Abstract: Distributively associated with each output row of point cells or each subset of point cells in each output row is one or more of a: memory device for storing an address identifying a cell in its associated output row and a decoder device responsive to the memory device for actuating the associated enable circuit to operate the transconductance device of the identified cell; a bias device, and an output cascode device; and also disclosed as switching systems having a bias device including a current mirror with an input reference portion responsive to a reference current and a co-located output local portion for reproducing that current as the bias current.

Abstract: Disclosed are a circuit and a method for tuning a programmable filter including input terminals, output terminals, a filter network and a transadmittance stage. The input terminals can receive input signals, and the output terminals output a filtered signal. The transadmittance stage, coupled to the input terminals, generates a current at its output based on the input signals. The output of the transadmittance stage can be coupled to the output terminals. The filter network can be a resistive-capacitive network connected to the input terminals. The RC network can include a capacitance respectively coupling the input terminals to output terminals, and a voltage divider network coupling the input and output terminals together. The transadmittance stage output terminals can be connected to the voltage divider, and the output terminals of the programmable filter circuit are coupled to respective intermediate nodes of the voltage divider network to provide a filtered output signal.

Abstract: A redundant cross point switching is achieved by mapping a redundant column/row of point cells and enabling at least one of the switching devices which is associated with each column/row to define an alternate path around the defective point cell which replicates the function of the switching location of the defective point cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are a circuit and a method for tuning a programmable filter including input terminals, output terminals, a filter network and a transadmittance stage. The input terminals can receive input signals, and the output terminals output a filtered signal. The transadmittance stage, coupled to the input terminals, generates a current at its output based on the input signals. The output of the transadmittance stage can be coupled to the output terminals. The filter network can be a resistive-capacitive network connected to the input terminals. The RC network can include a capacitance respectively coupling the input terminals to output terminals, and a voltage divider network coupling the input and output terminals together. The transadmittance stage output terminals can be connected to the voltage divider, and the output terminals of the programmable filter circuit are coupled to respective intermediate nodes of the voltage divider network to provide a filtered output signal.

Abstract: A redundant cross point switching is achieved by mapping a redundant column/row of point cells and enabling at least one of the switching devices which is associated with each column/row to define an alternate path around the defective point cell which replicates the function of the switching location of the defective point cell.

Abstract: Distributively associated with each output row of point cells or each subset of point cells in each output row is one or more of a: memory device for storing an address identifying a cell in its associated output row and a decoder device responsive to the memory device for actuating the associated enable circuit to operate the transconductance device of the identified cell; a bias device, and an output cascode device; and also disclosed as switching systems having a bias device including a current mirror with an input reference portion responsive to a reference current and a co-located output local portion for reproducing that current as the bias current.

Abstract: In a circuit having two input stages multiplexed to a common output stage having an output, one of the two input stages including transistor having a base, a collector and an emitter; a method of protecting the transistor from ?-degradation when the one of the two input stages is disabled comprises: clamping the base to a substantially fixed voltage for a first range of voltages applied to the one of the two input stages; and bootstrapping the base to a voltage that follows the output for a second range of voltages applied to the one of the two input stages. Alternatively, a method of protecting a transistor having a base connected through a finite impedance to an input voltage, a collector and an emitter, may comprise bootstrapping the base to a voltage that follows the input voltage with an offset when the input voltage is within a second range of voltages.

Abstract: In a circuit having two input stages multiplexed to a common output stage having an output, one of the two input stages including transistor having a base, a collector and an emitter; a method of protecting the transistor from &bgr;-degradation when the one of the two input stages is disabled comprises: clamping the base to a substantially fixed voltage for a first range of voltages applied to the one of the two input stages; and bootstrapping the base to a voltage that follows the output for a second range of voltages applied to the one of the two input stages. Alternatively, a method of protecting a transistor having a base connected through a finite impedance to an input voltage, a collector and an emitter, may comprise bootstrapping the base to a voltage that follows the input voltage with an offset when the input voltage is within a second range of voltages.