Abstract: An input circuit for minimizing power consumption in connected circuits is implemented. The input buffer has a saturating amplifier with a gain greater than unity, which provides for rapid transition of slowly rising or slowly falling inputs, thereby minimizing the time interval of the cross conduction range. The input buffer also has a current source which provides a constant current that limits the current when the input is within the cross conducting range. This invention is especially useful for inputs which are slowly falling or rising, where connected output circuits may be in the cross-conducting range for extended periods.

Abstract: A bandgap voltage comparator requiring the summing of only two current sources is used to detect low voltage conditions for an logic on an integrated circuit that may be powered from a battery, fuel cell, solar cell and the like. Independent high and low voltage trip points may be programmed in the bandgap low voltage detection system. A power-on-reset delay may be used before asserting a voltage level ok status signal. Power may be disconnected from the bandgap voltage comparator low voltage detection system to conserve power, and power can be reapplied to quickly determine whether a desired voltage level is present.

Abstract: An improved microprocessor power supply system, which features a programmable power supply and a programmable brownout detector with a central control unit that allows for independent, but coordinated, control of operating voltage and brownout reference voltage. The invention prevents improper programming of the operating voltage and the brownout reference voltage levels. The programmable power supply and brownout detector threshold can also be controlled to provide an optimum brownout threshold over a range of operating voltages.

Abstract: A microprocessor power supply system, which features a programmable power supply and a programmable brownout detector with a central control unit that allows for independent, but coordinated, control of operating voltage and brownout reference voltage. The invention prevents improper programming of the operating voltage and the brownout reference voltage levels. The programmable power supply and brownout detector threshold can also be controlled to provide an optimum threshold over a range of operating voltages.

Abstract: A bandgap voltage comparator requiring the summing of only two current sources is used to detect low voltage conditions for an logic on an integrated circuit that may be powered from a battery, fuel cell, solar cell and the like. Independent high and low voltage trip points may be programmed in the bandgap low voltage detection system. A power-on-reset delay may be used before asserting a voltage level ok status signal. Power may be disconnected from the bandgap voltage comparator low voltage detection system to conserve power, and power can be reapplied to quickly determine whether a desired voltage level is present.

Abstract: Encoder and decoder microchips suitable for use in secure unidirectional remote control devices. The encoder microchip includes circuits for performing and encoding function on an identification number embedded in the microchip and a combination of a characterization number and a stepping counter value, so as to generate a transmission value which is only decidable by a related decoding function having access to the same identification number. The decoder microchip includes circuits for decoding the transmission value into a decoded characterization number and a decoded counter value and circuits for comparing the decoded counter value with a decoded counter value range. The encoder and decoder microchips are also provided with means for synchronizing the decoder microchip with a particular encoder microchip which has generated a synchronization command.

Abstract: An electronic system, comprising a digital processor and an EEPROM, has circuit logic and program software or firmware for determining if a programming voltage level is sufficient for reliably programming the EEPROM. A charge pump is enabled and generates a voltage used for programming of the EEPROM. The enabled charge pump thereby loads a battery power supply. In addition, a test load may be connected to the output of the charge pump to simulate the EEPROM load during a programming operation to the EEPROM. The charge pump output voltage is measured to determine if at least a desired voltage value is obtained. Once the charge pump voltage level has been pre-qualified for the desired voltage value, an actual programming operation to the EEPROM may be performed. If the voltage level does not reach the desired value then a programming operation is inhibited and the electronic system may alarm or shut down operation.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having a microcontroller, mask programmed read only memory, functions such as clock oscillator, analog-to-digital converter, timers, etc., where each may be adjusted with a digital input to a desired calibration value. The digital input resulting in the desired calibration value being stored in a programmable fuse array.

Abstract: A transmitter system having an adjustable monolithic frequency stabilization and tuning internal capacitor circuit. The transmitter system has a transmitter for generating and transmitting a transmitter oscillator frequency signal. A data generating chip is coupled to the transmitter. The data generating chip is used for adjusting and controlling the transmitter oscillator frequency signal. A variable capacitor circuit is located internal to the data generating chip and is coupled to a ground pin and one of a plurality of function pins on the data generating chip. The variable capacitor circuit is used for adjusting and setting the centerpoint of the transmitter oscillator frequency signal.

Abstract: The highly efficient multi-frequency voltage regulating circuit is capable of converting magnetic field energy to electrical energy for charging either a battery or an energy storage device such as a capacitor. The invention provides a magnetic field sensor circuit that measures the strength of incoming magnetic field energy with respect to a reference current. The invention also provides for a programmable magnetic field detection circuit which is used to adjust the detection level of the inductor-capacitor magnetic field converter circuit. A discharge expediter circuit is provided to improve the efficiency of the magnetic field converter circuit by discharging excess energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fail safe non-volatile memory programming system. The system uses a high voltage charging capacitor to store a charge for programming a memory device. A second charging capacitor is used for supplying power to the control logic used for programming the memory device. If power is removed during a programming cycle, the charge stored in the two capacitors is sufficient to complete the programming cycle.

Abstract: Method for the gas sealing manufacture of a door frame of a coke oven battery which battery comprises a refractory structure with an armor plate connected to it onto which the door frame is fitted characterized by the following steps:measuring the profile of the surface of the armor plate at the position where it faces the door frame in its mounted state;fitting a profile to one side of the door frame which in its mounted state faces the armor plate, corresponding to the profile of the surface of that armor plate measured in the previous step, in such a way that in its mounted state the door frame rests essentially against the armor plate;placing the door frame thus adapted against the armor plate.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an encoder, which in one embodiment, includes a processing circuit which generates an output code according to an encoding algorithm, a counter circuit for incrementing a counter value such that only one bit of the counter value changes each time the counter value is incremented, a non-volatile memory for storing the counter value, and a transmitter which transmits the output code and the counter value. In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method for use with an encoder having a processing circuit which generates an output code according to an encoding algorithm, a counter circuit for incrementing a counter value, a non-volatile memory for storing the counter value, and a transmitter which transmits the output code and the counter value. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of incrementing the counter value such that only one bit is changed each time the counter is incremented.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method is provided for reading data from non-volatile memory in an electronic encoding device such that unauthorized access to the data is prevented. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of writing a first set of data to the non-volatile memory; generating a voltage detect signal during the writing, the voltage detect signal being representative of a source voltage applied to the non-volatile memory; determining whether the writing was successful by evaluating the voltage detect signal; and reading data from the non-volatile memory responsive to the determination.

Abstract: Encoder and decoder microchips suitable for use in remote control devices, are disclosed. The encoder microchip comprises means for performing an encoding function on an identification number embedded in the said microchip and a combination of a unit number and a stepping counter value, so as to generate a transmission value which is only decodable by a related decoding function having access to the same identification number. The decoder microchip comprises means for decoding the transmission value into a decoded unit number and a decoded counter value and means for comparing the decoded counter value with a decoder counter value range. The encoder and decoder microchips are also provided with means for synchronizing the decoder microchip with a particular encoder microchip which has generated a synchronization command.