Abstract: A system and method to provide a slow start up voltage, such as that can slowly ramp up or down by cyclically coupling a pair of associated energy storage devices, such as capacitors, during a start-up phase. The cyclic coupling of the capacitors, in conjunction with causing a change in charge associated with a first of the storage devices, results in incremental changes in the energy of the second energy storage device over a plurality of cycles. The energy associated with the second storage device can be used to control output circuitry that provides a desired ramp output signal.

Abstract: A differential input comparator circuit comprises an input stage comprising dual polarity input voltages and an output stage adapted to output a differential voltage based on the input voltages, wherein the differential voltage is adapted to be transmitted to a comparator and wherein the circuit has high input impedance and works with high input voltage swings.

Abstract: An amplifier providing a drive signal indicative of a data input signal to a capacitive and/or resistive type load, the amplifier having a first transistor circuit adapted for converting the data input signal to a corresponding current signal in which the transistors of the first transistor circuit operate at a first voltage and having a second transistor circuit amplifying the current signal in which the transistors of the second transistor circuit operate at a second voltage. The first transistor circuit and the second transistor circuit are integrated for providing a class AB operable current output to the load.

Abstract: A system and method to provide a slow start up voltage, such as that can slowly ramp up or down by cyclically coupling a pair of associated energy storage devices, such as capacitors, during a start-up phase. The cyclic coupling of the capacitors, in conjunction with causing a change in charge associated with a first of the storage devices, results in incremental changes in the energy of the second energy storage device over a plurality of cycles. The energy associated with the second storage device can be used to control output circuitry that provides a desired ramp output signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual stage amplifier with a clamping circuit and a methodology, along with a clamping circuit for use with a dual stage amplifier, which eliminate or reduce the overcharging of a compensation capacitor in such a dual stage amplifier. The amplifier includes a first amplifier stage with a first input and a first output, a second amplifier stage having a second input operatively connected to the first output, and a second output. The amplifier further includes a compensation capacitor in electrical communication with the second input and the second output, and a clamping circuit in electrical communication with the second stage, which is adapted to prevent overcharging of the compensation capacitor.