Abstract: A multiphase hybrid digital pulse width modulator can comprise a counter that is selectable between at least two different numbers of states to indicate a first portion of a switching period. Unclocked logic can indicate a second portion of the switching period. The unclocked logic can include a delay line.

Abstract: A voltage-to-time based windowed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can have programmable reference voltage, conversion time, and accuracy of voltage regulation. The ADC can be fully implemented on a small silicon area and is suitable for implementation in various integrated digital controllers for high-frequency low-power switch-mode power supplies (SMPS). The programmable characteristics can be achieved through the utilization of the inherent averaging effect of the delay line or of the other voltage-to-time conversion structures and through the adjustments of delay cells' propagation times or the effective voltage-to-time conversion ratio in alternative structures.

Abstract: A current mirror is used to bias an amplifier which is connected to a multiplier.

Abstract: A smart talk mechanism provides feedback information from a driver to a DC-to-DC converter, enabling the DC-to-DC converter to adjust an input voltage for at least one illumination source backlighting the display for increasing the power efficiency.

Abstract: A voltage reference forces a constant voltage at the inputs to an amplifier, thereby negating a need for a dummy detector on the non-active input of the amplifier.

Abstract: A current mirror is used to bias an amplifier which is connected to a multiplier.

Abstract: A laser diode driver device including fast-loop driver portion and a closed-loop driver portion to provide current to a laser diode.

Abstract: A hybrid digital pulse width modulator can have a delay line with digitally programmable delay cells. The digitally programmable delay cells can be adjusted by a digital correction signal from a delay matching circuit.

Abstract: A switching regulator target voltage is adjusted to a first value corresponding to a pre-charge voltage that is present at a regulator output terminal. The switching regulator responds to a comparison signal resulting from a comparison of the target voltage and a feedback voltage. When the switching regulator is on, the target voltage is adjusted to a second value corresponding to a nominal regulator output voltage. In one embodiment, a synchronous switch is disabled when a lockout circuit receives a disable signal. The lockout circuit is unlocked when an enable signal is provided by a switching controller.

Abstract: A digital power control device implemented on an integrated circuit includes analog to digital conversion circuitry configured to generate a digital signal from a received analog signal regulator, circuitry connectively coupled to the analog to digital conversion circuitry, the regulator circuitry configured to receive the digital signal and generate a digital duty cycle information signal, a plurality of pulse width modulation signal generators, each pulse width modulation signal generator configured to receive the digital duty cycle information signal and generate a high pulse width modulation signal and a low pulse width modulation signal, and control circuitry connectively coupled to and configured to control the plurality of pulse width modulation signal generators. The power controller processes digital signals to generate multiple PWM signals through a vertical integration of power controller modules. The power controller is designed to programmable and flexible.

Abstract: A switching regulator target voltage is adjusted to a first value corresponding to a pre-charge voltage that is present at a regulator output terminal. The switching regulator responds to a comparison signal resulting from a comparison of the target voltage and a feedback voltage. When the switching regulator is on, the target voltage is adjusted to a second value corresponding to a nominal regulator output voltage. In one embodiment, a synchronous switch is disabled when a lockout circuit receives a disable signal. The lockout circuit is unlocked when an enable signal is provided by a switching controller.

Abstract: Circuit and method for determining the presence of a load in a circuit including on a charge pump. The circuit monitors the state of a pump signal indicative of the operating status of the charge pump. The circuit generates a signal indicating the presence or absence of a load. The signal is used to deactivate features of an associated device, thereby reducing the power consumption and extending the life of the power supply (e.g., battery) for the device.

Abstract: A circuit to power multiple load elements is presented. Fewer discrete components and fewer output terminals are required to power multiple devices. A single high-power DC boost circuit powers multiple AC devices. An end-user can selectively power a subset of the AC devices electrically connected to the present invention. The circuit includes a first and second reference voltage terminal, and a first, second, and third switch. The circuit also includes a first control switch and a second control switch in electrical communication with the first switch and the second switch, respectively. The first control switch provides either a first control signal or a second control signal to a control terminal of the first switch. Similarly, the second control switch provides either the first control signal or the second control signal to a control terminal of the third switch.

Abstract: A circuit and method for powering DC devices using DC voltage sources. The present invention provides an improved switching power supply that has reduced switching losses and prevents current backflow under light load conditions. The circuit operates using pulse-frequency modulation in discontinuous conduction mode for powering small loads. A rectifier circuit prevents current backflows into the DC voltage source to prevent overheating and device failure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of to indicate an over-current condition in a switching circuit. The method includes monitoring a monitor voltage from the switching circuit, charging an energy storage device in response to the monitor voltage and a reference voltage, and generating an indication signal in response to the charging of the storage device. The method can be used to detect over-current conditions during high-speed switching and when transient load conditions and supply line noise are present.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention relates to a method of selecting a state from a plurality of states using a program pin. The method includes connecting the program pin to one of a first current source and a second current source, in response to a first voltage applied to the program pin, to thereby generate a second voltage at the program pin, and selecting a state from the plurality of states in response to the first and second voltages. In another embodiment, the method includes determining whether the first voltage exceeds a first reference voltage. In another embodiment, the method includes connecting the program pin to the first current source if the first voltage does not exceed the first reference voltage, and connecting the program pin to the second current source if the first voltage exceeds the first reference voltage.

Abstract: This invention synchronizes the control signals generated by the out-of-range detection circuits with a predefined event. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of controlling a switching regulator to regulate an output voltage. The method includes receiving a first enable signal and a second enable signal, comparing a feedback voltage representative of the output voltage to a first reference voltage and generating a first limit signal in response thereto and generating, in response to the first enable signal, a close switch command if the first limit signal indicates that the feedback voltage is less than the first reference voltage. The method further includes comparing the feedback voltage to a second reference voltage and generating a second limit signal in response thereto and generating, in response to the second enable signal, an open switch command if the second limit signal indicates that the feedback voltage is greater than the second reference voltage.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing a regulated output voltage is described. The circuit includes a capacitor array, a comparator and an output control module. The capacitor array receives an input voltage, first and second control signals, and generates a regulated output voltage in response. The comparator compares the regulated output voltage and a reference voltage, and generates a comparator signal in response. The output control module receives the comparator signal and the first control signal. In response, the output control module provides the second control signal to the capacitor array.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing a regulated output voltage. In one embodiment, the circuit includes a feedback comparator, a latch module, a switch, a current limit module and a pulse module. The pulse module generates an off-time signal that is substantially proportional to the reciprocal of the difference of the output voltage and a supply voltage. In another aspect, the method includes the step of comparing the output voltage and a reference voltage, and comparing an inductor current and a reference current. Additionally, the method includes the step of charging the inductor in response to the comparisons, and discharging the inductor for a minimum period of time if the inductor current increase to substantially equal the reference current.

Abstract: A circuit and a method are presented which allow for the detection of an active communication device connected to the circuit. The circuit output signal can be used to reduce the power consumption of related equipment when communication is not detected for a predetermined period of time. The circuit includes a plurality of input terminals coupled to respective inactive detection blocks. The circuit also includes an accumulated delay block having delay circuits in serial electrical communication. Each inactive detection block provides a signal to a respective delay circuit that indicates whether the corresponding input terminal is connected to an active driver in the communication device. Each delay circuit provides a delayed output signal to a subsequent delay circuit. The accumulated delay block provides an output signal indicating the presence or absence of the communication device based on the activity at the input terminals over the predetermined period of time.