Abstract: A method for reducing voltage variation in a PECL based component has been developed. The method includes powering up a PECL based component, such as a receiver circuit for a PLL, and activating or inserting a shunting resistance across the power supply terminals of a PECL power supply. The shunting resistance is inserted in parallel with the PECL based component, and is controllable such that the resistance can be selectively switched ‘on’ and/or ‘off.

Abstract: A programmable connector, in accordance with the present invention, includes a pair of terminals that may be connected to or disconnected from each other via two separate paths. Each path includes a buffer and a switch whose control terminal receives a voltage supplied by a memory element associated with that path. If the voltages supplied by the memory elements respectively close and open the switches disposed in the first and second paths, a signal may only be transferred from the first terminal to the second terminal of the connector. If the voltages supplied by the memory elements respectively open and close the switches disposed in the first and second paths, a signal may only be transferred from the second terminal to the first terminal of the connector. If the voltages supplied by the memory elements open both switches, signal transfer between the first and second terminals of the connector is inhibited.

Abstract: A circuit that reduces external terminal count of a semiconductor chip, such as a communications chip or other type of chip that requires the generation of configuration codes, by reducing the number of external input terminals required for generating the configuration data. The circuit includes multiplexers, each of which selects output data or configuration data, and includes an output in communication with a respective external output terminal of the chip. A selector is connectable between a selected one of the external output terminals and an external input terminal in communication with a memory to serially input configuration data on that output terminal to the memory to configure the chip. Thus, configuration codes are generated for the chip using a reduced number of external input terminals, thereby reducing the overall external terminal count of the chip. The circuit and chip may be embodied on a network or Ethernet card.

Abstract: A fast, space-efficient lookup table (LUT) for programmable logic devices (PLDs) in which the write decoder, read decoder and memory block of the LUT are modified to improve performance while providing a highly efficient layout. Both the write decoder and the read decoder are controlled by LUT input signals, and data signals are transmitted directly to each memory circuit of the memory block (i.e., without passing through the write decoder). The read decoder includes a multiplexing circuit made up of a series of multiplexers that are directly controlled by the input signals received from the interconnect resources of the PLD. In one embodiment, a configurable logic block is provided with a single write decoder that is shared by a first LUT and a second LUT.

Abstract: A programmable logic device has many regions of programmable logic, together with relatively general-purpose, programmable, interconnection resources that can be used to make interconnections between virtually any of the logic regions. In addition, various types of more local interconnection resources are associated with each logic region for facilitating the making of interconnections between adjacent or nearby logic regions without the need to use the general-purpose interconnection resources for those interconnections. The local interconnection resources support flexible clustering of logic regions via relatively direct and therefore high-speed interconnections, preferably in both horizontal and vertical directions in the typically two-dimensional array of logic regions. The logic region clustering options provided by the local interconnection resources are preferably boundary-less or substantially boundary-less within the array of logic regions.

Abstract: A digital level shift circuit includes a level shifting device such as a high voltage MOS device and can also include feedback circuitry. The level shifting device is turned on to make an output transition, and the feedback circuitry obtains a feedback or acknowledge signal indicating that the transition was made. In response, the feedback circuitry turns off the level shifting device, which can reduce power dissipation. A digital level shift circuit that includes two n-channel devices and two p-channel devices can also include sense/prevent circuitry that senses when current greater than a threshold flows through both devices of one channel type and, in response, prevents output transitions from being made, which can avoid false transmissions due to rapid changes in offset voltage. Control circuitry in a digital level shift circuit can include both feedback circuitry and sense-prevent circuitry.

Abstract: A voltage translator circuit capable of operating at high speed, saving the power consumption, and forming to have a smaller circuit area. When the output level of a decoder 110 is changed from the potential GND to the potential VDD, a pMOS transistor 125 is turned off, and the gate of nMOS transistor 124 comes to have a high impedance. Because of this, the self-boost effect acts on the gate of the nMOS transistor 124 to push up the source potential of the nMOS transistor 124. Consequently, the gate potential of the pMOS transistor 122 is abruptly raised, and this pMOS transistor 122 is turned off at high speed. The pMOS transistor 122 being turned off at high speed, the penetration current flowing through the transistors 121 and 122 is reduced and the electric potential of the word line WL falls at high speed.

Abstract: A dynamic power controller is provided that identifies a clock frequency requirement of a processor and determines a voltage requirement to support the clock frequency requirement. The dynamic power controller transitions the processor to a power state defined by the clock frequency requirement and the voltage requirement. In particular, a voltage level indicated by the voltage requirement is supplied to the processor and the frequency distribution indicated by the frequency requirement is provided to the clocks signals of the processor.

Abstract: This application proposes a new logic circuit including the 1st selector (S1) in which the control input S is controlled by the first input signal (IN1), the input I1 or I0 is controlled by the second input signal (IN2), and the output O is connected to the first node (N1), and the 3rd selector (S3) in which the control input S is controlled by the first node (N1), the input I1 is controlled by the third input signal (IN3), the input I0 is controlled by the first input signal (IN1), and the output is connected to the first output signal (OUT1).

Abstract: An integrated circuit comparator comprises a differential amplifier, a source follower circuit coupled to a gate terminal of a first transistor in the differential amplifier, and an output circuit. One or more source follower circuits may be utilized in connection with the differential amplifier, and one or more source follower circuits may be utilized in connection with the output circuit.

Abstract: A circuit for putting an output driver into a high impedance state upon failure of the power supply. This is accomplished by providing a first transistor that is connected between the power supply and the n-well to charge the n-well node of the PMOS drive transistor. Upon failure of the supply voltage, a number of transistors are connected to couple the n-well and a gate of the PMOS drive transistor to the output line, so that they track the voltage level of the output, thereby preventing forward biasing of the P+/n-well diode.

Abstract: In order to obtain an input circuit capable of guaranteeing sufficient threshold margins even if a different power supply potential is supplied, an input circuit relating to the present invention comprises an inverter, an NMOS transistor, and a threshold circuit. The inverter receives, inverts, and outputs an IN signal. The NMOS transistor is connected across the inverter and an earth potential node, and a conductive state is controlled by a control signal generated from the threshold circuit. The threshold circuit generates the control signal for controlling a threshold of the inverter.

Abstract: The large output driver transistors are used to shunt electro-static-discharge (ESD) pulses. ESD pulses are capacitivly coupled to the gates of the large driver transistors by R-C networks. The capacitive coupling causes a gate-to-source voltage to exceed the transistor threshold, turning on the large driver transistor to shunt the ESD current. Transistor switches are inserted into the R-C networks. These transistor switches disconnect the R-C networks during normal operation, and ensure that the R-C networks couple the I/O pad to the gates of the output driver transistors only when power is turned off. Since ESD events normally occur when power is disconnected, such as during handling by a person or machine, the ESD protection is only needed when power is off. Thus an active ESD-protection device can be disabled during normal powered operation of the IC. A feedback circuit detects power and biases the gates of the transistor switches.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a switch unit for controlling the supply of a power source voltage to a signal amplification circuit for receiving an input signal, and a control unit for selectively turning ON and OFF the switch unit in accordance with the amplitude or frequency of the input signal. By the constitution, it is possible to provide an input circuit or an output circuit capable of being applied to an input/output interface adapted for a small amplitude operation.

Abstract: A method including frequency dividing a high-frequency clock signal into a divided frequency, and further dividing the divided frequency into another divided frequency in accordance with a data input (DIN).

Abstract: A frequency multiplying system includes a frequency multiplier for multiplying a reference frequency to generate an internal clock, a delay circuit for introducing a variable delay to the internal clock, a plurality of clock generators each for generating first clocks in number corresponding to the number of frequency multiplication. The first clocks have the reference frequency and consecutive phase shifts from the phase of the lo reference-frequency clock. One of the first clocks having a rising edge leading from and nearest to the rising edge of the reference clock is selected and fed back to a phase comparator for controlling the variable delay of the delay circuit.

Abstract: A ramp generator includes a resistance ladder supplied with a constant current. Switches are closed in sequence by a shift register to provide a stepped ramp output. The constant current is controlled by referencing an on-chip bandgap voltage that is used as an input to a feedback circuit controlling current through a reference resistor ladder.

Abstract: A method for reducing voltage variation in the power supply system of a phase locked loop has been developed. The method includes powering up a phase locked loop and activating or inserting a shunting resistance across the power supply terminals. The shunting resistance is inserted in parallel with the phase locked loop, and is controllable such that the resistance can be selectively switched ‘on’ and/or ‘off.

Abstract: An integrated circuit including a phase lock loop or delay lock loop (PLL/DLL) circuit comprising: a clock input terminal for accepting a clock signal; a phase/frequency detector (PFD) circuit including a reference clock input connected to the clock input terminal and including a PFD feedback input and including a PFD output; a charge pump (CP) circuit; at least one external feedforward output terminal; a loop filter (LF); a loop controlled signal source (LCSS); and a feedback circuit connected between a LCSS output and the PFD feedback input, the feedback circuit including, an external feedback input terminal; first frequency selection circuitry to produce a first programmable feedback signal; second frequency selection circuitry to produce a second feedback signal; and multiplex circuitry connected with the LCSS output, the external feedback input terminal and the first and second frequency selection circuitry, to cause either the first programmable feedback signal or the second programmable feedback signal

Abstract: A method for reducing global clock skew by referencing a first point on an integrated circuit to which to align other points on the integrated circuit is provided. Further, an integrated circuit that has localized DLLs having adjustable buffers that selectively drive a signal on a clock grid is provided. Further, a technique for using a local DLL, one or more phase detectors, and one or more DLLs connected to portions of a clock grid to reduce clock skew is provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes connected TC unit type ferroelectric memory which includes series connected memory cells each having a cell transistor having a source terminal and a drain terminal and a ferroelectric capacitor inbetween the two terminals, a first power supply circuit which generates a first power supply potential supplied to the gate of the cell transistor when the cell transistor is in a standby state, and a second power supply circuit. The second power supply circuit generates a second power supply potential supplied to the source or drain of the cell transistor and starts operating following the start-up of the first power supply circuit after a power-on.

Abstract: The system and methods describe a computer system implementing an adjustable control signal path whose length may be precisely adjusted to control timing of a control signal that propagates along the path. One such adjustable signal path has two clusters of possible signal paths. Each of the signal paths in each cluster has a length, and the overall length of the control signal path may be adjusted by selectively implementing one signal path from each of the clusters by electrically connecting that path into the electrical circuit by the selective installation of zero ohm resistors. In this way, a system designer may design several possible signal path lengths on to a motherboard or printed circuit card, and implement the path length which provides the most precise signal timing adjustment.

Abstract: A comparator, having an offset of 0.1V, compares a terminal voltage Vin1 with a clamp voltage VCL(5.1V). When an overvoltage input exceeding the VCL is entered to an input terminal, the comparator turns on a transistor Q11. The current flows across an externally provided resistor R11, the input terminal, and the transistor Q11, and flows into an output terminal of an operational amplifier. With a voltage drop at the resistor R11, the terminal voltage Vin1 starts decreasing toward an output voltage Vc of the operational amplifier.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for translating a wide common mode voltage range into a narrow common mode voltage range. The system and method extend the common mode voltage range of functional devices beyond the supply rails of the functional device, while keeping the differential signal loss to a minimum. The system and method translate a common mode input signal from a wide common mode voltage range into a narrow common mode voltage range utilizing a feedback technique.

Abstract: In a master block, the exponential conversion characteristic is determined on the basis of a common mode reference voltage and a reference voltage. In a slave block, the exponential conversion characteristic determined with the master block is used to create a control voltage and a gain control signal on the basis of a common mode reference voltage and a reference voltage. For example, a gain of the variable gain amplifier is controlled by using this gain control signal.

Abstract: A system and method to extract a threshold voltage for a MOSFET are disclosed. First and second stages, which include inputs that receive functionally related input currents, are connected to each other. The first stage includes a second input that is coupled to a corresponding input of the second stage through part of a voltage divider. Another part of the voltage divider is coupled between an internal gate node and the input of the second stage that receives the respective input current. The input of the second stage that receives the respective input current also provides an output voltage substantially equal to the threshold voltage for one or both of the MOSFETs.

Abstract: An n− type layer 12 is epitaxially grown on one main surface (front surface) of an n+ type silicon substrate 11 and an anode electrode 13 is electrically in contact with the other main surface (rear surface) thereof. A p type region 14 is selectively formed in a surface layer of the n− type layer 12 and a n+ type region 15 is selectively formed in a surface layer of the p type region 14. A cathode electrode 17 is electrically in contact with a surface of the n+ type region 15.

Abstract: A constant current circuit delivering a constant current to a load connected between first and second output terminals comprises, a reference current generator configured to generate a reference current, a current mirror circuit configured to amplify the reference current, an output transistor configured to deliver the constant current based on an output of the current mirror circuit, a signal source configured to deliver a pulse control signal, an auxiliary switching circuit having a switch terminal configured to deliver a switch signal in response to the pulse control signal, and a discharge terminal configured to deliver a discharge signal to the current mirror circuit when the switch signal is stopped; and a switch circuit configured to turn off the output transistor with receiving the switch signal.

Abstract: A current mirror and method for operating such a mirror include nonlinearly converting an input current (Iin+=I0 and, respectively, Iin−=I0) into a voltage in a current sink, the voltage being used for driving a current source (Iout+=−n·I0 and, respectively, Iout−=n·I0) with substantially the same transfer characteristic. According to the invention, the current mirror is configured to contain a further voltage-controlled current source that supplies an auxiliary current a·Iout=−a·n·I0.

Abstract: In order to stably generate a high voltage of a prescribed level, a Vpp detection circuit which is activated in response to an activation signal for comparing the high voltage with a reference voltage is forcibly brought into an active state for a prescribed period under control of an initial control circuit.

Abstract: Proportional to absolute temperature references having reduced input sensitivity. The references utilize four bipolar transistors, at least one of which is of a different size, coupled to a resistor in a loop, whereby the difference in the VBEs of the transistors appears as a voltage across the resistor. The addition of a further resistor of a selected size in the base circuit of one of the four transistors provides an input variation of an opposite sign to that caused by the finite base currents of the transistors, thereby substantially reducing the input voltage (current) dependence of the proportional to absolute temperature references. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An IC device has a MOSFET serving as a power switch, a condenser connected between a first input terminal of the IC and the gate of the MOSFET, and a ferroelectric condenser connected between a second input terminal of the IC and the gate of the MOSFET. A prescribed voltage having a: predetermined polarity is applied across the first and the second input terminals to generate a remanent polarization oriented in a specific direction in the ferroelectric condenser, thereby raising the threshold voltage of the MOSFET to a higher level than its original level. The power switching MOSFET is fabricated in the same manufacturing process as for other circuit blocks of the IC device such that it has substantially the same threshold voltage as that of the MOSFETs in other circuit blocks.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled capacitor is configured in such a way that it contains two varactors connected in parallel. The varactors are connected in such a way that a capacitance is controlled by differential signals. This layout results in a voltage-controlled capacitor that has an optimally low sensitivity to interference.

Abstract: A demodulator for demodulating a modulated input signal transmitted at a carrier frequency includes a current mirror for receiving the modulated input signal and genera tine a first and a second current-mirror output signals of same amplitude and frequency as the modulated input signal. The demodulator further includes a first and a second switch-controlled sampling circuits connected to the current mirror for receiving the first and second current mirror output signals respectively. The demodulator further includes a switching signal generator provided for generating a first and a second switch control signals having a frequency substantially equals to the carrier frequency with a flexibly adjustable phase difference between the first and the second switch control signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a linearisation method and signal processing device for reducing intermodulation distortions by extracting harmonic components generated from first and second carrier signals with different carrier frequencies, which are input into two first non-linear stages (11, 12). The harmonic components may be generated by the two first non-linear stages (11, 12) or by two additional harmonic generating elements (NE1, NE2). The extracted harmonic components are phase and/or amplitude adjusted and mixed with harmonic components generated in a second non-linear stage (4) to thereby reduce harmonic components so as to achieve a linear output waveform. Thus, an intermodulation distortion suppression can be achieved over the entire operating bandwidth, wherein no phase coherency of the two carrier signals is required.

Abstract: A circuit configuration is configured such that selectively a first amplifier or a second amplifier amplifies signals. The second amplifier is operated depending on the conditions established at the input terminal of the first amplifier. A switching element has a controlled path connected to an input terminal of the second amplifier. The switching state of the switching element can be controlled by the input terminal of the first amplifier. As a result, it is possible to effect the changeover between the amplifiers with minimal outlay and without disturbing the amplifiers.

Abstract: A circuit including at least one low voltage input, at least one high voltage output, and a field transistor having a source, a drain and a control region. The circuit may comprise a high-voltage amplifier. In this embodiment, an electrical connection between the high-voltage output terminal and the field transistor control region, and an electrical connection between the input terminal and a second transistor. Various embodiments of the field transistor are described.

Abstract: A class AB amplifier circuit includes a complementary output stage and a biasing circuit for biasing the output stage. The complementary output stage includes a P-type MOS transistor and an N-type MOS transistor, and the biasing circuit includes a bipolar transistor. The emitter and collector of the bipolar transistor are respectively connected to the gates of the P-type and N-type MOS transistors. The bipolar transistor is biased for controlling a bias voltage between the respective gates of the P-type and N-type MOS transistors.

Abstract: A temperature compensating circuit for use with a current mirror circuit for maintaining a reference current value during temperature variations includes a compensating transistor connected in parallel with a reference current transistor and bias circuitry for biasing the compensating transistor whereby current flows from the reference node to ground through the compensating transistor to remove excess current from the reference transistor when temperature increases. A diode can be included in the bias circuitry for limiting bias current flow when the reference voltage drops below the voltage drop of the diode. An on/off switch circuit can be provided in parallel with the reference current transistor to further reduce reference current in specific applications.

Abstract: A method and a circuit for minimizing glitches in phase-locked loops is presented. The circuit includes an input terminal connected to an input of a phase detector; a series of a charge pump generator, a filter and a voltage controlled oscillator connected downstream of the phase detector; and a frequency divider feedback connected between an output of the voltage controlled oscillator and a second input of the phase detector. The circuit provides for the inclusion of a compensation circuit connected between the charge pump generator and the filter to absorb an amount of the charge passed therethrough. This compensation circuit includes a storage element connected in series to two switches. The first switch is coupled to and controlled by an output of the charge pump and the second switch is coupled to and controlled by an output of a phase detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oscillator for use in a preconditioner comprising a rectifier (1), a converter (2) receiving an input voltage (Uin) and supplying an output voltage (Uout), and a control unit (3) effecting peak current mode control. The oscillator has a switching frequency with a period (Tper) dependent on the input voltage (Uin) and the output voltage (Uout), according to the relation: 1 T per = 1 k 0 ⁢ ( 1 U m + 1 U out - U in ) .

Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is constructed using a series ring connection of an odd number K of logic inverters where K is greater than three. Each sequence of three of the logic inverters has voltage controlled feed-forward conduction circuit coupled in parallel. Each of the feed-forward circuits has the same phase between its input and output as the path it parallels. The control voltage of the feed-forward circuits operates to decrease the path delay of the logic inverters when they are conducting. Selectable inverters are connected in parallel with each logic inverter using a P and an N channel field effect transistor (FET). The N channel FET is controlled with a Mode signal and the P channel FET is controlled by a Modeb signal which is generated by inverting the Mode signal. The Mode and Modeb signals control the connection of the selectable inverters are in parallel with the logic inverters thus increasing the drive capability of the parallel combination of inverters.

Abstract: Measurement methods and a ring oscillator circuit are provided for evaluating dynamic circuits. The ring oscillator circuit includes a one-shot pulse generator receiving a single transition input signal and producing a pulse output signal having a rising transition and falling transition. The dynamic circuit to be evaluated is coupled to an output of the one-shot pulse generator receiving the pulse output signal of the one-shot pulse generator and producing a delayed output pulse at an output. A divide-by-two circuit is coupled to the output of the dynamic circuit to be evaluated. An output signal of the divide-by-two circuit is fed back to the one-shot pulse generator, and the cycle is repeated, thus oscillating. A multiplexer is connected between output of the dynamic circuit to be evaluated and the divide-by-two circuit.

Abstract: A device for providing the functionality of an oscillator and mixer is disclosed herein. The device uses a differential pair to provide first and second filter networks with a time varying signal. The first filer network generates an oscillating signal through the use of a generated negative resistance and provides the oscillating signal while filtering out unwanted signals. The second filter network receives the time varying input signal and the oscillating signal and provides a mixed output while preventing the transmission of oscillations at the oscillating signal frequency. A double balanced embodiment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled oscillation (VCO) circuit includes a current generator, a variable capacitor having a capacitance value which changes in accordance with a tuning voltage, an inductor which is electrically connected to the variable capacitor in parallel, and a fixed capacitor which is electrically connected to the variable capacitor in parallel. The variable capacitor is electrically connected to the current generator in series.

Abstract: A crystal oscillation circuit using a crystal oscillator comprises an inverting amplifier, a buffer, and a voltage shift circuit. The voltage shift circuit operates in such a way that within prescribed limits by which the output of the inverting amplifier satisfies excitation conditions of the crystal oscillator and by which the oscillation output of the buffer satisfies input conditions of a following circuit, a supply voltage (Vdd) is reduced by a gate threshold voltage of an n-channel MOS transistor, and a ground potential (GND) is increased by a gate threshold voltage of a p-channel MOS transistor with respect to both the inverting amplifier and the buffer. Thus, it is possible to prevent the crystal oscillator from being damaged while suppressing the excitation level of the crystal oscillator even though the gain of the inverting amplifier is increased to be relatively high.

Abstract: A temperature-compensated crystal oscillator is provided with an IC (integrated circuit) having a power supply terminal, an output terminal, and an automatic frequency control (AFC) voltage input terminal. In the temperature-compensated crystal oscillator, at least one oscillation circuit is integrated and the frequency-temperature characteristic of a quartz crystal unit is compensated. The temperature-compensated crystal oscillator includes one or more damping resistors for reducing the resonance acuteness of parasitic resonance circuits which result from inductance produced when mounting the IC on a wiring board and stray capacitance existing in the vicinity of each terminal of the IC. The dumping resistors are connected to at least one of the power supply terminal, output terminal, and automatic frequency control voltage input terminal.

Abstract: A controllable attenuator has an input and an output, and comprises a first resistive element, a first capacitor connected in series between the input and the output, a first controllable shunting transistor connected between the output and a supply terminal via a second resistive element, and a controllable bypass transistor connected between the input and the output. The controllable attenuator may form part of a radio receiver circuit, the attenuator being positioned between a matching circuit and a low-noise amplifier.

Abstract: An RF A/B switch associated with a receiver has first and second inputs and an output. A first diode circuit includes a plurality of diodes and an impedance network coupled between the first input and the output. A second diode circuit includes a plurality of diodes and an impedance network coupled between the second input and the output. A controller establishes a common series biasing current through at least one of the diodes in each of the first and second diode circuits. The common series biasing current biases one of the first and second diode circuits so as to configure a respective one of the impedance networks in a low pass filter configuration that couples a signal on one of the first and second inputs to the output, and the common series biasing current biases the other of the first and second diode circuits in a blocking configuration so as to block a signal on the other of the first and second inputs from the output.

Abstract: A low-loss, phase stable, microwave transverse electromagnetic delay line having an increased lifetime and a reduced cost of manufacture. The microwave delay line includes a TEM transmission line having a central conductor, a dielectric material covering the length of the central conductor, and a solid outer conductor on which the dielectric-covered central conductor is wound. The outer conductor includes at least one guide formed on a surface thereof into which the dielectric-covered central conductor is disposed. The microwave delay line further includes two microwave connectors mounted at respective ends of the outer conductor and operatively coupled to corresponding ends of the central and outer conductors, and a metal cover configured to enclose the microwave delay line to prevent signal leakage and protect the microwave delay line from environmental damage.