Abstract: A switching regulator (2-5) supplies a controllable stable average current to a load (1), such as series-connected light emitting diodes. A regulator controller (2) includes a hysteretic comparator (12, 30) which controls a switch in the form of a transistor (15) for switching current into an inductor (3). The comparator (12) has upper and lower thresholds. A first circuit comprising a fast current monitor (6) supplies a first signal to the comparator representing the instantaneous current in the inductor (3). A second circuit (36, 37, 41, and 42) supplies a second signal to the comparator representing an error between a desired regulator output and an actual regulator output.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first transistor where the base of the first transistor is coupled to an input node. A second transistor is provided where the emitter of the first transistor is coupled to the base of the second transistor and the emitter of the second transistor is coupled to an output node. A third transistor is provided where the base of the third transistor is coupled to the input node. A fourth transistor is provided where the emitter of the third transistor is coupled to the base of the fourth transistor and the emitter of the fourth transistor is coupled to the output node and the base of the second transistor is coupled to the base of the fourth transistor. The base of the second transistor is coupled to the base of the fourth transistor through a shorting link.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes forming a base region for a transistor using a base mask and forming a contact region to the base region. The contact region is formed in an area that is at least partially outside of the base mask. The method then forms an emitter region in a diffused base region. The base region diffuses outwardly to be formed under the contact region.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes forming a first pad for coupling to a first terminal of a first transistor of a monolithic darlington transistor configuration and forming a second pad for coupling to a first terminal of a second transistor of the monolithic darlington transistor configuration. The method then forms a third pad for coupling to an external component for the monolithic darlington transistor configuration. The third pad is coupled to a second terminal of the first transistor and a second terminal of the second transistor of the monolithic darlington transistor configuration.

Abstract: A method for forming a rectifier device is provided. The method forms a first layer on a substrate, a second layer is formed on the first layer and a photoresist layer is deposited on the second layer in which a plurality of trench patterns are formed. A plurality of trenches are formed in the first layer and the second layer by etching based on the trench patterns in the photoresist. The method then laterally etches the second layer to expose a corner portion of the first layer at mesas formed in between the two trenches. A portion of the second layer is preserved at an edge of the rectifier device.

Abstract: A switching regulator (2-5) supplies a controllable stable average current to a load (1), such as series-connected light emitting diodes. A regulator controller (2) includes a hysteretic comparator (12, 30) which controls a switch in the form of a transistor (15) for switching current into an inductor (3). The comparator (12) has upper and lower thresholds. A first circuit comprising a fast current monitor (6) supplies a first signal to the comparator representing the instantaneous current in the inductor (3). A second circuit (36, 37, 41, and 42) supplies a second signal to the comparator representing an error between a desired regulator output and an actual regulator output.