Abstract: Techniques are provided for non-volatile detection of an overvoltage condition in a circuit of interest. A circuit implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a fuse configured to provide a non-volatile indication of an overvoltage event, the indication associated with an open state of the fuse. The circuit also includes a voltage controlled current switch coupled in series to the fuse. The voltage controlled current switch is configured to enable current flow through the fuse in response to a supply voltage exceeding a threshold value associated with the overvoltage event. The current causes the fuse to switch from a closed state to an open state providing a non-volatile record of the overvoltage event. In some embodiments, the voltage controlled current switch can be a Zener diode with a breakdown voltage based on the threshold value, or a transistor configured to switch into conducting mode at the threshold value.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for non-volatile detection of an overvoltage condition in a circuit of interest. A circuit implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a fuse configured to provide a non-volatile indication of an overvoltage event, the indication associated with an open state of the fuse. The circuit also includes a voltage controlled current switch coupled in series to the fuse. The voltage controlled current switch is configured to enable current flow through the fuse in response to a supply voltage exceeding a threshold value associated with the overvoltage event. The current causes the fuse to switch from a closed state to an open state providing a non-volatile record of the overvoltage event. In some embodiments, the voltage controlled current switch can be a Zener diode with a breakdown voltage based on the threshold value, or a transistor configured to switch into conducting mode at the threshold value.

Abstract: A digital adaptive power supply interface has two feedback loops, each including a VCO, to automatically compensate for temperature and semiconductor process variations. A first loop compares the system input phase/frequency to a reference voltage that has been converted to a first digital frequency signal by a VCO in the first loop, and generates an analog difference signal. The second loop compares this analog difference with the power supply output voltage, and a VCO in this second loop converts result of this comparison to a second digital frequency signal. The digital frequency signals of the two loops are fed respectively to two registers and the content of the registers are subtracted, one from the other, to generate a digital error signal adjust the power supply output voltage to the input frequency.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit controls the output current through an inductive load. A signal is amplified by one or more op amps, and sourced into a back to back coupling of an NPN transistor and a PNP transistor. In a positive circuit segment, current is sourced to an inductive load, and in a negative segment, current is sunk from the inductive load. The current at the output of the inductive load flows through a resistor, and the resultant voltage drop is negatively fed back to the op amp.

Abstract: A digital adaptive power supply interface has two feedback loops, each including a VCO, to automatically compensate for temperature and semiconductor process variations. A first loop compares the system input phase/frequency to a reference voltage that has been converted to a first digital frequency signal by a VCO in the first loop, and generates an analog difference signal. The second loop compares this analog difference with the power supply output voltage, and a VCO in this second loop converts result of this comparison to a second digital frequency signal. The digital frequency signals of the two loops are fed respectively to two registers and the content of the registers are subtracted, one from the other, to generate a digital error signal adjust the power supply output voltage to the input frequency.

Abstract: A transconductance power amplifier for amplifying a signal to a capacitive load, including a first N-channel enhancement MOSFET transistor operatively arranged to source current to the capacitive load, wherein the first N-channel MOSFET transistor has a threshold gate to source voltage, a second N-channel enhancement MOSFET transistor operatively arranged to sink current to the capacitive load, an operational amplifier operatively arranged to transmit and amplify an input signal to both of the first and second MOSFET transistors, and, means for biasing the first N-channel enhancement MOSFET transistor such that its gate to source voltage is always at or above its threshold when the load draws near zero current so that very little additional gate charge is required to turn it on more fully.