Abstract: A readily scalable modular progammable integrated circuit (IC) with improved power management is provided. An IC is described that contains one master controller module and a multiplicity of slave modules that include power-supplying functions, battery management functions, and analog and digital input-output functions. The master controller module configures the slave modules by writing data to the slave modules' configuration registers through the communication network. Each module contains a multiplicity of configuration registers that determine the module's operational and parametric characteristics. Programmability is achieved by configuring the modules to respond to appropriate signals on the configurable interconnection network.

Abstract: A combination brake light and radio antenna is disclosed. An elongated support structure includes a base for mounting to an automobile. At least one side wall of the device is made of a transparent or translucent material, such that lamps arranged in a linear array from the base to a top portion of the structure are visible from outside of the structure when the lamps are illuminated. A lamp driving circuit includes a power source and a switch for closing the circuit in response to a brake pedal of the automobile being depressed. The lamp driving circuit may illuminate the lamps in sequence, such as from bottom to top, for example, when the brake pedal is depressed. Further, the lamp driving circuit may illuminate the lamps at a brightness that is proportional to the pressure that is applied to the brake pedal, such that a relatively high application of pressure to the brake pedal results in the lamps being relatively brightly illuminated.