Abstract: In a low-pass filter for a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit, a capacitor formed by an N-type substrate, a P-type region formed on the N-type substrate, a thick oxide formed over the P-type region, a P+ gate electrode formed over the thick oxide and coupled to a first voltage supply line, and P+ pick-up terminals formed in the P-type region adjacent the gate electrode and coupled to a second voltage supply line, whereby a gate-to-substrate voltage is maintained at less than zero volts to maintain a stable control voltage for the PLL.

Abstract: An upstream amplifier is integrated on a substrate with a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to form an integrated circuit. In an embodiment, a low-pass filter is also integrated on the substrate. The output signal level of the upstream amplifier is controllable. In embodiments, fine adjustments are made to the output signal level of the upstream amplifier by varying a bias current of the DAC. A software control bit is used to switch between a power-on mode of operation and a power-down mode of operation. The upstream amplifier transmits in a burst mode. The power consumption of the upstream amplifier scales with the amplifier's output signal level. A high degree of matching is attained between the positive and negative paths of the upstream amplifier. This provides high immunity from common-mode disturbances such as substrate noise, clock spurs, and glitches caused by a gain change.

Abstract: An upstream amplifier is integrated on a substrate with a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to form an integrated circuit. In an embodiment, a low-pass filter is also integrated on the substrate. The output signal level of the upstream amplifier is controllable. In embodiments, fine adjustments are made to the output signal level of the upstream amplifier by varying a bias current of the DAC. A software control bit is used to switch between a power-on mode of operation and a power-down mode of operation. The upstream amplifier transmits in a burst mode. The power consumption of the upstream amplifier scales with the amplifier's output signal level. A high degree of matching is attained between the positive and negative paths of the upstream amplifier. This provides high immunity from common-mode disturbances such as substrate noise, clock spurs, and glitches caused by a gain change.