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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: Several embodiments of microelectronic packages with enhanced heat dissipation and associated methods of manufacturing are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a microelectronic package includes a semiconductor die having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and a lead frame proximate the semiconductor die. The lead frame has a lead finger electrically coupled to the first side of the semiconductor die. The microelectronic package also includes an encapsulant at least partially encapsulating the semiconductor die and the lead frame. The encapsulant does not cover at least a portion of the second side of the semiconductor die.

Abstract: Switching mode power supplies (SMPS) that can operate in a control mode for a normal load condition and operate with a burst-mode controller for a light load condition are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for controlling the switching mode power supply includes when the load is in a light load condition, the switching mode power supply is controlled by a burst-mode controller.

Abstract: Various embodiments of LED drivers and associated methods of are described below. In one embodiment, a method for controlling an LED driver includes receiving a reference voltage, receiving a feedback voltage from said LED driver, receiving said input voltage as a first feed forward voltage and said output voltage as a second feed forward voltage, generating a hysteretic width based on said first feed forward voltage and said second feed forward voltage, and generating a hysteretic band voltage using said hysteretic width and said reference voltage. The method also includes generating a first control signal for controlling said LED driver based on said hysteretic band voltage and said feedback voltage, inverting said first control signal to generate a second control signal for controlling said LED driver, and achieving a generally fixed frequency for said LED driver.

Abstract: A silicon-on-insulator device with a with buried depletion shield layer.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for a switching mode power supply. In one example, the switching mode power supply may include a transformer, a switching circuit and a switching control circuit. The transformer receives a DC input voltage on a primary winding and generates a DC output voltage on a secondary winding. The switching circuit, which may include a MOSFET switch, is coupled to the transformer and is configured to switch the transformer on and off. The switching control circuit generates a switching control signal to control the switching circuit in order to regulate the DC output voltage of the transformer.

Abstract: An LED circuit is disclosed. The circuit senses the average current flowing through the LED. The sensed signal is compensated and modulated. The modulated signal is then used to control the ON/OFF state of a switch that supplies power to the LED.

Abstract: A frequency limitation method used in quasi-resonant control of a switching regulator is disclosed. The switching frequency is limited through setting a minimum time limit, such as a minimum switching period or a minimum OFF time. The minimum time limit may be a first time limit or a second time limit. The minimum time limit is changed into another value if the minimum voltage point approaches the minimum time limit point, so as to eliminate the audible noise.