Abstract: One embodiment provides a system for protecting at least one component in an integrated circuit (IC). The system includes a disconnect element that is electrically connected in series between a terminal of the IC and the at least one component. The disconnect element is configured to have a first state to permit an electrical signal to propagate from the terminal to the at least one component and a second state corresponding to a high impedance condition that electrically disconnects the terminal relative to the at least one component. A control system is configured to cause the disconnect element to transition from the first state to the second based on at least one predetermined activation condition.

Abstract: A low drop-out regulator is configured to provide high output current with a fast response during transient conditions, while also maintaining low quiescent current under DC conditions. An exemplary low drop-out regulator has an error amplifier, a current feedback amplifier, and a pass device. The low drop-out regulator includes a composite amplifier feedback configuration, with the current feedback amplifier being decoupled from the overall composite feedback configuration and configured to provide effective compensation. As a result, the current feedback amplifier can be configured to operate with low current supplied from the error amplifier and to drive the control terminal of the pass device with sufficiently high current as demanded by a load device. In addition, the current feedback amplifier can be configured to permit the voltage at the control terminal of the pass device to operate from rail-to-rail.

Abstract: A composite loop compensation circuit and method for a low drop-out regulator configured to facilitate stable operation at very low output load currents is provided. An exemplary low drop-out regulator includes an error amplifier, a pass device, and a composite loop compensation circuit. The compensation loop compensation circuit includes a plurality of segmented sense devices, a plurality of switches and a biasing component. The plurality of segmented sense devices are configured to sense an output load current, i.e., the current from the output terminal of the pass device. The plurality of switches are coupled between the plurality of segmented sense devices and a biasing component. Composite loop compensation circuit is configured to adjust the dominant first pole of the composite feedback loop based on the output load current through biasing of the active resistor component.

Abstract: An output stage compensation circuit and method for a low drop-out regulator configured to facilitate stable operation while providing output voltage and current to downstream circuit devices is provided. An exemplary low drop-out regulator is configured with an output stage compensation circuit including one or more segmented sense devices configured to drive one or more fixed current sources. Each segmented sense device is configured to compensate a suitable range of output current and to multiply the effect of associated compensation capacitors. The one or more segmented sense devices are configured to provide pole-zero compensation based on output current. Further, the current range of each segment can be overlapped. As a result, the stability of the low drop-out regulator is not dependent upon the output current requirements or the capacitance requirements of the downstream circuit.

Abstract: A low drop-out regulator is configured to provide high output current with a fast response during transient conditions, while also maintaining low quiescent current under DC conditions. An exemplary low drop-out regulator comprises an error amplifier, a current feedback amplifier, and a pass device. The low drop-out regulator includes a composite amplifier feedback configuration, with the current feedback amplifier being decoupled from the overall composite feedback configuration and configured to provide effective compensation. As a result, the current feedback amplifier can be configured to operate with low current supplied from the error amplifier and to drive the control terminal of the pass device with sufficiently high current as demanded by a load device. In addition, the current feedback amplifier can be configured to permit the voltage at the control terminal of the pass device to operate from rail-to-rail.

Abstract: An output stage compensation circuit and method for a low drop-out regulator configured to facilitate stable operation while providing output voltage and current to downstream circuit devices is provided. An exemplary low drop-out regulator is configured with an output stage compensation circuit comprising one or more segmented sense devices configured to drive one or more fixed current sources. Each segmented sense device is configured to compensate a suitable range of output current and to multiply the effect of associated compensation capacitors. The one or more segmented sense devices are configured to provide pole-zero compensation based on output current. Further, the current range of each segment can be overlapped. As a result, the stability of the low drop-out regulator is not dependent upon the output current requirements or the capacitance requirements of the downstream circuit.

Abstract: A composite loop compensation circuit and method for a low drop-out regulator configured to facilitate stable operation at very low output load currents is provided. An exemplary low drop-out regulator comprises an error amplifier, a pass device, and a composite loop compensation circuit. The composite loop compensation circuit comprises a plurality of segmented sense devices, a plurality of switches and a biasing component. The plurality of segmented sense devices are configured to sense an output load current, i.e., the current from the output terminal of the pass device. The plurality of switches are coupled between the plurality of segmented sense devices and the biasing component. Composite loop compensation circuit is configured to adjust the dominant first pole of the composite feedback loop based on the output load current through biasing of the active resistor component.

Abstract: A vacuum chuck for securely holding integrated circuit hybrid package substrates in fixed relationship to an X/Y table that is subjected to severe repeated lateral acceleration and decceleration forces to prevent appreciable lateral displacement of the package substrate relative to the X/Y table. A plurality of shallow, closed loop grooves are disposed in the chuck. A resilient O ring is disposed in each groove and normally extends a small but precise amount above the surface of the base. A vacuum path opens into each region circumscribed by an O ring. When a package substrate is positioned on an O ring and the vacuum then is applied, the O ring is compressed, causing the sides of the O ring to tightly engage the walls of the groove, preventing the O ring from "rolling" in the groove as a result of lateral acceleration and decceleration forces on the package.