Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for defect detection and localization in semiconductor chips. In an embodiment, a plurality of registers is arranged in a semiconductor chip. The particular number of registers can vary according to a desired level of localization, and the plurality of registers are geometrically distributed such that defect detection and localization over the entire chip area or a desired chip area, such as a central active region, is achieved in embodiments. In operation, a defect detection and localization routine can be run in parallel with other normal chip functions during a power-up or other phase. In embodiments, the registers can be multi-functional in that they can be used for other operational functions of the chip when not used for defect detection and localization, and vice-versa. Embodiments thereby provide fast, localized defect detection.

Abstract: In some examples, a controller device for a resonant mode power converter circuit comprises a feed-forward pin configured to receive an input voltage signal of the resonant mode power converter circuit, a feedback pin configured to receive an output voltage signal of the resonant mode power converter circuit, processing circuitry configured to determine a switching frequency based on the input voltage signal and the output voltage signal, a first control pin configured to deliver a first control signal to the first switch at the switching frequency, and a second control pin configured to deliver a second control signal the second switch at the switching frequency.

Abstract: In some examples, a controller device for a resonant mode power converter circuit comprises a feed-forward pin configured to receive an input voltage signal of the resonant mode power converter circuit, a feedback pin configured to receive an output voltage signal of the resonant mode power converter circuit, processing circuitry configured to determine a switching frequency based on the input voltage signal and the output voltage signal, a first control pin configured to deliver a first control signal to the first switch at the switching frequency, and a second control pin configured to deliver a second control signal the second switch at the switching frequency.

Abstract: An example method includes outputting, by a device, a first current through a temperature sensor that is that is external to the device; determining, by the device and based on a voltage drop across the temperature sensor while the first current is flowing through the temperature sensor, a current level; outputting, by the device, a second current at the determined current level through the temperature sensor; determining, by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of the device, a value that corresponds to a voltage drop across the temperature sensor while the second current is flowing through the temperature sensor; outputting, by the device, a third current through a reference resistor that is external to the device; and determining, based on the value and a voltage drop across the reference resistor while the third current is flowing through the reference resistor, a temperature of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes determining, by a device, a plurality of voltage values that each correspond to a respective voltage drop across a remote p-n junction while the remote p-n junction is biased at different respective current levels, wherein each of the plurality of voltage values is a function of at least: one of the different respective current levels, a temperature of the remote p-n junction, and a series resistance between the device and the remote p-n junction. In this example, the method also includes, determining, by the device, an intermediate value based on a difference between at least three voltage values of the plurality of voltage values, wherein the intermediate value is not a function of the series resistance, and determining the temperature of the remote p-n junction based on the intermediate value such that the temperature is not a function of the series resistance.

Abstract: An example method includes outputting, by a device, a first current through a temperature sensor that is that is external to the device; determining, by the device and based on a voltage drop across the temperature sensor while the first current is flowing through the temperature sensor, a current level; outputting, by the device, a second current at the determined current level through the temperature sensor; determining, by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of the device, a value that corresponds to a voltage drop across the temperature sensor while the second current is flowing through the temperature sensor; outputting, by the device, a third current through a reference resistor that is external to the device; and determining, based on the value and a voltage drop across the reference resistor while the third current is flowing through the reference resistor, a temperature of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Methods for securing and activating chips and/or devices that can utilize a hardware security module (HSM). One or more of the methods can include generating one or more digital certificates based on an identification (ID) associated with a device, generating one or more activation certificates and one or more modified activation certificate based on one or more encryption keys, and generating one or more chip data certificates and/or one or more modified chip data certificates.

Abstract: A device is described that determines a session key for generating a message authentication code (MAC) tag associated with a communication session between the device and a second device. The device determines, based at least in part on the session key, a crypto key for encoding or decoding a message associated with the second device. The device then encodes or decodes the message based on the crypto key.

Abstract: A device authenticates accessories by detecting that an accessory is attached to the device, determining a unique identification (ID) for the accessory, determining, based on the unique ID, if the accessory has been paired to the device, and in response to determining that the accessory has been paired to the device, enable use of the accessory by the device. In response to determining the accessory has not been paired to the device, the devices performs a secondary authentication process on the accessory.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide detection of a voltage drift of an electrical component or system. A detection circuit detects the voltage drift based on a comparison of a received signal from a test circuit and a reference voltage. A compensation voltage may be generated and applied at one or more locations within the test circuit to compensate for the voltage drift.

Abstract: In one example a method includes communicating, by a first device, with a second device via an identification (ID) line of a universal serial bus (USB) cable. A first connector of the USB cable may be attached to a USB connector of the first device. A second connector of the USB cable may be attached to a USB connector of the second device. The USB connector of the first device may include a bus voltage (VBUS) connector configured to mate with a VBUS line of the USB cable, a positive data (D+) connector configured to mate with a D+ line of the USB cable, a negative data (D?) connector configured to mate with a D? line of the USB cable, the ID connector configured to mate with a ID line of the USB cable, and a ground (GND) connector configured to mate with a GND line of the USB cable.

Abstract: Methods for securing and activating chips and/or devices that can utilize a hardware security module (HSM). One or more of the methods can include generating one or more digital certificates based on an identification (ID) associated with a device, generating one or more activation certificates and one or more modified activation certificate based on one or more encryption keys, and generating one or more chip data certificates and/or one or more modified chip data certificates.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to fault detection comparator circuitry and methods that can operate in conjunction with a power-on-reset (POR) scheme to put a chip into a reliable power-down mode upon fault detection to avoid disrupting the communication bus link such that other connected chips and the host can continue to operate. Power-on of the affected chip can then be carried out when the connection with that chip is restored.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for authenticating devices and securing data. In embodiments, a session key for securing data between two devices can be derived as a byproduct of a challenge-response protocol for authenticating one or both of the devices.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide detection of a voltage drift of an electrical component or system. A detection circuit detects the voltage drift based on a comparison of a received signal from a test circuit and a reference voltage. A compensation voltage may be generated and applied at one or more locations within the test circuit to compensate for the voltage drift.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for authenticating devices and securing data. In embodiments, a session key for securing data between two devices can be derived as a byproduct of a challenge-response protocol for authenticating one or both of the devices.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and integrated circuits are disclosed for providing a buck converter charger in a multiphase buck converter topology comprising at least a first phase, a second phase, and an alternative charging switch, wherein the first phase includes a first high-side switch and a first low-side switch and the second phase includes a second high-side switch and a second low-side switch. The methods, devices, and integrated circuits may control at least one phase to operate as a boost converter, control at least one phase to operate as buck converter, and close the alternative charging switch in the multiphase buck converter topology to connect an alternative charging source to a system voltage output, the alternative charging switch coupled to the first phase between the first high-side switch and the first low-side switch.

Abstract: Disclosed techniques include delivering a substantially constant current to charge a battery including at least one electrochemical battery cell, and measuring a charging voltage of the battery while delivering the substantially constant current to the battery. The method further includes evaluating a state of charge of the battery based on the measured charging voltage and the measured test voltage, and storing, based on the evaluation of the state of charge of the battery, an indication of the state of charge of the battery in a non-transitory computer readable medium.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for battery monitoring are disclosed. An example method performs a first measurement on a battery cell installed in a location to determine a first charging capacity and determines a set of values for a permitted charging capacity trace region based on the first charging capacity and a number of charge/discharge cycles subsequent to performing the first measurement. The example method performs a second measurement on a battery cell installed in the location to determine a second charging capacity and compares the second charging capacity to the permitted charging capacity trace region and determines that the battery cell installed in the location at a time of the second measurement is not the same battery cell installed in the location at the time of the first measurement when the second charging capacity is not a value within the set of permitted values of the charging capacity trace region.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for battery supporting, monitoring, and charging are described. In one example, a device includes a temperature measurement device, a controller, coupled to the temperature measuring device, the controller configured to determine an acceleration change in temperature, and a switch, coupled to the controller, configured to disconnect a current associated with the battery when a change in acceleration of temperature is measured.