Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program are provided to reduce transient current swings during mode transitions. Traditionally, transient supply voltage fluctuations on a chip account for a large portion of the power supply. The number of series inductances and resistances are typically minimized, while adding large decoupling capacitances between the supply voltage and ground. However, situations may arise where reduction of series inductances and resistances cannot be accomplished. Therefore, to assist in controlling the transient current swings, reduction of clocking frequencies are performed in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A signal conversion circuit 2 comprises a differential amplifier portion 10 and a source follower portion 20. When differential voltage signals INp and INn are input to a first input terminal 5 and second input terminal 6 respectively, operations occurs either in a mode in which only the differential amplifier portion 10 operates, or a mode in which both the differential amplifier portion 10 and the source follower portion 20 operate, or a mode in which only the source follower portion 20 operates, according to the levels of the differential voltage signals INp and INn. The differential amplifier portion 10 and source follower portion 20 have fewer components compared with a circuit comprising two differential amplifier circuits. By this means, the circuit area can be reduced, and in addition current consumption can be reduced. Also, because the source follower portion 20 performs non-inverting amplification of the differential voltage signals INp and INn, high-speed operation is possible.

Abstract: A device (1) for controlling inductive loads (111, 112), includes: several control stages (321, 322) having a bonding pad (331, 332) for an inductive load (321, 322), a receive input (301, 302) for a conduction activate signal, a switch (121, 122) including control and output electrodes; an enabling circuit (181, 182) measuring the voltage applied to the pad (331, 332) and generating an enabling signal; a conduction re-activate circuit (2) common to the control stages, limiting the voltage on the pad of the various stages to a common level and applying a conduction activate signal to the control electrode of a switch when the enabling signal is generated. The device can be used in particular to ensure an identical duration of supply to loads connected to the bonding pad.

Abstract: A passgate circuit comprises a first depletion mode n-channel JFET, a depletion mode p-channel JFET, and a second depletion mode n-channel JFET. The first depletion mode n-channel JFET has a first terminal coupled to an input port, a second terminal that receives a first control signal, and a third terminal. The depletion mode p-channel JFET has a first terminal coupled to the third terminal of the first depletion mode n-channel JFET, a second terminal that receives a second control signal, and a third terminal. The second depletion mode n-channel JFET has a first terminal coupled to the third terminal of the depletion mode p-channel JFET, a second terminal that receives the first control signal, and a third terminal coupled to an output port.

Abstract: A wireless device includes high-performance CMOS RF switches that include serially connected transistors coupled between an input terminal and an output terminal, with an inductor coupled from the input to the output that resonates out the capacitance of the transistors to improve isolation. The transistors have a floating/bootstrapped body with remote body contacts.

Abstract: A selection circuit includes a first switching unit that selects and outputs a first signal from among a plurality of analog signals input thereto; a second switching unit that outputs a second signal from a reference voltage supplied therein; and an amplifier that adds the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: Activation of an external sensor coupled to an electronic device will change the frequency of a low power oscillator in the electronic device that runs during a low power sleep mode of the electronic device. When a change in frequency of the low power oscillator is detected, the electronic device will wake-up from the low power sleep mode. In addition, when a change in frequency from an external frequency source is detected, the electronic device will wake-up from the low power sleep mode.

Abstract: Activation of an external sensor coupled to an electronic device will change the frequency of a low power oscillator in the electronic device that runs during a low power sleep mode of the electronic device. When a change in frequency of the low power oscillator is detected, the electronic device will wake-up from the low power sleep mode. In addition, when a change in frequency from an external frequency source is detected, the electronic device will wake-up from the low power sleep mode.

Abstract: A system comprises an integrated circuit comprising one or more transistors that receive a supply voltage. The system also includes a reference transistor operable to receive a constant current and produce a reference voltage that varies according to temperature or process variations, wherein the reference transistor behaves similarly to at least one of the one or more transistors with respect to temperature or process variations. The system also includes a comparator operable to compare the reference voltage with the received supply voltage and produce an output based at least in part on the difference between the reference voltage and the received supply voltage. The system further includes a controller operable to adjust the received supply voltage based at least in part on the output of the comparator.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a multilayer wiring board, a DC power supply circuit and a semiconductor integrated circuit chip. The multilayer wiring board has the semiconductor integrated circuit chip embedded therein. The DC power supply circuit is provided on the multilayer wiring board. The DC power supply circuit receives a power supply and converts a voltage of the power supply into a plurality of voltages having different levels from one another. The DC power supply circuit supplies a power supply voltage to the semiconductor integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: A brown-out-reset circuit having programmable power and response time characteristics. These characteristics may be programmed over an n-bit wide bus for 2n different characteristics ranging from very low power consumption and slower response time to very fast response time and higher power consumption. A serial one wire bus may be used instead of the n-bit wide bus.

Abstract: A charge pump CMOS circuit comprises a differential input stage with two parallel circuit branches. Each of the parallel circuit branches has a diode-connected MOS transistor connected in series with a complementary input MOS transistor. There is a common tail current source for both circuit branches. The diode-connected MOS transistors each have their gate/drain node connected to corresponding current sources. The charge pump CMOS circuit is suitable for use in an oscillator.

Abstract: A charge pump circuit and related method are provided. The charge pump circuit includes first, second and third voltage generation units, first and second control units, and a latch-up prevention unit. The first generation unit regulates a first output signal, the second generation unit boosts a second output signal, and the third generation unit boosts a third output signal in response to the first and second output signals. The first control unit is connected between the first generation unit and the third generation unit, and the second control unit is connected between the second generation unit and the third generation unit. The first and second control units block respective outputs of the first and second generation units during the boosting time for the second output signal. The latch-up prevention unit prevents a latch-up operation caused by a parasitic transistor until the third output signal is maintained at a third voltage.

Abstract: A charge pump for generating an input voltage for an operational amplifier includes a storage capacitor for storing a charge pump voltage and a flying capacitor configured to be charged during a first phase of operation and discharged during a second phase of operation. Discharging the flying capacitor charges the storage capacitor. A current source supplies the flying capacitor and a switching means switches current from the current source through the flying capacitor in a first direction during the first phase and in a second opposite direction during the second phase.

Abstract: To reduce the consumption current of the backup power supply of an absolute multi-revolution encoder thereby to elongate the life time of the backup power supply. Magnetic field detection elements (310) and (320) detect a magnetic material member (11) formed at a rotary disc (1). An A pulse generation portion (31) and a B pulse generation portion (32) generate an A pulse a and a B pulse b which phases differ by 90 degrees to each other. The B pulse generation portion (32) is supplied with the power from a backup power supply for a predetermined time period necessary for detecting the level of the B pulse from a time point of the edge of the A pulse.

Abstract: Activation of an external sensor coupled to an electronic device will change the frequency of a low power oscillator in the electronic device that runs during a low power sleep mode of the electronic device. When a change in frequency of the low power oscillator is detected, the electronic device will wake-up from the low power sleep mode. In addition, when a change in frequency from an external frequency source is detected, the electronic device will wake-up from the low power sleep mode.

Abstract: Activation of an external sensor coupled to an electronic device will change the frequency of a low power oscillator in the electronic device that runs during a low power sleep mode of the electronic device. When a change in frequency of the low power oscillator is detected, the electronic device will wake-up from the low power sleep mode. In addition, when a change in frequency from an external frequency source is detected, the electronic device will wake-up from the low power sleep mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reducing interference in circuits. A management strategy is provided to reduce reference spurs and interference in circuits. The management strategy uses a combination of one or more techniques which reduce the digital current, minimize mutual inductance, utilize field cancellation, prevent leakage current, and/or manage impedance. These techniques may be used alone, or preferably, used on combination with one another.

Abstract: A continuous-time filter system comprises a master control unit and a slave unit with one or more slave filters. The master control unit includes an integrator having circuit elements which match those elements of the slave filter that define the slave filter's time constant. The master control unit further includes a voltage comparator connected to an output of the integrator, the voltage comparator providing an output frequency signal, and a phase frequency comparator providing a control signal as an output signal, the phase frequency comparator receiving said output frequency signal and a reference frequency signal as input signals. The slave unit includes said at least one slave filter, the slave filter having a control signal input for receiving said control signal thus allowing to calibrate the slave filter's transfer function by influencing the slave filter's time constant.

Abstract: An operation amplifier (op-amp) and a circuit for providing dynamic current thereof are disclosed. The circuit can be applied to any current op-amp. The circuit comprises two transistors which are simultaneously or non-simultaneously turned on as the input signals respectively received by the first input and the second input of the op-amp get a transition, namely, as the op-amp is in the transient state, so as to increase the bias current at the first input terminal or/and the second input terminal of the op-amp by a dynamic current. Therefore, not only the internal slew rate of the op-amp can be accelerated by the circuit of the present invention, but also the power consumption of the op-amp can not be increased by the circuit of the present invention as the op-amp in the steady state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amplifier capable of producing a plurality of currents at its output terminals, these currents being controlled by a plurality of input voltages. A multiple-input and multiple-output amplifier of the invention includes 4 signal input terminals, 4 signal output terminals, 4 active sub-circuits and a feedback network. Each active sub-circuit has a sub-circuit input terminal connected to one of the signal input terminals, a sub-circuit output terminal connected to one of the signal output terminals and a sub-circuit common terminal. The feedback network has terminals connected to the sub-circuit common terminal of each active sub-circuit. The feedback network presents, in a known frequency band, an impedance matrix producing a negative feedback such that the transfer admittance matrix of the multiple-input and multiple-output amplifier approximates a given admittance matrix.

Abstract: Methods and systems for vector combining power amplification are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals are individually amplified, then summed to form a desired time-varying complex envelope signal. Phase and/or frequency characteristics of one or more of the signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time-varying complex envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying complex envelope signal is decomposed into a plurality of constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified equally or substantially equally, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal. Embodiments also perform frequency up-conversion.

Abstract: A differential feedback amplifier is provided with a feedback network wherein that feedback network is adjustable so as to improve the PSRR of the amplifier. In another aspect of the present invention, a differential feedback amplifier is provided with a feedback network wherein that feedback network is adjustable so as to improve the CMRR of the amplifier. In a further aspect of the present invention, a Class D amplifier is provided with a passive differential feedback, summing with an input current at a differential virtual ground produced by an amplifier which is a sub-section of the Class D amplifier.

Abstract: An integrated amplifier circuit is provided with an amplifier that is composed of at least two amplifier regions, the amplifier regions being arranged about a symmetry point, wherein each amplifier region has a plurality of transistors in a transistor region, and wherein transistors from different amplifier areas are arranged within the same transistor region. According to an aspect, provision is made that each amplifier region has at least two transistors.

Abstract: A class AB folded-cascode amplifier having improved gain-bandwidth product, comprises a differential input circuit including a differential transistor pair coupled to a source of tail current and responsive to a differential input signal for conducting a first current, a cascode circuit coupled to the differential input circuit for supplying a second current thereto, and a class AB output stage. A compensation circuit is configured for feeding back mutually complementary compensation signals from an output node to the differential input circuit. Another compensation circuit is configured for feeding back a signal from the output of the output stage to the input of the output stage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide an operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) with one or more self-biased cascode current mirrors. Applicable topologies include a current-mirror OTA and a folded-cascode OTA. In one embodiment, the self-biasing cascode current mirror is an optional aspect of the folded-cascode OTA. The self-biasing can advantageous reduce the number of biasing circuits used, which can save chip area and cost. One embodiment includes an input differential pair of a current-mirror OTA.

Abstract: An adaptive biasing input stage includes pairs of differentially coupled amplifying and sensing field effect transistors having gates with differential inputs applied thereon. In addition, a static current source is coupled to sources of the amplifying and sensing field effect transistors at a predetermined node. Also, current mirrors are coupled to the sensing field effect transistors for forming loop mechanisms for increasing the current through the predetermined node when the differential inputs have a non-zero difference.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a variable-gain amplifier, memory circuit and gain control update circuit. The variable-gain amplifier generates an amplified signal having an amplitude according to a gain control value that is stored, at least during a first interval, within the memory circuit. The update circuit generates an updated gain control value based on the amplified signal during the first interval, and outputs the updated gain control value to the memory circuit to be stored therein at a conclusion of the first interval.

Abstract: A nested transimpedance amplifier (TIA) circuit comprises a zero-order TIA having an input and an output. A first operational amplifier (opamp) has an output and an input that communicates with said output of said zero-order TIA. A first power supply input applies a first voltage to the zero-order TIA. A second power supply input receives a second voltage. A charge pump module develops a third voltage based on the first voltage and the second voltage, wherein the third voltage is applied to the opamp.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the invention may provide for active baluns. An example active balun may include a resonator that may convert a single-ended input signal to at least two differential input signals, and a differential switching block that includes first and second transistors that each receive a respective one of the at least two differential input signals from the resonator, where the first and second transistors may be cross-coupled to each other to provide a first differential output signal and a second differential output signal. An example active balun may further include one or more loads connected to the first and second differential output signals, and one or more stacked inverters that may provide a first output port and a second output port, where the first output port may be responsive to the first differential output signal and the second output port may be responsive to the second differential output signal.

Abstract: A lock detection apparatus detecting lock of an optical phase-locked loop apparatus including a first phase detector comparing phases of an input light signal and a beat light signal to output a first phase comparison signal, a loop filter forming the first phase comparison signal, and an optical voltage controlled oscillator outputting the beat light signal based on the formed first phase comparison signal. The lock detection apparatus includes: a phase shifter shifting the phase of the beat light signal; and a second phase detector comparing the phases of the input light signal and the phase-shifted beat light signal to output a second phase comparison signal, wherein the phase shifter shifts a quantity of the phase so that the phase comparison signal may not be 0 when the phases of the two light signals compared by the second phase detector synchronize with each other to the beat light signal.

Abstract: A tunable capacitance unit coupled between a pair of circuit nodes. The tunable capacitance unit comprises a tuning input supplying a tuning voltage, and first and second tuning capacitance units. Each of the tuning capacitance units comprises a pair of accumulation-mode MOS varactors with source/drains thereof coupled to the tuning input, a pair of blocking capacitors coupled to a respective gate of the accumulation-mode MOS varactors and to a respective one of the circuit nodes, and a pair of biasing resistors coupled to a respective gate of the accumulation-mode MOS varactors and to a respective bias terminal receiving a respective reference voltage. The reference voltages received by the first and second tuning capacitance units are symmetrical to a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: An electronic device for generating an electric oscillating signal is described based on a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS). The electronic device typically comprises a substrate (104) a moveable element (102) which is moveable with respect to the substrate (104) and an actuating means and a sensor. The actuating means is used to induce vibration of the moveable element (102) and comprises two inductive elements, a first one provided fixed to the substrate (104) and a second one provided fixed to the moveable element (102). The induced vibration of the moveable element (102) is sensed using the sensor and converted into an electric oscillating signal. The signal may be amplified and used for at least partly powering the actuating means, such that an oscillating signal at a stable resonance frequency and with a fixed amplitude can be obtained. The different components are highly integratable on chip.

Abstract: A filter for use with bulk acoustic waves includes an input port and an output port. The input port and the output port are symmetrically operable. Signal paths extend from a terminal of the input port to a terminal of the output port. Bulk acoustic wave resonators are in the signal pats. The bulk acoustic wave resonators are arranged symmetrically in the signal paths. A complex impedance associated with each signal path is provided for electrically matching to a corresponding connection.

Abstract: A technology which can realize a high-performance multiband operation in a compact circuit configuration and is advantageous for a wireless terminal of GSM system for which the further increase of the demands is expected in the future is provided. Provided is a multiband switch type antenna duplexer adopted in a mobile phone used in TDMA system such as the GSM system, in which the signals of respectively different first to fourth frequency bands (GSM 850, EGSM, DCS, PCS) share a single antenna, wherein switching elements such as receive filters and diodes are combined in various ways to perform the high-performance band switch with the minimum number of switching elements. The circuit of this antenna duplexer can realize not only the size reduction of the multiband switch antenna duplexer but also the size reduction and performance improvement of the wireless terminal itself.

Abstract: It is possible to generate an additionally attenuation pole in a laminate type band pass filter without adding an attenuation circuit and improve the attenuation characteristics of the laminate type band pass filter by independently controlling the frequencies of the attenuation poles. A diplexer is realized by using at least such a filter.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing communication between a radio antenna and a radio base station in a cellular communication system. A waveguide is configured to connect the radio base station to the antenna. The waveguide may be connected directly or indirectly to the radio base station and/or the antenna. The waveguide is configured with a number of compartments, each compartment acting as a waveguide for a particular signal. The arrangement is thus able to convey a large number of signals, for example, for sector antennas of dual polarization type and for more than one frequency band.

Abstract: A phase shifter for and a method for shifting phase in an antenna configured to emit a radio signal at a wavelength include a transmission line. The transmission line has a length along a primary axis and a width across a secondary axis. The primary axis and secondary axis intersect to define a waveguide plane. A conductive screen layer has first and second screen surfaces. The screen surfaces are substantially planar and disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the waveguide plane by a distance and are spaced apart from each other by a screen thickness much smaller than a skin depth of the screen layer determined at the wavelength. A dielectric layer envelopes the screen layer and has a first dielectric surface residing substantially in the waveguide plane and a second dielectric surface parallel to and spaced apart from the first dielectric surface by a height greater than the distance.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device having a three-layered structure of sealing resin for sealing a mounting substrate and a surface acoustic wave element in which the elastic modulus of resin of the intermediate layer is higher than that of resin of the outermost layer and the elastic modulus of resin of the innermost layer is lower than that of resin of the outermost layer. The three-layered structure of the sealing resin suppresses crush of a bump when a pressure is applied from the outside and reduces stress applied to the bump due to the change in temperature.

Abstract: A photonic crystal device according to the present invention includes: a first dielectric substrate 104 having a first lattice structure, of which the dielectric constant changes periodically within a first plane; a second dielectric substrate 105 having a second lattice structure, of which the dielectric constant changes periodically within a second plane; and an adjustment device (pivot 303) for changing a photonic band structure, defined by the first and second lattice structures, by varying relative arrangement of the first and second lattice structures. The first and second dielectric substrates 104 and 105 are stacked one upon the other.

Abstract: A dielectric resonator circuit is provided that is tunable over a broad frequency range and/or a broad bandwidth range. The center frequency is made tunable over a broad range by use of a dielectric tuning plug that is positioned in a through hole within the resonator. The bandwidth is made tunable over a broad range by tilting the resonators relative to the enclosure to increase the effective height of the cavity as seen by the resonator.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and technique for tuning the cross coupling of resonators in a dielectric resonator circuit. A cross coupling element such as a coaxial cable having a first end positioned adjacent a first resonator in the circuit and a second end position adjacent a second resonator is supported on the housing of the circuit intermediate its first and second ends. At least one end of the cross coupling element is in contact with a cross coupling tuning element that extends through an external wall of the housing so that it can be manipulated from outside of the housing to move the corresponding end of the cross coupling element relative to the adjacent resonator inside the housing without opening the housing.

Abstract: An electrically optimized and structurally protected micro via structure for high speed signals in multilayer interconnection substrates is provided. The via structure eliminates the overlap of a contact with the reference planes to thereby reduce the via capacitance and thus, the via impedance mismatch in the via structure. As a result, the via structure is electrically optimized. The via structure further comprises one or more floating support members placed in close proximity to the via within a via clearance area between the via and the reference planes. The floating support members are “floating” in the sense that they are not in electrical contact with either the via or the reference planes. Thus, they are not provided for purposes of signal propagation but only for structural support. The floating support members may be connected to one another by way of one or more microvia structures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of fabricating an integrated circuit package having decoupling capacitors using a package design conceived for use without decoupling capacitors. The package is implemented with a minimal redesign of the original design and not requiring any redesign of the signal trace pattern. The invention involves replacing top and bottom bond pads with via straps and then covering the top and bottom reference planes with a dielectric layer having conductive vias that electrically connect with the underlying via straps. Planes having the opposite polarity of the underlying reference plane are then formed on the dielectric layer. These planes include an array of bonding pads in registry with the vias. Decoupling capacitors are mounted to the top of the package and electrically connected with the plane on top of the package and the immediately underlying reference plane without the electrical connections to the capacitors passing through the signal planes of the package.

Abstract: A gain compensation circuit, applied to a microwave transceiver, includes a gain adjuster, a first attenuator and a second attenuator. The gain adjuster is disposed between a first amplifier and a filter for adjusting a nominal gain of the microwave transceiver. The first attenuator is disposed between the filter and a second amplifier for providing a first gain compensation. The second attenuator is electrically connected to the output of the second amplifier for providing a second gain compensation. The first and second gain compensations keep the gain of the microwave transceiver at a constant value under varying temperature conditions, and the first and second attenuators are used to reduce the degradation of return loss and noise figure of the microwave transceiver.

Abstract: A gain compensation circuit comprises a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a filter, a first attenuator, a second attenuator and a third attenuator. The first amplifier is configured to amplify an input signal of the microwave signal processor. The filter is disposed between the first and second amplifiers. The first attenuator is disposed between the first amplifier and the filter for reducing return loss of the microwave signal processor. The second attenuator is disposed between the second amplifier and the filter for reducing return loss of the microwave signal processor. The third attenuator is electrically connected to the output of the second amplifier for reducing noise figure of the microwave signal processor and providing first and second gain compensations. The first gain compensation keeps the gain of the microwave signal processor constant under various temperatures, and the second gain compensation adjusts a nominal gain of the microwave signal processor.

Abstract: It is an object to provide is an overcurrent relay having less number of parts and a smaller space to implement an automatic reset function and a manual reset function. A contact point mechanism 110 includes a movable contactor support 10 for supporting a movable contactor composing a part of the usually-closed contact point while being maintained in the movable iron core 5, and a reset bar 14 arranged in a manner that is switchable between an automatic reset setting and a manual reset setting. The reset bar 14 does not engage with the movable contactor support 10 in an operation range of the movable contactor support 10 in the automatic reset setting.

Abstract: A MEMS device and method of making same is disclosed. In one embodiment, a micro-switch includes a base assembly comprising a movable structure bearing a contact pad. The base assembly is wafer-scale bonded to a lid assembly comprising an activator and a signal path. The movable structure moves within a sealed cavity formed during the bonding process. The signal path includes an input line and an output line separated by a gap, which prevents signals from propagating through the micro-switch when the switch is deactivated. In operation, a signal is launched into the signal path. When the micro-switch is activated, a force is established by the actuator, which pulls a portion of the movable structure upwards towards the gap in the signal path, until the contact pad bridges the gap between the input line and output line, allowing the signal to propagate through the micro-switch.

Abstract: A magnetically activated switch assembly is provided. The magnetically activated switch assembly includes a magnet and a magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit includes a magnetically activated switch, a first set of flux conductors, and a second set of flux conductors. The first set of flux conductors has first flux conductor flanges adapted to conduct flux from ends of the magnet. The second set of flux conductors is slidingly positioned relative to the first set of flux conductors and is adapted to conduct flux from the first set of flux conductors to the magnetically activated switch. The first set of flux conductors are adapted to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise and to tilt up or down. The first magnetic circuit is adapted to conduct flux to activate the magnetically activated switch only when the first flux conductor flanges are rotationally aligned with ends of the magnet and tilted to an operational position.

Abstract: An external magnet provided outside a sealed container is movable with respect to the sealed container, and an external member moves the external magnet. An internal magnet provided in the sealed container is movable with respect to the sealed container, and an internal member is moved by movement of the internal magnet. The external magnet and the internal magnet are arranged in such a manner that the internal magnet is moved by the action of a repulsive force between the external magnet and the internal magnet based on movement of the external magnet.