Abstract: Described herein are techniques that improve efficiency of analog-to-digital conversion circuits by reducing idling time, during which the ADC circuit is not converting an analog signal to a digital representation, which reduces associated power consumption from keeping the ADC circuit running during idling time. In some embodiments, chop circuits may be used in combination with a plurality of track-and-hold circuits to acquire one polarity of an input signal and convert another polarity of the input signal during a same sampling period. A chop circuit may be configured to alternate between generating a first polarity of the input signal and a second polarity of the input signal. A first T/H circuit may be configured to acquire one polarity of the input signal from the chop circuit while a second T/H circuit provides another polarity of the input signal, previously acquired from the chop circuit, to an ADC for conversion.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques that improve efficiency of analog-to-digital conversion circuits by reducing idling time, during which the ADC circuit is not converting an analog signal to a digital representation, which reduces associated power consumption from keeping the ADC circuit running during idling time. In some embodiments, chop circuits may be used in combination with a plurality of track-and-hold circuits to acquire one polarity of an input signal and convert another polarity of the input signal during a same sampling period. A chop circuit may be configured to alternate between generating a first polarity of the input signal and a second polarity of the input signal. A first T/H circuit may be configured to acquire one polarity of the input signal from the chop circuit while a second T/H circuit provides another polarity of the input signal, previously acquired from the chop circuit, to an ADC for conversion.

Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to overcurrent detection with multi-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). An example apparatus includes a multi-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert an analog signal into a multi-bit digital signal. The example apparatus further includes a threshold detector configured to generate an output signal indicative of an overcurrent condition after a detection of at least a first number of bits of the multi-bit digital signal satisfying a threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for communicating multiple logic states across a digital isolator. The digital isolator is a universal serial bus (USB) isolator in some embodiments. The digital isolator includes one or more single-bit data channels. Three or more logic states of information are transmitted across the single-bit data channel(s). The logic states are distinguished by a pulse sequence, and in particular a number of edges of the pulse sequence and a final value or final edge of the pulse sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods to operate the same to provide fast fault-detection on power semiconductor devices such as power transistors are disclosed. In some embodiment, a desaturation based fault-detection circuit for a power transistor is provided. The fault-detection circuit has an adaptable blanking time and a disconnect switch in the blanking mechanism that allow for quick enabling of fault-detection mechanisms to achieve fast fault detection times on power semiconductor devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for communicating multiple logic states across a digital isolator. The digital isolator is a universal serial bus (USB) isolator in some embodiments. The digital isolator includes one or more single-bit data channels. Three or more logic states of information are transmitted across the single-bit data channel(s). The logic states are distinguished by a pulse sequence, and in particular a number of edges of the pulse sequence and a final value or final edge of the pulse sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods to operate the same to provide fast fault-detection on power semiconductor devices such as power transistors are disclosed. In some embodiment, a desaturation based fault-detection circuit for a power transistor is provided. The fault-detection circuit has an adaptable blanking time and a disconnect switch in the blanking mechanism that allow for quick enabling of fault-detection mechanisms to achieve fast fault detection times on power semiconductor devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid heterodyne transmitters and receivers for use in communications systems, or other systems, and the corresponding methods for hybrid heterodyne transmitting and receiving. A heterodyne receiver for converting a continuous time modulated signal to a discrete time digital baseband signal includes a sigma-delta modulator. The sigma-delta modulator is a sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter constructed and arranged to receive a modulated signal at an RF carrier frequency and provide a quantized output at a first intermediate frequency. The heterodyne receiver may also include a digital mixer constructed and arranged to receive a data stream quantized by the sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter and receive a signal at a second mixing frequency. The digital mixer then provides digital signals representative of a baseband signal suitable for digital signal processing.

Abstract: A sigma delta modulator (SDM) data converter system is provided. The SDM data converter system comprises a signal path, a feedback signal path, and a multi-bit quantizer disposed in a feedforward path. The signal path receives an input signal to be processed. The feedback signal path provides a feedback signal that is subtracted from the input signal. The multi-bit quantizer is disposed in the feedforward path so as to receive the input signal after the feedback signal has been subtracted from it. Te multi-bit quantizer uses feedforward dynamic element matching (DEM) to spectrally shape mismatch errors in the SDM data conversion system and produce an output signal, wherein the output signal of the multi-bit quantizer is used for at least a portion of the feedback signal.

Abstract: A sigma delta modulator (SDM) data converter system is provided. The SDM data converter system comprises a signal path, a feedback signal path, and a multi-bit quantizer disposed in a feedforward path. The signal path receives an input signal to be processed. The feedback signal path provides a feedback signal that is subtracted from the input signal. The multi-bit quantizer is disposed in the feedforward path so as to receive the input signal after the feedback signal has been subtracted from it. Te multi-bit quantizer uses feedforward dynamic element matching (DEM) to spectrally shape mismatch errors in the SDM data conversion system and produce an output signal, wherein the output signal of the multi-bit quantizer is used for at least a portion of the feedback signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid heterodyne transmitters and receivers for use in communications systems, or other systems, and the corresponding methods for hybrid heterodyne transmitting and receiving. A heterodyne receiver for converting a continuous time modulated signal to a discrete time digital baseband signal includes a sigma-delta modulator. The sigma-delta modulator is a sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter constructed and arranged to receive a modulated signal at an RF carrier frequency and provide a quantized output at a first intermediate frequency. The heterodyne receiver may also include a digital mixer constructed and arranged to receive a data stream quantized by the sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter and receive a signal at a second mixing frequency. The digital mixer then provides digital signals representative of a baseband signal suitable for digital signal processing.