Abstract: The configurations of a switching regulator and the controlling methods thereof are provided. The proposed switching regulator includes a pulse-width modulation controller generating a pulse train, an output driver receiving the pulse train and generating a driving signal so as to turn an external switch on/off, and a tri-mode clock controller including a system clock generating a clock signal to control a timing of the pulse train and a tri-mode circuitry receiving a feedback signal of an output voltage across an external load and generating a control signal to control a frequency of the clock signal according to the feedback signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include short circuit protection techniques. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a short circuit protection circuit wherein circuit an output terminal of an electronic circuit is compared against another node in the circuit that should have a complementary signal during normal operation. If the signals are not complementary, then a disable signal may be generated and the electronic circuit may be turned off.

Abstract: Methods of efficiently and accurately heating a semiconductor device in a standard (i.e. room temperature) handler are provided. In one embodiment, an infrared light source can be focused on the device to heat its chip. In another embodiment, the substrate diode in the device can be forward biased to heat the chip. Advantageously, the forward voltage of the substrate diode has a direct relationship with chip temperature. This relationship can be determined based on a characterization of an exemplary device type. Therefore, measuring the forward voltage can provide an accurate derivation of chip temperature. Heating of the device using a focused light source or substrate diode can be done immediately prior to testing, thereby providing an extremely time efficient way to test the device under high temperature conditions.

Abstract: Multiple CCFL circuits having pairs of CCFLs are described. Notably, for each CCFL, its output terminal can be directly returned to a system ground. A single ground bus servicing all CCFLs can significantly simplify wiring, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. For each transformer in the multiple CCFL circuit, its secondary winding outputs can be connected to the input terminals of a pair of CCFLs. For secondary winding terminals not connected to the CCFLs, each such terminal can be connected to ground, another secondary winding terminal, or a current sensing element. Advantageously, connections between secondary windings can be made out of phase.

Abstract: A CCFL can exhibit different strike characteristics depending on age and temperature. A CCFL in a direct driven CCFL circuit that is difficult to strike can appear to be malfunctioning using a standard start up operation. A controlled start up allows additional opportunities for a slow striking CCFL to strike. In one embodiment, the CCFL of the direct drive CCFL circuit can be initially driven at a switching frequency substantially different than a resonant frequency. Based on certain conditions, the switching frequency can subsequently be allowed to approach resonant frequency in a controlled manner. If the driving frequency reaches the resonant frequency of the CCFL during a set time period, then the CCFL can enter into steady state operation. At this point, the same conditions can be monitored to identify fault conditions in the direct drive CCFL circuit.

Abstract: A CCFL can exhibit different strike characteristics depending on age and temperature. A CCFL in a direct driven CCFL circuit that is difficult to strike can appear to be malfunctioning using a standard start up operation. A controlled start up allows additional opportunities for a slow striking CCFL to strike. In one embodiment, the CCFL of the direct drive CCFL circuit can be initially driven at a switching frequency substantially different than a resonant frequency. Based on certain conditions, the switching frequency can subsequently be allowed to approach resonant frequency in a controlled manner. If the driving frequency reaches the resonant frequency of the CCFL during a set time period, then the CCFL can enter into steady state operation. At this point, the same conditions can be monitored to identify fault conditions in the direct drive CCFL circuit.

Abstract: To efficiently and cost-effectively produce a light source, a CCFL circuit can include a PMOS transistor, first and second NMOS transistors, and a high turns ratio transformer. The transformer can include a primary coil having a center tap, thereby forming first and second primary windings, as well as a secondary coil. The PMOS transistor can be connected to the center tap for driving the transformer. The first and second NMOS transistors can be connected to the first and second primary windings, respectively. Of importance, the first primary winding is tightly coupled to the second primary winding, whereas the first and second primary windings are loosely coupled to the secondary coil.

Abstract: A frequency provided to power a cold cathode fluorescent light (CCFL) circuit is based on a duty cycle of a driving waveform to the CCFL circuit, wherein the duty cycle of the driving waveform is approximately 50%.

Abstract: Two independent control variables, i.e. the frequency and the duty cycle of the driving waveform to an output driver, can be used to optimize the operation of a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). The frequency of the driving waveform can be used to control the gain of a piezoelectric transformer (PZT) in a CCFL circuit. In contrast, the duty cycle of the driving waveform can be used to control the amplitude of the sinusoidal waveform at the PZT input terminal, and thus the current through the CCFL.

Abstract: A frequency provided to power a cold cathode fluorescent light (CCFL) circuit is based on a duty cycle of a driving waveform to the CCFL circuit, wherein the duty cycle of the driving waveform is approximately 50%.

Abstract: Methods of efficiently and accurately heating a semiconductor device in a standard (i.e. room temperature) handler are provided. In one embodiment, an infrared light source can be focused on the device to heat its chip. In another embodiment, the substrate diode in the device can be forward biased to heat the chip. Advantageously, the forward voltage of the substrate diode has a direct relationship with chip temperature. This relationship can be determined based on a characterization of an exemplary device type. Therefore, measuring the forward voltage can provide an accurate derivation of chip temperature. Heating of the device using a focused light source or substrate diode can be done immediately prior to testing, thereby providing an extremely time efficient way to test the device under high temperature conditions.

Abstract: A charge pump system and method including a charge pump and a pulse width modulated (PWM) controller are provided. The charge pump includes a pump capacitor, a reservoir capacitor, and pump circuitry. During a first phase, the pump circuit couples the pump capacitor between a first supply voltage and a second supply voltage. During a second phase, the pump circuit couples the pump capacitor and the reservoir capacitor in series between the first supply voltage and an output terminal of the charge pump system. The PWM controller, which is coupled to the pump circuitry, determines the phase of the charge pump.

Abstract: A charge pump system and method including a charge pump and a pulse width modulated (PWM) controller are provided. The charge pump includes a pump capacitor, a reservoir capacitor, and pump circuitry. During a first phase, the pump circuit couples the pump capacitor between a first supply voltage and a second supply voltage. During a second phase, the pump circuit couples the pump capacitor and the reservoir capacitor in series between the first supply voltage and an output terminal of the charge pump system. The PWM controller, which is coupled to the pump circuitry, determines the phase of the charge pump.

Abstract: To efficiently and cost-effectively produce a light source, a CCFL circuit can include a PMOS transistor, first and second NMOS transistors, and a high turns ratio transformer. The transformer can include a primary coil having a center tap, thereby forming first and second primary windings, as well as a secondary coil. The PMOS transistor can be connected to the center tap for driving the transformer. The first and second NMOS transistors can be connected to the first and second primary windings, respectively. Of importance, the first primary winding is tightly coupled to the second primary winding, whereas the first and second primary windings are loosely coupled to the secondary coil.

Abstract: An improved level shifter circuit that toggles a “flying Flip-Flop” comprising a cross-coupled inverter pair with control devices driven out of phase through a pair of cascode transistors. The cross-coupled inverter pair provides pull-up to the positive rail, clamping to a High Side-Common (HSC), and providing Hysteretic Switching. The cascode transistors restrict the pull-down of the control devices, thereby preventing continuous current conduction.