Abstract: A power detector for measuring the power transfer between a circuit for emitting an electrical signal and a first conductor that receives the emitted electrical signal. The emitted signal causes a magnetic field to be generated in the first conductor. A coupling detection circuit measures an electric current that arises in a second conductor that is proximate and electrically coupled to the first conductor. The measured electric current in the second conductor is used to determine the power transfer between the emitting circuit and the first conductor. The first and second conductors can be bond wires within an integrated circuit package, and the coupling detection circuit can be disposed in a semiconductor substrate within the integrated circuit package.

Abstract: An electronic compass featuring low power consumption and small die space requirements is disclosed. The compass features an electronic circuit that provides a controlled flow of electrical current to a coil. Additionally, the circuit monitors the coil to determine when the coil becomes magnetically saturated. The duration of the magnetic saturation is monitored to determine the presence and direction of an external magnetic field.

Abstract: A power detector for measuring the power transfer between a circuit for emitting an electrical signal and a first conductor that receives the emitted electrical signal. The emitted signal causes a magnetic field to be generated in the first conductor. A coupling detection circuit measures an electric current that arises in a second conductor that is proximate and electrically coupled to the first conductor. The measured electric current in the second conductor is used to determine the power transfer between the emitting circuit and the first conductor. The first and second conductors can be bond wires within an integrated circuit package, and the coupling detection circuit can be disposed in a semiconductor substrate within the integrated circuit package.

Abstract: A personal navigation device and method are disclosed. The device and method make use of an integrated electronic compass to simplify data transfer to the user thereby simplifying the navigation process. In use, data provided by the electronic compass is used to orient a displayed map relative to the orientation of the personal navigation device. Alternatively, the data provided by the electronic compass is used to rotate an icon indicative of the position of the user in which the icon rotates in response to a change of orientation of the user. In a simplified device, the electronic compass data is used to indicate the direction and displacement of a series of predetermined waypoints relative to the current position of the personal navigation device.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a high frequency power amplifier for amplifying a signal for wireless transmission is disclosed. The circuit provides a control signal to the power amplifier at an output port thereof. The control signal has properties of rise time and fall time, where a delayed transition in this signal is based on charging and discharging of the capacitor using two current mirror circuits in order to provide the delayed transition. An advantage lies in that the time of this delayed transition is dependent primarily upon the current mirrors and substantially other than dependent upon the RC time constant of the circuit.