Abstract: A voltage signal is monitored in comparison to another voltage signal by a differential amplifier. When the first voltage signal value drops below the second voltage signal value an output signal is boosted in response. The output signal returns to a previous state without boost.

Abstract: A voltage signal is monitored in comparison to another voltage signal by a differential amplifier. When the first voltage signal value drops below the second voltage signal value an output signal is boosted in response. The output signal returns to a previous state without boost.

Abstract: Electrical components which substantially dissipate the power provided them in the form of heat will change temperature in response to self heating, heat transfer to their surroundings, and heat transferred from one component to another. A method is disclosed for calculating the temperature of a component(s) using a thermal model. In one embodiment the power dissipation of each component is controlled to limit the temperature of the component. In one embodiment the temperature of a component is modified by changing the power dissipation of another component. In some embodiments the power dissipation of a component is modified by modifying its performance. In another embodiment power dissipation is modified by selecting one or more programs for modified execution.

Abstract: A synchronous control system includes a logic controller (e.g., microprocessor) which can be put into low power standby or sleep mode by shutting off its clock. A quick-start oscillator (QSO) remains shut off to conserve power when not needed, but awakens rapidly and supplies clock signals to the logic controller for quickly awakening the controller so the latter can to respond to exigent circumstances. One such circumstance can be the drop of a vital supply voltage below a predefined threshold. A low power comparator (LPTC) detects the drop and starts up the QSO which in turn awakens the controller. The controller determines what the reason for the awakening is, quickly responds to the exigent circumstance and then turns the QSO off to thereby conserve power and put itself (QSO) back to sleep. Disclosures are provided for the QSO and a first calibration subsystem used to maintain QSO output frequency within a desired range.

Abstract: The voltage applied to an integrated circuit is controlled by a temporal process monitor formed as part of the integrated circuit. The temporal process monitor includes a voltage controlled oscillator for producing a first output signal having a first period. A comparator compares the first period to one or more reference values. Should the first period be greater than a first selected reference value the comparator sends a signal to increase the voltage being supplied to the integrated circuit. Should the first period be less than a second selected reference value, the comparator sends a signal to decrease the voltage applied to the integrated circuit. In some embodiments a scaling circuit is provided for producing a second output signal having a second period different from (typically but not necessarily longer than) the first period.

Abstract: The voltage applied to an integrated circuit is controlled by a temporal process monitor formed as part of the integrated circuit. The temporal process monitor includes a voltage controlled oscillator for producing a first output signal having a first period. A comparator compares the first period to one or more reference values. Should the first period be greater than a first selected reference value the comparator sends a signal to increase the voltage being supplied to the integrated circuit. Should the first period be less than a second selected reference value, the comparator sends a signal to decrease the voltage applied to the integrated circuit. In some embodiments a scaling circuit is provided for producing a second output signal having a second period different from (typically but not necessarily longer than) the first period.

Abstract: The voltage applied to an integrated circuit is controlled by a temporal process monitor formed as part of the integrated circuit. The temporal process monitor includes a voltage controlled oscillator for producing a first output signal having a first period. A comparator compares the first period to one or more reference values. Should the first period be greater than a first selected reference value the comparator sends a signal to increase the voltage being supplied to the integrated circuit. Should the first period be less than a second selected reference value, the comparator sends a signal to decrease the voltage applied to the integrated circuit. In some embodiments a scaling circuit is provided for producing a second output signal having a second period different from (typically but not necessarily longer than) the first period.