Abstract: An asynchronous capacitance-to-digital conversion is described that allows for very low-power operation when during inactive periods (when no conductive object is in contact or proximity to the sensing electrodes). Asynchronous operation of a capacitance-to-digital converter (CDC) provides for capacitance-to-digital conversion without the use of system resources and more power intensive circuit elements.

Abstract: The described techniques address issues associated with hybrid current or magnetic field sensors used to detect both low- and high-frequency magnetic field components. The hybrid sensor implements a DC component rejection path in the high-frequency magnetic field component path. Both digital and analog implementations are provided, each functioning to generate a DC component cancellation signal to at least partially cancel a DC component of a current signal generated via the high-frequency magnetic field component path. The hybrid sensor provides a high-bandwidth, high-accuracy, and low DC offset hybrid current solution that also eliminates the need for DC decoupling capacitors in the high-frequency path. A modification is also described for implementing a Sigma-Delta (??) quantization noise reduction path to reduce the quantization noise and to improve accuracy.

Abstract: Front-end circuits that combine inductive and capacitive sensing are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of inductive elements, an inductive measurement circuit, and a frequency divider circuit. The inductive measurement circuit is to output a first signal with a first frequency. The first signal is associated with an inductance change of one of the inductive elements. A feedback circuit can maintain the sinusoidal operation of the first signal. The frequency divider circuit can generate a second signal with a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency.

Abstract: Chopper amplifiers with low intermodulation distortion (IMD) are provided. To compensate for IMD, at least one distortion compensation channel is included in parallel with chopper amplifier circuitry of a main signal channel. Additionally, output selection switches are included for selecting between the output of the main signal path and the distortional compensation channel(s) over time to maintain the output current continuous. Such IMD compensation can be realized by filling in missing current of the main signal channel using the distortion compensation channel(s), or by using channel outputs only when they have settled current.

Abstract: Front-end circuits that combine inductive and capacitive sensing are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of inductive elements, an inductive measurement circuit, and a frequency divider circuit. The inductive measurement circuit is to output a first signal with a first frequency. The first signal is associated with an inductance change of one of the inductive elements. A feedback circuit can maintain the sinusoidal operation of the first signal. The frequency divider circuit can generate a second signal with a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency.

Abstract: The described techniques address issues associated with hybrid current or magnetic field sensors used to detect both low- and high-frequency magnetic field components. The hybrid sensor implements a DC component rejection path in the high-frequency magnetic field component path. Both digital and analog implementations are provided, each functioning to generate a DC component cancellation signal to at least partially cancel a DC component of a current signal generated via the high-frequency magnetic field component path. The hybrid sensor provides a high-bandwidth, high-accuracy, and low DC offset hybrid current solution that also eliminates the need for DC decoupling capacitors in the high-frequency path. A modification is also described for implementing a Sigma-Delta (??) quantization noise reduction path to reduce the quantization noise and to improve accuracy.

Abstract: The described techniques address issues associated with hybrid current or magnetic field sensors used to detect both low- and high-frequency magnetic field components. The hybrid sensor implements a DC component rejection path in the high-frequency magnetic field component path. Both digital and analog implementations are provided, each functioning to generate a DC component cancellation signal to at least partially cancel a DC component of a current signal generated via the high-frequency magnetic field component path. The hybrid sensor provides a high-bandwidth, high-accuracy, and low DC offset hybrid current solution that also eliminates the need for DC decoupling capacitors in the high-frequency path. A modification is also described for implementing a Sigma-Delta (??) quantization noise reduction path to reduce the quantization noise and to improve accuracy.

Abstract: The described techniques address issues associated with hybrid current or magnetic field sensors used to detect both low- and high-frequency magnetic field components. The hybrid sensor implements a DC component rejection path in the high-frequency magnetic field component path. Both digital and analog implementations are provided, each functioning to generate a DC component cancellation signal to at least partially cancel a DC component of a current signal generated via the high-frequency magnetic field component path. The hybrid sensor provides a high-bandwidth, high-accuracy, and low DC offset hybrid current solution that also eliminates the need for DC decoupling capacitors in the high-frequency path. A modification is also described for implementing a Sigma-Delta (??) quantization noise reduction path to reduce the quantization noise and to improve accuracy.

Abstract: One inductive sensor is configured to maintain a fixed frequency in a resonant circuit. One apparatus includes an inductance-to-digital converter (LDC). The LDC includes a digital filter to measure an inductance change of a sensor and convert the inductance change to a digital value. The LDC further includes a digital control loop to maintain a fixed frequency in the sensor. The sensor forms an oscillator in the digital control loop. An output of the digital control loop is representative of the inductance change of the sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a magnetic field sensor circuit including at least one coil for measuring a magnetic field, a first stage amplifier circuit coupled to the coil and having a first transfer function with a pole at a first frequency, and a second stage amplifier circuit coupled to an output of the first stage amplifier circuit and having a second transfer function with a zero at the first frequency. In some embodiments, a temperature dependent frequency drift of the pole of the first transfer function corresponds to a temperature dependent frequency drift of the zero of the second transfer function.

Abstract: An asynchronous capacitance-to-digital conversion is described that allows for very low-power operation when during inactive periods (when no conductive object is in contact or proximity to the sensing electrodes). Asynchronous operation of a capacitance-to-digital converter (CDC) provides for capacitance-to-digital conversion without the use of system resources and more power intensive circuit elements.

Abstract: One inductive sensor is configured to maintain a fixed frequency in a resonant circuit. One apparatus includes an inductance-to-digital converter (LDC). The LDC includes a digital filter to measure an inductance change of a sensor and convert the inductance change to a digital value. The LDC further includes a digital control loop to maintain a fixed frequency in the sensor. The sensor forms an oscillator in the digital control loop. An output of the digital control loop is representative of the inductance change of the sensor.

Abstract: An asynchronous capacitance-to-digital converter (CDC) is described that allows for very low-power operation when during inactive periods (when no conductive object is in contact or proximity to the sensing electrodes). Asynchronous operation of the CDC provides for capacitance-to-digital conversion without the use of system resources and more power intensive circuit elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a magnetic field sensor circuit including at least one coil for measuring a magnetic field, a first stage amplifier circuit coupled to the coil and having a first transfer function with a pole at a first frequency, and a second stage amplifier circuit coupled to an output of the first stage amplifier circuit and having a second transfer function with a zero at the first frequency. In some embodiments, a temperature dependent frequency drift of the pole of the first transfer function corresponds to a temperature dependent frequency drift of the zero of the second transfer function.

Abstract: Chopper amplifiers with low intermodulation distortion (IMD) are provided. To compensate for IMD, at least one distortion compensation channel is included in parallel with chopper amplifier circuitry of a main signal channel. Additionally, output selection switches are included for selecting between the output of the main signal path and the distortional compensation channel(s) over time to maintain the output current continuous. Such IMD compensation can be realized by filling in missing current of the main signal channel using the distortion compensation channel(s), or by using channel outputs only when they have settled current.

Abstract: Maintaining a fixed frequency in a resonant circuit of an inductive sensor circuit is described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an inductance-to-digital converter (LDC). The LDC includes a digital filter to measure an inductance change of a sensor and convert the inductance change to a digital value. The LDC further includes a digital control loop to maintain a fixed frequency in the sensor. The sensor forms an oscillator in the digital control loop. An output of the digital control loop is representative of the inductance change of the sensor.

Abstract: A method includes: calculating a first calibration temperature based on a first ratio of a known external voltage to a delta voltage that is a difference between first and second base-emitter voltages of first and second sensing transistors, calculating a first sensed temperature based on a second ratio of the first base-emitter voltage to the delta voltage, adjusting one or more temperature fitting parameters based on a comparison of the first sensed temperature with the first calibration temperature; activating the on-chip heater; calculating a second calibration temperature based, at least in part, on a third ratio of the known external voltage to the delta voltage, calculating a second sensed temperature based on a fourth ratio of the first base-emitter voltage to the delta voltage, adjusting at least one of the one or more temperature fitting parameters based on a comparison of the second sensed temperature with the second calibration temperature.

Abstract: An asynchronous capacitance-to-digital converter (CDC) is described that allows for very low-power operation when during inactive periods (when no conductive object is in contact or proximity to the sensing electrodes). Asynchronous operation of the CDC provides for capacitance-to-digital conversion without the use of system resources and more power intensive circuit elements.

Abstract: A method includes: calculating a first calibration temperature based on a first ratio of a known external voltage to a delta voltage that is a difference between first and second base-emitter voltages of first and second sensing transistors, calculating a first sensed temperature based on a second ratio of the first base-emitter voltage to the delta voltage, adjusting one or more temperature fitting parameters based on a comparison of the first sensed temperature with the first calibration temperature; activating the on-chip heater; calculating a second calibration temperature based, at least in part, on a third ratio of the known external voltage to the delta voltage, calculating a second sensed temperature based on a fourth ratio of the first base-emitter voltage to the delta voltage, adjusting at least one of the one or more temperature fitting parameters based on a comparison of the second sensed temperature with the second calibration temperature.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a shunt resistor is provided, comprising two terminals, a semiconductor substrate embodying at least one temperature sensor comprising at least a temperature sensitive element comprising at least one pn-junction, and at least two metal layers above the semiconductor substrate, at least the upper of the metal layer comprising a path that electrically connects the two terminals, whereby the temperature sensor is below and within the periphery of the upper metal layer.