Abstract: Techniques for a sinking and sourcing power stage are provided. In an example, a power stage circuit can include a first power transistor configured to couple to a first input power rail, a second power transistor configured to couple to a second input power rail, an output node configured to couple to a load and to couple the first power transistor in series with the second power transistor between the first and second input power rails, and a controller configured to operate the first and second power transistors in a first mode to source current to the load and to operate the first and second power transistors in a second mode to sink current from the load.

Abstract: A current sensor circuit comprises multiple resistive circuit elements of different values of electrical resistance arranged between at least one input terminal of the current sensor circuit and an output terminal; a first plurality of switching circuits coupled between the input terminal and the resistive circuit elements, wherein each switching circuit of the first plurality of switching circuits includes a pair of transistors connected in series; at least one drive amplifier including an output and an input connected to the output terminal; and a second plurality of switching circuits, each switching circuit including a first switch terminal coupled to the at least one drive amplifier output and a second switch terminal coupled to a common connection of a pair of transistors of the first plurality of switching circuits.

Abstract: A current sensor circuit comprises multiple resistive circuit elements of different values of electrical resistance arranged between at least one input terminal of the current sensor circuit and an output terminal; a first plurality of switching circuits coupled between the input terminal and the resistive circuit elements, wherein each switching circuit of the first plurality of switching circuits includes a pair of transistors connected in series; at least one drive amplifier including an output and an input connected to the output terminal; and a second plurality of switching circuits, each switching circuit including a first switch terminal coupled to the at least one drive amplifier output and a second switch terminal coupled to a common connection of a pair of transistors of the first plurality of switching circuits.

Abstract: Techniques for improving current sensing via a shunt resistance are provided. In an example, an apparatus for sensing current can include a substrate, and a plurality of metal layers stacked on the substrate and separated from the substrate and from each other by an insulation material. In certain examples, a first one or more metal layers can form a sense resistance configured to pass current between a source and a load, and a second one or more metal layers can form one or more gain resistances coupled to the sense resistance and configured to couple to a current sense amplifier. In some example, a metal layer can include portions of both the sense resistance and the gain resistance to compensate for environmental anomalies, material anomalies or manufacturing anomalies.

Abstract: Techniques for improved multiple-range current sensing are provided. In an example, a circuit can include a plurality of shunt resistors, a plurality of gain resistors, and a first switch. A first shunt resistor of the plurality of shunt resistors can be of a different type that the other shunt resistors of the plurality of shunt resistors. The plurality of gain resistors can include a first gain resistor of the same resistor type as the first shunt resistor. The first gain resistor can be a different resistor type than the other gain resistors of the plurality of gain resistors. The switch can be configured to couple the first shunt resistor with the load in a first state and to isolate the first shunt resistor from the load in a second state.

Abstract: Techniques for improved multiple-range current sensing are provided. In an example, a circuit can include a plurality of shunt resistors, a plurality of gain resistors, and a first switch. A first shunt resistor of the plurality of shunt resistors can be of a different type that the other shunt resistors of the plurality of shunt resistors. The plurality of gain resistors can include a first gain resistor of the same resistor type as the first shunt resistor. The first gain resistor can be a different resistor type than the other gain resistors of the plurality of gain resistors. The switch can be configured to couple the first shunt resistor with the load in a first state and to isolate the first shunt resistor from the load in a second state.

Abstract: Techniques for improving current sensing via a shunt resistance are provided. In an example, an apparatus for sensing current can include a substrate, and a plurality of metal layers stacked on the substrate and separated from the substrate and from each other by an insulation material. In certain examples, a first one or more metal layers can form a sense resistance configured to pass current between a source and a load, and a second one or more metal layers can form one or more gain resistances coupled to the sense resistance and configured to couple to a current sense amplifier. In some example, a metal layer can include portions of both the sense resistance and the gain resistance to compensate for environmental anomalies, material anomalies or manufacturing anomalies.

Abstract: Techniques for a sinking and sourcing power stage are provided. In an example, a power stage circuit can include a first power transistor configured to couple to a first input power rail, a second power transistor configured to couple to a second input power rail, an output node configured to couple to a load and to couple the first power transistor in series with the second power transistor between the first and second input power rails, and a controller configured to operate the first and second power transistors in a first mode to source current to the load and to operate the first and second power transistors in a second mode to sink current from the load.

Abstract: Techniques for a sinking and sourcing power stage are provided. In an example, a power stage circuit can include a first power transistor configured to couple to a first input power rail, a second power transistor configured to couple to a second input power rail, an output node configured to couple to a load and to couple the first power transistor in series with the second power transistor between the first and second input power rails, and a controller configured to operate the first and second power transistors in a first mode to source current to the load and to operate the first and second power transistors in a second mode to sink current from the load.

Abstract: Techniques for a sinking and sourcing power stage are provided. In an example, a power stage circuit can include a first power transistor configured to couple to a first input power rail, a second power transistor configured to couple to a second input power rail, an output node configured to couple to a load and to couple the first power transistor in series with the second power transistor between the first and second input power rails, and a controller configured to operate the first and second power transistors in a first mode to source current to the load and to operate the first and second power transistors in a second mode to sink current from the load.

Abstract: Various examples described herein are directed to a differential controller including a first regulator and a second regulator. The first regulator receives a first regulator control signal and generates a first regulator output signal. The second regulator receives a second regulator control signal and generates a second regulator output signal. A load is electrically coupled between a first regulator output and a second regulator output. The load current and voltage are based on a difference between the first regulator output and the second regulator output. A current sensor generates a load current signal that describes a load current at the load. A first amplifier generates the first regulator control using the load current signal and a control signal. A second amplifier generates the second regulator control signal using the first regulator input voltage and a common mode voltage.

Abstract: Various examples described herein are directed to a differential controller including a first regulator and a second regulator. The first regulator receives a first regulator control signal and generates a first regulator output signal. The second regulator receives a second regulator control signal and generates a second regulator output signal. A load is electrically coupled between a first regulator output and a second regulator output. The load current and voltage are based on a difference between the first regulator output and the second regulator output. A current sensor generates a load current signal that describes a load current at the load. A first amplifier generates the first regulator control using the load current signal and a control signal. A second amplifier generates the second regulator control signal using the first regulator input voltage and a common mode voltage.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) comprises a supply voltage node, configured to receive a supply voltage, a VCO output capacitor, configured to provide an oscillating output voltage across the capacitor, a discharge switch configured to discharge the capacitor according to an oscillation frequency of the oscillating output voltage, and a comparator circuit configured to provide, to a control terminal of the discharge switch, a control signal that is determined based on a comparison of the output voltage and a specified threshold voltage. The oscillating output voltage includes a pulse having a ramp slope that is determined as a function of a magnitude of the supply voltage, and is capable of being adjusted independently of the oscillation frequency.

Abstract: A bidirectional current sensor circuit can be configured to generate a scaled version of a load current using a first transistor from a power regulator output stage and a second transistor that can be a mirror or scaled version of the first transistor. A trim circuit can be provided to correct gain errors under current sinking or current sourcing conditions. In an example, the bidirectional current sensor circuit can be configured to detect a polarity or a magnitude of a current signal that is used to operate a thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A bidirectional current sensor circuit can be configured to generate a scaled version of a load current using a first transistor from a power regulator output stage and a second transistor that can be a mirror or scaled version of the first transistor. A trim circuit can be provided to correct gain errors under current sinking or current sourcing conditions. In an example, the bidirectional current sensor circuit can be configured to detect a polarity or a magnitude of a current signal that is used to operate a thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) comprises a supply voltage node, configured to receive a supply voltage, a VCO output capacitor, configured to provide an oscillating output voltage across the capacitor, a discharge switch configured to discharge the capacitor according to an oscillation frequency of the oscillating output voltage, and a comparator circuit configured to provide, to a control terminal of the discharge switch, a control signal that is determined based on a comparison of the output voltage and a specified threshold voltage. The oscillating output voltage includes a pulse having a ramp slope that is determined as a function of a magnitude of the supply voltage, and is capable of being adjusted independently of the oscillation frequency.

Abstract: A voltage regulator comprises first and second bipolar transistors operating at different current densities; a resistor is connected between their bases across which ?VBE appears. A third bipolar transistor is connected such that the voltages at the bases of the first and third transistors are equal or differ by a PTAT amount. A current mirror is arranged to balance the collector current of one of the second and third transistors with an image of the collector current of the first transistor when the output node is at a unique operating point. The operating point includes both PTAT and CTAT components, the ratio of which can be established such that the operating point has a desired temperature characteristic. A transistor connected to the output node and driven by the output of the current mirror regulates the output voltage by negative feedback.

Abstract: A voltage regulator comprises first and second bipolar transistors operating at different current densities; a resistance is connected between their bases across which ?VBE appears. A third bipolar transistor is connected such that its base voltage is equal to that of the first transistor or differs by a PTAT amount. A current mirror balances the collector current of one of the second and third transistors with an image of the collector current of the first transistor when an output node is at a unique operating point. The operating point includes both PTAT and CTAT components, the ratio of which can be established to provide a desired temperature characteristic. A feedback transistor provides current to the bases of the bipolar transistors and to the output node and is driven by the current mirror output to regulate the voltage at the output node by negative feedback.

Abstract: Clamp networks are provided to insure successful operation of a variety of electronic circuits that are realized in the form of integrated circuit chips. These networks are especially suited for use in chips in which on-chip circuits generate a voltage to bias the chip substrate relative to the chip ground. The clamp networks are configured to drive a current between the chip ground and the chip substrate whenever the chip substrate begins to rise above the chip ground during turn on of the chip input voltage. The clamp networks thus insure that the chip substrate is properly biased when the input voltage has been established and that the chip, therefore, functions as intended.

Abstract: Clamp networks are provided to insure successful operation of a variety of electronic circuits that are realized in the form of integrated circuit chips. These networks are especially suited for use in chips in which on-chip circuits generate a voltage to bias the chip substrate relative to the chip ground. The clamp networks are configured to drive a current between the chip ground and the chip substrate whenever the chip substrate begins to rise above the chip ground during turn on of the chip input voltage. The clamp networks thus insure that the chip substrate is properly biased when the input voltage has been established and that the chip, therefore, functions as intended.