Abstract: A binary half-adder comprising first and second oscillators, each oscillator being connected to a first input and to a second input, the second oscillator being connected to the first oscillator, wherein the first oscillator is configured to oscillate if the first input is high or the second input is high, the second oscillator is configured to oscillate if the first and the second inputs are high, and wherein the connection between the second oscillator and the first oscillator is configured to suppress oscillation of the first oscillator if the second oscillator is oscillating.

Abstract: A clock-delayed domino logic circuit includes a precharge circuit configured to control connection between a first node and a dynamic node in response to a clock signal, an evaluation circuit configured to control connection between a second node and an evaluation node in response to the clock signal, a logic network connected between the dynamic node and the evaluation node, the logic network configured to determine a logic level of the dynamic node based on a plurality of input signals, and a phase control circuit configured to output a logic level of the evaluation node or a logic level of the first node according to a level of the clock signal.

Abstract: There is presented a high bandwidth circuit for high-speed transceivers. The circuit may comprise an amplifier combining capacitor splitting, inductance tree structures, and various bandwidth extension techniques such as shunt peaking, series peaking, and T-coil peaking to support data rates of 45 Gbs/s and above while reducing data jitter. The inductance elements of the inductance tree structures may also comprise high impedance transmission lines, simplifying implementation. Additionally, the readily identifiable metal structures of inductors and t-coils, the equal partitioning of the load capacitors, and the symmetrical inductance tree structures may simplify transceiver implementation for, but not limited to, a clock data recovery circuit.

Abstract: In a portable radio transceiver, a power amplifier system includes a saturation detector that detects power amplifier saturation in response to duty cycle of the amplifier transistor collector voltage waveform. The saturation detection output signal can be used by a power control circuit to back off or reduce the amplification level of the power amplifier to avoid power amplifier control loop saturation.

Abstract: A sense amplifier is provided. The sense amplifier comprises a first and second cross-coupled transistor pairs, a first and second current sources, a first digital input transistor, and a second digital input transistor. The first and second ends of the first cross-coupled transistor pair are coupled to an operating voltage, the first and second back gate ends of the first cross-coupled transistor pair are coupled to a first and second output ends respectively. The first and second back gate ends of the first cross-coupled transistor pair are coupled to a first and second output ends respectively, and the first and second ends of the first cross-coupled transistor pair are coupled to a first digital input end and second digital input end respectively.

Abstract: There is disclosed current-mode time-interleaved sampling circuitry configured to be driven by substantially sinusoidal clock signals. Such circuitry may be incorporated in ADC circuitry, for example as integrated circuitry on an IC chip. The disclosed circuitry is capable of calibrating itself without being taken off-line.

Abstract: A charge distributor comprises a charge generator configured to output a charge, a current conveyor, and a plurality of output stages. The current conveyor is configured to receive the charge from the charge generator as an input and to couple this charge to a plurality of output stages. A first output stage, of the plurality of output stages, comprises a plurality of current mirrors. The plurality of current mirrors is configured to mirror and scale the charge received from the current conveyor into a scaled mirrored charge. The first output stage is configured to provide the scaled mirrored charge as an output.

Abstract: Circuits and methods to realize a power-efficient high frequency buffer. The amplitude of a buffered signal is detected and compared with the amplitude of the input signal. The comparison result can be fed back to the digitally-controlled buffer to keep the output gain constant. By using feedback control, the buffer can be kept at the most suitable biasing condition even if the load condition or signal frequency varies.

Abstract: A driving circuit includes a common well. The driving circuit further includes a first output buffer having a bulk connected to the common well, the first output buffer having a first terminal configured to receive a first signal, and having a second terminal connected to the common well. The driving circuit further includes a second output buffer having a bulk connected to the common well, the second output buffer having a first terminal configured to receive the first signal, wherein a second terminal of the second output buffer disconnected from the common well. The driving circuit further includes a first driver connected to the second terminal of the first output buffer and a second driver connected to the second terminal of the second output buffer.

Abstract: The transistor suffers the variation caused in threshold voltage or mobility due to gathering of the factors of the variation in gate insulator film resulting from a difference in manufacture process or substrate used and of the variation in channel-region crystal state. The present invention provides an electric circuit having an arrangement such that both electrodes of a capacitance element can hold a gate-to-source voltage of a particular transistor. The invention provides an electric circuit having a function capable of setting a potential difference at between the both electrodes of the capacitance element by the use of a constant-current source.

Abstract: The dead time is secured stably in a semiconductor drive circuit for switching devices using a wide band gap semiconductor. The drain terminal of the switching device of an upper arm is connected to the positive terminal of a first power supply, the source terminal of the switching device of a lower arm is connected to the negative terminal of the first power supply, and the source terminal of the switching device of the upper arm is connected with the drain terminal of the switching device of the lower arm. A gate drive circuit provided for each switching device includes an FET circuit and a parallel circuit made of a parallel connection of a first resistor and a first capacitor and having a first terminal connected to the gate terminal of the switching device.

Abstract: There is provided an output stage comprising: a phase splitter for receiving an input signal and for generating first and second drive signals of opposite phase in dependence thereon; a DC offset signal generator for generating a DC offset signal; an adder for adding the DC offset signal to the first drive signal to provide a first modified drive signal; a subtractor for subtracting the DC offset signal from the second drive signal to provide a second modified drive signal; a first drive transistor associated with a first power supply voltage, for generating a first output signal in dependence on the first modified drive signal; a second drive transistor associated with a second power supply voltage, for generating a second output signal in dependence on the second modified drive signal; and a combiner for combining the first and second output signals to generate a phase combined output signal.

Abstract: An output driver for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection includes a first pair of stacked metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOS) devices coupled between a power terminal and a first differential output terminal. The output driver also includes a second pair of stacked MOS devices coupled between a second differential output terminal and a ground terminal.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing crowbar current are disclosed. In one embodiment, a circuit for reducing crowbar current comprises an inverter having an input and an output, a first switch coupled between the inverter and a first power supply rail, and a second switch coupled between the inverter and a second power supply rail. The circuit also comprises a feedback circuit coupled to the output of the inverter, wherein the feedback circuit is configured to turn off the first switch when the output of the inverter is in a low output state, and to turn off the second switch when the output of the inverter is in a high output state.

Abstract: A pre-charging circuit, such as can be used to pre-charge a data bus, is largely process independent. A push-pull type of arrangement is used, where the output of the pre-charge circuit is initially connected to a supply level through one transistor, then connected to ground by another transistor. These transistors can be controlled by one or more comparators that have as inputs a reference level and feedback from the output. The reference level is generated by a circuit that tracks the threshold voltage of the other devices in the circuit in order to reduce process dependency of the output level. The circuit can also include a device to provide an extra VDD assist to the output.

Abstract: A gate driving circuit for driving an insulated gate switching element, including a gate charging circuit configured to charge gate capacitance of the insulated gate switching element, and a gate discharging circuit that is connected in series with the gate charging circuit and configured to discharge a charge of the gate capacitance. The gate charging circuit includes a first p-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), and a first hybrid normally-on enhancement MOSFET insertion (NOEMI) circuit connected in series with a drain of the first p-channel MOSFET. The gate discharging circuit includes a first n-channel MOSFET, and a second hybrid NOEMI circuit connected in series with a drain of the first n-channel MOSFET.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a frequency divider comprising a first latch and a second latch coupled to the first latch in a toggle-flop configuration, and an output circuit comprising a first p-channel transistor, wherein the gate of the first p-channel transistor is configured to receive a clock signal, a first n-channel transistor, wherein the gate of the first n-channel transistor is coupled to the first latch, a second n-channel transistor connected in series with the first p-channel transistor and the first n-channel transistor and wherein the gate of the second n-channel transistor is configured to receive the clock signal, a second p-channel transistor, wherein the gate of the second p-channel transistor is configured to receive the clock signal, and a third n-channel transistor in series with the second p-channel transistor and the second n-channel transistor, wherein the output circuit is configured to generate a pair of in-phase reference signals.

Abstract: Deserializers are provided. The deserializer includes a data aligner, a selection signal generator and a selection output unit. The data aligner is configured to align data in response to internal clock signals having different phases from each other to generate higher aligned data and lower aligned data. The selection signal generator is configured to detect a phase of one of the internal clock signals in response to a phase detection signal to generate a selection signal. The phase detection signal includes a pulse generated according to a write command signal and a write latency signal. The selection output unit is configured to output the higher aligned data or the lower aligned data as selected alignment data in response to the selection signal.

Abstract: Deserializers are provided. The deserializer includes a data aligner, a selection signal generator and a selection output unit. The data aligner is configured to align data in response to internal clock signals having different phases from each other to generate higher aligned data and lower aligned data. The selection signal generator is configured to detect a phase of one of the internal clock signals in response to a phase detection signal to generate a selection signal. The phase detection signal includes a pulse generated according to a write command signal and a write latency signal. The selection output unit is configured to output the higher aligned data or the lower aligned data as selected alignment data in response to the selection signal.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first circuit, a second circuit, and a power on control (POC) circuit. The POC circuit includes an enable terminal electrically connected to a first output of the first circuit, a first input terminal electrically connected to a first voltage supply, a second input terminal electrically connected to a second voltage supply, and an output terminal. The second circuit includes a biasing-sensitive circuit, and a logic circuit including a first input terminal electrically connected to a second output of the first circuit, a second input terminal electrically connected to the output of the POC circuit, and an output terminal electrically connected to an enable terminal of the biasing-sensitive circuit.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for ignition performing a current control function and a self shut down function can include a pulse generating circuit, a switching circuit, and a current source circuit, the three circuits together generating a pulse current that discharges a capacitor in the self shut down process. This construction can serve to suppress oscillation of a collector current Ic of the output stage IGBT in the operating processes of the current control circuit and the self shut down circuit, thus preventing or minimizing the likelihood of the ignition plug from erroneous ignition. In addition, the discharge of the capacitor in a pulsed mode can allow for down-sizing of the capacitor, which can contribute to minimization of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: To realize an optimal power-on reset in a system in which the rise of the power supply voltage is sharp. A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes two diodes connected in parallel between power supplies, and a resistor circuit and a capacitance element connected in parallel between one power supply and each of the two diodes, and outputs a comparison result between voltages outputted from the two resistor circuits as a reset signal.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop device is configured to manage a transition from a relaxation-oscillation mode to a random noise operation mode. It is designed for progressively reducing proportional and integral coefficients that are implemented in a loop filter of the PLL device. Recovering the last values formerly used for the proportional and integral coefficients is also provided, in case the PLL lock state is lost. Such transition management may be combined with using a voltage-controlled oscillator within the PLL device, which has several control inputs.

Abstract: A clock generator having a delay locked loop and a delay control circuit. The delay locked loop receives an input clock signal and adjusts an adjustable delay circuit to generate an output clock signal that is synchronized with received input clock signal. The delay control circuit coupled to the delay locked loop generates a control signal to initialize the delay measure operation to adjust the adjustable delay circuit, after comparing the phase difference of the input clock signal and the output clock signal. The delay control circuit further generates a start measure control signal to start measuring a delay applied to the measurement signal propagating through the adjustable delay circuit, and generates a stop measure control signal to stop the delay measurement of the measurement signal. The delay adjustment of the delay locked loop is then adjusted to apply the delay measurement when synchronizing the input and output clock signals.

Abstract: A scannable fast dynamic register including a data and scan enable circuit, a precharge circuit, a select circuit, a store circuit, and a scan input enable circuit. The data and scan enable circuit pulls a first precharge node to a discharge node in response to the clock upon evaluation in normal mode. The precharge circuit precharges first and second precharge nodes high, in which one of the precharged nodes discharges depending upon whether a data block evaluates. The store circuit and an output gate are responsive to the second precharge node to provide the output. The select circuit is interposed before the store circuit to allow injection of scan data in a scan mode. In scan mode, the scan input enable circuit provides scan data to the select and store circuits. The scan input enable circuit also includes a store circuit which operates with the first store circuit in a master-slave configuration.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises a master-slave flip-flop, a selection logic circuit, and a pass structure. The selection logic circuit is configured to selectively enable or disable one or more clock signals. The pass structure is configured to pass a data signal to the master-slave flip-flop in response to a selected clock signal being enabled.

Abstract: A latch circuit that uses two interoperating latches. The latch circuit has the beneficial feature that it switches only a single time during a measurement that uses a stair step or ramp function as an input signal in an analog to digital converter. This feature minimizes the amount of power that is consumed in the latch and also minimizes the amount of high frequency noise that is generated by the latch. An application using a plurality of such latch circuits in a parallel decoding ADC for use in an image sensor is given as an example.

Abstract: A current-mode D latch includes a first load element, a second load element, a first bias current source, a first switch transistor, a second switch transistor, a first stage circuit and a second stage circuit. The first switch transistor is controlled by an inverted reset signal. The second switch transistor is controlled by a reset signal. When an inverted clock signal is in a first level state and the reset signal is inactive, the first input signal is converted into the first output signal and the first inverted input signal is converted into the first inverted output signal by the first stage circuit. When a clock signal is in the first level state and the reset signal is inactive, the first output signal and the first inverted output signal are maintained by the second stage circuit.

Abstract: Configurable flip-flop cells for use in scan chain configurations include one or more multiplexers, a flip-flop, and one or more logic gates. The logic gates are configurable, through modification of different metallization or semiconductor layers, to operate as spare gates or to disable flip-flop cell outputs based selection signal switching between scan shift and capture mode. When disabling flip-flop cell outputs, the logic gates are configured to receive both a test signal and a data input signal and select one of the two to pass to the flip-flop based on the selection signal. When used as spare gates, the logic gates receive external inputs and provide spare gate outputs to circuitry on an integrated circuit that is external to the flip-flop cells.

Abstract: A multiple gate semiconductor structure is disclosed having a thin segment of semiconductor with first and second major surfaces that are opposite one another, a first gate on the first major surface of the segment, a second gate on the second major surface of the segment opposite the first gate, a first differential input coupled to the first gate, and a second differential input coupled to the second gate. Preferably the semiconductor structure is symmetrical about a plane that extends through the thin segment between the first and second major surfaces. When a first voltage of a first polarity is applied to the first input and a second voltage of the same magnitude as that of the first voltage but of opposite polarity is applied to the second input, a virtual ground is established in the structure near its center of the segment.

Abstract: A system may include a plurality of isolators to transfer data signals across an isolation barrier, one of the signals including a clock signal. A delay circuit may be included to receive the clock signal and provide a delayed clock signal that lags the clock signal by an amount representing a delay across the isolation barrier. The delayed clock signal may be delayed by a round trip propagation delay over the isolation barrier. The delayed clock signal may be used as a reference to read data sent over the isolation barrier.

Abstract: A programmable delay generator and a cascaded interpolator are provided. The cascaded interpolator includes a set of interpolator stages, each having two signal inputs and two signal outputs, configured to receive two input signals having two different phases and to generate two output signals that have a phase separation equal to a fraction of a phase separation of the two input signals; and a phase converter connected to a last stage of the plurality of single-bit interpolator stages, configured to convert the two output signals into a single final output signal of a given phase.

Abstract: A system-on-chip includes a clock controller configured to decrease an operating frequency of at least one function block based on a change in an operating state of the at least one function block from an active state to an idle state. In a method of operating a system-on-chip including at least one function block, an operating frequency of the at least one function block is decreased based on a change in an operating state of the at least one function block from an active state to an idle state. The decreased operating frequency is greater than zero.

Abstract: A circuit for asynchronously transmitting data in an integrated circuit is described. The circuit comprises a transmitter circuit generating data to be transmitted at an output; a first register having an input, an output and a clock input, wherein the input of the first register is coupled to the output of the transmitter and the clock input of the first register is coupled to receive a clock signal; at least one asynchronous buffer having an input and an output, wherein the input is coupled to the output of the first register; a receiver circuit coupled to the output of the at least one buffer; and a second register having an input, and output and a clock input, wherein the input of the at least one asynchronous buffer is coupled to the output of the transmitter and the clock input of the second register is coupled to receive the clock signal. A method of implementing of asynchronously transmitting data in an integrated circuit device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A memory-like structure composed of variable resistor elements for use in tuning respective branches and leaves of a clock distribution structure, which may be used to compensate for chip-by-chip and/or combinatorial logic path-by-path delay variations, which may be due, for example, to physical variations in deep submicron devices and interconnections, is presented. A single system clocked scan flip-flop with the capability to perform delay test measurements is also presented. Methods for measuring combinatorial logic path delays to determine the maximum clock frequency and delays to program the variable resistors, as well as methods for calibrating and measuring the programmed variable resistors, are also presented.

Abstract: A fast response time, self-activating, adjustable threshold limiter including a limiting element LE, a first coupling element CE1 electrically connected from a signal node of LE to a control input of LE, and a second coupling element CE2 electrically connected from the control input of LE to a nominal node of LE. An initial bias (control) voltage is also supplied to the control input of LE to dynamically control the limiting threshold for the limiter.

Abstract: A root-mean-square (RMS) detector includes detection circuitry having as an input a radio frequency signal, target voltage and a set voltage and a RMS signal as an output, and a gain stage within the detection circuitry to produce the RMS signal as an output. The gain stage provides for faster settling times of the detector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for controlling the state of a qubit. A qubit apparatus includes a qubit and a load coupled to the qubit through a filter. The filter has at least a first pass band and a first stop band. A qubit control is configured to tune the qubit to alter an associated transition frequency of the qubit from a first frequency in the first stop band of the filter to a second frequency in the first pass band of the filter.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a switching device and method configured to receive a signal at a signal input, to provide the signal at an output in a first state without an applied voltage at a first control input, and to isolate the signal from the output in a second state with an applied voltage at the first control input. In an example, the switching device can include first, second, and third transistors, wherein the source of the first transistor is coupled to the drain of the second transistor and to the gate of the third transistor, wherein the signal input is coupled to the drain of the first transistor and to the drain of the third transistor, and wherein the output is coupled to the source of the third transistor.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a temperature switch and a logic device, and a method of implementing multiple dynamic temperature thresholds. The temperature switch has a temperature sensor, a temperature threshold select input, and an output to a temperature threshold interrupt line, wherein the temperature switch selects a current temperature threshold from multiple predetermined temperature thresholds as determined by a state of the temperature threshold select input. The temperature switch causes an interrupt assertion on the temperature threshold interrupt line in response to the temperature sensor indicating a sensed temperature that exceeds the temperature threshold. The logic device has an input coupled to the temperature threshold interrupt line and a temperature threshold select output coupled to the temperature threshold select input of the temperature switch.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit which includes a control circuit; and a power management integrated circuit (IC) configured to supply an operating voltage to the control circuit. The control circuit includes a clock generator; a processor unit; a temperature sensor; a body bias generator; and a controller. The controller controls the power management IC and the clock generator when temperature data indicates a temperature higher than a high temperature and controls the power management IC or the body bias generator when the temperature data indicates a temperature lower than a low temperature. The high temperature is lower than a hot temperature of the control circuit and the low temperature is higher than a cold temperature of the control circuit and lower than the high temperature.

Abstract: A voltage generator adapted for a flash memory is disclosed. The voltage generator includes a charge pump circuit and a voltage regulator. The charge pump circuit includes at least one charge pump unit having a voltage receiving terminal and a voltage transmitting terminal. The voltage receiving terminal receives a reference voltage and the voltage transmitting terminal generates an output voltage. The charge pump unit includes first and second voltage transmitting channels and first and second capacitors. The first and second voltage transmitting channels are turned on or off according first and second control signals, respectively. The first and second capacitors receive the first and second pump enabling signals, respectively. The voltage regulator outputs a regulated output voltage according to the output voltage.

Abstract: An electronic circuit includes: first circuits each including a first FET having a source supplied with at least one of a first voltage and a second voltage; and a second circuits each of which is associated with a respective one of the first circuits, and generates a back bias voltage applied to the first FET so as to change in accordance with a change of at least one of the first and second voltages.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes first and second resistors. The first resistor is formed in a first substrate region and coupled between a first node and an output node. The second resistor is formed in a second substrate region and coupled between the output node and a second node. The first substrate region is coupled to the first node which has a first voltage. The second node has a second voltage. The second substrate region is coupled to a voltage dividing node that is set in the first resistor.

Abstract: The even order harmonic distortion in a differential circuit is reduced or eliminated by treating the amplitude and phase mismatch sources that cause the distortion as impedance mismatches, and utilizing switched resistor circuitry that adjusts the load resistance to reduce the effects of the amplitude mismatch sources, and switched capacitor circuitry that adds shunt capacitance to reduce the effects of the phase mismatch sources.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes chips and a first selection circuit. Each of the chips has at least first and second vias for transmitting at least first and second address signals, these chips are stacked to be electrically connected via the first and second vias. The first selection circuit is provided in each chip, includes a logic circuit that selects a chip based on at least the first and second address signals, and supplies a result of operating the first and second address signals to the subsequent chip.

Abstract: A device receives ASK signals by using an ASK signal receiving circuit that is different from an ASK signal receiving circuit for R/W mode, when an NFC-enabled semiconductor device operates in a mode other than the R/W mode. An ASK signal receiving circuit for 100% ASK is provided on the side of a pair of transmitting terminals. This arrangement eliminates the influence of an ESD provided within an ASK signal receiving circuit for 10% ASK coupled to a pair of receiving terminals. There is no need for management of threshold values that are different according to type of ASK and it is possible to support different modulation schemes by a smaller circuit configuration.

Abstract: Signals are processed to facilitate the mitigation and/or cancellation of undesirable components within the signal. As consistent with one or more embodiments, input/delay circuits offset the phase of an input signal, as presented to respective amplifiers. The phase offset is used, upon combination of the outputs of the respective amplifiers, to cancel the undesirable components of the signal. Such an approach may, for example, involve phase offset in a digital domain, with correction upon combination of the signals as presented in an analog domain.

Abstract: A device including a Doherty amplifier, the Doherty amplifier having an amplifier input and output. At least one main amplifier is coupled to the input via a main input impedance and to the output via a main output impedance and additional amplifiers, each amplifier being coupled to the input via respective additional input impedances. Each additional amplifier has a respective additional amplifier output coupled to a respective pair of additional impedances connected in series and having a respective connection node between them. The device also has a first additional amplifier having their respective additional impedances coupled between its respective output and the amplifier output, the pair of additional impedances having first and second impedances, the first impedance being connected to the respective additional amplifier output and to the connection node, the second impedance being coupled between their respective connection node and the connection node of the previous additional amplifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of calibrating an envelope path and an input path of an amplification stage of an envelope tracking power supply, the method comprising matching the envelope path to at least one characteristic of at least one element of the input path.