Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, devices and methods for translating I2C addresses. In accordance with an embodiment, a method for translating an I2C address includes receiving an original I2C address from a first I2C compatible device via an I2C-bus to which the first I2C compatible device is connected. The method also includes translating the original I2C address to a translated I2C address, and outputting the translated I2C address to a second I2C compatible device via a secondary side of the I2C-bus to which the slave device is connected. The original I2C address can be translated to the translated I2C address by subtracting an offset value from (or adding an offset value to) the original I2C address to produce the translated I2C address. Such an offset value can be specified using pin strapping, or by storing the offset value in a register or non-volatile memory that is programmable via the—I2C bus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to methods and devices for use with vehicles that include a clutch, a transmission, a slave cylinder, a master cylinder and an engine. In accordance with an embodiment, a device includes a primary piston configured to urge hydraulic fluid into a slave cylinder, when the primary piston is moved from a first position to a second position, to thereby disengage the clutch from the transmission. The primary piston is normally movable from the first position to the second position by hydraulic actuation of a master cylinder. A secondary piston is configured to selectively apply force to the primary piston, to move the primary piston from the first position to the second position, when the secondary piston is selectively actuated. The secondary piston can be selectively actuated by a secondary fluid, such as a compressed gas.

Abstract: A power converter can include an output circuit having a high-side device and a low-side device which can be formed on a single die (a “PowerDie”). The power converter can further include a controller integrated circuit (IC) formed on a different die which can be electrically coupled to, and co-packaged with, the PowerDie. The PowerDie can be attached to a die pad of a leadframe, and the controller IC die can be attached to an active surface of the first die such that the first die is interposed between the controller IC die and the die pad.

Abstract: A power supply including a converter, a capacitance, and a hiccup control module. The converter converts an input voltage to both an output voltage and a preliminary standby voltage when in its active state. The capacitance stores the preliminary standby voltage which is charged to an upper voltage level when the converter is in its active state and which is discharged to a lower voltage level when the converter is in its inactive state. During the standby mode, the hiccup control module operates the converter in hiccup mode by toggling between placing the converter into its inactive state when the preliminary standby voltage is charged to the upper voltage level and placing the converter into its active state when the preliminary standby voltage is discharged to the lower voltage level. The hiccup mode of the power supply eliminates a need for a separate standby converter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to methods and devices for use with vehicles that include a clutch, a transmission, a slave cylinder, a master cylinder and an engine. In accordance with an embodiment, a device includes a primary piston configured to urge hydraulic fluid into a slave cylinder, when the primary piston is moved from a first position to a second position, to thereby disengage the clutch from the transmission. The primary piston is normally movable from the first position to the second position by hydraulic actuation of a master cylinder. A secondary piston is configured to selectively apply force to the primary piston, to move the primary piston from the first position to the second position, when the secondary piston is selectively actuated. The secondary piston can be selectively actuated by a secondary fluid, such as a compressed gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, devices and methods for translating I2C addresses. In accordance with an embodiment, a method for translating an I2C address includes receiving an original I2C address from a first I2C compatible device via an I2C-bus to which the first I2C compatible device is connected. The method also includes translating the original I2C address to a translated I2C address, and outputting the translated I2C address to a second I2C compatible device via a secondary side of the I2C-bus to which the slave device is connected. The original I2C address can be translated to the translated I2C address by subtracting an offset value from (or adding an offset value to) the original I2C address to produce the translated I2C address. Such an offset value can be specified using pin strapping, or by storing the offset value in a register or non-volatile memory that is programmable via the-I2C bus.

Abstract: A power converter can include an output circuit having a high-side device and a low-side device which can be formed on a single die (a “PowerDie”). The power converter can further include a controller integrated circuit (IC) formed on a different die which can be electrically coupled to, and co-packaged with, the PowerDie. The PowerDie can be attached to a die pad of a leadframe, and the controller IC die can be attached to an active surface of the first die such that the first die is interposed between the controller IC die and the die pad.

Abstract: A power supply including a converter, a capacitance, and a hiccup control module. The converter converts an input voltage to both an output voltage and a preliminary standby voltage when in its active state. The capacitance stores the preliminary standby voltage which is charged to an upper voltage level when the converter is in its active state and which is discharged to a lower voltage level when the converter is in its inactive state. During the standby mode, the hiccup control module operates the converter in hiccup mode by toggling between placing the converter into its inactive state when the preliminary standby voltage is charged to the upper voltage level and placing the converter into its active state when the preliminary standby voltage is discharged to the lower voltage level. The hiccup mode of the power supply eliminates a need for a separate standby converter.

Abstract: A power converter can include an output circuit having a high-side device and a low-side device which can be formed on a single die (a “PowerDie”). The power converter can further include a controller integrated circuit (IC) formed on a different die which can be electrically coupled to, and co-packaged with, the PowerDie. The PowerDie can be attached to a die pad of a leadframe, and the controller IC die can be attached to an active surface of the first die such that the first die is interposed between the controller IC die and the die pad.

Abstract: A power converter can include an output circuit having a high-side device and a low-side device which can be formed on a single die (a “PowerDie”). The power converter can further include a controller integrated circuit (IC) formed on a different die which can be electrically coupled to, and co-packaged with, the PowerDie. The PowerDie can be attached to a die pad of a leadframe, and the controller IC die can be attached to an active surface of the first die such that the first die is interposed between the controller IC die and the die pad.

Abstract: Current control circuitry for controlling current supplied from a source, that may be a current-constrained source, to a load and a battery. A current limit control circuit limits current supplied by the source to the load in accord with a programmed current limit. Load current is measured, and an input charger control circuit controls magnitude of current to the battery based on the difference between measured load current and battery current programmed to be supplied to the battery, such that the sum of load current and battery current is maintained within the programmed current limit.

Abstract: A power management system including a battery-powered application, in which an input current is supplied by a source of current that may be a current-constrained source, such as a USB port, to a battery for charging the battery and to an application load. Battery charging current is supplied to the battery for a period of time based on magnitude of battery charging current, so that charging current of lesser magnitude is applied to the battery for a greater period of time. In accord with one implementation, battery charging current is determined by monitoring the difference between a programmed charging current, dependent on battery type, and magnitude of current used by the load. Change of battery charging current due to voltage mode charging, when charge current begins to drop as the battery approaches full charge, is detected, and in response, the charging period is set to a fixed charging period based on the battery.

Abstract: The present invention enables a pin on an integrated circuit to provide multiple duties. The internal circuit coupled to the selected pin is placed into a high impedance or sampling state based on a recurring signal so that the terminal pin can be sampled. The sampled signal is used to control the operation of the circuit, such as turning off the internal clock to place the circuit in shutdown mode. In that specific example, the integrated circuit exits shutdown mode when the sampled signal changes.

Abstract: The invention provides RF power controllers that cancel offset voltages in the power control loop and external offset voltages by coupling the output of the RF power controller to an auto-zero amplifier during STANDBY mode. The auto-zero amplifier controls the output voltage of the RF power controller during each STANDBY mode so as to eliminate the effect of offset voltages. The voltage at the input of the auto-zero amplifier that allows the offset voltages to be canceled is stored during ENABLE mode. The stored voltage is used by the auto-zero amplifier to continue to remove the effect of the offset voltages on the output voltage of the RF power controller during ENABLE mode. Offset drifts due to temperature, power supply changes, etc. are canceled due to frequent offset sampling.

Abstract: Interface circuitry for an integrated circuit is provided, which can operate in accordance with any one of several different protocols. Protocol identifying circuitry within the interface monitors signals passed from a master/host device to the integrated circuit. Based upon the characteristics of the signals, the protocol being used by the master/host device can be determined, and the interface circuitry on the integrated circuit may be configured accordingly. The protocol identifying circuitry "remembers" which protocol is in use, so that the interface circuit remains configured for the correct protocol regardless of subsequent changes in the signals from the master/host device.

Abstract: Amplifier circuitry is provided having an output voltage range that exceeds its supply rail voltage. Such an amplifier may be useful in battery powered applications calling for driving a high impedance load with a low current, moderate bandwidth signal The amplifier circuitry includes a transconductance amplifier, for providing a high output impedance, and a charge pump DC/DC converter, for providing a high supply voltage to the transconductance amplifier. In one embodiment of the invention, the gain of the amplifier is a function of the input voltage so as to linearize a transfer function between the amplifier input and a response of a load at the amplifier's output.

Abstract: A power supply is disclosed for use in battery powered electronic devices. The power supply includes a power source which supplies power to the electronic device itself as well as to battery charging circuitry integral to the power supply. The battery charging circuitry monitors an output current, or other parameter, of the power source output. Feedback circuitry regulates the output of the battery charging circuitry so that output current, or other parameter of the power source output, is kept within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A battery-status-indicating apparatus and arrangement for use-with electronic equipment (100) provides an operator with a displayed indication of remaining battery capacity. A removable battery pack (35) contains memory (37) for storing battery identification information, battery capacity information and a time stamp signal. Electronic circuitry (100), powered by the battery pack (35), maintains current time information and generates the time stamp signal for delivery to said removable battery (35). In addition, the electronic circuitry (100) comprises memory (30) for storing circuit module current draw signals (I.sub.1 -I.sub.4) and battery discharge rate signals (I.sub.5) representative of a discharge rate for different type battery chemistries. A microprocessor (27) containing a real time clock (31) is programmed to determine a battery discharge amount during a time interval (T.sub.5) when the battery is removed from service as well as a battery consumption amount during circuit operation (T.sub.1 -T.sub.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) is disclosed including an electroluminescent (EL) backlight panel (140) and an EL driver circuit (210). The EL driver circuit (210) provides power to the EL backlight (140), as well as panel aging compensation and user adjustment capabilities. The EL driver circuit (210) is low-cost, small-size, and designed in such a way to be easily integrated into a custom integrated circuit. A method is provided for controlling and converting power to the EL backlight panel (140).

Abstract: A digitizer for a gravity meter having a rotatable gradient readout dial and a null indicator, the digitizer comprising a shaft position sensor attached to the readout dial for providing a digital output signal representation of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the readout dial during nulling of said indicator, a microprocessor coupled to the shaft position sensor for receiving and storing the sensor digital output signal representation and means in the microprocessor for analyzing the stored digital output signals from the shaft position sensor and producing and storing a digitized output signal representing the gravity in the form of the average position of the readout dial on the gravity meter.