Abstract: A ground electrode has one end portion fixed to a metal housing, a bent portion provided at an intermediate portion thereof, and the other end portion positioned in a confronting relationship with a center electrode to form a spark discharge gap. The ground electrode contains either Ni or Fe as a main component and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of Cr and Al. A cross-sectional area S of the ground electrode is not less than 2 mm2 and not greater than 3 mm2. An average value D of crystal grain diameters in a thickness direction is not less than 100 ?m at least at the bent portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a starting element, in particular a sheathed-element glow plug, for the combustion process in an internal combustion engine having a ceramic element (1, 3) is proposed, which substantially improves the glazing of the ceramic element (1, 3). According to the present invention, this is achieved by a dry glaze (2) being applied on the ceramic element (1, 3).

Abstract: An elongated dielectric barrier discharge lamp with outer and inner electrodes has a tube that is arranged on the lamp stand end of the discharge vessel and that surrounds the lamp stand. The tube serves to receive a seal in order to install the lamp in a process chamber in a gastight manner. Power supply of the outer electrodes is separated from the power supply for the inner electrodes coming out of the lamp stand by means of the above-mentioned tube. This makes it possible to prevent effectively parasitic discharges between the power supplies which are applied at different potentials during operation also in process chambers under negative pressure.

Abstract: A shadow mask stretched in such a manner that tension is applied in a vertical direction includes a plurality of arrays of apertures in which a first aperture, a second aperture, a third aperture, and bridges between these apertures are aligned in a vertical direction. Assuming that a horizontal line passing through a center in the vertical direction of each bridge is a horizontal center line, and vertical spacings between the horizontal center lines of pairs of bridges that respectively sandwich the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture in the vertical direction are PBa, PBb, and PBc in this order, the relationships: PBb=N1×PBa and PBc=N2×PBa (N1, N2 are natural numbers, 1<N1<N2) are satisfied. Vertical spacings between the horizontal center lines with respect to all the bridges included in two arrays of apertures adjacent in the horizontal direction are substantially constant.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus including an electron-source substrate having a plurality of cold-cathode electron emitting elements, each having an electron emitting portion and a pair of element electrodes, an acceleration electrode for applying an acceleration voltage operating on electrons emitted from the electron emitting elements, disposed so as to face the electron emitting elements, a spacer disposed between the electron-source substrate and the acceleration electrode, a wiring portion formed on the electron-source substrate for driving the electron emitting elements, these components being accommodated within an envelope, an electron-trajectory correcting electrode for correcting beam deviation due to charging of the spacer is provided near an electron emitting element near the spacer.

Abstract: Provided are a display device and a display unit having higher light extraction efficiency. An optical distance L1 between a maximum light-emitting position of a light-emitting layer and a first end portion satisfies L1=tL1+a1 and (2tL1)/?=??1/(2?)+m1. An optical distance L2 between the maximum light-emitting position and a second end portion satisfies L2=tL2+a2 and (2tL2)/?=??2/(2?)+m2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display apparatus including a plurality of lower electrodes patterned on a substrate on the basis of each pixel, an auxiliary wiring composed of the same layer as the lower electrodes and arranged in the state of being insulated from the lower electrodes, an insulating film formed on the substrate and provided with pixel openings for exposing central portions of the lower electrodes and connection holes reaching the auxiliary wiring, organic layers so patterned as to cover bottom portions of the pixel openings and to have end portions partly overlapping on each other between the adjacent pixels, and an upper electrode so formed as to cover the organic layers and to be connected to the auxiliary wiring through the connection holes between the organic layers. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the display apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic device protected by a novel barrier layer is provided. The barrier layer can protect against contamination and degradation arising from many sources, including oxidation and moisture. The barrier layer includes a barrier material that can include oxides, carbides, and compositions of sodium, aluminum, and fluorine.

Abstract: A light emitting display panel which is provided with a sandwiched portion that is sandwiched between a connection end portion of an electrode and an electrode extension. The sandwiched portion is formed of at least one layer of a light emission functioning layer stack.

Abstract: A display device in which variations in luminance due to variations in characteristics of transistors are reduced, and image quality degradation due to variations in resistance values is prevented. The invention comprises a transistor whose channel portion is formed of an amorphous semiconductor or an organic semiconductor, a connecting wiring connected to a source electrode or a drain electrode of the transistor, a light emitting element having a laminated structure which includes a pixel electrode, an electro luminescent layer, and a counter electrode, an insulating layer surrounding an end portion of the pixel electrode, and an auxiliary wiring formed in the same layer as a gate electrode of the transistor, a connecting wiring, or the pixel electrode. Further, the connecting wiring is connected to the pixel electrode, and the auxiliary wiring is connected to the counter electrode via an opening portion provided in the insulating layer.

Abstract: In a device encapsulation method, an organic EL device is formed on a substrate. An encapsulation cap is placed on the substrate to surround the device and thereafter an end face of the cap is welded on at least the substrate. A device package is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma display panel and a manufacture method thereof in which a color mixture of emitted light can be prevented and a contrast characteristic can be improved. The plasma display panel includes: a first barrier rib for partitioning a plurality of sub-pixels; and a second barrier rib formed to function as a boundary between one unit pixel constituting of the plurality of sub-pixels and an adjacent unit pixel, and partition the unit pixels, wherein the second barrier rib has a greater width than the first barrier rib. The method includes the steps of: coating a first and second barrier rib paste on a dielectric material formed on a glass; and placing and exposing an irregular pattern mask on the first and second barrier rib paste to form a first barrier rib pattern and a second barrier rib pattern each having a different width.

Abstract: A plasma display device that enhances heat dissipation from a Plasma Display Panel (PDP) and additionally increases the efficiency in heat dissipation from driving circuit boards includes: a chassis base having a plate portion and a side portion; a Plasma Display Panel (PDP) adapted to be attached to a first side of the chassis base; and driving circuit boards adapted to be attached to the plate portion on a second side of the chassis base, the second side of the chassis base being opposite to the first side of the chassis base; wherein the side portion is bent toward the PDP on an edge of the plate portion and includes air vents; and wherein the side portion includes a flange consisting of a bent edge of the side portion, the flange adapted to be attached to an edge of the PDP.

Abstract: A Plasma Display Panel (PDP) includes: a front panel including a front substrate including a plurality of sustain electrodes and a plurality of scanning electrodes arranged thereon; and a rear panel including a back substrate including a plurality of address electrodes intersecting the plurality of sustain electrodes and scanning electrodes and including a dielectric layer arranged on the back substrate to cover the plurality of address electrodes; wherein the dielectric layer includes a first dielectric layer disposed on the back substrate to cover the address electrodes and a second dielectric layer disposed on the first dielectric layer and having a dielectric constant less than that of the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are an upper substrate structure for a plasma display panel including a dielectric layer reinforcing color properties and a fabricating method thereof. The upper substrate structure comprises a sustain electrode formed on an upper glass substrate, a bus electrode formed on the sustain electrode, and an upper substrate dielectric layer formed over a lower part of the surface created by two electrodes and the glass substrate. There is also included a colorant having color properties of red, blue, and green colors, and a protection layer formed on the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer may include one or more colorants so that important properties of PDP such as selective brightness of desired color, color temperature, and color purity improvement can be controlled.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring cathode fall in fluorescent lamps are disclosed. Together with measurements of cathode temperature, such measurements of cathode fall may inform a determination of cathode heater voltage as a function of discharge current (i.e., a cathode-heating-profile) that avoids both sputtering and excess-evaporation.

Abstract: A lamp package includes a base for insertion into an electrical socket, a complete dimmable ballast circuit contained within and electrically connected to the base, and a fluorescent lamp, including a CFLP, connected to and dimmed through the ballast circuit. The base includes a thermally conductive body, such as an epoxy, so that the base dissipates heat from the ballast. The package also includes a diffuser, possibly connected directly to the base, that surrounds the lamp. In a further aspect of the invention, the lamp package includes one or more of a variety of sensors, such as a photodetector, that are connected to the dimmable ballast circuit, thereby providing a self-dimming lamp. The self-dimming lamp is suitable for use in a standard Edison socket and with CFLPs to provide a self-regulated light output. Various lighting schemes may be incorporated into the dimmable ballast circuit, such as regulated light output applications.

Abstract: An organic light emitting display (OLED) panel has a plurality of organic light emitting diodes. The organic light emitting diodes are electrically connected to a plurality of segment lines and a plurality of common lines in a matrix structure. The organic light emitting diodes electrically connected to the same common lines are divided into a first group and a second group. Driving currents are separately supplied to the organic light emitting diodes of the first group and the second group according to a first pulse width modulation (PWM) manner and a second PWM manner. The first PWM manner and the second PWM manner have complementary waveforms in a period.

Abstract: The present invention provides a driving method for a display device which includes a display part having pixels of M columns×N rows and a memory, wherein each pixel includes a light emitting element and a driving transistor for driving the light emitting element. At times other than a usual light emitting time, a driving voltage is applied to the driving transistor of each pixel so as to turn on the light emitting element of each pixel, a value of current which flows in the light emitting element of each pixel is detected, correction data for each pixel is calculated based on the detected value of current, and the calculated correction data for each pixel is stored in the memory. At the usual light emitting time, a driving voltage which is based on data which is obtained by adding the correction data stored in the memory to video signal data is applied to the driving transistor of each pixel.

Abstract: A device for driving light emitting diode (LED) string, including a DC(direct current)-to-DC converter, a LED string, a switch and a feedback circuit. The DC-to-DC converter includes a first DC-to-DC converter end for outputting a DC voltage according to a feedback signal. The LED string is coupled to the first DC-to-DC converter end. The switch is coupled to the LED string. When the switch is turned on, the LED string is driven by the DC voltage, and then a DC current is flowed through the LED string. The feedback circuit outputs the feedback signal according to the DC current. When the switch is turned on, the LED string is quickly turned on to a predetermined brightness. When the switch is turned off, the LED string is quickly turned off.

Abstract: Discharge lamps are respectively aligned and arranged, and a first alternating voltage output from an inverter circuit is supplied to one electrode of each discharge lamp, whilst a second alternating voltage output from the inverter circuit is supplied to the other electrode of the same. A signal processor compares a first voltage signal with a second voltage signal, and generates a current-limit signal when a difference in amplitude between these signals is not smaller than a predetermined value. The current-limit signal is supplied to the inverter circuit to help reduce the chance on an accidental electric shock.

Abstract: A method of operating a lamp that has a power controller connected between a terminal and a light emitting element that converts the line voltage to an RMS load voltage. An input to an analog control block is provided in the controller that is independent of a change in magnitude of the line voltage. A trigger signal from the analog control block is provided at a first frequency by charging and discharging a capacitor in the analog control block that receives the input. An initial condition of the analog control block is resetted periodically. A sync signal synchronizes the trigger signal with a waveform of the line voltage. A load voltage is clipped based on the synchronized trigger signal to define the RMS load voltage.

Abstract: A high efficiency lighting system maintains normal lighting conditions by lighting fixtures requiring DC electrical power. A power control device receives AC electrical power from a public utility converts AC power to DC power and delivers low voltage DC electrical power to lighting fixtures. A standby battery is provided to maintain power during power outages. Optionally, a photovoltaic DC electrical power source may be connected to the power control device, to provide alternate DC electrical power. In a further embodiment, a gas driven cogenerator unit may supply DC electrical power.

Abstract: A portable range extender is provided for an electric vehicle having a vehicle controller, and an electric traction motor powered by a battery. The portable range extender has an engine, a dynamoelectric machine coupled to the engine by a shaft and electrically connectable to the vehicle, and a range extender controller for controlling operations of the range extender independently of the vehicle controller. The range extender controller monitors voltage of the battery to automatically activate the range extender when the battery voltage is less than a first threshold value and automatically deactivate the range extender when the battery voltage reaches a second threshold value. The dynamoelectric machine operates as a motor for starting the engine when the battery voltage is less than the first threshold value. In response to prescribed engine conditions, the range extender controller operates the dynamoelectric machine as a generator driven by the engine to generate electric power supplied to the vehicle.

Abstract: A control apparatus and a semiconductor apparatus of AC motors capable of reducing torque ripple with a comparatively simple circuit corresponding to a high withstand voltage and capable of driving a motor at high efficiency even when the rotational speed or load has changed. The control apparatus detects first phase signals fixed in relative phase to induced voltages of the motor and current polarity signals, recognizes phase differences between them, generates second phase signals so as to make the phase differences approach zero to drive the motor at high efficiency, generates modulation wave signals having quasi-sinusoidal waveforms or trapezoidal waveforms on the basis of the second phase signals, compares the modulation wave signals with a carrier wave signal, and conducts PWM control on an inverter.

Abstract: A device for controlling inductive load comprises at least: a power source, a first control assembly, a second control assembly and an inductive load. The first control assembly is connected in series to the power source, and comprises: a relay switch, a relay and a MOSFET, the relay switch is connected to a normal close contact and a normal open contact selectively. The normal open contact is electrically connected to the MOSFET, the normal close contact is connected to a drain terminal of the MOSFET, and a source terminal of the MOSFET is connected to the power source. The second control assembly is structurally similar to the first control assembly. The inductive load is disposed between the normal close contact of the relay switch and the normal close contact of the relay switch.

Abstract: A method for driving a motor by imposing the current in the motor by means of power current mirrors is presented. This allows driving the motor in current with higher accuracy and lower electrical noise. The Hard Disk Drive application is an example where higher resolution is required for the VCM motor. Furthermore this method reduces the complexity of the system eliminating components and high performance circuits. Moreover this approach reduces the development and manufacturing cost by simplifying the testability and the analysis of the system. The intrinsic elimination of DC offset also takes out the need for the system offset calibration phase and significantly improves on the harmonic distortion of the transfer function. Furthermore this method offers the advantage of faster overall response of the system and higher efficiency.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a closure device includes pinch detector for detecting a foreign body being pinched by an opening/closing member when the variation degree of a movement of the opening/closing member reaches a predetermined threshold value. When this control apparatus for a closure device determines that a vehicle is running, the threshold value is set at a second threshold value, which is reduced in a detection sensitivity of pinch as compared with a first threshold value set when the vehicle is stationary. When the apparatus detects that a load not smaller than a predetermined value is applied by disturbance to the opening/closing member in a closing direction, the threshold value is set at a third threshold value, which is reduced in the detection sensitivity of pinch as compared with the second threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides an instantaneous fan stopping method and structure thereof. The method and structure can eliminate the inertial rotating state of the fan when the power supplied to the fan is cut off. In accordance with the present invention, a closed circuit is formed between the two terminals of the coil used to drive the fan. When the closed circuit is formed, the inertial rotation of the fan can generate an induced current in this coil, which, in turn, generates a magnetic force to stop the fan.

Abstract: Feedback control of a target system is provided which utilizes the imposition of a periodic modulating signal onto a command signal of a controller. The command signal with the period modulating signal imposed thereon is input to the target system to be controlled. A response of the target system to a manifestation of the periodic modulating signal in the command signal is detected, and a feedback signal is produced from the detected response. The periodic modulating signal and the feedback signal are processed together to produce an error signal, and the command signal is modified in accordance with the error signal to drive the current state of the target system toward a desired state, wherein the periodic modulating signal facilitates control of the target system.

Abstract: A servo driver (3) includes: an input section (11) for input-specifying the type of an encoder (7) at the side of an actuator (2); a control section (13) for generating a control signal (12) according to the type input; and an encoder signal processing IC (20) for switching the input port to which reception data (7S) is input form the encoder (7) according to the control signal (12). The encoder signal processing IC (20) is compatible with processing of an output of either a line-saving encoder or a 14-line encoder and can realize a highly general-purpose servo driver. This can solve the problem that the servo driver should be modified according to the type of the encoder mounted on the actuator.

Abstract: This invention detects a stall in a stepper motor by determining a motor winding current for each stepper pulse and determining if the winding current of a particular stepper pulse meets predetermined criteria. The motor winding current may be determined by measuring a voltage across an ON field effect transistor during a stepper pulse and calculating a winding current using an assumed ON field effect transistor resistance. The predetermined criteria may by a calculated motor winding current greater than a predetermined threshold, greater than prior pulse by more than a predetermined threshold or greater than a prior pulse by more than a predetermined factor.

Abstract: A position controller of a motor in which the position time can be shortened even if an external force is applied. A speed control unit (13) comprises a compensation low-pass filter (133) having a transfer function corresponding to a delay of a speed control system. The speed control unit (13) further comprises an integral control system including a speed integrator (132) for integrating the difference between a speed and a delay speed command to the low-pass filter (133) compensating the delay in the speed control unit. A proportional control system outputting a command proportional to the speed command, and a multiplying means (134) for multiplying the sum of outputs from the integral control system and the proportional control system by a speed proportional gain and outputting the result as a torque command.

Abstract: A battery load power detecting system includes a generator current sensor which detects a current supplied from a generator to at least one of a battery and a load group including a steering device, and first and second load current sensors which detect a current supplied from at least one of the generator and the battery to the load group. A battery state monitor calculates a load power of the battery by multiplying a difference between both the currents by a voltage at a terminal of the battery detected by a voltage sensor. Therefore, the load state of the battery can be appropriately confirmed to avoid a situation where the steering device, e.g., a steering-by-wire type steering device, falls into an inoperable state due to power deficiency.

Abstract: A battery charger system, for use with an injector system, comprises a power supply and a battery pack. The power supply converts AC power to DC power. The battery pack includes a battery and a charging module. The module monitors the operating mode of the injector system. When the battery pack is disconnected from the injection control unit, the module enables the power supply to charge the battery with DC power. When the battery pack is connected to the injection control unit: (A) upon detecting the injector system in an idle mode, the module routes DC power from the power supply to both the battery for charging thereof and the injection control unit for operation thereof; and (B) upon detecting the injector system in a non-idle mode, the module prevents the power supply from charging the battery and enables the battery to provide DC power to the injection control unit.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle generator includes a switch, a regulator, a fault condition detector, and a PWM signal generator. The switch is selectively turned on and off so as to intermittently excite the generator. The regulator controls on/off operation of the switch so as to bring an output of the generator into agreement with a target value. The fault condition detector detects a fault condition of the generator. The PWM signal generator generates and outputs a PWM signal that has a duty determined as a function of a duty of the on/off operation of the switch and a frequency determined based on if the fault condition of the generator is detected by the fault condition detector. Consequently, the control apparatus can inform an external control apparatus of the duty of the on/off operation of the switch and the fault condition of the generator with the single PWM signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control and power module for an alternator-starter for a motor vehicle, connected between the alternator-starter (3), an on-board wiring network (Ua) and a ground line (GND) of the vehicle, and comprising: a transistor bridge with several branches (B1–B3), and a control unit for comparing a phase voltage (?) of the machine with a reference voltage (Ua, GND) and for controlling the transistors as a function of the result of the comparison, the control unit comprising: a driver (10, 20, 30) for each branch of the transistor bridge, the driver being connected close to the transistors of the branch, and a control circuit for controlling the drivers.

Abstract: A dual voltage supply system supplies high and low voltage electrical power to separate high and low voltage loads. The system includes an AC alternator and first and second rectifier circuits, each connected to the alternator and a corresponding high and low voltage load. The first rectifier circuit commutates the alternator voltage to the high voltage load when the alternator voltage is higher than a voltage of the high voltage load. The second rectifier circuit commutates the alternator voltage to the low voltage load when the alternator voltage is higher than a voltage of the low voltage load and less than some maximum voltage which is less than the maximum voltage that can be tolerated by the low voltage load(s). The second rectifier circuit is turned off whenever the first rectifier circuit is turned on.

Abstract: A voltage regulation system maintains the output voltage of a permanent magnet generator at an essentially constant level. The stator coils located within the permanent magnet generator are divided into a number of sub-coils. A buck/boost voltage can be applied to selected sub-coils such that the output voltage generated by the permanent magnet generator is increased or decreased. A number of switches are connected to the sub-coils to allow the sub-coils to be connected in a number of different configurations. Connecting the sub-coils in a particular configuration and applying a buck/boost voltage to selected sub-coils based on the monitored output voltage allows the voltage regulation system to maintain an essentially constant output voltage.

Abstract: The vehicle power-generation control unit includes a voltage detecting circuit detecting a generation voltage of a vehicle generator driven by a vehicle engine, a switching device allowing an exciting current to flow into an exciting winding of the vehicle generator when the switching device is in an on state, an average duty ratio detecting circuit detecting a temporal average duty ratio of the switching device on the basis of the generation voltage, an enhanced duty-cycle signal generating circuit generating an enhanced duty-cycle signal having a duty ratio equal to the temporal average duty ratio added with a supplementary duty ratio determined depending on at least one of vehicle state information and vehicle generator state information, and a driver circuit driving the switching device with the duty ratio of the enhanced duty-cycle signal when the generation voltage detected by the voltage detecting circuit is lower than a predetermined target voltage.

Abstract: In a control circuit for controlling a current resonance type DC/DC converter, a negative voltage detection arrangement produces a pulse while a both-ends voltage of a resonance capacitor has a negative voltage. A voltage level error signal generating circuit includes a capacitor which is charged during production of the pulse and generates a voltage level error signal where a voltage level rises. A timer produces a timer signal having a sawtooth waveform where a voltage level gradually rises. An off timing generating circuit compares the timer signal with the voltage level error signal to generate an off timing signal defining a timing for making a short-circuit switch turn off. Responsive to the off timing signal, a driving control signal generating arrangement generates a second driving control signal indicative of turning-off of the short-circuit switch.

Abstract: A redundancy circuit for a diode circuit composed of a plurality of diodes connected in series, according to the present invention, includes: bypass circuits, each of which is connected in parallel to each group, the diode circuit being divided into a plurality of group, each group having one or more diodes connected in series, and each bypass circuit including a first voltage-controlled switching device connected in parallel to the corresponding group, and a detection circuit which has a constant voltage device and a fusing circuit, both of which are connected in series, the detection circuit being connected in parallel to the corresponding group; and when, because of increased resistance of any diode, a voltage applied to one of the groups exceeds a given voltage defined by the constant voltage device, the voltage-controlled switching device is turned on so as to bypass a current that is to pass through the corresponding group, whereby continuing the operation of the whole apparatus even when one or more di

Abstract: A fixed phase power controller that converts a line voltage to an RMS load voltage includes an analog control block with a capacitor that receives an input that is independent of a change in magnitude of the line voltage and that charges and discharges to provide a trigger signal at a first frequency, a reset circuit that periodically resets an initial condition of the analog control block, a synchronization connection that provides a sync signal that synchronizes the trigger signal with a waveform of the line voltage, and a control circuit that clips a load voltage based on the synchronized trigger signal to define the RMS load voltage. The controller finds application in a lamp where it reduces the line voltage to an RMS load voltage suitable for a light emitting element.

Abstract: A control circuit for a DC-DC converter that prevents erroneous operations during high ON-duty operation. In response to an H-level pulse signal, a random delay circuit generates a delayed pulse signal that rises to an H level within one cycle of the pulse signal. The random delay circuit randomly changes the delay time of the delayed pulse signal. Even if noise causes the timing at which a current comparison signal rises to an H level to be delayed to later than the timing at which an H-level pulse signal is provided to the set terminal of an FF circuit, the FF circuit receives at its reset terminal an H-level delayed pulse signal that is provided prior to the H-level pulse signal. The FF circuit then inactivates the output transistor.

Abstract: A power regulator has an output for regulated power that is connected to supply power to a load. The load can have various electrical characteristics, including requiring a rapid transient response. The transient response amplitude for the power regulator is decreased by adding capacitance at the output, but that slows the response time of the power regulator by lowering the crossover frequency and the phase margin at the crossover frequency. An adjustable gain element imbedded in the feedback network provides an input to permit a builder or user of the power regulator to vary the effective value of impedance elements in the feedback network. The builder or user selectively connects an impedance to the input of the adjustable gain element to thereby adjust the frequency characteristics of the feedback network to thereby adjust output characteristics of the power regulator to compensate for the effects of capacitance added to the power regulator output.

Abstract: A system and method is providing for adjusting the current limit of a power supply. The current limit is set at a level that corresponds to the maximum flow of amperage that is within the bounds of the power characteristics of the input line to the power supply.

Abstract: A circuit for limiting a power current from a power-controlling pass device, the power-controlling pass device being coupled to a supply voltage, comprises the following. A sense device is coupled to the supply voltage with the sense device being configured to draw a sense current that is proportional to the power current. A current mirror is coupled to the sense device and the supply voltage through a low impedance node, the current mirror being configured to draw a mirror current through the low impedance node that is relative to the sense current. A limiting device is coupled to the supply voltage, the power-controlling pass device, and the low impedance node, the limiting device being configured to limit the power current according to a voltage difference between the low impedance node and the supply voltage.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes a first stage capable having a first current flowing through it. A second stage has a second current. A third stage is capable of outputting an output voltage and has a third current flowing through it. The first, second and third currents are proportional to each other throughout a range of operation of the voltage regulator between substantially zero output current and maximum output current. The first stage drives the second stage as a low input impedance load.

Abstract: A time limit function utilization apparatus includes a first function block, a second function block, a signal line which connects the first and second function blocks and allows using a desired function that is generated by accessing the first and second function blocks with each other, and a semiconductor time switch interposed in or connected to the signal line, and disables or enables mutual access between the first and second function blocks upon the lapse of a predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit configuration for compensating for the changes in a transfer ratio of a magnetic field sensor arrangement. According to one embodiment of the invention, a control loop for effecting this compensation is provided in the form of an integrated circuit whereby the change in transfer ratio is compensated by means of a control signal variation. This circuit configuration includes a series configuration of an A/D converter, a digital controller and a D/A converter exhibiting high precision and high control speed. A control that is significantly more precise and faster than that of the prior art is achieved by virtue of the fact that only a variable portion of regulating variables is fed through the digital controller after which a constant portion of regulating variables for the actual regulating variable used for compensation is added.