Abstract: A first current source injects an emitter bias current into a base-controlled amplifier transistor. A reference transistor identical to the amplifier transistor is connected to the battery to operate independently of the amplifier transistor. A second constant current source identical to the first injects the same emitter bias current into the reference transistor circuit. A circuit interconnects the bases of the reference and amplifier transistors so that the base current supplied to the amplifier transistor is identical to that drawn by the reference transistor to sustain the flow of emitter bias current. The amplifier transistor then offers a high input impedance to a signal source connected to its base.

Abstract: The main switching transistor 11 is serially connected between a load 12, 12' and a source of supply 13, R. An auxiliary transistor 15, the base of which is controlled through a voltage sensing device, for example a Zener diode 18 has its main switching path connected to the base of the main switching transistor 11 to control the main switching transistor 11 to become conductive in case of overvoltage, sensed by breakdown of the Zener diode 18. If the load is inductive, an additional inductive turn-off current bypass transistor 22, 22' can be provided (FIG.

Abstract: To permit entire integration of a control circuit to switch an inductive load, and protect the integrated control circuit against inductive voltage kicks, voltage surges, and reverse polarity, a series circuit including a diode, which may be constructed as a transistor in diode connection, and a voltage limiting element, typically a Zener diode, or a Zener diode controlled transistor, or four-layer diode are connected in parallel to the main switching path of the semiconductor element which controls current flow through the inductive load, thereby eliminating the necessity of the free wheeling and anti-conductive voltage kick diode which, in combination with the inherent substrate diodes of the inductive circuit, might lead to the damage, or destruction of the IC.

Abstract: A frequency divider circuit and variants thereof, intended for use with the fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine. The primary trigger signal is one derived from a rotating engine member and this signal is used to generate two input pulse trains of opposite relative phase. A basic dividing block includes two bistable multivibrators formed by gates with crossed feedback. The inputs to these multivibrators are provided by two-input gates and the input pulse trains are applied, respectively, to the input gates ahead of the first and second multivibrators. The second inputs of the input gates receive the direct or crossed-over outputs of the multivibrators. Additional circuitry is disclosed for providing odd dividing ratios, e.g. 1:3.

Abstract: To provide for multiple timing intervals in an entirely integrated circuit structure without replacement of external circuit components, the integrated circuit includes at least two charge resistors and two discharge resistors, each connected to the timing capacitor, and selectively controllable switches connected to the timing capacitor and to the charge and discharge resistors to interconnect the timing capacitor with respective charge and discharge resistors and the input terminals to the timing circuit, as commanded by the respective switch setting. The switches, preferably, are transistor switches which are externally controllable by enabling respective inputs to the integrated circuit structure.

Abstract: To reliably ensure response of integrated circuits having threshold inputs, while rejecting interference and noise pulses, the input stage is formed with a plurality of resistors which can be selectively vaporized or burned off to match the input response of the threshold circuit to any input operating voltage without requiring the use of discrete, replaceable input resistors. Preferably, the input voltages are conducted to voltage dividers which have resistors which can be selectively removed by evaporation or burning off. The circuit can also have inverters bridged by a vaporizable shunt to respond to voltages of selected polarity or provide an output of selected polarity.

Abstract: A controlled main switch, typically a semiconductor switch, is connected in parallel to the load. In accordance with the invention, an auxiliary switch, typically also a semiconductor switch such as a switching transistor is directly connected across the terminals of the load, and with an impedance, for example a resistance, diode, or Zener diode to the main switch, and controlled to switch in synchronism with the main switch, so that the residual voltage across the load due to inherent voltage drop across the terminals of the switch becomes a minimum. Integrated technology may be used, combining preamplifiers and distribution networks in one monolithic chip.

Abstract: A main semiconductor element is placed on a circuit chip; additionally, a compensating semiconductor element is placed thereon, the compensating semiconductor element being a diode, a substrate diode, a Schottky diode, a transistor with shortcircuited base emitter junction, open base transistor, or a resistor, the additional semiconductor element having one terminal connected to the main semiconductor and the other terminal either to the substrate or to a source of potential at least as large as the potential of the main element. The leakage current to be bypassed may affect the main element directly, particularly when the main element is operated in digital on-off mode, or indirectly by passing a compensating current which affects another element such as an operational amplifier, or provides directly for additional current compensating for leakage current of the main element.

Abstract: A controlled main switch, typically a semiconductor switch, is connected in parallel to the load. In accordance with the invention, an auxiliary switch, typically also a semiconductor switch such as a switching transistor is directly connected across the terminals of the load, and with an impedance, for example a resistance, diode, or Zener diode to the main switch, and controlled to switch in synchronism with the main switch, so that the residual voltage across the load due to inherent voltage drop across the terminals of the switch becomes a minimum. Integrated technology may be used, combining preamplifiers and distribution networks in one monolithic chip.

Abstract: Supplementary metallized connection parts short-circuiting or connecting incremental sub-components of one or more circuit elements of an integrated circuit are laid down on the semiconductor slice at the same time as the usual metallized connection pattern is made. The components associated with the incremental sub-components are measured to determine the program of adjustment and selective burnout of the supplementary connections. The selective burnout is carried out by applying a sequence of pulses to the segments to be burned out under monitoring by a measuring circuit, which blocks the delivery of further pulses, either immediately or after one or a few more pulses, when the measuring circuit detects the opening of the connection. The process is preferably carried out on integrated circuits before the semiconductor slice on which they are made is separated into individual circuit units.