Abstract: An operational amplifier and a method for amplifying a signal. Embodiments provide a convenient and effective mechanism for reducing die area, design time and design verification time by sharing compensation components between the common-mode and differential feedback networks of the operational amplifier. As such, fewer compensation components are required, thereby reducing component die area. Additionally, given that the compensation components are shared between the common-mode and differential feedback networks, the feedback networks can be stabilized together with fewer compensation components to specify and verify, thereby reducing design and design verification time. Further, embodiments provide a compensation component coupling which does not couple directly to virtual ground, thereby reducing the noise of the operational amplifier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed synchronization of a clock signal to a data signal. The apparatus includes a phase lock and tracking logic circuit configured to detect a plurality of values. Each of the plurality of values indicates a position of a data edge of the data signal. The phase lock and tracking logic circuit adds the plurality of values to generate a result and to adjust the clock signal if the result is greater than a predetermined value, or threshold. The phase lock and tracking logic circuit may be configured to maintain the clock signal linearity approximately between the end of a first data packet and the beginning of a second data packet.

Abstract: Disclosed are a circuit and a method for an analog-to-digital conversion with programmable resolution. The circuit includes a resistor ladder comprising a plurality of resistors coupled to a plurality of comparators; wherein the resistor ladder is further coupled to a switch logic circuit and a plurality of current sources; and wherein the switch logic circuit is configured to control an operation of a plurality of switches to alter conversion resolution of the ADC, and an error correction circuit coupled to the outputs of the plurality of comparators, wherein the ADC is configured to perform a first conversion step and a second conversion step, and wherein the ADC is configured to perform only the first conversion step when programmed for lower conversion accuracy and higher conversion speed.

Abstract: A driver circuit, system, and method is provided. The driver circuit includes a plurality of delay cells or circuits, each comprising a set of flip-flop circuits coupled in series to produce a staged set of outputs onto an output port of the driver circuit. The staged outputs are sequentially applied to the output port at a time depending on the number of flip-flop circuits within each stage. The number of such circuits can be programmably modified so that the slew rate output of the driver circuit can be programmably changed. The driver circuit can be a low speed driver circuit clocked by a low speed clocking signal of, for example, 1.5 MHz, with the slew rate derived by a clocking signal of, for example, 480 MHz. The higher speed clocking signal clocks the flip-flop circuits, yet the output is staged so that the low speed driver circuit transitions between logic states using the higher speed clock, but at a must slower edge rate.

Abstract: An improved amplifier circuit is provided herein with a gain stage and a bias stage, which may be switchably connected to the gain stage during power-up operations. The bias stage reduces a power-up time associated with the gain stage, while minimizing current consumption in the next amplifier stage and improving battery life. For example, during power-up, the bias stage may enable the output voltage of the gain stage to gradually rise from a ground potential to a desired common mode level in a highly controlled and predictable manner. By preventing “glitches” in the output voltage, the bias stage eliminates the need for inserting switches in the signal path between the output nodes of the gain stage and input nodes of the next amplifier stage.

Abstract: A memory system power management process includes providing a first level of power to operate a memory system while a primary power source is enabled, detecting an interruption of the primary power source, increasing a frequency of an oscillator driving a charge pump of a power converter providing the first level of power, and beginning a memory operation that increases a load on the power converter.

Abstract: A clock circuit has a crystal. A differential amplifier has a first input coupled to a first node of the crystal and a second input of the differential amplifier coupled to a bias signal and an output of the differential amplifier coupled to a second node of the crystal.

Abstract: Method and system for controllably and sequentially powering up subsystems of an electronic system, device or integrated circuit. In one example, a first supply voltage is selectively applied to a first subsystem, and when the first supply voltage has reached a predetermined value, a second supply voltage is selectively applied to the second subsystem. The first and second supply voltages may also be boosted to provide fast startup timing. In this manner, the first subsystem is powered-up before the second supply voltage is applied to the second subsystem—this provides for controlled, sequential power up of the subsystems of the electronic system, device or integrated circuit.