Abstract: A single phase motor drive circuit for driving a single phase motor, comprising: a timer unit for receiving a sensor signal indicative of an angular position of a rotor, and for providing a timing signal in phase with the sensor signal; a waveform generator for generating an waveform for energizing the motor, the waveform generator being adapted for receiving the timing signal and at least one configurable setting (Soff), and for generating the waveform based thereon; a configuration unit adapted for receiving a first input signal indicative of a desired motor speed and a second input signal (Vbat) indicative of the supply voltage, and for determining the configurable setting based on the input signals, and for providing the setting to the waveform generator to dynamically configure the waveform generator. A method of driving a single phase motor.

Abstract: A motordriver for controlling a brushless DC motor, comprises: an output driver for controlling phase commutation of a power stage; the motordriver can be powered in a pulsed way having a PWM ON and OFF period; a position module for monitoring a position and/or speed of a rotor; at least a part of the position module remains active during the PWM OFF period; a power module configured for powering the active part during the PWM OFF period, comprising an energy storage medium and a blocking module configured such that during the PWM ON period the energy storage medium can be charged by the power supply, and such that the blocking module can block current flowing back to the power supply and block current flowing from the energy storage medium to the motor during the PWM OFF period.

Abstract: Method of driving a single-coil motor having a stator and a rotor and a coil, comprising the steps of: monitoring a position signal and determining when said signal passes a first threshold; b) providing control signals for energizing the coil; c) a predefined period later, providing control signals for stopping or reducing the energization of the coil; d) monitoring a second signal indicative of the coil current, and determining a third time when said signal passes a second threshold level; and monitoring the first signal, and determining a fourth time when said signal passes a third threshold level; e) updating the prediction period; f) repeating steps b) to e). A driver circuit adapted for performing such method. A system comprising such driver circuit.

Abstract: A motordriver for controlling a brushless DC motor, comprises: an output driver for controlling phase commutation of a power stage; the motordriver can be powered in a pulsed way having a PWM ON and OFF period; a position module for monitoring a position and/or speed of a rotor; at least a part of the position module remains active during the PWM OFF period; a power module configured for powering the active part during the PWM OFF period, comprising an energy storage medium and a blocking module configured such that during the PWM ON period the energy storage medium can be charged by the power supply, and such that the blocking module can block current flowing back to the power supply and block current flowing from the energy storage medium to the motor during the PWM OFF period.

Abstract: Method of driving a single-coil motor having a stator and a rotor and a coil, comprising the steps of: monitoring a position signal and determining when said signal passes a first threshold; b) providing control signals for energizing the coil; c) a predefined period later, providing control signals for stopping or reducing the energization of the coil; d) monitoring a second signal indicative of the coil current, and determining a third time when said signal passes a second threshold level; and monitoring the first signal, and determining a fourth time when said signal passes a third threshold level; e) updating the prediction period; f) repeating steps b) to e). A driver circuit adapted for performing such method. A system comprising such driver circuit.

Abstract: A single phase motor drive circuit for driving a single phase motor, comprising: a timer unit for receiving a sensor signal indicative of an angular position of a rotor, and for providing a timing signal in phase with the sensor signal; a waveform generator for generating an waveform for energizing the motor, the waveform generator being adapted for receiving the timing signal and at least one configurable setting (Soff), and for generating the waveform based thereon; a configuration unit adapted for receiving a first input signal indicative of a desired motor speed and a second input signal (Vbat) indicative of the supply voltage, and for determining the configurable setting based on the input signals, and for providing the setting to the waveform generator to dynamically configure the waveform generator. A method of driving a single phase motor.

Abstract: A method of producing a substantially rectangular semiconductor device having at least one corner truncation or corner cut-out or side cut-out, comprises: a) providing a semiconductor substrate; b) making at least one opening through the substrate by means of etching; and c) cutting the substrate along a first pair of parallel lines, and along a second pair of parallel lines perpendicular to the first pair. At least one line of the first/second pair passes through said opening. Two lines may pass through said opening. More than one opening may be provided for said device. The opening may be located at a corner or on a side of the otherwise rectangular device. The etching may be any combination of existing isotropic/anisotropic front/back etching techniques.