Abstract: In one embodiment, a current sensing circuit includes a differential current sensing amplifier adapted for sensing a voltage drop across a main transistor, the differential current sensing amplifier being adapted for providing a switched current output to a timing circuit which is adapted for providing a timing signal to one or more switching current sample-and-hold circuits based on a current waveform of the switched current output, and the one or more switching current sample-and-hold circuits, each of which are adapted for producing a substantially continuous output current. In another embodiment, a method for detecting a current includes driving a main transistor with a first current, driving one or more sensing transistors with a second current, measuring a sensing inductor current of the one or more sensing transistors, and determining the first current based on the sensing inductor current, wherein the sensing inductor current is related to the first current.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a modular master chip includes an output module, a phase control module in communication with the output module, the phase control module including a master chip switch, wherein the phase control module is adapted for regulating the master chip switch at one or more interleaved clock speeds with one or more phase shifts, and a control module in communication with the output module and the phase control module, the control module being adapted for monitoring an amount of current drawn by a current load, determining one or more interleaved clock speeds, sending the one or more interleaved clock speeds, and regulating a scalable amount of current supplied to the current load by adjusting a number of output modules contributing to the scalable amount of current supplied to the current load. More methods and systems are described according to other embodiments.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods related to controlling multiple strings of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are disclosed. An apparatus may include internal current limiter circuits that are each coupled in series with an associated string of LEDs and are configured to at least partially regulate the current through the associated string of LEDs. The apparatus may also be configured to control external current limiter circuits that are each coupled in series with a corresponding internal current limiter circuit and the string of LEDs associated with the corresponding internal current limiter circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a power converter providing a low output voltage from an offline AC. The power converter defines a voltage window for the input AC signal. Inside the voltage window, the rectified DC waveform is passed through to the output and the storage capacitor; outside the voltage window, the power converter is idle (or the output is blocked from input) and let the output storage capacitor alone supply the load.

Abstract: A multi-phase voltage regulator is disclosed where each phase is comprised of an array of high and low side transistors that are integrated onto a single substrate. Further, a system of mounting the voltage regulator onto a flip chip and lead frame is disclosed wherein the source and drain lines form an interdigital pattern.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a light load control circuit and the method accordingly where the synchronous rectification is latched off selectively according to the gate voltage of the synchronous rectifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptive constant on-time switching regulator which comprises a switching circuit, a control circuit, and an output circuit. The control circuit controls the switches in the switching circuit to be turned on for an adaptive constant time, and be turned off for a minimum time.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adaptive voltage position DC-DC regulator and the method thereof, the regulator comprising a main circuit and a control circuit which includes a sensing unit, a feedback unit, a comparing unit, a PWM generator and a driver. The regulator realizes the adaptive voltage position control with simple internal circuit and fewer pins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smoke-free ESD protection structure used in integrated circuit devices. A JFET or n-channel MOS transistor is coupled between an I/O pad, and a transistor and diode, wherein the JFET or n-channel MOS transistor limits the current flowing through the diode and transistor to prevent the integrated circuit device from heating up and catching on fire or smoke during the smoke test. Moreover, the integrated circuit device will not be damaged by the smoke test.

Abstract: Switching mode power supplies and associated methods of control are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for controlling a switching mode power supply includes determining whether the switching mode power supply is in a burst mode. If the switching mode power supply is in the burst mode, the method includes recording a switching time with and without switching pulses to obtain a current value of an equivalent frequency and generating a peak current limit that decreases as a load becomes lighter based on the equivalent frequency, thereby maintaining the equivalent frequency at the current value above an audible range. If the switching mode power supply is not in the burst mode, the method includes continuing to monitor whether the switching mode power supply is in the burst mode.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling the switch frequency of an inverter that strikes and drives fluorescent lamps is disclosed. The circuit comprises a frequency generator and an offset circuit. The offset circuit provides a current signal in response to the lamp status. The frequency generator provides a frequency control signal in respond to the current signal so as to control the switch frequency of the inverter. When the lamp is open, the switch frequency of the inverter is higher; when the lamp is lighted, the switch frequency of the inverter is lower.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention disclose a semiconductor device and a method for forming the semiconductor device. Wherein the semiconductor comprises: a first semiconductor layer, having a first conductivity type on a semiconductor substrate, a guard ring region, formed in the surface of the first semiconductor layer, having a second conductivity type; a Schottky diode metal contact, coupled to the first semiconductor layer, wherein the guard ring region is at periphery of the Schottky diode interface, and wherein the Schottky diode metal contact has no direct electrical connection with the guard ring region; and an electrical resistance module, coupled between the Schottky diode metal contact and the guard ring. Due to the ballasting effect from the electrical resistance module, the minority injection or the parasitic transistor action are alleviated. Thus, forward current capability is extended without introducing significant minority injection.

Abstract: Methods and circuits for CCFL driving circuit control are disclosed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the methods and circuits for CCFL driving circuit control provide a control signal for regulating both the duty ratio and frequency of the switching control signal that controls the CCFL driving circuit. External components for control loop compensation and frequency sweeping rate, and/or striking frequency setting may also be utilized.

Abstract: Processes of assembling microelectronic packages with lead frames and/or other suitable substrates are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a semiconductor assembly includes forming an attachment area and a non-attachment area on a lead finger of a lead frame. The attachment area is more wettable to the solder ball than the non-attachment area during reflow. The method also includes contacting a solder ball carried by a semiconductor die with the attachment area of the lead finger, reflowing the solder ball while the solder ball is in contact with the attachment area of the lead finger, and controllably collapsing the solder ball to establish an electrical connection between the semiconductor die and the lead finger of the lead frame.

Abstract: The present technology is generally related to LED bypass circuits and associated methods of operation. In one embodiment, an LED bypass circuit includes a monitoring circuit and a bypass switch. The monitoring circuit is coupled to the LED to monitor the differential voltage across the LED. The bypass switch is coupled to the LED in parallel. When an open status is detected by the monitoring circuit, the bypass switch is turned on to bypass the LED.

Abstract: A switching regulator with frequency limitation comprises a switch, a current sensing circuit, a voltage feedback circuit, a control circuit and a frequency limitation circuit. The current sensing circuit senses the current flowing through the switch and generating a current sensing signal representative of it. The voltage feedback circuit senses the output signal of the switching regulator and generates a feedback signal accordingly. The control circuit compares the current sensing signal with the feedback signal and turns off the switch based on the comparison result. The frequency limitation circuit is electrically coupled to the control circuit to limit the switching frequency of the switch.

Abstract: A switching power supply has an inductor that includes a coil. A chopper circuit chops the primary current drawn through the coil, for the inductor to output an induced current. A multifunction junction of the power supply has a multifunction voltage that is a function of a primary voltage that drives the coil. A first circuit suspends the chopping in response to a first sensed voltage crossing a first threshold, the first sensed voltage being a function of the multifunction voltage. A second circuit suspends the chopping in response to a second sensed voltage crossing a second threshold, the second threshold being a function of the multifunction voltage.

Abstract: A high-voltage LED drive scheme with multi-stage power regulation. The multi-stage power regulation applies two components of voltage to drive the LED strings. This scheme achieves high efficiency, small size and low cost.

Abstract: The present technology is related generally to vertical discrete devices with a trench at the topside of the vertical discrete devices. The trench is filled with a conducting material. In this approach, a drain or cathode of the vertical discrete devices is electrically connected to the topside to result in a small area with low RON*AREA.

Abstract: Power converters and associated methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a power converter includes a first switch and a second switch electrically coupled to the first switch in series. The first switch is electrically coupled to a first node and to a second node via the second switch. The power converter further includes a capacitor and a third switch electrically coupled to the first node and to the second node via the capacitor and the second switch. The third switch has a linear-active region of operation.