Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for providing power to a USB client device and polling for a correct protocol. A USB host device provides power and a first part of a first handshake determined by a first protocol. The host then monitors the client for a second part of the first handshake. When the second part of the first handshake is detected by the host, the client recognizes that power may be applied according to the first protocol. When the second part of the first handshake is not presented by the client device, the host provides a first part of a second handshake according to a second protocol. When the second part of the second handshake is provided by the client, the host the client recognizes that power may be applied according to the second protocol.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for continuously detecting when a USB client device may be charged according to a BCS charging standard. Power is supplied from a USB host device to the USB client device with a first current limit. Next, the USB host device monitors data lines D+ and D? for a first part of a handshake. When the first part of the handshake is detected, a second part of the handshake is provided by the USB host device indicating that the USB client device may be changed according to the BCS charging standard. All current sources and all voltage sources that are coupled to the data lines D+ and D? are decoupled from data lines D+ and D? after the handshake is complete. After the data lines are decoupled, communication may begin between the USB host device and the USB client device.

Abstract: An arc-fault circuit-interrupter includes a capability for a controller in the interrupter-circuit to be placed in a learn mode. In learn mode, the controller may change firmware to reduce the probability of false tripping or nuisance tripping. Alternatively, in learn mode, the controller may store a signature to be used as the normal signature for a dedicated load.

Abstract: Thermal communication of matched transistors formed in lower electrical resistance subregions of first and second active substrate regions is provided by thermally conductive members formed to extend over isolation regions between higher electrical resistance subregions of the first and second regions. In one form, thermal communication is done, with or without contacts, through insulating layers to metal layers formed over the substrate. In another form, thermal communication is done through a polysilicon layer formed over the substrate.

Abstract: In one example, an amplifier for providing stable output quiescent current comprising includes a number of supply rails, an output device configured for providing an output voltage, the output device coupled to the plurality of supply rails, and an output quiescent current controller coupled to the plurality of supply rails and the output device, the output quiescent current controller to regulate the voltage in the output device to provide a consistent quiescent current in the output device.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for providing power to a USB client device and polling for a correct protocol. A USB host device provides power and a first part of a first handshake determined by a first protocol. The host then monitors the client for a second part of the first handshake. When the second part of the first handshake is detected by the host, the client recognizes that power may be applied according to the first protocol. When the second part of the first handshake is not presented by the client device, the host provides a first part of a second handshake according to a second protocol. When the second part of the second handshake is provided by the client, the host the client recognizes that power may be applied according to the second protocol.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for continuously detecting when a USB client device may be charged according to a BCS charging standard. Power is supplied from a USB host device to the USB client device with a first current limit. Next, the USB host device monitors data lines D+ and D? for a first part of a handshake. When the first part of the handshake is detected, a second part of the handshake is provided by the USB host device indicating that the USB client device may be changed according to the BCS charging standard. All current sources and all voltage sources that are coupled to the data lines D+ and D? are decoupled from data lines D+ and D? after the handshake is complete. After the data lines are decoupled, communication may begin between the USB host device and the USB client device.

Abstract: Thermal communication of matched transistors formed in lower electrical resistance subregions of first and second active substrate regions is provided by thermally conductive members formed to extend over isolation regions between higher electrical resistance subregions of the first and second regions. In one form, thermal communication is done, with or without contacts, through insulating layers to metal layers formed over the substrate. In another form, thermal communication is done through a polysilicon layer formed over the substrate.

Abstract: A transistor apparatus includes a silicon substrate and a barrier structure extending substantially from generally adjacent the silicon substrate to a locus displaced from the silicon substrate. The barrier structure generally surrounds a volume containing connection loci for the transistor apparatus and a buried layer in a silicon medium. The connection loci and the buried layer occupy a space generally presenting a first lateral expanse generally parallel with the silicon substrate. The volume presents a second lateral expanse generally parallel with the silicon substrate. The second lateral expanse is greater than the first lateral expanse within a predetermined distance of the substrate.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a circuit. In this circuit, a first semiconductor device with a first geometry is associated with a first region of a semiconductor body within a first isolation structure. A second semiconductor device with a geometry that matches the first geometry is associated with a second region of the semiconductor body within a second isolation structure. A member, which spans the semiconductor body between the first region and the second region, thermally couples the first region to the second region while retaining electrical isolation therebetween. Other circuits and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one example, an amplifier for providing stable output quiescent current comprising includes a number of supply rails, an output device configured for providing an output voltage, the output device coupled to the plurality of supply rails, and an output quiescent current controller coupled to the plurality of supply rails and the output device, the output quiescent current controller to regulate the voltage in the output device to provide a consistent quiescent current in the output device.

Abstract: System and method for limiting an output signal of a differential amplifier. A preferred embodiment comprises a limit sense amplifier configured to detect when the output exceeds a permitted limit, a common mode bias current unit configured to increase a signal gain of a common mode amplifier in the differential operational amplifier when the limit sense amplifier detects that the output exceeded the permitted limit, and an output stage bias current unit configured to fix the output at a level substantially equal to the specified limit when the limit sense amplifier detects that the output exceeded the permitted limit. The clamping is achieved by changing the operation of circuitry within the differential amplifier and results in a smoother clamping that helps to maintain stable operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting signal chopping in an amplifier device having an amplifier section, a modulation section, a ramp generating section and a clock section includes: at least one signal treating unit coupled among the clock section, the amplifier section and the ramp generating section. The at least one signal treating unit cooperates with the clock section to effect providing a chopping signal to the amplifying unit at a chopping frequency and to effect providing a ramping signal at a ramping frequency to the ramp generating section. The chopping frequency is neither a fundamental frequency nor a harmonic frequency of the ramping frequency.