Abstract: One variation of a system includes a hub and a module coupled to a solar array. During a first time period: the hub detects nominal operation of the solar array broadcasts a first token accordingly; and the module receives the first token, authenticates the first token; and maintains a switch—coupled to an output terminal of the module—in a closed position to output power from a solar panel to an inverter in response to authentication of the first token. During a second time period: the hub detects deviation of the solar array from nominal operation and withholds broadcast of tokens accordingly; and the module triggers the switch to transition to an open position to cease output of power from the first solar panel to the inverter in response to absence of receipt of a second token broadcast by the hub.

Abstract: A packaged integrated circuit (IC) includes a package substrate having opposing first and second surfaces. The package substrate includes first and second metal pads on the first surface, third metal pads on the second surface, and metal interconnects coupled between the third metal pads and at least some of the first and second metal pads. A semiconductor die is on the first surface and is coupled to the first metal pads. Metal support structures are on the first surface and are coupled to a at least some of the second metal pads. A piezoelectric resonator is on the metal support structures and over the semiconductor die. A cap is on the package substrate and covers the piezoelectric resonator, the metal support structures, and the semiconductor die.

Abstract: In certain examples, methods and apparatus are directed to a resonator-based circuit which, in operation, has an electrically-conductive band (“band”) at least partially surrounding a center electrode which includes the piezoelectric material of the circuit's resonator. In particular examples, the band acts to electrically load vibrations near resonance and consequently, spurious mode suppression is realized. In more particular example embodiments, the band maintains TE mode while eliminating lateral spurious tones, and in one application-specific example, the resonator-based circuitry and the electrical-conductive band are to provide of facilitate piezoelectric power conversion.

Abstract: In certain examples, methods and semiconductor structures are directed to operation of a piezoelectric-based device (e.g., a DC-DC converter) and such operation may involve selectively switching inputs of the piezoelectric-based device at a modulation frequency and, in response, decoupling of the modulation frequency from output power delivered by the piezoelectric-based device. In some examples, the inputs of the piezoelectric-based device are selectively switched to cause decoupling the modulation frequency from output power delivered by the piezoelectric-based device and/or cause operation of the piezoelectric-based device without spurious mode operation.

Abstract: In certain examples, methods and semiconductor structures are directed to operation of a piezoelectric-based device (e.g., a DC-DC converter) and such operation may involve selectively switching inputs of the piezoelectric-based device at a modulation frequency and, in response, decoupling of the modulation frequency from output power delivered by the piezoelectric-based device. In some examples, the inputs of the piezoelectric-based device are selectively switched to cause decoupling the modulation frequency from output power delivered by the piezoelectric-based device and/or cause operation of the piezoelectric-based device without spurious mode operation.