Abstract: A variable-input-voltage variable-switching-frequency power converter with a minimum frequency limit. The switching frequency never goes below a certain minimum while the converter is on. Thus switching frequency is dependent on input voltage, for input voltages in one range, and is NOT dependent on input voltage, for input voltages in another range.

Abstract: An output driver for providing a gate voltage to an external positive-channel field-effect transistor (PFET) device. A capacitor accumulates charge which, upon switching by an input switching signal, is applied, in addition to the supply voltage, to the base of a drive circuit NPN transistor to rapidly pull the PFET gate voltage, derived at the emitter of the drive circuit NPN transistor, up to the supply voltage. An active voltage limiter, coupled in parallel with the drive circuit, limits excursion of the gate voltage with respect to the supply voltage.

Abstract: A system supplies power to and controls the frequency of electronic circuitry. The system comprises a DC source for supplying power to the electronic circuitry and a voltage controlled oscillator powered by the DC source. An output of the oscillator provides a system clock for the electronic circuitry such that as a voltage of the DC source continuously drops, the operating voltage of the electronic circuitry and oscillator continuously drops and the frequency of the system clock continuously drops in a manner corresponding to the continuous drop in operating voltage. Thus, the oscillator supplies an operating frequency tailored to the operating voltage to permit the electronic circuitry to operate at high speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing power consumption in an electronic device which includes a voltage regulator that has a transistor (T1) connected in series as regards the load current. The invention also relates to such a regulator and an electronic device using such a regulator. The base current (Ib) of the series transistor (T1) of the regulator is arranged to have different values according to how big a load current is required of the regulator. For that purpose, the regulator includes an extra intermediate input (Vsx) which switches the base current (Ib) to be conducted through an alternative current path (Re2, D1, T4) when the maximum load current is required.

Abstract: This invention discloses an active electrical current filter including an N-channel FET controller coupled in series along a positive electrical line between an electrical power input and an electrical power output having voltages within a given range, apparatus for providing a driving voltage to the FET controller, the driving voltage being in excess of the voltages within said given range, and a differential voltage sensor, which senses the difference between the voltages at the filter input and output and whose output governs the driving voltage supplied to the FET controller, the active electrical filter exhibiting a voltage drop of less than one volt.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing a low drop out voltage regulator. A source follower circuit is provided having a transistor (MD1) with an output terminal for driving a load at its source terminal and a voltage supply coupled to the drain terminal. At least one diode (D1) is coupled between the gate terminal and a ground reference to provide a predetermined voltage at the gate of the transistor (MD1). A voltage multiplier circuit is provided having an input (IN) for receiving an oscillating input voltage and a charge storage device (39) coupled between the oscillating input and a voltage reference (Vref), and being further coupled in series with the voltage reference and then to the gate terminal of the transistor (MD1). The oscillating input voltage is used to charge the charge storage device (39) to a voltage approximately equal to the voltage reference.

Abstract: A zero inrush visual or visual/audible alarm circuit which includes a transistor switch and resistor combination connected in series with a storage capacitor provides inrush resistance for a period following initial power-on. The transistor switch may be controlled by a microcontroller or a simple timer.

Abstract: The object of the prevent invention is to provide a solar energy system of simple construction capable of utilizing the photovoltaic source always at a high efficiency without being affected by environmental changes or yearly declination of photovoltaic cell, etc.

Abstract: A battery pack (10) includes a circuit (14) for assuring that a device (16) connected to the battery pack performs in a manner consistent with design requirements, while not exceeding certain thresholds for safety in volatile environments. The battery pack (10) includes a circuit (14) which matches performance requirements with the overall temperature likely to be generated by the device (16).

Abstract: In an electronic circuit having a voltage supply means, a load means, and a regulating means, in order to limit the current flowing through a load, a supply voltage/current regulator is provided which comprises a voltage dividing circuit for dividing the supply voltage of a voltage supply, a reference voltage generator for generating a reference voltage, and a differential amplifier for comparing the divider output voltage and the reference voltage and for producing an output signal in accordance with the difference. The output signal is provided to the base of a transistor connected between the voltage supply and the load. The transistor is effective limit the current flow through the load such that the supply voltage does not decrease below a predetermined limit. By limiting the flow of current through the load such that the supply voltage does not decrease below a predetermined limit, the load may be driven continuously without the problem of lock-up common in ordinary voltage regulators.

Abstract: Power supply arrangement comprising a direct voltage monitoring circuit. A power supply arrangement comprising a direct voltage monitoring circuit for at least two different-polarity direct voltages connected to a common reference potential, and including a signal transmission element. The monitoring circuit arrangement has an enhanced accuracy of response with limited circuitry and cost. A series connection of a zener diode and a resistor is connected in shunt with each direct voltage. The junction point of each zener diode and resistor is connected to the base of a transistor. A first electrode of each transistor is connected to the signal transmission element and a second electrode.

Abstract: A power supply controller includes a comparator for providing a regulated voltage when an input voltage exceeds a reference voltage, so that a reference voltage is provided to drive a load discharge circuit. When the input voltage is less than the reference voltage, such as during a startup or sleep mode of operation of the controller, the load discharge circuit is driven by an output pulldown circuit so as to maintain minimum functions within the integrated circuit of the controller including turnoff of an external MOSFET. The output pulldown circuit senses the resulting absence of the regulated voltage using a first transistor coupled to be biased into nonconduction when the regulated voltage is not provided. This biases a second transistor into conduction to maintain a transistor within the load discharge circuit conductive. In this manner, the output powers its own operation, including the pulldown thereof.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a boost preregulator circuit which includes a bridge rectifier, an inductor, a boost diode and an output capacitor. A power transistor is switched on and off across a junction of the boost inductor and boost rectifier according to a variable duty cycle. Proper variation of the duty cycle results in a power factor corrected AC line current waveform with an in-phase sinusoidal shape.

Abstract: A regulator circuit supplies a regulated low, DC voltage that is derived from an unregulated voltage provided by a pair of redundant batteries. The regulator circuit comprises regulation control that responds to a feedback signal developed from monitoring the regulated voltage to maintain the regulated voltage at a desired level. Battery monitors supervise the voltage levels of the batteries used, and shut down the regulator when the battery voltages drop below a predetermined voltage level to preserve battery life.

Abstract: A power circuit for a semiconductor apparatus comprising an internal power voltage generating circuit generating an internal power voltage, an external power voltage detecting circuit, a power voltage switching circuit switching the internal power voltage to the external power voltage in response to the output of the external power voltage detecting circuit, and a switching signal setting circuit. The output of the power voltage switching circuit is the internal power voltage when power is first applied to the semiconductor device. The switching signal setting circuit provides the correct power voltage switching signals quickly to the power voltage switching circuit when power is applied and the external power voltage is not inputted to the apparatus at the early stage of power application.

Abstract: A novel power amplifier output stage is taught which provides rail-to-rail output voltage swings, high current source and sink capability, which is capable of class AB operation to provide low distortion amplification. The power amplifier of this invention is suitable for fabrication in integrated circuit form, thereby achieving the small size necessary for use with miniaturized disk drives, as well as low cost and high reliability. A first transistor is driven by the output of a transconductance amplifier, in response to an input control current. The first transistor is configured together with the transconductance amplifier to provide a current which can be sensed and from which a feedback signal is provided to the transconductance amplifier to establish the first current having a known relationship to the input control current.

Abstract: A pulse width modulated (PWM) power supply combines the advantages of pulse width modulator circuitry with linear circuitry to provide power supply operation over an extended input range with no dropout of power supply output and no adverse effect on a load. The PWM circuitry includes input voltage scalers, control logic, mode detectors, an inductor, a diode switch and a capacitor and the linear circuitry includes a transistor, transistor voltage scaling and gate driver logic.

Abstract: A power supply circuit includes a power supply stabilizing circuit, a reset circuit, and a switching circuit. The power supply stabilizing circuit stabilizes a power supply voltage from a power supply and applying the voltage to a main circuit. The reset circuit outputs a reset signal to the main circuit when the power supply voltage rises. The switching circuit is connected to the power supply stabilizing circuit. The switching circuit stops supply of power to the reset circuit when the voltage applied to the main circuit becomes a value not more than a predetermined value after supply of power is interrupted.

Abstract: An optical voltage reference for providing an alternative to a battery source. The optical reference apparatus provides a temperature stable, high precision, isolated voltage reference through the use of optical isolation techniques to eliminate current and impedance coupling errors. Pulse rate frequency modulation is employed to eliminate errors in the optical transmission link while phase-lock feedback is employed to stabilize the frequency to voltage transfer function.

Abstract: A reference circuit for supplying current to high speed logic elements in an integrated circuit supplies less current when circuit temperature decreases while a supply voltage remains constant. The reference circuit supplies less current when the supply voltage increases while circuit temperature remains constant. A resistance with a temperature coefficient, in some embodiments a negative temperature coefficient, is used to decrease current flow in a first leg of an output mirror when temperature decreases. A feedback circuit is used to decrease current flow in the first leg of the output current mirror when the feedback circuit senses an increase in supply voltage by sensing a voltage change on a common control node of the output current mirror. The reference circuit sees many applications including supplying current to logic gates, input/output buffers, and sense amplifiers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulated DC power supply circuit comprising a full wave rectification stage for rectifying an AC input and a regulating stage for regulating an output voltage from the rectification stage. The regulating stage has a primary voltage regulating circuit and a secondary voltage regulating circuit. The primary voltage regulating circuit includes a series pass element, such as a MOSFET device, connected to operate continuously in source-follower mode. A primary voltage reference element, such as a zener diode, provides a gate reference for the series pass element. The secondary voltage regulating circuit is cascaded to the primary voltage regulating circuit in a voltage sharing configuration. The power supply circuit is therefore capable of handling input voltages over 1 kV, which exceed the maximum voltage rating of the MOSFET device. The invention extends to a DC voltage regulator, which includes the regulating stage without the rectification stage.

Abstract: An LCD drive circuit includes a voltage divider circuitry which generates a plurality of voltages (V.sub.1 -V.sub.5) in response to a reference voltage. A substantially constant reference voltage is generated by a band-gap reference circuit (22). A digital-to-analog converter (32) allows the voltages to be adjusted responsive to digital control signals.

Abstract: A direct current power source circuit has a voltage control power MOS-FET and a back gate control circuit. The voltage control power MOS-FET is connected between an input terminal and an output terminal of the circuit and the back gate control circuit is connected to a back gate of the voltage control power MOS-FET and controls a back gate voltage for causing a parasitic diode between a source and a drain of the power MOS-FET to become a non-conductive state when an input voltage applied to the input terminal becomes a low level. The output of the back gate control circuit is also connected to a voltage dividing circuit which sets an output voltage of the power source circuit. The arrangement enables to prevent a reverse flow of current from the output terminal to the input terminal.

Abstract: An output circuit provided with a photo coupler for transmitting a control signal from a control circuit to an output side in an electrically isolated condition, a load driving transistor (15), and a power supply stabilizing circuit (15) for supplying an electric power for driving the load driving transistor (13) from a load side power supply (13). The power supply stabilizing circuit includes a low voltage detection circuit and an input/output short-circuiting circuit, and the input/output short-circuiting circuit is made conductive when an input voltage to the power supply stabilizing circuit is determined to be lower than a predetermined voltage. As a result, even if the load side power supply has a low voltage, it can drive the load driving transistor, and thus the load side power supply can be used over a wide range of voltages.

Abstract: A technique for operating a common emitter circuit from a plurality of supply voltages. In one embodiment, a current mirror includes a plurality of diode-connected transistors each connected between a source of current and associated supply voltages. Corresponding current mirrors are each connected between an output terminal associated supply voltage leads, thereby providing an output current mirrored from the soure of current, regardless of which of the supply voltages are activated, and regardless of their particular levels. In another embodiment, a regulator includes an output transistor having a plurality of current handling terminals, each connected to an associated supply voltage, and a second current handling terminal coupled to an output terminal.

Abstract: A power supply circuit which includes a current limit circuit for limiting the inrush current when the power supply is switched on. The current limit circuit is coupled between a supply voltage at the input end of the power supply and a storage capacitor at the output end of the power supply. The current limit circuit includes a first semiconductor switch having a resistor in parallel with its switching path. In parallel with the control path of the first semiconductor switch is a parallel circuit that includes a first capacitor, a first resistor and the switching path of a second semiconductor switch. The control electrode of the second semiconductor switch is connected to a tap on a first voltage divider to which a second capacitor is connected in parallel. The switching path of a third semiconductor switch is connected parallel to the control path of the second semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A BiMOS voltage reference circuit which includes a bandgap circuit for providing a predetermined voltage at an output of the circuit that is independent of temperature. A start-up and bias circuit coupled to the bandgap circuit for providing a start-up current to the bandgap circuit during power-up and for providing a bias current to the bandgap circuit after power-up. A feedback circuit coupled to the bandgap circuit for maintaining the bias current to the bandgap circuit independent of power supply variations wherein the predetermined voltage at the output of the circuit is also independent of power supply variations as well as temperature.

Abstract: There is disclosed a voltage control circuit for a semiconductor apparatus for controlling an output voltage to be applied from an external voltage source to a load circuit of the semiconductor apparatus therethrough. A reference voltage generator generates a predetermined reference voltage according to a source voltage outputted from an external voltage source, and an error amplifier compares the output voltage with the reference voltage, and outputs a comparison signal for representing the comparison result thereof. A voltage controller controls the output voltage according to the comparison signal. Further, a diode circuit which is connected in parallel with the voltage controller applies the source voltage to the load circuit in a forward direction thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit intended to supply a reference voltage comprising a voltage generator (REF) provided with a supply terminal and an output for supplying a voltage having a given nominal value (V.sub.R) and comprising a differential amplifier (A), fed by a first supply voltage, whose non-inverting input is connected to the output of the voltage generator (REF). An output of the differential amplifier (A) is connected to an input of a follower stage (T) through a controlled switching device (1), the follower stage (T) having its input connected to the first supply voltage through a first resistor (R.sub.1) and having its output, which supplies the said reference voltage (V.sub.D), connected on the one hand to the inverting input of the differential amplifier (A) through a divider bridge and on the other hand to the supply termianl of the voltage generator (REF).

Abstract: There is provided a source voltage control circuit including a reference voltage generating circuit with a negative feedback circuit, a source voltage level sensing circuit for increasing the internal source voltage when the external voltage exceeds a given voltage, a first differential amplifying circuit for active operation, and a second differential amplifying circuit for stand-by operation, whereby a stable internal source voltage is produced and the slope of the internal source voltage is readily adjusted when the external source voltage exceeds the given value. The first differential amplifying circuit receives the reference voltage and the internal source voltage, controlled by a first control signal and the output of the source voltage level sensing circuit. The second differential amplifying circuit receives the reference voltage and the internal source voltage, controlled by a second control signal.

Abstract: An on-chip power supply regulation system for a VLSI circuit such as a dynamic RAM is disclosed. The system includes a high power supply voltage detection circuit and a power supply clamp circuit, where a clamped voltage generated by the clamp circuit biases the functional circuitry when the high power supply voltage detection circuit detects an overvoltage conditions. The bias voltage applied to the functional circuitry in the normal operating condition can be a regulated voltage generated from the power supply voltage. Further included in the disclosed circuit is a burn-in voltage generation circuit and a burn-in voltage detection circuit, which can apply an accelerated voltage which depends upon the applied power supply voltage, when the power supply voltage is higher than during normal operation but lower than in the overvoltage condition enabling the clamp operation.

Abstract: A voltage stabilizer with a very low voltage drop includes a series voltage regulator circuit having a first PNP transistor connected to an input terminal of the stabilizer via a second PNP transistor and being connected to ground via a capacitor. The stabilizer has biasing and switching circuits disposed between the input terminal thereof, a base terminal of the second transistor and ground.

Abstract: A constant voltage source circuit which is provided with an output transistor (Q.sub.1) for outputting a predetermined output voltage (V.sub.0) in accordance with an input voltage (V.sub.IN) and a differential amplifier (A), and is further characterized in that the circuit further comprises a reference voltage control means which monitors variations of the input voltage (V.sub.IN) and outputs a predetermined constant voltage to the differential amplifier (A) as a reference voltage when the input voltage (V.sub.IN) is higher than, a predetermined voltage level, and a voltage varied in accordance with the variation of the input voltage (V.sub.IN) is output therefrom to the differential amplifier (A) as a reference voltage when the input voltage (V.sub.IN) falls below a predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: In a voltage converter which is disposed in a semiconductor integrated circuit so as to lower an external supply voltage and to feed the lowered voltage to a partial circuit of the integrated circuit, the voltage converter is constructed so as to produce an output voltage suited to an ordinary operation in the ordinary operation state of the semiconductor integrated circuit and an aging voltage in the aging test of the circuit.

Abstract: The feedback control loop of the common-emitter output transistor stage of a low dropout voltage regulator imcorporates a staggered pole-zero network, which effectively introduces an incremental reduction, or rolloff, in gain, and an accompanying reduction in phase shift with increase in frequency, so that, at the unity gain point of the transfer characteristic, there is still substantial phase margin, thus preventing the circuit from being driven into oscillation. The RC load pole location can vary widely and stability is maintained. The network is configured as a staggered resistor-capacitor network comprised of plural resistor-capacitor circuits coupled in cascade between the output of the feedback error amplifier and the input of a buffer amplifier the output of which drives the base of the output stage transistor in order to offset loading effects of the transistor base on the staggered pole-zero network.

Abstract: A low dropout voltage regulator with quiescent current reduction has a pass transistor coupled for conduction from a positive supply terminal to a regulated output terminal. A first switch is coupled to conduct the base current of the pass transistor to the regulated output terminal. A second switch is coupled to conduct the base current of the pass transistor to ground. A control circuit selects the action of the switches to select the conduction path for base current.

Abstract: An improved method and means for protecting converter circuitry during input overvoltage and all load conditions includes a control circuit which reduces duty cycle below requisite conduction time for effective signal conversion with resulting reduction in load current.

Abstract: A highly accurate current-limiting circuit prevents an output current (I.sub.OUT) flowing through an output line (L.sub.OUT) from exceeding a specified value (I.sub.LIM) of an input current (I.sub.IN) flowing through an input line (L.sub.IN). The circuit contains a first channel device (10) controlled by a first reference voltage (V.sub.REF1), a current source (12) that supplies a reference current (I.sub.REF), a second channel device (14) controlled by a second reference voltage (V.sub.REF2), a current bypass device (16), and a bypass control system (18). The current gain below the specified value of the input current is close to one. By suitably choosing certain of the circuit parameters, the circuit operates in a substantially temperature-independent manner.

Abstract: A circuit for operation with solar panels exhibiting constant current and variable voltage characteristics. The power output of the panels is maximized by the circuit through the use of a step-down form of regulator which functions to monitor the peak voltage level of the panel and regulate with a switching type regulator in accordance therewith. Thus, peak voltage levels are maintained while current output to the load driven by the panels is enhanced. When employed for battery charging, the circuit includes a threshold selection network which identifies the nominal voltage rating of the battery under charge and provides appropriate adjustments to carry out a pulse charging technique. For start-up conditions wherein battery voltages may be below levels requisite to evaluate nominal rated voltages, a higher level charging voltage is applied for a predetermined short interval until adequate threshold is achieved to make appropriate determinations of rated voltage values.

Abstract: In a system including volatile memory, a battery backed memory may be available for preserving data in the event of a power failure. Low power condition is reliably sensed sufficiently in advance of supply voltage falling below a minimum operating voltage range so as to give an adequate time interval, e.g. 2.5 milliseconds for the saving of application operating system status. By using a voltage regulator signal which switches in a particularly sensitive manner toward a saturation or zero state well outside its normal control range to trigger a low power signal, such low power signal may provide a time interval of, e.g. from three to six milliseconds of advance warning of impending supply voltage failure.

Abstract: A following voltage/current regulator includes a field effect transistor (FET) (48) connected in series between an unregulated voltage source (44) and a load, such as a motor bridge circuit (50). The conduction of the FET is controlled by a control circuit (56) which measures the input voltage to the FET source, the output voltage from the FET drain and the current drawn by the load. Initially, when power is turned on, the inrush current to the load is limited until a predetermined voltage differential between the input and output voltages is achieved at steady state. Then, the voltage regulator maintains the predetermined voltage differential to provide a well regulated output voltage to the load despite fluctuations in supply voltage. This "following" action limits the heat disipation and protects the FET. Because the voltage regulator uses no inductors or transformers, there are no saturation problems and the circuit may be compactly packaged.

Abstract: An on-chip DC power supply uses at least one series pass element which conducts responsive to a gating signal obtained by clamping an input potential to a preselected polarity and amplitude. A charge storage element serves to maintain an output voltage which is clamped to a predetermined maximum value. An output regulator provides a substantially constant second output voltage at a magnitude less than the output voltage set by the output clamping means.

Abstract: A high efficiency dropout regulator (60) drives an output transistor (22) with a PNP transistor (52) if the overhead voltage from input (14) to output (26) is below a predetermined voltage. If the overhead voltage exceeds the predetermined voltage, then a second PNP transistor (64) and an NPN transistor (72) are used to drive the output transistor (22), resulting in a large reduction of power loss. The current drawn from the output transistor (22) by the NPN transistor (72) is returned to the output.

Abstract: The device (1) comprises an electronic circuit (2) for processing an analog signal and a voltage multiplying (or boosting) circuit (3) for providing the supply voltage (Ua) to the electronic circuit (2) from the voltage (Up) supplied by a cell (P). The device (1) moreover comprises means (4) that respond to the supply voltage (Ua) to vary the internal resistance (R) of the electronic circuit (2) in inverse ratio to the supply voltage (Ua). This variation in the internal resistance (R) of the electronic circuit (2) brings about a limitation in the variations of the supply voltage (Ua) in dependence on the voltage (Up) supplied by the cell (P) and on the current consumed by the electronic circuit (2). The device is meant to be used in portable apparatus of small size such as hearing aids.

Abstract: A low dropout voltage regulator with a switched redundant input, which has low dropout voltage before, during, and after a switch to the redundant input. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive voltage regulator includes two transistors that are controlled by the output of an error amplifier, and redundant input voltage sources. A first one of the transistors conducts when a first input voltage is greater than a second input voltage. The other transistor conducts when the second input voltage exceeds the first input voltage. When both input voltages are have substantially equal magnitude, both transistors conduct. In a preferred embodiment, one input voltage is supplied by a battery, and the other is supplied by a storage capacitor charged by the battery. When the battery fails, the storage capacitor will discharge, thus serving as a time-varying redundant voltage source in the event of battery failure.

Abstract: In order to substantially suppress the noise of an integrated constant-voltage source, an integrated circuit includes an RC low-pass filter having its capacitor connected between an external chip terminal and an external ground, while the remainder of the circuit is disposed on the integrated circuit chip. The resistor of the RC low-pass filter is connected to the constant voltage of a constant-voltage source, and the output of the RC low-pass filter is coupled to the base of a transistor connected ahead of emitter-follower transistors as in a Darlington circuit. The supply voltages are obtained from the emitters of the emitter-follower transistors. A constant-current source driven by the output of the RC low-pass filter via a second resistor serves as a sink for a constant current.

Abstract: A voltage regulator powered by an electrical power source having a discharging voltage characteristic and regulating the voltage applied to an electrical load from the power source includes a stable reference voltage source, a sensor for sensing the voltage applied to the load, an error signal generator for generating an error signal related to the difference between the sensed and reference voltages, and a voltage control connected in series with the electrical load and responding to the error signal to control the voltage applied to the load as the power source discharges. The invention is particularly useful when the power source is a single cell battery and the load is a direct current motor. Embodiments of the invention may apply a substantially constant or an increasing voltage to a load as the source voltage declines according to its discharge characteristic.

Abstract: A voltage supply device for a passenger protection installation in a motor vehicle, especially for an air bag, by means of which the passenger protection installation is kept fully operational even at small vehicle battery voltages by means of a low-power voltage converter which is connected exclusively in a control circuit.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a battery conditioning system monitors battery conditioning and includes a memory for storing data based thereon; for example, data may be stored representative of available battery capacity as measured during a deep discharge cycle. With a microprocessor monitoring battery operation of a portable unit, a measure of remaining battery capacity can be calculated and displayed. Where the microprocessor is permanently secured to the battery so as to receive operating power therefrom during storage and handling, the performance of a given battery in actual use can be accurately judged since the battery system can itself maintain a count of accumulated hours of use and other relevant parameters. Where an embodiment includes a main battery and a backup battery, the voltage of each may be individually measured, and each may be conditioned. Battery capacity of each may be measured.

Abstract: In a voltage converter which is disposed in a semiconductor integrated circuit so as to lower an external supply voltage and to feed the lowered voltage to a partial circuit of the integrated circuit, the voltage converter is constructed so as to produce an output voltage suited to an ordinary operation in the ordinary operation state of the semiconductor integrated circuit and an aging voltage in the aging test of the circuit.