Abstract: The dual low-voltage driver circuit of the present invention operates as a buck-boost converter. If battery voltage is low (i.e., corresponding to a partially discharged battery), then “buck” section of the circuit is disabled and the “boost” section operates to increase the output voltage to a desired value. On the other hand, if the battery voltage is high (i.e., corresponding to a battery having a fresh charge), then the “boost” circuit is disabled and the “buck” section operates to reduce the output voltage to the desired value.

Abstract: A driver circuit includes three non-contiguous high-voltage wells formed within a low-voltage monolithic silicon substrate; a high-side driver circuit fabricated within each of the wells; a separate logic input path for each of the high-side driver circuits, each input path comprising a logic signal input terminal, a signal amplifier, a noise filter, a pulse generator, and a high-voltage level shifter; an output terminal for each driver circuit, each output terminal coupled to its associated driver circuit output through a separate mask-configurable, variable-value output resistor bank, which reduces the number of external components needed for driver circuitry; a startup circuit which prevents operation of an associated high-side switch during periods of line voltage instability; and embedded capacitor banks, each of which is in close proximity to a high-side switch, for reducing capacitive, resistive and inductance losses associated with long metal lines.