Abstract: A multi-function circuit has as single input/control pin, to which respectively different values of a control input may be applied. A multi-function signal generation section is coupled to the single input/control pin and is operative to controllably generate a plurality of respectively different functional outputs, including a decoded address bit-representative output, a soft-start oscillator signal output, and a reset output, in response to application of respectively different values of the control input.

Abstract: A control circuit for a DC voltage supply is provided that includes a circuit, an error amplifier and modulator. The circuit is operable to measure a voltage difference between a negative voltage rail and a ground reference in the DC voltage supply. The circuit is further operative to create an offset voltage proportional with the measured voltage difference. The circuit is further yet operative to add the offset voltage to a reference voltage to create a modified reference voltage. The error amplifier has a first input coupled to receive the modified reference voltage and a second input coupled to a positive voltage rail in the DC voltage supply. The error amplifier further has an output. The modulator is coupled to the output of the error amplifier. The modulator is operative to maintain the positive rail at a select value corresponding to the modified reference voltage.

Abstract: A DC power supply control apparatus monitors respective terminals supplying positive and negative DC supply voltages to a utility device. The voltage at the negative terminal is compared with a target value for that voltage to produce an offset current representative of any voltage differential therebetween. This offset current is used to produce an offset voltage, that is added to or subtracted from a target value of the positive supply voltage to produce an error amplifier reference voltage. This reference voltage is compared with the voltage at the monitored positive terminal, to produce an error voltage, in response to which the power supply's modulator loop adjusts the power supply's positive output voltage, as necessary, to maintain the intended DC voltage differential between the positive and negative DC supply voltages.

Abstract: A DC power supply control apparatus monitors respective terminals supplying positive and negative DC supply voltages to a utility device. The voltage at the negative terminal is compared with a target value for that voltage to produce an offset current representative of any voltage differential therebetween. This offset current is used to produce an offset voltage, that is added to or subtracted from a target value of the positive supply voltage to produce an error amplifier reference voltage. This reference voltage is compared with the voltage at the monitored positive terminal, to produce an error voltage, in response to which the power supply's modulator loop adjusts the power supply's positive output voltage, as necessary, to maintain the intended DC voltage differential between the positive and negative DC supply voltages.

Abstract: A current-sensing and correction circuit having programmable temperature compensation circuitry that is incorporated into a pulse width modulation controller of a buck mode DC—DC converter. The front end of the controller contains a sense amplifier, having an input coupled via a current feedback resistor to a common output node of the converter. The impedance of a MOSFET, the current through which is sampled by a sample and hold circuit is controlled by the sense amplifier unit. A sensed current correction circuit is coupled between the sample and hold circuit and the controller, and is operative to supply to the controller a correction current having a deterministic temperature-compensating relationship to the sensed current. The ratio of correction current to sensed current equals a value of one at a predetermined temperature, and has other values at temperatures other than at that temperature.

Abstract: A self-powered overvoltage protection circuit for a regulated DC-DC converter looks for the onset of a very large input voltage prior to regulation. In response to such a voltage during this interval, it turns on a low side electronic power switching device, in accordance with the voltage at one of the phase node and the regulated voltage output terminal from which the protection circuit derives its power. This provides a bypass path for an overvoltage that would otherwise be coupled from the regulated voltage output terminal to one or more load devices.

Abstract: A user-programmable bi-directional, constant current generator circuit allows external programming of either a positive (+) or a negative (−) polarity output current, for injection into one of two locations of the PWM controller circuit of a DC-DC voltage converter. The parameters of the DC-DC converter's offset voltage will depend upon the connection of a single programming pin to one of two programming resistors. The programming resistors are respectively referenced to different supply rail voltages (VCC and VSS). The polarity of the offset additionally depends upon where, within the PWM-controlled DC-DC converter, the programmed constant current is injected.

Abstract: A programmably switched, multi-output stage current mirror-based, current-sensing and correction circuit controls the operation of a buck mode DC—DC converter. This correction circuit generates a correction current having a prescribed step-wise temperature-compensating relationship to sensed current. The sensed current is derived from a variable impedance controlled by a sense amplifier coupled via a current feedback resistor to the common output node between a high side power switching device and a low side power switching device of the converter. To program the correction circuit a decoder maps temperature information associated with the low side power switching device and additional programming information into a current mirror control code.

Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit cooperating with at least one power switch for supplying power from a source to a load over a range between a lower limit and an upper limit to thereby control an output voltage for the load. The converter may also include a primary feedback control loop cooperating with the PWM circuit for supplying power to the load between the lower and upper limits based upon the output voltage during normal load transient conditions. The converter may also include at least one override feedback control loop cooperating with the PWM circuit for overriding the primary feedback control loop and supplying power to the load at one of the lower and upper limits based upon the output voltage during a corresponding relatively fast load transient condition. Accordingly, relatively fast load transients can be followed by the converter.

Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit cooperating with at least one power switch for supplying power from a source to a load over a range between a lower limit and an upper limit to thereby control an output voltage for the load. The converter may also include a primary feedback control loop cooperating with the PWM circuit for supplying power to the load between the lower and upper limits based upon the output voltage during normal load transient conditions. The converter may also include at least one override feedback control loop cooperating with the PWM circuit for overriding the primary feedback control loop and supplying power to the load at one of the lower and upper limits based upon the output voltage during a corresponding relatively fast load transient condition. Accordingly, relatively fast load transients can be followed by the converter.

Abstract: A current-sensing and correction circuit having programmable temperature compensation circuitry that is incorporated into a pulse width modulation controller of a buck mode DC-DC converter. The front end of the controller contains a sense amplifier, having an input coupled via a current feedback resistor to a common output node of the converter. The impedance of a MOSFET, the current through which is sampled by a sample and hold circuit is controlled by the sense amplifier unit. A sensed current correction circuit is coupled between the sample and hold circuit and the controller, and is operative to supply to the controller a correction current having a deterministic temperature-compensating relationship to the sensed current. The ratio of correction current to sensed current equals a value of one at a predetermined temperature, and has other values at temperatures other than at that temperature.

Abstract: A programmably switched, multi-output stage current mirror-based, current-sensing and correction circuit controls the operation of a buck mode DC-DC converter. This correction circuit generates a correction current having a prescribed step-wise temperature-compensating relationship to sensed current. The sensed current is derived from a variable impedance controlled by a sense amplifier coupled via a current feedback resistor to the common output node between a high side power switching device and a low side power switching device of the converter. To program the correction circuit a decoder maps temperature information associated with the low side power switching device and additional programming information into a current mirror control code.

Abstract: A charge pump circuit includes a plurality of pumping capacitors, a plurality of switches connected to the pumping capacitors, and a controller for generating first and second sets of switch control signals for controlling the switches so that the pumping capacitors generate either an increased or a negative output voltage. The controller includes a clock having first outputs for the first set of switch control signals, a transient clamp network having second outputs for the second set of switch control signals, and a respective level shifting capacitor connected between each first output and a corresponding second output and cooperating with the transient clamp network so that the second set of signals is level shifted from the first set.

Abstract: A generator of recurrent ramp voltages in response to a pulse train. It includes a circuit for ensuring that the output voltage of the generator reaches its maximum value just prior to the occurrence of the next trigger pulse despite such perturbations as a change in the frequency of the pulse train, a change in the value of the circuit supply voltage, or changes in component values.

Abstract: A current-sensing and correction circuit having programmable temperature compensation circuitry that is incorporated into a pulse width modulation controller of a buck mode DC—DC converter. The front end of the controller contains a sense amplifier, having an input coupled via a current feedback resistor to a common output node of the converter. The impedance of a MOSFET, the current through which is sampled by a sample and hold circuit is controlled by the sense amplifier unit. A sensed current correction circuit is coupled between the sample and hold circuit and the controller, and is operative to supply to the controller a correction current having a deterministic temperature-compensating relationship to the sensed current. The ratio of correction current to sensed current equals to value of one at a predetermined temperature, and has other values at temperatures other than at that temperature.

Abstract: A current-sensing and correction circuit having programmable temperature compensation circuitry that is incorporated into a pulse width modulation controller of a buck mode DC—DC converter. The front end of the controller contains a sense amplifier, having an input coupled via a current feedback resistor to a common output node of the converter. The impedance of a MOSFET, the current through which is sampled by a sample and hold circuit is controlled by the sense amplifier unit. A sensed current correction circuit is coupled between the sample and hold circuit and the controller, and is operative to supply to the controller a correction current having a deterministic temperature-compensating relationship to the sensed current. The ratio of correction current to sensed current equals a value of one at a predetermined temperature, and has other values at temperatures other than at that temperature.