Abstract: The invention provides circuits, systems, and methods for monitoring a non-volatile memory (NVM) cell, or an array of NVM cells. The monitor is capable of switching from a normal operating state to an evaluation state, monitoring for one or more particular characteristics, and returning to the normal operating state. Alternative embodiments of the invention are disclosed using various triggers and producing outputs capable of reporting or feeding back to influence the operation of the monitoring systems and methods, the NVM circuitry, or an external system. The invention includes an energy conservation feature, in that no power is consumed in the normal operating state, and low power in the evaluation state.

Abstract: A transceiver interface is disclosed in which a true positive node and a true ground node are maintained with three adaptive terminals. The adaptive terminals each have pairs of isolation elements linking them to the true positive node and true ground node, whereby, each of the adaptive terminals can function as a positive terminal, ground terminal, and transceiver terminal, in response to how the interface is connected to external equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, circuits and systems for charging batteries and other storage media including methods steps and apparatus for monitoring one or more parameters such that a charger may be operated in a first mode to deliver charge to the storage medium and/or load, and when at least one of the monitored parameters reaches a selected threshold level, the operation of the charger in the first mode is terminated in favor of operation in a second mode, delivering a different level of charge from the charger.

Abstract: Data transmission systems and methods are disclosed in which a transmitter and a receiver, each having an inductor, are configured for wirelessly transferring data and power between them. Error detection is implemented for implementing error correction techniques by making corrections at the receiver, at the transmitter, or both. In preferred embodiments of the invention, error correction approaches include oversampling, power adjustments, and frequency adjustments. In preferred implementations, the systems and methods are used for transmitting both power and data using a single pair of inductors.

Abstract: An AC to DC converter system is disclosed in which a conversion circuit for converting an AC input signal to a DC output signal is operably coupled with an enabling circuit designed for sensing and output parameter indicative of the presence or absence of a load at the DC output. The system is designed so that the conversion circuit operates in an inactive standby state when there is no load, and in an active state for supplying DC power when a load is present. The enabling circuit is configured to operate using low power.

Abstract: The invention provides control methods and systems for harvesting energy from a variable-output power apparatus. One or more variable-output power elements configured for producing energy are used as input to a power regulation circuit operably coupled between the power elements and a load. One or more power signals in the circuit are monitored and the power regulation circuit output is dynamically adjusted based on the one or more monitored power signals. According to aspects of the invention, the output duty cycle or frequency may be adjusted in response to monitored parameters.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides electrochemical dispensing apparatus and methods. According to the principles of the invention, a microelectronic electrochemical dispenser is used to cause the release of one or more selected chemical substance from a stored chemical compound. The release is controlled using a timer or sensor apparatus in a controlling device, preferably an ASIC.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides tools and techniques for marking data on the surface of solid medications and tracking the medication in various ways using the data. According to preferred embodiments, an optical reader may be used to discern the features of data recorded on the surface of medication in a micromatrix pattern. The data read by the reader is then used in the performance of tracking and/or control tasks.

Abstract: The invention provides circuits and systems for programming a floating gate. A floating gate tunneling device is used with an analog comparing device in a circuit having a floating reference node and an offset-mitigating feedback loop for iteratively programming a floating gate, or multiple floating gates.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides apparatus and methods for dynamic biasing in electronic systems and circuits. The apparatus and methods disclosed provide non-linear biasing responsive to monitored load conditions.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides apparatus and methods for delivering a payload to a target location inside the body. A finger board is retained on the finger of a user, having a proximal end and a distal end. A payload holder is included at the distal end of the finger board for holding a payload during positioning and prior to delivery. An ejector is included for the purpose of ejecting the payload from the payload holder when actuated by a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems for the interconnection of electronic system apparatus having one or more different communication protocols. A preferred embodiment is disclosed in which a single physical interface and a single protocol are used for providing an efficient and scalable interconnection between a host and operably coupled subsystem apparatus connected to the MMC. In a disclosed method, a bus is provided for coupling a system host to a plurality of system components and a Multi-Management Protocol (MMP) is employed. The Multi-Management Protocol includes a plurality of subclasses, each further including component identity information and function data. The subclasses are grouped by functionality into at least two groups comprising a standard group and an extension group.

Abstract: Advances in the arts are disclosed with novel methods and circuit systems for controlling power in an energy harvesting system. Techniques and related systems for controlling power output of an energy harvesting device provide for monitoring at least one power parameter at a power source and monitoring at least one power parameter at a load such as a storage medium. The power source output is adjusted in order to optimize energy harvesting and/or storage based on real-time performance parameters.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus and systems are adapted to implement dynamic power control in order to condition and store, and/or immediately utilize, energy from one or more available power inputs, whether the inputs are constantly, regularly, or intermittently available, singly or in various combinations. Power control circuits according to the invention provide means for dynamically responding to input availability and output requirements in order to prioritize input energy selection, input signal conditioning, and output power delivery adapted to the application and operating environment.

Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel integrated packaging having passive components included within packages also containing one or more ICs. The integrated passive components may include inductors, transformers, and capacitors, and are preferably constructed of leadframe materials. Typically, one or more magnetic field storage body is used in forming the coils in order to enhance the electrical performance characteristics of the passive component.

Abstract: Disclosed are advances in the arts with novel methods and apparatus for detecting faulty connections in an electrical system. Exemplary preferred embodiments include basic, ASIC, AC, DC, and RF monitoring techniques and systems for monitoring signals at one or more device loads and analyzing the monitored signals for determining fault conditions at the device loads and/or at the main transmission lines. The invention preferably provides the capability to test and monitor electrical interconnections without fully activating the host system.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for the application and reading of micro markings for coding of information for placement on the surfaces of individual very small devices. In preferred embodiments, a two dimensional micro matrix of markings or dots is realized on a scale of a 25 um cell size and smaller.