Abstract: A threshold comparator block integrated in a programmable logic device (PLD) is disclosed. The threshold comparator block includes: one or more signal comparators configured to receive two analog input signals and provide a digital output signal indicating a comparison result of the two analog input signals; an analog output driver configured to interface with an analog fabric of a programmable fabric of the PLD; a digital input/output (I/O) driver configured to interface with a digital fabric of the programmable fabric of the PLD; and I/O pins configured to provide an interface with a signal wrapper to interface analog and digital signals between the analog output driver and the digital I/O driver and the programmable fabric. The threshold comparator block is configured to interface with one or more adaptive blocks integrated in the PLD via the programable fabric and the signal wrapper.

Abstract: A threshold comparator block integrated in a programmable logic device (PLD) is disclosed. The threshold comparator block includes: one or more signal comparators configured to receive two analog input signals and provide a digital output signal indicating a comparison result of the two analog input signals; an analog output driver configured to interface with an analog fabric of a programmable fabric of the PLD; a digital input/output (I/O) driver configured to interface with a digital fabric of the programmable fabric of the PLD; and I/O pins configured to provide an interface with a signal wrapper to interface analog and digital signals between the analog output driver and the digital I/O driver and the programmable fabric. The threshold comparator block is configured to interface with one or more adaptive blocks integrated in the PLD via the programable fabric and the signal wrapper.

Abstract: A threshold comparator block integrated in a programmable logic device (PLD) is disclosed. The threshold comparator block includes: one or more signal comparators configured to receive two analog input signals and provide a digital output signal indicating a comparison result of the two analog input signals; an analog output driver configured to interface with an analog fabric of a programmable fabric of the PLD; a digital input/output (I/O) driver configured to interface with a digital fabric of the programmable fabric of the PLD; and I/O pins configured to provide an interface with a signal wrapper to interface analog and digital signals between the analog output driver and the digital I/O driver and the programmable fabric. The threshold comparator block is configured to interface with one or more adaptive blocks integrated in the PLD via the programmable fabric and the signal wrapper.

Abstract: A threshold comparator block integrated in a programmable logic device (PLD) is disclosed. The threshold comparator block includes: one or more signal comparators configured to receive two analog input signals and provide a digital output signal indicating a comparison result of the two analog input signals; an analog output driver configured to interface with an analog fabric of a programmable fabric of the PLD; a digital input/output (I/O) driver configured to interface with a digital fabric of the programmable fabric of the PLD; and I/O pins configured to provide an interface with a signal wrapper to interface analog and digital signals between the analog output driver and the digital I/O driver and the programmable fabric. The threshold comparator block is configured to interface with one or more adaptive blocks integrated in the PLD via the programmable fabric and the signal wrapper.

Abstract: A primary side PFC driver circuit is disclosed that includes a switch control circuit for commanding a switch to allow an inductor coupled to an output load (e.g., LEDs) to transfer energy provided by an input voltage source. The switch control circuit provides two signals for commanding the switch. A first signal having a first frequency, with a duty cycle in proportion to the input voltage amplitude, commands the switch to allow the average input current to be proportional to the input voltage amplitude. A second signal having a second frequency higher than the first frequency pulses the output load with substantially constant current pulses based on a value of the first signal (e.g., while the first signal is high). The current pulses produce a substantially constant current in the output load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circuits and methods for limiting the operating area of a transistor in a constant current source. The circuits and methods use a detector and a driver to limit the operating area of a transistor. The detector and driver have parameters selected so that, when the voltage at the drain of the transistor satisfies a reference condition, the driver causes drain current of the transistor to decrease. The reference condition is determined relative to the maximum safe drain-to-source voltage at the design drain current of the constant current source.

Abstract: A primary side PFC driver circuit is disclosed that includes a switch control circuit for commanding a switch to allow an inductor coupled to an output load (e.g., LEDs) to transfer energy provided by an input voltage source. The switch control circuit provides two signals for commanding the switch. A first signal having a first frequency, with a duty cycle in proportion to the input voltage amplitude, commands the switch to allow the average input current to be proportional to the input voltage amplitude. A second signal having a second frequency higher than the first frequency pulses the output load with substantially constant current pulses based on a value of the first signal (e.g., while the first signal is high). The current pulses produce a substantially constant current in the output load.

Abstract: The present invention involves an electrical system in which an analog signal channel passes through various integrated circuit chips (ICs). The channel can carry one or more analog signals. Each IC can modify the signal(s) passing through it and pass it on to another IC or system component. The channel can be programmable. Each IC can include a comparator or a multiplexor to receive the channel signal from another IC or system component and to modify the received signal before transmitting it to another IC or system component. The comparator or the multiplexor can be programmable and can be selectively configured to compare the incoming signal from the channel with a variety of other signals and thresholds, or to simply act as a flow through gate and allow the signal to pass without any modification. The comparison can determine the output of the comparator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circuits and methods for limiting the operating area of a transistor in a constant current source. The circuits and methods use a detector and a driver to limit the operating area of a transistor. The detector and driver have parameters selected so that, when the voltage at the drain of the transistor satisfies a reference condition, the driver causes drain current of the transistor to decrease. The reference condition is determined relative to the maximum safe drain-to-source voltage at the design drain current of the constant current source.

Abstract: A primary side PFC driver circuit is disclosed that includes a switch control circuit for commanding a switch to allow an inductor coupled to an output load (e.g., LEDs) to transfer energy provided by an input voltage source. The switch control circuit provides two signals for commanding the switch. A first signal having a first frequency, with a duty cycle in proportion to the input voltage amplitude, commands the switch to allow the average input current to be proportional to the input voltage amplitude. A second signal having a second frequency higher than the first frequency pulses the output load with substantially constant current pulses based on a value of the first signal (e.g., while the first signal is high). The current pulses produce a substantially constant current in the output load.

Abstract: A primary side PFC driver circuit is disclosed that includes a switch control circuit for commanding a switch to allow an inductor coupled to an output load (e.g., LEDs) to transfer energy provided by an input voltage source. The switch control circuit provides two signals for commanding the switch. A first signal having a first frequency, with a duty cycle in proportion to the input voltage amplitude, commands the switch to allow the average input current to be proportional to the input voltage amplitude. A second signal having a second frequency higher than the first frequency pulses the output load with substantially constant current pulses based on a value of the first signal (e.g., while the first signal is high). The current pulses produce a substantially constant current in the output load.

Abstract: A system for time-sequential LED-string excitation includes a controller coupled to at least two LED strings and arranged to sequentially excite the strings—preferably by pulse-width modulating their respective currents—such that each string conducts a desired current and/or provides a desired light intensity. Individual string currents and/or light intensities are provided to the controller as feedback signals. The controller preferably pulse-width modulates each string such that it conducts a current which approximates the performance that would be provided if the string were made to continuously conduct an ‘optimal’ current. A voltage converter may be included to provide the supply voltage connected to the top of each LED string, and to adjust the supply voltage as needed to ensure that each string conducts a desired current.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circuits and methods for limiting the operating area of a transistor in a constant current source. The circuits and methods use a detector and a driver to limit the operating area of a transistor. The detector and driver have parameters selected so that, when the voltage at the drain of the transistor satisfies a reference condition, the driver causes drain current of the transistor to decrease. The reference condition is determined relative to the maximum safe drain-to-source voltage at the design drain current of the constant current source.

Abstract: The present invention involves an electrical system in which an analog signal channel passes through various integrated circuit chips (ICs). The channel can carry one or more analog signals. Each IC can modify the signal(s) passing through it and pass it on to another IC or system component. The channel can be programmable. Each IC can include a comparator or a multiplexor to receive the channel signal from another IC or system component and to modify the received signal before transmitting it to another IC or system component. The comparator or the multiplexor can be programmable and can be selectively configured to compare the incoming signal from the channel with a variety of other signals and thresholds, or to simply act as a flow through gate and allow the signal to pass without any modification. The comparison can determine the output of the comparator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circuits and methods for limiting the operating area of a transistor in a constant current source. The circuits and methods use a detector and a driver to limit the operating area of a transistor. The detector and driver have parameters selected so that, when the voltage at the drain of the transistor satisfies a reference condition, the driver causes drain current of the transistor to decrease. The reference condition is determined relative to the maximum safe drain-to-source voltage at the design drain current of the constant current source.

Abstract: A system for time-sequential LED-string excitation includes a controller coupled to at least two LED strings and arranged to sequentially excite the strings—preferably by pulse-width modulating their respective currents—such that each string conducts a desired current and/or provides a desired light intensity. Individual string currents and/or light intensities are provided to the controller as feedback signals. The controller preferably pulse-width modulates each string such that it conducts a current which approximates the performance that would be provided if the string were made to continuously conduct an ‘optimal’ current. A voltage converter may be included to provide the supply voltage connected to the top of each LED string, and to adjust the supply voltage as needed to ensure that each string conducts a desired current.