorization key, such as a "Personal Area Network" (PAN) device, wherein the PAN device is to be carried by a human user and to be used for authorization for the user's use of equipment, such as a computer. Further, the mechanism of the invention is for use in situations where the user is to remain in close proximity to the equipment for a moderate-to-long period of time. The mechanism provides a physical interface for direct coupling with the PAN device. The interface includes a recharge power coupling. When the user begins a session of use of the equipment, HE gets out the PAN device and places it at the physical interface. Authorization to use the equipment is provided through the direct contact. Further, the equipment provides recharge power to the PAN device. Thus, the mechanism of the invention takes advantage of the extended period of time the user remains in close proximity to the equipment, to provide convenient recharging of the PAN device.