Abstract: An active pull-up system for use with a motor is described. The active pull-up system comprises: a first resistor coupled to an Output node; a first switch and a second resistor coupled in parallel with the first resistor, wherein the first switch is in series with the second resistor; a latch coupled to the first switch for either keeping the first switch open or closing the first switch in response to receiving a closing signal; and a threshold comparator coupled between the output node and the latch, wherein the threshold comparator transmits the closing signal when the output node exceeds a threshold value, which actively pulls up the output node.

Abstract: Automatically configurable dual regulator type circuits and methods are provided. On embodiment of the invention includes an automatically configurable dual regulator type circuit. The circuit comprises a high-side switching device (HS-SD) coupled to a low-side switching device (LS-SD) at an output node. The circuit further comprises a control logic device that turns on the HS-SD to provide an output current to a user selected circuit configuration through the output node, turns off the HS-SD after a voltage fed back from an output terminal of the user selected circuit configuration exceeds a first threshold and sets a regulator type configuration mode based on the presence or absence of a flyback period at the output node after the HS-SD has been turned off.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods for their assembly are described in which inductor elements and additional passive or active circuit components may be combined in novel configurations. An electronic device and associated methods provide an inductor element encapsulated within a dielectric package, the inductor package having a plurality of electrical contacts on at least one surface. One or more circuit components are affixed to the package surface and operably coupled to the electrical contacts. The circuit components have a total area not larger than the inductor package surface, providing a device with overall dimensions bounded by the area of the inductor package. A preferred method embodying the invention includes a step of selecting an inductor element configuration based on performance requirements. The inductor element is packaged in a dielectric package having electrical contacts disposed on one or more surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are inductor systems with reduced volume for use in larger electronic circuits. Embodiments of the invention are disclosed for a surface mount inductor system that includes an inductor having a niche for receiving an IC component interposed between the inductor and PCB. Preferably, the assembly is encapsulated to form a complete inductor system. Also disclosed is an inductor system wherein the inductor has a niche for receiving an IC component wherein a separate mounting substrate is not required. Examples of the invention include a point load power supply.

Abstract: An improved method of monitoring the output power provided by a switch mode power converter that reduces the overall cost of the converter. The method includes initiating a soft-start procedure for a first output voltage in the event the first voltage channel is enabled. When the first voltage level comes within regulation, a delay counter counts a predetermined number of clock cycles. In the event a second output voltage channel is enabled between the time the first channel is enabled and the time the first voltage comes within regulation, a soft-start procedure is initiated for the second voltage and the delay counter re-starts when the second voltage comes within regulation. After the delay counter finishes counting, the first and second voltages are considered stable and a single Power-Good signal is asserted.

Abstract: An improved method of monitoring the output power provided by a switch mode power converter that reduces the overall cost of the converter. The method includes initiating a soft-start procedure for a first output voltage in the event the first voltage channel is enabled. When the first voltage level comes within regulation, a delay counter counts a predetermined number of clock cycles. In the event a second output voltage channel is enabled between the time the first channel is enabled and the time the first voltage comes within regulation, a soft-start procedure is initiated for the second voltage and the delay counter re-starts when the second voltage comes within regulation. After the delay counter finishes counting, the first and second voltages are considered stable and a single Power-Good signal is asserted.