Abstract: Presented are circuits and methods for providing real-time short-circuit detection, capable of detecting a short-circuit prior to occurrence of an over-limit current event. Such a circuit can be used to provide real-time short-circuit detection for a switched-mode system for a switched-mode system having a pre-driver and a power stage, and includes a reference block for generating a reference voltage according to drive signals provided by the pre-driver, and a comparator, which may be a synchronized comparator. The comparator is configured to compare the reference voltage to a switching node voltage generated in a power stage of the switched-mode system, and to produce an output enabling detection of the short-circuit in the switched-mode system.

Abstract: A low quiescent current amplifier and driver having multiple amplifiers (e.g. Class AB and B amplifiers) work in concert to independently amplify all or a portion of a signal into multiple amplified signals combined into a unified signal. Operation of a second amplifier is slaved to operation of a first amplifier. Each amplifier may have its own feedback loop providing the same gain transfer function to align transitions of the multiple amplified signals. Operation of the first amplifier may be detected using a replica of a signal, stage or transconductance in the first amplifier. At the same threshold, operation of the first and second amplifiers may be transitioned, e.g., the second amplifier may transition between providing increasing or decreasing current and providing zero current while the first amplifier may transition between providing constant current and providing increasing or decreasing current.

Abstract: A multi-mode line driver circuit designed to be fabricated in a CMOS process and capable of supporting a plurality of operating modes corresponding, for example, to different profiles of communication standards such as xDSL standards. The line driver circuit incorporates integrated mode switches with a two-stage amplifier architecture to relax amplifier requirements by distributing the signal gain into two amplifier stages. Reconfigurable feedback loops are provided to permit design optimization for particular modes of operation (e.g., ADSL and VDSL compliant modes). In one embodiment implemented as a Class-H amplifier, lift amplifier(s) are provided between a first amplifier stage and a second amplifier stage for controlling voltage supply levels of the second amplifier stage. The lift amplifiers may be enabled by voltage threshold detection circuitry that monitors either the input or the output signals of the first amplifier stage depending on the operable transmission mode.

Abstract: A multi-mode line driver circuit designed to be fabricated in a CMOS process and capable of supporting a plurality of operating modes corresponding, for example, to different profiles of communication standards such as xDSL standards. The line driver circuit incorporates integrated mode switches with a two-stage amplifier architecture to relax amplifier requirements by distributing the signal gain into two amplifier stages. Reconfigurable feedback loops are provided to permit design optimization for particular modes of operation (e.g., ADSL and VDSL compliant modes). In one embodiment implemented as a Class-H amplifier, lift amplifier(s) are provided between a first amplifier stage and a second amplifier stage for controlling voltage supply levels of the second amplifier stage. The lift amplifiers may be enabled by voltage threshold detection circuitry that monitors either the input or the output signals of the first amplifier stage depending on the operable transmission mode.

Abstract: A low quiescent current amplifier and driver having multiple amplifiers (e.g. Class AB and B amplifiers) work in concert to independently amplify all or a portion of a signal into multiple amplified signals combined into a unified signal. Operation of a second amplifier is slaved to operation of a first amplifier. Each amplifier may have its own feedback loop providing the same gain transfer function to align transitions of the multiple amplified signals. Operation of the first amplifier may be detected using a replica of a signal, stage or transconductance in the first amplifier. At the same threshold, operation of the first and second amplifiers may be transitioned, e.g., the second amplifier may transition between providing increasing or decreasing current and providing zero current while the first amplifier may transition between providing constant current and providing increasing or decreasing current.

Abstract: Presented are circuits and methods for providing real-time short-circuit detection, capable of detecting a short-circuit prior to occurrence of an over-limit current event. Such a circuit can be used to provide real-time short-circuit detection for a switched-mode system for a switched-mode system having a pre-driver and a power stage, and includes a reference block for generating a reference voltage according to drive signals provided by the pre-driver, and a comparator, which may be a synchronized comparator. The comparator is configured to compare the reference voltage to a switching node voltage generated in a power stage of the switched-mode system, and to produce an output enabling detection of the short-circuit in the switched-mode system.