Patents Assigned to Monolithic Power Systems
  • Publication number: 20130077364
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Urienza, Yiqing Jin
  • Publication number: 20130070485
    Abstract: A switching power converter with an input terminal configured to receive a first input voltage; an output terminal configured to provide an output current to a load, wherein the output current has a peak value and an average value; a power switch; a first loop coupled to the input terminal, wherein the first loop configured to generate a first output signal based on the first input voltage; a second loop configured to generate a second output signal based on the output current; a multiplier configured to generate a multiplying signal based on multiplying the first output signal with the second output signal; and a driving circuit configured to generate a driving signal based on the multiplying signal to control the power switch, so as to reduce the ratio between the peak value and the average value of the output current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yike Li, Paul Ueunten
  • Patent number: 8400778
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Hsing, Anthonius Bakker
  • Patent number: 8400790
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Junming Zhang, Yuancheng Ren, Lei Miao, Zhaoqi Mao
  • Patent number: 8400129
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Qian Ouyang
  • Patent number: 8395368
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Qian Ouyang
  • Patent number: 8390969
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8391030
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: En Li, Junming Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130044521
    Abstract: A switching power supply comprising a switching circuit and a controller. The controller comprises a preprocessing circuit, a first multiplier, a first comparing circuit and a logic circuit. The controller comprises a preprocessing circuit, a first multiplier, a first comparing circuit and a logic circuit. The preprocessing circuit generates a first multiplication input signal based on the input voltage and output voltage of the switching circuit. The first multiplier multiplies the first multiplication input signal by a second multiplication input signal and generates a first product signal. The first comparing circuit compares a current sensing signal representative of the input current with the first product signal and generates a first comparison signal. The logic circuit turns off a main switch in the switching circuit when the current sensing signal is larger than the first product signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiming Zhao, Fei Xiong, Jianyu Xie, Xue Jiang, Yimin Liang
  • Publication number: 20130038301
    Abstract: A converter control circuit for converting an input voltage to an output voltage comprises: an error amplifier, coupled to an output voltage or a feedback output signal from the output voltage, and a reference signal, operable to generate an error signal accordingly; a ramp signal generator, generating a first ramp signal and a second ramp signal; a first comparator, coupled to the error signal and the first ramp signal, operable to generate a first comparing signal accordingly; a second comparator, coupled to the error signal and the second ramp signal, operable to generate a second comparing signal accordingly; and a control signal generator, coupled to the first comparing signal and the second comparing signal, operable to generate a control signal to turn switches in the converter circuit ON and OFF accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qian Ouyang, Wei Yuan
  • Publication number: 20130038302
    Abstract: A control circuit of a DC/DC converter, wherein the DC/DC converter further comprises a high-side switch and a low-side switch, and wherein the DC/DC converter provides an output signal to a load. The control circuit comprises: an amplifier configured to receive a feedback signal and a reference signal to provide an error signal; a ramp generator configured to provide a ramp signal; a comparator configured to receive the ramp signal and the error signal to provide a comparison signal; and a COT generator configured to receive the comparison signal, to provide a COT signal to control the high-side switch and the low-side switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ouyang Qian, Wei Yuan
  • Publication number: 20130038316
    Abstract: A power loss control method comprises detecting a load condition of the MOS unit, and adjusting driving loss of the MOS unit based on the load condition. The driving loss of the MOS unit is configured to decrease when the MOS unit is at light load condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Qian Ouyang
  • Patent number: 8373349
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Junming Zhang, Jiali Cai, Lei Du, Yuancheng Ren, Eric Yang
  • Patent number: 8368320
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Naixing Kuang, Lei Du, Yuancheng Ren
  • Patent number: 8368167
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Urienza
  • Patent number: 8361899
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hunt Hang Jiang
  • Publication number: 20130020960
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply comprising a driver and a charge pump. The driver is configured to provide a driving signal to a load. The charge pump comprises a first capacitor coupled to the load in parallel, at least one flying capacitor, a second capacitor and a switch array comprising a plurality of switches. The switch array is coupled to the first capacitor, the second capacitor and the at least one flying capacitor. The switch array receives the voltage across the first capacitor and controls the charge and discharge of the at least one flying capacitor, so as to make the voltage across the second capacitor be larger than the voltage across the first capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuancheng Ren
  • Publication number: 20130020945
    Abstract: A LED driver comprising: a power switch; a transformer comprising a primary winding coupled to the power switch, a secondary winding and a third winding; a current sense circuit configured to sense a current flowing through the power switch and generates a current sense signal; a zero cross detecting circuit configured to detect a current flowing through the secondary winding, and generates a zero cross detecting signal; a compensation circuit configured to compensate the current sense signal based on the current flowing through the third winding; a control circuit configured to receive the compensated current sense signal and the zero cross detecting signal, and wherein the control circuit generates a control signal to control the power switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naixing Kuang, Haigang Cao, Zhijun Ye
  • Patent number: 8354799
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Yang, Kaiwei Yao
  • Publication number: 20130009617
    Abstract: The present application discloses a control circuit of a switching power converter, wherein the switching power converter comprises a power switch, and is configured to convert an input voltage into an output voltage, the control circuit comprises: a first time generating circuit configured to generate a first time signal; a phase lock circuit configured to generate a second time signal; and a switching signal generating circuit configured to generate a switching signal to control the ON and OFF switching of the power switch. The phase lock circuit generates the second time signal in accordance with the frequency difference between the switching signal and a reference clock signal, so as to get the frequency of the switching signal to be substantially equal to the frequency of the reference clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaoyu Xi, Paul Ueunten