Abstract: The invention provides a single input pin on an integrated circuit chip that serves multiple functions during normal, test, and program modes. A first voltage detector detects a first predetermined high voltage level to place an integrated circuit in test mode. A second voltage detector detects a second predetermined high voltage level to place the integrated circuit in program mode. A high level switch is triggered to activate a pulse shaping circuit, which ramps up voltage gradually to prevent causing damage to programmable cells.

Abstract: Analog integrated circuits have their individual characteristics compensated by the settings of self-contained non-volatile memory elements. The settings of the memory elements are determined by repeatedly testing the possible values until an optimal one is chosen. The testing process is accelerated by eliminating the need to re-write the non-volatile memory for each value that is tested.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking and controlling one or more voltage and current supplies during a transition between and off-state to an on-state, or from an on state to an off-state, is enabled by detecting a voltage or current transition and controlling the voltage or current supply transition within a specified upper and lower limit about a reference transition.

Abstract: A configurable integrated circuit and method for trimming a desirable combination of analog and digital functions and customizing pin assignments by programming nonvolatile memory. Functional enhancement and chip compatibility are achieved by configuring an integrated circuit with specified analog and digital settings for operation with an external chip. Multiple NV registers with designated bits that correspond to activating, deactivating, trimming, or changing analog functions including internal voltages, bandgap, and oscillating frequencies.

Abstract: A phased-lock loop is disclosed for capturing the frequency of the input signal by adjusting a tunable oscillator such that a zero-crossing detector detects a zero-crossing point of the input signal relative to a predetermined number of counts at a counter where a control logic increments a tuning counter to increase the frequency at the tunable oscillator while decrements the tuning counter to decrease the frequency in the tunable oscillator. The predetermined number of counts at the counter representing one period, a fraction of a period, or a multiple of a period of the frequency of the input signal. The control logic adjusts the count at the tuning counter until the tunable oscillator generates an internal frequency that captures the frequency of the input signal.

Abstract: A battery type identification system for determining the type of a selected battery and its operational status as a function of type. A battery has spaced bands of selected conductivity to define an identification code used to identify the battery. An appliance using batteries (e.g., a consumer product) includes an array of conductivity detectors spaced to engage corresponding battery identification bands. The battery types identification system determines battery kinds of predetermined type and then determines the voltage of the battery to assess its operability status.