Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a charging circuit and a determining circuit. The charging circuit is configured to generate a charge on a capacitor with a first current that is related to a signal having a characteristic, and the determining circuit is configured to determine the characteristic of the signal in response to the charge on the capacitor. For example, such an apparatus can determine an average of an input current to a power supply, or an average of an output current from a power source for the power supply, by mirroring the input current, charging a capacitor with the mirroring current, and determining the voltage across the charged capacitor.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a charging circuit and a determining circuit. The charging circuit is configured to generate a charge on a capacitor with a first current that is related to a signal having a characteristic, and the determining circuit is configured to determine the characteristic of the signal in response to the charge on the capacitor. For example, such an apparatus can determine an average of an input current to a power supply, or an average of an output current from a power source for the power supply, by mirroring the input current, charging a capacitor with the mirroring current, and determining the voltage across the charged capacitor.

Abstract: A method, circuit, and system for managing power dissipation in a linear regulator are provided. The method includes receiving an input voltage at a pass element of the linear regulator, delivering an output voltage through the pass element, determining an output current through the pass element, and measuring a voltage drop across the pass element. The circuit includes a pass element that is operable to receive an input voltage and deliver an output voltage and a first amplifier and a second amplifier that are operable to monitor power dissipation through the pass element. The system includes an integrated circuit, a power source that is operable to power the integrated circuit, and a linear regulator that is operable to regulate a power output from the power source to the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A control circuit is incorporated in a switching regulator for monitoring and maintaining a bootstrap voltage to allow the switching regulator to operate at or near 100% duty cycle. The control circuit includes a circuit receiving the bootstrap voltage and generating a monitor voltage, a comparator circuit receiving the monitor voltage and a first voltage indicative of a switching output voltage and generating an output signal having a first state when the monitor voltage is equal to or less than the first voltage, a logic circuit receiving the output signal and generating drive control signals to driver circuits driving the high-side and low-side power switches. The logic circuit generates the drive control signals in response to the output signal of the comparator circuit having the first state to cause the high-side power switch to turn off and the low-side power switch to turn on, thereby recharging the bootstrap voltage.