Abstract: In one embodiment, to maintain the operation stability of a semiconductor device even when an external voltage changes. An input signal discrimination unit operates with a power supply potential supplied from a first power supply line VDDI. The input signal discrimination unit compares an input signal VIN with a reference potential Vref. The comparison result is inverted into a signal V0 by an inverter INV1. A power supply sensor circuit monitors the potential of the first power supply line VDDI. If an external potential VDDI falls below a reference potential VX, the power supply sensor circuit turns on a second current source. When the second current source is turned on, an operating current is supplied to a discrimination unit from the second current source as well as a first current source.

Abstract: In one embodiment, to maintain the operation stability of a semiconductor device even when an external voltage changes. An input signal discrimination unit operates with a power supply potential supplied from a first power supply line VDDI. The input signal discrimination unit compares an input signal VIN with a reference potential Vref. The comparison result is inverted into a signal V0 by an inverter INV1. A power supply sensor circuit monitors the potential of the first power supply line VDDI. If an external potential VDDI falls below a reference potential VX, the power supply sensor circuit turns on a second current source. When the second current source is turned on, an operating current is supplied to a discrimination unit from the second current source as well as a first current source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steelmaking flux which makes it possible to produce steel of extremely low contents of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. The flux consists of, by weight, CaO: 30-57%, Al2O3: 35-64% and MgO: 5-17%, and having a composition in the area defined by the points A to E of Table 1 below in the MgO—CaO—Al2O3 diagram of FIG. 1, in which the activity of alumina is 10?2 or less. TABLE 1 Concentration (Molar basis, mole) Point NCaO NAl2O3 NMgO A 0.41 0.48 0.11 B 0.37 0.35 0.11 C 0.62 0.22 0.16 D 0.87 0.25 0.08 E 0.46 0.45 0.