Abstract: A system for providing voltage isolation includes the first and second chips, each containing functional circuitry. The chips are interconnected via at least one RF isolation link that provides voltage isolation between the first chip and the second chip.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a functional circuitry on a first die. Said function circuitry configured to drive an RF voltage isolation link with an RF signal responsive to receipt of a logic signal at a first logic state. Control circuitry modifies the frequency of the RF signal to spread harmonics to other than a fundamental frequency.

Abstract: A system for providing voltage isolation includes the first and second chips, each containing functional circuitry. The chips are interconnected via at least one RF isolation link that provides voltage isolation between the first chip and the second chip and limits common mode signals therebetween.

Abstract: A system for providing multiple communication channels over a single voltage isolation link includes first circuitry for multiplexing a plurality of digital data inputs from a plurality of communication channels onto the single voltage isolation link. Second circuitry de-multiplexes the plurality of digital data inputs from the single voltage isolation link to the plurality of communication channels. An RF isolator is used for providing the single voltage isolation link.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides techniques for electrically isolating switching devices in a stacked RF power amplifier, which prevents the switching devices from being subjected to high breakdown voltages. The isolation provided allows the power amplifier to be implemented on an integrated circuit.

Abstract: An integrated circuit isolator for providing data transfer of digital data signals across a voltage isolation barrier includes an integrated circuit package having a first plurality of input data pins on one side of the isolation barrier and a corresponding plurality of output data pins on the other side of the isolation boundary. First circuitry is associated with the first plurality of input data pins and second circuitry is associated with the plurality of output data pins. A communications interface provides across the voltage isolation barrier a first communications channel for communicating data from the first circuitry to the second circuitry and a second communications channel for communicating synchronization clock data from the first circuitry to the second circuitry.

Abstract: A circuit package providing voltage isolation includes at least one output and first circuitry located in a substrate of the circuit package for performing an operation. A transformer located in the metal layers of the circuit package provides voltage isolation between the first circuitry and the at least one output.

Abstract: A circuit package includes first and second units containing functional circuitry. At least one RF isolation link interconnects the first and second units and provides voltage isolation between the first and second units. The RF isolation link provides data between the first unit and the second unit using an RF carrier signal that sweeps between a first frequency and a second frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for dynamically changing the biasing conditions of a voltage regulator to overcome the problems caused by various conditions. The invention includes a detector and a bias control circuit for applying bias current to the voltage regulator to compensate for a detected condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides an input structure for a power amplifier. In one example, the input structure has an input network and a predriver circuit to provide an input signal to the power amplifier. The input network includes a transformer for helping to maintain a constant input impedance. The predriver includes a limiting amplifier that provides isolation between the power amplifier and the RF input. A DC feedback circuit is used by the predriver that maintains the DC level of the inverters to a desired level.

Abstract: An integrated current sensor package includes an integrated circuit having a coil in a metal layer of the circuit. A wire is placed close enough to the coil such that the coil and the wire are inductively coupled with each other.

Abstract: A current sensor includes coupled inductors that generate an output current responsive to a detected current. The coupled inductor is implemented in an integrated circuited. An integrator circuit generates a sensed voltage responsive to the output current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in power amplifiers for reducing the peak voltage that transistors are subjected to. A power amplifier is provided with first and second switching devices and an inductor connected between the switching devices. The switching devices are driven such that the switching devices are turned on and off during the same time intervals. Differential RF power amplifiers are also provided with inductive networks coupled at various nodes of the power amplifiers. In some examples, techniques are used to stabilize differential power amplifiers by stabilizing common-mode feedback loops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in power amplifiers for reducing the peak voltage that transistors are subjected to. A power amplifier is provided with first and second switching devices and an inductor connected between the switching devices. The switching devices are driven such that the switching devices are turned on and off during the same time intervals. Differential RF power amplifiers are also provided with inductive networks coupled at various nodes of the power amplifiers. In some examples, techniques are used to stabilize differential power amplifiers by stabilizing common-mode feedback loops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in power amplifiers where multiple parallel power amplifiers provide various output power levels. By selectively enabling and disabling the parallel power amplifiers and combining their outputs, a desired output power can be realized, while choosing a combination of power amplifiers that provide a high efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use with a power amplifier for protecting active devices on the power amplifier. A peak detector is used by control circuitry to detect the presence of a peak voltage that exceeds a threshold voltage. In response to the detection of a peak voltage, the gain of the power amplifier is reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in power amplifiers for reducing the peak voltage that transistors are subjected to. A power amplifier is provided with first and second switching devices and an inductor connected between the switching devices. The switching devices are driven such that the switching devices are turned on and off during the same time intervals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use with a power amplifier to provide a regulated supply to the power amplifier. The invention uses a combination of voltage and current regulation to overcome the problems encountered in the prior art. In one example, voltage regulation is used at high power levels, while current regulation is used at low power levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus if provided for shielding a capacitor structure formed in a semiconductor device. In a capacitor formed in an integrated circuit, one or more shields are disposed around layers of conductive strips to shield the capacitor. The shields confine the electric fields between the limits of the shields.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides an input structure for a power amplifier. In one example, the input structure has an input network and a predriver circuit to provide an input signal to the power amplifier. The input network includes a transformer for helping to maintain a constant input impedance. The predriver includes a limiting amplifier that provides isolation between the power amplifier and the RF input. A DC feedback circuit is used by the predriver that maintains the DC level of the inverters to a desired level.