Abstract: A voltage (UE1, UE2), other than a supply voltage (UV1, UV2), is monitored and controlled to avoid damage to circuit components by maintaining a required voltage level. Dissipation power losses are reduced by switching off a monitoring circuit when monitoring is not required. For this purpose a stepped down voltage is derived from the voltage to be monitored at a tap (N1) of a voltage divider connected between ground potential and the voltage to be monitored. The derived voltage is then evaluated, for example by comparing with a reference voltage. A controllable switch is connected in series with two voltage divider elements. The switch is controlled to open for switching off the voltage divider when monitoring is not needed. The switch is closed to activate the voltage divider when monitoring is needed.

Abstract: A power supply circuit arrangement is provided that includes a switching regulator for generating a first regulated voltage, a controlled load element that is impinged upon by the first regulated voltage, and a first control element for controlling the load element. A method for generating a supply voltage is also provided. The switching regulator is adapted to generate a second, unregulated voltage that serves directly or indirectly as a supply voltage for the first control element. The circuit arrangement and method are used for example for a battery-based power supply of electric automotive components.

Abstract: An output voltage is generated, in that an initializable current source is transferred into a current-conducting state by an initializing signal produced by an initializing unit, and then provides current to a voltage-limiting element. The output voltage is tapped from the voltage-limiting element. Thereby, a small operating current consumption can be achieved with a large supply voltage range.

Abstract: A voltage (UE1, UE2). such as a supply voltage, is monitored and controlled to avoid damage to circuit components by maintaining a required voltage level. Dissipation power losses are reduced by switching off a monitoring circuit when monitoring is not required. For this purpose a stepped down voltage is derived from the voltage to be monitored at a tap (N1) of a voltage divider connected between ground potential and the voltage to be monitored. The derived voltage is then evaluated, for example by comparing with a reference voltage. A controllable switch is connected in series with two voltage divider elements. The switch is controlled to open for switching off the voltage divider when monitoring is not needed. The switch is closed to activate the voltage divider when monitoring is needed.

Abstract: The previously known methods for generating an output voltage comprise a high operating current consumption. With the new method, an output voltage is generated, in that an initializable current source, which is transferred into a current-conducting state by an initializing unit, provides current to a voltage-limiting element. Thereby, a small operating current consumption can be achieved with a large supply voltage range.

Abstract: A circuit includes a second switching unit, a first switching unit that is connected to and selectively actuates the second switching unit, and a capacitive voltage divider including first, second and third capacitances connected in series. The first and second switching units are connected respectively to first and second junctions between the first and second and the second and third capacitances respectively. An associated method involves applying a supply voltage to the voltage divider so as to charge the first and second junctions, discharging the first junction through the first switching unit, which, dependent on the voltage of the first junction, selectively actuates the second switching unit to supply an additional charging current to the second junction. A time-limited signal such as a power-on reset signal is tapped from the first or second switching unit or from the second junction. Thereafter, the circuit draws no further current.

Abstract: Method for generating a time-limited signal.