Abstract: The function module enables generation of a second current which has a relationship to at least one first current of the type y=xk/j, in which x is the value of the first current and y is the value of the second current, k and j being respective different positive integers which can be freely selected. It comprises a series of sections (C1, C2, . . . , Cj, . . . ), each section comprising a variable conductance (G*j) whose value is proportional to the current flowing in the variable conductance of the section which preceded this section in the series. The conductance (G*1) of the first section is proportional to a reference current (I0).

Abstract: A pointing device including a ball engaging one or more shaft encoders, each shaft encoder having an encoding wheel, including a monolithic photosensitive array for detecting light pulses representative of rotary movement of the ball. The photosensitive array provides a plurality of resolutions and permits accurate tracking of rotary movement of the ball without need for a mask. Comparator and latch means operate on the output of the array and provides digital hysteresis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reference voltage source in CMOS technology. The reference voltage source is based on the use of two compatible bipolar transistors (T1) and (T2) working at different current densities. A transresistance amplifier (1) connected as a negative feedback between the collectors and bases of (T1) and (T2) delivers the reference voltage (V.sub.ref). A conductor block (4) allows sufficient current to be drawn through the resistors (2) and (3) to render neglible the base current of (T1).

Abstract: The invention concerns an amplifier comprising means for compensating for the input drift voltage. During a preparation phase, the input signal of the amplifier (10) is nullified by short-circuiting the inputs (12) and (13) by means of the change-over switch (30) and the output (15) is connected to a capacitor (40) and to a secondary input (14) of the amplifier. The secondary input has a substantially lower gain than the gain relative to the main input (13), which makes it possible substantially to reduce the effect of charge injection caused by opening of the switch (60). In the amplification phase, the input (13) receives an input signal (V1) and the input drift voltage (.alpha.V) is compensated by means of the value stored in the capacitor (40).

Abstract: There is disclosed a differential amplifier which comprises bipolar transistors which may be produced using MOS technology and wherein the amplifier is particularly useful when the transistors have a poorly defined current gain. The amplifier includes a first pair of transistors having emitters connected in common and having bases forming the inputs to the differential amplifier. A second pair of transistors identical to the first pair are coupled such that the emitters and bases of said second pair are connected respectively to the emitters and bases of the first pair. The collectors of the second pair of transistors are connected to a current generator and to the input of a transconductance amplifier such that the transconductance amplifier causes the sum of the emitter currents of the first and second pairs of transistors to be controlled by the current supplied by the current generator.

Abstract: A dynamic amplifier comprises two complementary MOS transistors T1 and T2 which are connected in series, the gates G1 and G2 of which are connected to each other and to an input node by way of capacitors C1 and C2. The gate of T1 is connected to its drain by a switch means S1. The input node is connected to an input terminal and a reference voltage terminal by switch means S4 and S3 respectively and an output node between T1 and T2 is connected to an output terminal by switch means S5. The gate of T2 is connected by way of a switch means S2 to a bias voltage source.

Abstract: An integrated control device for controlling a device such as a LED display or a miniature stepping motor for an electronic watch comprises at least one insulated-gate field effect transistor for controlling the supply of current to the element. The gate of the F.E.T. is connected to a control circuit including a voltage multiplier comprising a series-connected chain of rectifiers and a plurality of capacitors connected between the respective junctions between rectifiers and alternate inputs. High frequency signals of opposite phase are supplied to the inputs under control of an input control signal. Circuit means are provided for starting the action of the voltage multiplier at the beginning of an input control signal and for short-circuiting the output of the control circuit at the end of an input control signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to logic CMOS transistor circuits formed by at least one gate circuit, each gate circuit comprising a pair of CMOS transistor groups connected in series between the terminals of a power supply. The conductive state of both groups of transistors defines the potential of a common connection point or output node. A power dissipating means of relatively high resistance is coupled in parallel with at least a part of at least one of the said transistor groups, at least during a time interval in which both groups are in a non conductive state. This results in a quasi static behavior of the circuits according to the invention although the basic structure of the same is that of dynamic circuits.

Abstract: A multifunctional wrist watch combining the functions of time-indication with other functions, for example a calculator. The watch has a glass in which pick-ups are provided for detecting the passage of a finger of a user over the surface of the glass and recognition circuits for converting the trace detected into a logic signal for processing by a calculator circuit provided in the watch case. The output of the calculator is then displayed by the electro-optical display on the watch. The detection and recognition facility may also be utilized for correction of the date and time settings of the watch.

Abstract: An autonomous electric watch comprises a receiver for picking up a magnetic or acoustic coded regulation signal delivered by a telephone set, and a control circuit automatically controlling memory circuits of the watch to regulate the frequency and/or set the time displayed in response to reception of such a signal. The regulation signal is provided by a signal generator connected to an automatic telephone reply apparatus that can be called from any subscriber telephone set, and may be combined with a pre-recorded spoken message giving instructions to the caller.

Abstract: CMOS oscillator in which the oscillator circuit comprises a first MOS transistor connected by its source to a first terminal of a voltage supply and biased by the current provided by a second MOS transistor of opposed type which is a part of the same integrated circuit. At least a third MOS transistor (T.sub.6, T.sub.8, T.sub.12) of the same type as the second and which is a part of the same integrated circuit is provided, the sources and gates of the second and third transistors being respectively connected together and respectively to the second terminal of the voltage supply and to a point (P) at a potential such that the mean drain current of the first transistor will be maintained at a value just higher than the value at which oscillation starts.

Abstract: A pointing device including a ball engaging one or more shaft encoders, each shaft encoder having an encoding wheel, including a monolithic photosensitive array for detecting light pulses representative of rotary movement of the ball. The photosensitive array provides a plurality of resolutions and permits accurate tracking of rotary movement of the ball without need for a mask. Comparator and latch means operate on the output of the array and provides digital hysteresis.