Abstract: IC apparatus, and manufacturing methods therefor, that include a power transistor and a thermoelectric device. The power transistor is constructed in a plurality of layers formed over a semiconductor substrate. The thermoelectric device is formed in one or more of the plurality of layers and is sensitive to temperature differences within the IC apparatus resulting from operation of the power transistor.

Abstract: A control signal generator includes an error amplifier, a first comparator, a second comparator, a logic circuit and a pulse generator. The error amplifier has a first output, a first input, a second input and a first snooze input. The first comparator has a second output, a third input and a fourth input. The third input is coupled to the first output. The second comparator has a third output, a fifth input, a sixth input and a second snooze input. The fifth input is coupled to the third input. The logic circuit has a fourth output and logic circuit inputs, including a first logic circuit input coupled to the second output. The pulse generator has a fifth output and a seventh input. The seventh input is coupled to the fourth output. A snooze mode controller has a sixth output coupled to the first snooze input and the second snooze input.

Abstract: IC apparatus, and manufacturing methods therefor, that include a power transistor and a thermoelectric device. The power transistor is constructed in a plurality of layers formed over a semiconductor substrate. The thermoelectric device is formed in one or more of the plurality of layers and is sensitive to temperature differences within the IC apparatus resulting from operation of the power transistor.

Abstract: Integrated circuit apparatus, and their manufacturing methods, including an integrated power transistor and thermocouple. The power transistor is constructed in a plurality of layers formed over a semiconductor substrate. The thermocouple includes a p-thermopile and an n-thermopile that are each electrically isolated from the power transistor and the semiconductor substrate while being sensitive to temperature differences within the IC resulting from operation of the power transistor. The p-thermopile includes a p-type thermoelectric body formed in a p-type one or more of the plurality of layers. The n-thermopile includes n-type thermoelectric body formed in an n-type one or more of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A control signal generator includes an error amplifier, a first comparator, a second comparator, a logic circuit and a pulse generator. The error amplifier has a first output, a first input, a second input and a first snooze input. The first comparator has a second output, a third input and a fourth input. The third input is coupled to the first output. The second comparator has a third output, a fifth input, a sixth input and a second snooze input. The fifth input is coupled to the third input. The logic circuit has a fourth output and logic circuit inputs, including a first logic circuit input coupled to the second output. The pulse generator has a fifth output and a seventh input. The seventh input is coupled to the fourth output. A snooze mode controller has a sixth output coupled to the first snooze input and the second snooze input.

Abstract: A capacitor-drop power supply includes a rectifier and a rectifier controller. The rectifier is configured to receive an alternating current (AC) signal at an AC voltage and convert the AC signal into a rectified direct current (DC) signal at a rectified voltage. The rectifier includes a first low side switch. The rectifier controller is configured to generate a switch close signal based on the rectified DC signal. The switch close signal is configured to close the first low side switch shunting the AC signal to ground.

Abstract: A system includes a clamp circuit configured to regulate a converter input supply voltage based on control signals. The system also includes a converter configured to the adjust the converter input supply voltage to a converter output supply voltage. The system also includes a controller configured to adjust the control signals for the clamp circuit using a first mode based on the converter output supply voltage and a second mode based on the converter input supply voltage.

Abstract: A system includes a clamp circuit configured to regulate a converter input supply voltage based on control signals. The system also includes a converter configured to the adjust the converter input supply voltage to a converter output supply voltage. The system also includes a controller configured to adjust the control signals for the clamp circuit using a first mode based on the converter output supply voltage and a second mode based on the converter input supply voltage.

Abstract: A capacitor-drop power supply includes a rectifier and a rectifier controller. The rectifier is configured to receive an alternating current (AC) signal at an AC voltage and convert the AC signal into a rectified direct current (DC) signal at a rectified voltage. The rectifier includes a first low side switch. The rectifier controller is configured to generate a switch close signal based on the rectified DC signal. The switch close signal is configured to close the first low side switch shunting the AC signal to ground.