Abstract: In aspects of the invention, a photocoupler output signal receiving circuit includes a first constant current circuit, connected between an input terminal and the high potential side of a direct current power source, that discharges current, a second constant current circuit, connected between the input terminal and the low potential side of the direct current power source, that takes in current, and switching elements that operate the first and second constant current circuits in a complementary way, wherein the switching elements are operated so that current is taken in by the second constant current circuit after a photocoupler is turned on, and are operated so that current is discharged by the first constant current circuit after the photocoupler is turned off, and a discharge current value in a current discharge period is reduced after a certain period elapses from the start of discharging.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a current source, including: a current control oscillator configured to output an oscillation signal of a frequency dependent on an input current; a comparator configured to compare the oscillation signal with a reference signal; a charge pump configured to output a current dependent on a comparison result by the comparator; a low-pass filter configured to include a smoothing capacitor charged and discharged by an output current of the charge pump; a loop converter configured to be connected to the smoothing capacitor and generate a current dependent on a voltage generated by the smoothing capacitor to supply the current as the input current to the current control oscillator; and an output converter configured to be connected to the low-pass filter and generate a current dependent on a voltage generated in the low-pass filter to output the current as an output current.

Abstract: A bootstrap circuit includes: a first switch element, coupled a clock signal; a second switch element, coupled to an operating voltage and the first switch element; a third switch element, coupled to the first switch element; a first charge storage unit, coupled to the second and third switch elements; and a voltage converting unit, coupled to the first charge storage unit as well as the first, second and third switch elements. When the clock signal is at a first logic state, the first charge storage unit is charged. When the clock signal is at a second logic state, a cross voltage of the first charge storage ensures that the voltage converting unit converts an input voltage to an output voltage.

Abstract: An exemplary power supply includes a low side switch and a high side switch. A driver controls operation of the high side switch. A bootstrap capacitor supplies power to the driver. An energy storage portion is in parallel with the bootstrap capacitor to provide control over whether a voltage of the bootstrap capacitor drops below a desired voltage. A voltage regulator is in parallel with the bootstrap capacitor for limiting current provided to the bootstrap capacitor and for regulating a voltage of the bootstrap capacitor.

Abstract: A current reversible DC/DC double-boost quadratic converter, capable of performing high transformation ratios.

Abstract: Two-wire transmitters are described in which the required voltage that a control room must supply to the transmitter is lower at high current than at low current, thus freeing up more voltage for other uses, and in which a constant set of operating voltages may be maintained. A corrected pressure in a vortex flow meter may be determined that reflects the mass flow rate. Thus, the mass flow rate may be determined based on the corrected pressure reading and a measured volumetric flow rate. Density may be determined from pressure and temperature using a table containing error values based on a standard density determination and a relatively simple approximation. During operation of a flow meter, the stored error values may be linearly interpolated and the approximation may be computed to determine the density from the stored error value.

Abstract: A signal generating circuit includes: a first signal amplifying circuit arranged to generate a first amplified signal according to a first supply current, a reference signal, and an output signal of the signal generating circuit; a soft-start circuit arranged to generate a control signal according to a soft-start signal; a current controlled circuit arranged to generate the first supply current according to the soft-start signal; and a pass transistor arranged to generate an output signal according to an error amplified signal and the control signal, wherein the error amplified signal is derived from the first amplified signal.

Abstract: Provided is a voltage regulator having a structure in which an output terminal of a first differential amplifier circuit is connected to a second differential amplifier circuit to control an output transistor by the second differential amplifier circuit. When low current consumption is required, the first differential amplifier circuit is suspended. When high-speed response is required, the first differential amplifier circuit is activated. The low-current consumption operation and the high-speed operation are switched with a minimum circuit area.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a load circuit operatively coupled to a controller circuit through a drive circuit. The drive circuit provides a drive signal to the load circuit in response to receiving a digital indication from the controller circuit. The load circuit includes first and second light emitting sub-circuits connected in parallel. The first and second light emitting sub-circuits provide first and second spectrums of light, respectively.

Abstract: Interface circuitry of a storage device or other type of processing device comprises a digital input detector and an adaptive power supply. The digital input detector comprises an input transistor. The adaptive power supply provides a variable supply voltage to the digital input detector that varies with a threshold voltage of the input transistor. In one embodiment, the variable supply voltage provided to the digital input detector by the adaptive power supply varies with the threshold voltage of the input transistor about a set point value determined as a function of an expected logic level of an input signal. For example, the set point value may be determined as a function of a minimum expected logic high input signal level. In such an arrangement, the input transistor is biased at or close to the threshold voltage for an input signal having the minimum expected logic high input signal level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reference voltage regulating methods and circuits for a constant current driver. In one embodiment, a method can include: setting a reference voltage circuit matching with a current output channel of a constant current source; setting a first resistor of the reference voltage circuit to follow an ideal equivalent resistor of the current output channel, and maintaining a proportion of the first resistor and the ideal equivalent resistor to be no less than a predetermined value M; setting a first current of the reference voltage circuit to follow an ideal output current of the current output channel, and maintaining a proportion of the first current and the ideal output current to be no less than 1/M; and setting a product of the first current and the first resistor to be a reference voltage of the reference voltage circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a regulator circuit capable of increasing the capacity of the output transistor for supplying current, stably generating an internal power supply voltage and adapting to the reduction of a power supply voltage. The regulator circuit includes an output transistor which is supplied with an external power supply voltage and supplies dropped voltage to an internal circuit, a differential amplifier for outputting a gate potential applied to the gate of the output transistor, a reference voltage generating circuit for supplying a reference voltage to the differential amplifier, and a cut-off transistor for turning off the output transistor to stop supplying power to the internal circuit. The output transistor is comprised of a depression NMOS transistor whose threshold voltage is a negative voltage. The regulator circuit further includes substrate potential control means for controlling the substrate potential of the depression NMOS transistor.

Abstract: A circuit for providing a reference voltage can be widely used in audio applications. However, at startup an abrupt start in the reference signal can cause undesirable audible artifacts. A circuit employing feedback of a reference voltage to control the charging of a capacitor which provides the reference voltage can be used to provide a smooth startup to the reference voltage. The circuit contains a differential pair for steering a fixed current source from one path to another as the reference voltage increases. The steered current can then be mirrored into one ore more current mirrors where the newly mirrored current can be squeezed to zero when the difference between a desired reference voltage and the reference voltage approaches zero. This newly mirrored current can be used to charge a capacitor which is used to provide the reference voltage.

Abstract: A current source circuit with high order temperature compensation, includes a reference voltage terminal, a first power module, a second power module, a control module, a current source output module and a bias current source module. The control module includes a first field-effect tube (FET), a second FET, and a third FET. The bias current source module includes a first bias current source and a second bias current source. The current source output module includes a fourth FET, a fifth FET, and an output terminal. The first power module includes a first comparator, a sixth FET, a first resistor and a second resistor. The second power module includes a second comparator, a seventh FET, a third resistor, and a fourth resistor. A current source system with high order temperature compensation is further provided.

Abstract: A self-oscillating switch circuit is configured for use in a switching DC-DC converter (switched mode power supply (SMPS)). The self-oscillating switch circuit comprises an input terminal (Tin1, Tin2) for receiving power from a power supply (51) and an output terminal (Tont1, Tont2) for supplying power to a load. The load may be a high-power LED, for example. The self-oscillating switch circuit further comprises a power switch semi-> conductor device (Q1) having a control terminal and a control semi-conductor device (Q2) coupled to the power switch semi-conductor device. The power switch semi-conductor device is configured for controlling a load current between the input terminal and the output terminal and the control semi-conductor device is configured for supplying a control signal to the control terminal of the power switch semi-conductor device for controlling switching of the power switch semi-conductor device.

Abstract: A battery protection device for protecting a battery (1;41) comprises an electrical circuit arranged to generate or suppress a ripple current through said battery. Said electrical circuit comprises a ripple generator arranged to produce an electrical ripple current, a first ripple injector (21;48) to be arranged on a positive power line to the battery, said first ripple injector being arranged to transfer said electrical ripple current to said positive power line, and a second ripple injector (22;49) to be arranged on a negative power line to the battery. Said second ripple injector is arranged to transfer said electrical ripple current to said negative power line. Said first and second ripple injector are arranged to operate in a differential mode, e.g. opposite sign on injected current.

Abstract: This current-voltage converter(22) with a current reflector, the input current including a fixed component and a variable component, includes: an input (24) for the current to be converted; an output (26) for the converted voltage; a resistor (36) for current-voltage conversion arranged between the output (26) and the ground, the input (24) being connected to the output (26) for the circulation of the current to be converted in the resistor (36); and a current reflector circuit (38) including two constant current sources (40, 42) , each connected between the output (26) and a respective reference voltage (32, 34). This converter (22) also includes a cascode stage (44, 46) , mounted in series with each constant current generator (40, 42) in order to impose a constant potential difference on the terminals of each constant current generator (40, 42) regardless of the output voltage.

Abstract: A current regulator has a current regulating semiconductor device and a microcontroller which outputs a PWM pulse for driving a load to the current regulating semiconductor device and receives outputs of a high-side current detection circuit and a low-side current detection circuit from the current regulating semiconductor device. An output mixer of the current regulating semiconductor device switches, in synchronization with the PWM pulse, between the output of the high-side current detection circuit and the output of the low-side current detection circuit on one signal line to output the output to the microcontroller.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide an integrated circuit that may comprise a first transistor to receive an input voltage signal at its gate and generate an output voltage signal at its drain. Further, the integrated circuit may comprise a second transistor to form an active load of the first transistor, the second transistor may have its drain and gate coupled to the drain of the first transistor. In addition, the integrated circuit may comprise a third transistor to form a current mirror with the second transistor, a fourth transistor to form an active load of the third transistor, and a fifth transistor to form a current mirror with the fourth transistor. The fifth transistor may be connected to the drain of the second transistor. The integrated circuit may form an amplifier and Gm stage of a reference buffer.

Abstract: A temperature compensated current source forms an uncompensated source current that is proportional to a reference voltage applied to an impedance, wherein the impedance varies with temperature. A temperature compensation current is formed that is proportional to absolute temperature (IPTAT). The uncompensated source current and the temperature compensation current is combined to form a temperature compensated source current and provided as an output of the current source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing one or more reference currents with respective negative temperature coefficients are provided. A first voltage is divided to provide a divided voltage, which is compared to a reference voltage (e.g., a bandgap reference voltage) to provide a control voltage. The first voltage and the one or more reference currents are based on the control voltage.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device has a primary voltage regulator and an ultra-low power secondary voltage regulator. The ultra-low power secondary voltage regulator supplies voltage to certain circuits used for providing data retention and dynamic operation, e.g., a real time clock and calendar (RTCC) when the integrated circuit device is in a low power sleep mode. The primary voltage regulator provides power to these same certain circuits when the integrated circuit is in an operational mode.

Abstract: A multi-phase power converter with constant on-time control includes a plurality of channels to convert an input voltage into an output voltage, and each of the channels is driven by a control signal. When all channel currents of the channels are balanced, each of the control signals remains a constant on-time. When the channel currents are imbalanced, the on-times of the control signals are modulated according to the difference between each channel current and a target value for current balance between the channels.

Abstract: A device of triggering and generating temperature coefficient current for generating a temperature coefficient current includes a positive temperature coefficient current generating unit, for generating a first positive temperature coefficient current, a negative temperature coefficient current generating unit, for generating a first negative temperature coefficient current, and a triggering unit, for triggering to generate the temperature coefficient current according to a triggering temperature and a current difference between the first positive temperature coefficient current and the first negative temperature coefficient current.

Abstract: A bootstrapped switch circuit includes a first switch transistor to receive an input signal and a second switch transistor to provide an output signal. The sources of the switch transistors may be coupled. A voltage source may be coupled to the sources of the switch transistors and at least one of the gates of the switch transistors. The voltage source may generate a control voltage to activate at least one of the switch transistors based on a bias current. A voltage source driver may be coupled to the voltage source to generate the bias current based on a bias voltage. The bias voltage may include a first voltage approximately corresponding to an overdrive voltage of at least one of the switch transistors and a second voltage approximately corresponding to a threshold voltage of the switch transistors.

Abstract: A current source with low power consumption and reduced on-chip area occupancy. The current source for providing a constant current to a load includes a first circuit that generates a reference current. The first circuit includes a first plurality of interconnected transistors. The current source also includes a characteristic resistor, coupled to the first circuit, that determines value of the reference current. The current source further includes a second circuit and a third circuit. The second circuit, coupled to the first circuit and to the load, generates an output current that is identical to the reference current. The second circuit includes a second plurality of interconnected transistors. The third circuit, coupled to the first circuit, drives a multiple of the reference current into the characteristic resistor. The third circuit includes a third plurality of interconnected transistors.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device has a primary voltage regulator and an ultra-low power secondary voltage regulator. The ultra-low power secondary voltage regulator supplies voltage to certain circuits used for providing data retention and dynamic operation, e.g., a real time clock and calendar (RTCC) when the integrated circuit device is in a low power sleep mode. The primary voltage regulator provides power to these same certain circuits when the integrated circuit is in an operational mode.

Abstract: This invention eliminates the need for “capacitor coupling” or “transformer coupling,” and the associated undesirable parasitic capacitance and inductance associated with these coupling techniques when designing high frequency (˜60 GHz) circuits. At this frequency, the distance between two adjacent stages needs to be minimized. A resonant circuit in series with the power or ground leads is used to isolate a biasing signal from a high frequency signal. The introduction of this resonant circuit allows a first stage to be “directly coupled” to a next stage using a metallic trace. The “direct coupling” technique passes both the high frequency signal and the biasing voltage to the next stage. The “direct coupling” approach overcomes the large die area usage when compared to either the “AC coupling” or “transformer coupling” approach since neither capacitors nor transformers are required to transfer the high frequency signals between stages.

Abstract: A constant current driving circuit includes a control integrated circuit which generates a switching signal, a switching device which switches an input power supply voltage based on the switching signal, a rectifying diode which rectifies a current of the input power supply voltage, a smoothing inductor which smoothes the current of the input power supply voltage, and a smoothing condenser which outputs an output current. The control integrated circuit includes a reference signal generator which generates a reference signal having information about a target constant current, a comparator which compares the current of the input power supply voltage with the reference signal, a flip-flop circuit which outputs a flip-flop signal having information about a time period during which a set state is maintained, and a delay circuit which outputs the switching signal to the switching device based on the flip-flop signal to control the switching device.

Abstract: An AC discharge circuit is disclosed to eliminate the need of bleeding resistors for an AC-to-DC switching power converter. The AC-to-DC switching power converter has two AC power input terminals to be connected to an AC power source, and an AC input capacitor connected between the two AC power input terminals. The AC discharge circuit has a rectifier circuit to rectify a first voltage across the AC input capacitor to be a second voltage applied to an input terminal of a JFET, and a power removal detector to monitor a third voltage at an output terminal of the JFET to trigger a power removal signal to discharge the AC input capacitor when the third voltage has been remained larger than a threshold for a de-bounce time.

Abstract: Provided herein are circuits and methods to generate a voltage proportional to absolute temperature (VPTAT) and/or a bandgap voltage output (VGO) with low 1/f noise. A first base-emitter voltage branch is used to produce a first base-emitter voltage (VBE1). A second base-emitter voltage branch is used to produce a second base-emitter voltage (VBE2). The circuit also includes a first current preconditioning branch and/or a second current preconditioning branch. The VPTAT is produced based on VBE1 and VBE2. A CTAT branch can be used to generate a voltage complimentary to absolute temperature (VCTAT), which can be added to VPTAT to produce VGO. Which transistors are in the first base-emitter voltage branch, the second base-emitter voltage branch, the first current preconditioning branch, the second current pre-conditioning branch, and the CTAT branch changes over time.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, apparatus and circuit for voltage regulation are disclosed. One embodiment of a circuit includes a first field effect transistor (FET) having a gate, a drain and a source. A current source is connected to the drain of the FET. A second FET has a source connected to the source of the first FET by a node. The second FET also has a gate. A low-pass filter circuit has an input connected to the gate of the first FET and an output connected to the gate of the second FET.

Abstract: A down-converting voltage generating circuit includes a reference voltage providing unit, an initial setting unit, a driving unit, and a driving force control unit. The reference voltage providing unit provides a reference voltage to a first node. The initial setting unit drops a voltage level of the first node to substantially a level of a ground voltage when an initial setting signal is activated. The driving unit drives a down-converted voltage derived from an external voltage in response to the voltage level of the first node. The driving force control unit is connected to the driving unit, and controls a driving force for driving the down-converted voltage of the driving unit in response to the initial setting signal.

Abstract: A Hearing apparatuses and a hearing apparatus chip are provided. A hearing apparatus chip for processing a signal of a hearing apparatus includes a signal-processing component and a first ground wire connected to a first terminal of the component. The signal processing component includes a second ground wire galvanically separated from the first ground wire on the chip and is connected to a second terminal of the component by way of a capacitor, in order to conduct interference signals as a result of electromagnetic couplings. In particular, the sensitive ground of a preamplifier is not then interfered with by leakage currents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dimmer and an input current regulator provided in a power supply. The input current regulator includes: a bleeding circuit generating a bleeding current from an input current passed through the dimmer; a sensing circuit sensing the input current, and controlling the bleeding circuit according to a sense voltage corresponding to the input current; and a biasing circuit generating a power voltage for operation of the input current regulator during operation of the power supply. The input current includes a bleeding current and a power current supplied to the power supply.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for damping a current driver are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments provide an apparatus for supplying current, including an output transistor connected between a voltage supply and a current output, and an active clamp connected between the current output and a current sink. The active clamp is adapted to connect the current output to the current sink when a voltage at the current output reaches a predetermined state relative to a voltage at a control input of the output transistor.

Abstract: The multi-channel power supply comprises a first channel, a second channel, a current sensing module, a current average control circuit, and a modulator. The first channel and the second channel respectively transform an input voltage into an output voltage according to a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and a second PWM signal. The current sensing module respectively sense a first channel current and a second channel current to output a first sensing current and a second sensing current. The current average control circuit generates a first error current and a second error current according to the first sensing current and the second sensing current and an average current thereof. The modulator generates the first PWM signal and the second PWM signal according to the first error current, the second error current and the output voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a current balancing circuit and method for balancing the respective currents in a plurality of parallel circuit branches in a target circuit. The current balancing circuit including: a plurality of balancing transistors, each having a collector, an emitter, and a base, the collector and emitter of each balancing transistor connected in series with a respective circuit branch; and a selection circuit for selectively connecting the circuit branch having the smallest current amongst the circuit branches to the bases of each balancing transistor.

Abstract: A current control device is disclosed, which reduces a standby current of a semiconductor memory device and a turn-on current of a transistor. The current control device includes an input controller configured to combine a trigger signal and a set signal controlling a circuit operation status, and a drive unit configured to drive an output signal of the input controller, wherein the drive unit includes a current controller for selectively providing a ground voltage in response to an activation status of a pull-down driving signal.

Abstract: This invention allows for stable operation of a circuit to which an output voltage is supplied. The invention resides in a semiconductor device comprising a VREF1 regulator to which a reference voltage Vref1 relative to a first potential is input; and an output circuit which generates an output voltage Vint that is proportional to a voltage on its input terminal relative to a second potential. The VREF1 regulator comprises a constant current source which generates a constant current having a current value that is proportional to the reference voltage Vref1; and a first resistor element which is supplied with the constant current, one end of which is coupled to the input terminal of the output circuit and the other end of which is coupled to the second potential.

Abstract: A constant current generation circuit of the invention includes: a temperature variable voltage generation unit that generates a first variation voltage whose voltage value fluctuates with temperature; a variation gradient adjustment unit that generates a second variation voltage based on a reference voltage smaller in the amount of variation with temperature than the first variation voltage and the first variation voltage; and a current generation unit that includes a current setting resistor whose resistance value fluctuates with temperature and generates an output current based on the second variation voltage and the current setting resistor. The variation gradient adjustment unit sets the coefficient of variation with temperature of the second variation voltage so that the difference between it and the coefficient of variation with temperature of the resistance value of the current setting resistor is within a preset first stipulated range.

Abstract: A system including a first transistor, a first capacitor and a circuit. The first transistor has a first control input and is configured to regulate an output voltage. The first capacitor is coupled at one end to the first control input and at another end to a circuit reference. The circuit is configured to provide a first voltage to the first control input, where the first voltage includes an offset voltage that is referenced to the output voltage and adjusted to compensate for variations in the first transistor.

Abstract: An electronic device, including a first limiter including a first transistor configured to be coupled with a first side of a channel to a first output node of a non-ideal voltage source having an inner impedance greater zero in order to limit the voltage at the first output node by drawing a current from the first output node. The second side of the channel of the first transistor is coupled to a capacitor so as to supply a current from the first output node to the capacitor, if the voltage level at the output node reaches or exceeds an upper limit.

Abstract: Data may be encoded onto a direct current power line by modulating the current on that direct current power line. One method of modulating the current is by placing an inductor on the power line and then using a controlled transistor that turns on and turns off. The inductor will ensure that current keeps flowing but the transistor will induce changes in the current pattern. The excess current from when transistor is turned off must be diverted. Furthermore, to create symmetrical current changes, the inductor should be reverse biased. Thus, a circuit is created that sinks the excess current from when the transistor is turned off and used to reverse bias the inductor.

Abstract: An internal voltage control circuit includes active drivers, a control unit, and a time interval adjustment unit. The active drivers are configured to receive a common internal voltage. The control unit is configured to control respective enable operations of the active drivers. The time interval adjustment unit is configured to respectively supply enable signals, generated by the control unit, to the active drivers at respective predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of limiting a current idc supplied by a DC power supply, the method comprising: interposing a switching stage between the power supply and a load, the switching stage including a controllable switch in series with a freewheel diode; and periodically controlling the switch so that for each period of duration T, the following averaged quantity 1 T ? ? o t ? i _ · ? t is calculated in which i is a current that is an image of the power supply current idc, the averaged quantity being reset to zero at the beginning of each period, with the switch being caused to be closed so long as said averaged quantity remains below a predetermined current threshold ithresh, and with the switch being caused to be open, otherwise.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ?uk based current source, a control circuit for a ?uk based current source, and a method for providing a current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to reduce the degradation in performance of semiconductor-based devices due to process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) and/or other causes of variation. Adaptive feedback mechanisms are employed to sense and correct performance degradation, while simultaneously facilitating configurability within integrated circuits (ICs) such as programmable logic devices (PLDs). A voltage-feedback mechanism is employed to detect PVT variation and mirrored current references are adaptively adjusted to track and substantially eliminate the PVT variation. More than one voltage-feedback mechanism may instead be utilized to detect PVT-based variations within a differential device, whereby a first voltage-feedback mechanism is utilized to detect common-mode voltage variation and a second voltage-feedback mechanism produces mirrored reference currents to substantially remove the common-mode voltage variation and facilitate symmetrical operation of the differential device.

Abstract: An output circuit includes a driving transistor, an output transistor, a current limiting element, and a switching transistor. A first terminal of each of the driving transistor and the output transistor is connected to a power line. The current limiting element is connected between a second terminal of the driving transistor and a control terminal of the output transistor. The switching transistor is connected in parallel with the current limiting element. The output transistor and the switching transistor have the same junction type or the same conductivity type. A control terminal of the switching transistor is connected to the control terminal of the output transistor.

Abstract: An electronic control apparatus includes a switching element; an ON-drive constant-current circuit supplying a constant current to the control terminal of the switching element thereby charging the control terminal of the switching element; an OFF-drive switching element discharging electrical charge from the control terminal of the switching element by being turned ON; and a control circuit adapted to control the ON-drive constant-current circuit and the OFF-drive switching element in response to a drive signal being inputted, thereby controlling the voltage of the control terminal of the switching element so as to drive the switching element. The control circuit controls the current control transistor based on the voltage of the current detection resistor and supplies the constant current to the control terminal of the switching element, and detects an abnormality in the ON-drive constant-current circuit based on the voltage of the current detection resistor.