Abstract: A current sharing apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The current sharing apparatus comprises an input terminal, an output terminal, a current-sharing control terminal, a pass transistor, a constant voltage generating unit, a feedback control circuit and a current-sharing control unit. The current-sharing control terminal provides a current-sharing control interface. The pass transistor receives an input voltage and provides an output voltage and an output current. The feedback control circuit senses the output current to provide a current-sense signal and regulates a control signal of the pass transistor for controlling an output of the current-sharing apparatus. Moreover, the current-sharing control unit electrically coupled to the current-sharing control terminal and the feedback control circuit generates a bus signal in response to the current-sense signal and a reference voltage and generates a reference signal in response to the reference voltage, the bus signal and the current-sense signal.

Abstract: A constant-current circuit and a system power source using this constant-current circuit are disclosed, which can generate plural highly accurate constant currents and supply them as bias currents by reducing variations caused by a change of a manufacturing process and a change of temperature. An operational amplification circuit AMP controls the operation of PMOS transistors M1 and M2 so that negative feedback is applied to a variation of one of currents i1 and i2 flowing from the PMOS transistors M1 and M2 and the variation is canceled.

Abstract: An auto voltage sense circuit uses voltage controlled current sources to generate a desired reference voltage level that closely tracks the variations and changes of a first voltage level and a second voltage level. The auto voltage sensing circuit includes a first voltage controlled current source operable to receive the first voltage level to generate a reference current that is proportional to the first voltage level. The auto voltage sensing circuit also includes a second voltage controlled current source operable to receive the second voltage level and the reference voltage to generate an output current that is proportional to the difference between the second voltage level and the reference voltage. The reference voltage causes the output current to be approximately equal to the reference current so as to generate a reference voltage that is proportional to the difference between the second voltage level and the first voltage level.

Abstract: An integrated circuit current regulator that compensates for variation in current required based on the switching activity of the integrated circuit. A first embodiment incorporates a voltage controlled on-chip bypass circuit with a scaling unit to divide an input voltage into n fractional voltages and an on-chip voltage monitor to compare a fraction of the on-chip supply voltage with a reference voltage and control a corresponding on-chip power supply bypass. At least one bypass resistor per comparator is switched between the supply voltage and ground potential according to the output signal of the corresponding comparator to dampen power supply noise. The value of the by-pass resistance R increases with decreasing on-chip supply voltage and decreases with increasing supply voltage.

Abstract: Circuitry and methods for obtaining accurate measurements of current supplied by an integrated circuit are provided. Current calculations are performed using information from a precision termination resistor and from the ratio relationship of two on-chip resistors. The invention provides a way to obtain accurate current measurements without the use of component trimming.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling input buffer biasing current include an input buffer circuit with an input current detector circuit configured to generate a plurality of discrete biasing control signals. At least one input buffer is configured to adjust the biasing current in response to the plurality of discrete biasing control signals. The plurality of discrete biasing control signals is generated in response to variations in biasing current of the at least one input buffer. The method compares a representative bias current indicator from a replica of an input buffer with a reference current to determine variations in biasing current of at least one input buffer. A plurality of discrete biasing control signals is generated indicating a configuration of a biasing control for the at least one input buffer. The at least one input buffer is biased according to the plurality of discrete biasing control signals.

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

Abstract: A PTAT biasing circuit for use in a bandgap referenced voltage source includes a startup sub-circuit. Prior to activation of a power up indication signal, the speedup circuit forces the PTAT biasing circuit from a degenerate operating point to a normal operating point. Upon detection of a feedback signal denoting the initiation of the PTAT biasing circuit, the startup sub-circuit terminates operation of the startup sub-circuit independent of the activation of the power up indication signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switching circuit comprising a current detecting circuit that detects current waveform of a main switch in real time waveform and outputs it in low impedance.

Abstract: A constant voltage circuit is disclosed that includes an output control transistor and an overcurrent protection circuit. The overcurrent protection circuit includes a proportional current generation circuit part, a current division circuit part, a division ratio control circuit part, a current-voltage conversion circuit part, and an output current control circuit part. When the output voltage of the current-voltage conversion circuit part reaches a predetermined voltage, the output current control circuit part prevents an increase in the output current of the output control transistor so as to reduce a voltage output from an output terminal. When the voltage output from the output terminal is reduced to a predetermined limit voltage, the division ratio control circuit part changes the division ratio of the current division circuit part so that a current supplied to the current-voltage conversion circuit part increases so as to reduce the output current of the output control transistor.

Abstract: A power supply device supplying power to a data driver of a light emission display device. The power supply device includes: an external reference voltage supply supplying an external reference voltage; a reference voltage generator converting external power into a regulated direct current (DC) reference voltage and outputs the regulated DC reference voltage when the external power is changed. A reference voltage selector selects one of the reference voltages output from the external reference voltage supply and the reference voltage generator and outputs a selected reference voltage. A voltage converter converts the regulated reference voltage output from the reference voltage selector into a plurality of internal DC power sources to be supplied to the drivers.

Abstract: A circuit for limiting a power current from a power-controlling pass device, the power-controlling pass device being coupled to a supply voltage, comprises the following. A sense device is coupled to the supply voltage with the sense device being configured to draw a sense current that is proportional to the power current. A current mirror is coupled to the sense device and the supply voltage through a low impedance node, the current mirror being configured to draw a mirror current through the low impedance node that is relative to the sense current. A limiting device is coupled to the supply voltage, the power-controlling pass device, and the low impedance node, the limiting device being configured to limit the power current according to a voltage difference between the low impedance node and the supply voltage. A resistance device or PMOS transistor that generates the voltage difference and that may be controlled through a proper bias circuit to adjust the voltage difference.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing improved electromagnetic compatibility between a power source (20) and a switching element (22) in a switched mode power supply includes a device (24) for measuring an electrical variable, for example current, that fluctuates as the switching element (22) switches power received from the power source (20). A signal injector (28) is arranged to generate an electrical signal, for example current, of substantially the same amplitude, but opposite polarity, as the measured current, and to inject it between the power source (20) and the switching element (22) so as to tend to minimize fluctuations in the electrical variable.

Abstract: A constant current source for generating a constant reference current that is relatively temperature insensitive. The constant current source comprises: i) first circuitry for generating a first output current that increases with increases in temperature; ii) second circuitry for generating a second output current that decreases with increases in temperature; and iii) a current combiner circuit that combines the first and second output currents to thereby generate the constant reference current. A change in the first output current caused by a temperature change is at least partially offset by a change in the second output current caused by the temperature change.

Abstract: Circuitry and methods for obtaining accurate measurements of current supplied by an integrated circuit are provided. Current calculations are performed using information from a precision termination resistor and from the ratio relationship of two on-chip resistors. The invention provides a way to obtain accurate current measurements without the use of component trimming.

Abstract: A circuit (10, 100) is used to perform voltage regulation. In one embodiment, a voltage regulator (11) is used in conjunction with an output transistor (24) to form a circuit (10) which operates to regulate the voltage drop from a first node (30) to a second node (28). This second node (28) may be used to provide power to circuitry (27). The areas of several transistors (20–25) in circuit (10) may be adjusted so that negative and positive temperature coefficients may be balanced such that the circuit (10) behaves as desired over a range of voltages and temperatures. Note that in one embodiment, circuit (10) is a 2-terminal device.

Abstract: A current source for providing a current proportional to absolute temperature (a PTAT current) with high precision is implemented using only one off-chip component. The current source utilizes a bandgap voltage, a voltage related to a current proportional to absolute temperature and a constant current to bias a pair of voltage controlled resistive devices. In operation, a known resistance is derived by applying a constant voltage across and a constant current through a first voltage controlled resistive device. A control voltage for maintaining the constant current through the first voltage controlled resistive device is applied to control the second voltage controlled resistive device, thereby generating the highly precise PTAT current at the second voltage controlled resistive device. In one embodiment, the current source uses only one off-chip resistor in a constant current source for generating the constant current.

Abstract: A first current mirror circuit that operates at the time of a rise in a first signal is connected to a current source, a second current mirror circuit that operates at the time of a rise in the first signal is connected to the first current mirror circuit, and a third current mirror circuit that operates at the time of a rise in a second signal is respectively connected to the current source and the point of connection between the first current mirror circuit and the second current mirror circuit. A pulse generation circuit for generating first and second signals from an external signal is provided. The second signal rises in sync with the first signal, and falls before the first signal.

Abstract: A charge pump circuit in which at least one of the switching elements takes the form of a LVTSCR. The switching on and off of the LVTSCRs may be achieved by making use of a pulsed input and relying on the triggering and holding voltages of the LVTSCRs to switch on and off.

Abstract: A current monitor (360) having a high performance, simple, and cost effective design that is independent of process, temperature and voltage is disclosed herein. The current monitor (360) includes a sensing transistor (340) that couples to the main transistor (312) of an adjoining voltage regulator. Specifically, the control and source nodes of each transistor couple to each other, respectively. The size of the main transistor (312) is a predetermined multiple integer n of the size of the sensing transistor. A first resistor (RS3) couples between a supply voltage and the drain node of the main transistor (312). A second resistor (RS1) couples between a supply voltage and the drain node of the sensing transistor (340), wherein the size of the second resistor (RS1) is equal to the size of the first resistor (RS3) multiplied by the predetermined multiple integer n.

Abstract: A current reference, which may be fabricated independently, on a die, as part of an integrated circuit, or a system, or in various other forms, is disclosed. The current reference may include a voltage source having a substantially temperature stable output voltage, a first semiconductor device biased by the substantially temperature stable output voltage to provide a first output current, and a second semiconductor device providing a second output current, wherein a reference current is provided approximately equal to the difference between the first and second output currents.

Abstract: A constant current driving circuit for supplying a constant current to a load circuit includes: a first driver circuit having a pulse width converting circuit for converting a first difference detection signal into a pulse signal having a pulse width corresponding to a signal level of the first difference detection signal, a switch turned on/off on a basis of the pulse signal, and a smoothing circuit for supplying a smoothed first load current to the load circuit; a first current detecting circuit for converting the first load current into a first voltage corresponding to the first load current, and outputting a first current detection signal; a second driver circuit for supplying a second load current to the load circuit on a basis of a signal level of a second difference detection signal; a second current detecting circuit for converting the second load current into a second voltage corresponding to the second load current, and outputting a second current detection signal; a first difference detecting circu

Abstract: A method for reducing particles from an electrostatic chuck, having the steps of: setting a wafer onto an attracting face of an electrostatic chuck, attracting the wafer onto the attracting face by applying a voltage to the electrostatic chuck, releasing stress due to a difference in heat expansion between the wafer and the electrostatic chuck by sliding the wafer relative to the attracting face before the wafer's temperature arrives at a saturated temperature, and increasing the wafer's temperature to a saturated temperature from its lower temperature than that of the attracting face.

Abstract: Circuitry and methods for obtaining accurate measurements of current supplied by an integrated circuit are provided. Current calculations are performed using information from a precision termination resistor and from the ratio relationship of two on-chip resistors. The invention provides a way to obtain accurate current measurements without the use of component trimming.

Abstract: A voltage generator arrangement supplies a largely constant output voltage with a high current driver capability. A bandgap reference circuit drives a voltage generator on the output side, if necessary via an impedance converter. The bandgap reference circuit and the impedance converter on the one hand, and the voltage generator on the other hand, are connected to different reference ground potential lines. The voltage generator on the output side is preceded by a correction circuit, which corrects for the voltage drop on that reference ground potential line to which the output-side voltage generator is connected. The voltage generator arrangement is suitable for a greater integration density.

Abstract: A current source, adapted to generate a current proportional to absolute temperature has a greatly reduced supply voltage dependence and is still able to operate at low operating voltages. This is achieved by the incorporation of a compensation resistor through which a start-up current is passed.

Abstract: A voltage generator arrangement supplies a largely constant output voltage with a high current driver capability. A bandgap reference circuit is downstream from an impedance converter and downstream a voltage generator. The bandgap reference circuit and the impedance converter on the one hand and the voltage generator on the other hand are connected to different reference ground potential line. The impedance converter contains a charge pump circuit to provide increased control potential, which drives the voltage generator. The voltage generator in contrast produces a reduced output potential. The influence of any voltage drop on that reference ground potential line to which the voltage generator is connected in the output potential is thus likewise reduced.

Abstract: An internal power supply potential generation circuit includes an overcharge prevention circuit connected to an internal power supply node. The overcharge prevention circuit includes a circuit outputting a signal to be determined that is determined by an internal power supply potential, a differential amplification circuit amplifying a difference in potential between the signal to be determined and a reference potential for output to a node as a signal indicating that current should be drawn, and a current draw circuit drawing current from the internal power supply node in response to the signal indicating that current should be drawn. Thus the semiconductor integrated circuit device of interest can provide a steady internal power supply potential.

Abstract: A metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) current mirror circuit with a cascode output in which maximum operating ranges are achieved for the power supply voltage and cascode output biasing voltage. Replica biasing ensures adequate biasing for the cascode driver transistors and accurate current mirroring.

Abstract: Provided is an on-chip reference current generating circuit for generating a reference voltage that can be digitally calibrated and is substantially not affected by changes in temperature and/or supply voltage. The on-chip reference current generating circuit includes a summing circuit for receiving a first current having a negative temperature coefficient and a second current having a positive temperature coefficient, and outputting a third current based upon, is a sum of, the first and second currents; and a digital calibration circuit for calibrating the third current to be the reference current in response to a digital control signal. Using the on-chip reference current generating circuit, it is possible to precisely and digitally calibrate an offset between currents due to a change in temperature and/or supply voltage.

Abstract: A method for reducing a magnitude of a rate of current change of an integrated circuit is provided. The method uses a plurality of transistors controlled by a finite state machine, such as a counter, to gradually reduce current sourced from a power supply. Further, the finite state machine is controlled by a micro-architectural stage that determines when the integrated circuit needs to be powered down.

Abstract: The present invention provides a passive RFID chip with on-chip charge pumps for generating electrical power for the chip from radio frequencies. The passive RFID chip comprises an analog portion and a digital portion. The analog portion primarily comprises a voltage sensor and an AM data detector. The digital portion comprises a state machine digital logic controller. Incoming RF signals enter the chip via external antennas. The RF signals are converted into regulated DC signals by RF-DC converters with the voltage sensor. The RF-DC converters provide power for all the on-chip components and hence the chip does not require external power supply. The incoming RF signals are demodulated by demodulators and enter the AM data detector where the envelope transitions are detected. A voltage alarm is provided to ensure the voltage level does not drop below an operational level of the chip.

Abstract: A reference voltage generator, and a method thereof, supplies a reference voltage to a device that decides between first and second output levels based on the reference voltage. The reference voltage generator includes a reference current unit through which a reference current flows and a replica unit. An input terminal of the replica unit is connected to the reference current unit. An output terminal of the replica unit is connected to the device. The replica unit includes a replica circuit replicating a circuit in the device that decides the first output level. The replica unit multiplies the first output level from the replicated circuit in response to the reference current by a predetermined ratio and outputs the result as the reference voltage to the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an internal voltage generator which generates a stable internal voltage using two power up sensing means. Clamp means outputs a first voltage. First and second power up sensing means sense the external applied to the semiconductor device and output first and second control signals, respectively. A first switch receives the first voltage and a switch controller receives the first and second control signals from the first and second power up sensing means and controls turn on/off of the first switch. A second switch is turned on/off according to the second control signal from the second power up sensing means and receives a second voltage. An amplifier selectively receives the first and second voltages from the first and second switches and outputs the second voltage.

Abstract: A centralized resource manager for distributed networks manages resources available on the network, such as network bandwidth, CPU allocation, TV tuners, MPEG encoders and decoders, disk bandwidth, and input/output devices. The centralized resource manager also allocates the resources of network clients and a network-associated media server, in response to requests for media services via the distributed network. The centralized resource manager may include means for discovering when devices are added or removed from the network; a current, IR, or electromagnetic field sensing system for determining when video devices are turned off so that resources associated with any device not in use may be reallocated elsewhere; or a power switching system for controlling the ON or OFF state of such devices so that resources associated with any device in the OFF state may be reallocated elsewhere.

Abstract: A means of high speed switching of a current source is accomplished by switching the source of the output current source transistor while employing circuitry to limit the movement of the source. The primary capacitance is the source diode, and the charge for this comes from a power rail. This results in both a reduction of and a good match of transients coupling to the output. Circuitry is also added to compensate for any current remaining when the current source is switched off.

Abstract: A circuit is arranged to enable bi-directional trimming of a reference voltage. A trim current is generated by mirroring a bias current using one or more selectable current source circuits. The selectable current source circuits may each contain transistors that are sized differently from corresponding transistors of the other selectable current source circuits. The sizing may be arranged in a binary chain such that a range of currents may be generated for the trim current while allowing for selection of the level of adjustment for the reference voltage. The current selected for the trim current depends on which of the selectable current sources is enabled. The node corresponding to the trim current is selectively coupled to a load to either increase the voltage across the load or decrease the voltage across the load, providing bi-directional trimming of the reference voltage measured across the load.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement is described which provides an approximately constant current despite a fluctuating supply voltage. A first bipolar transistor having it's base-emitter path connected in series with a parallel combination of the base-emitter path of a second bipolar transistor and a second resistor. The collector voltage of the second bipolar transistor controls a third bipolar transistor as a bypass to the base-emitter path of the first bipolar transistor and opposes variation of the base-emitter voltage of the first bipolar transistor. If, for example, the base-emitter voltage of the first bipolar transistor increases as a result of a higher supply voltage, the collector current of the third bipolar transistor is increased and thus the increase in the base current of the first bipolar transistor is reduced, thereby causing negative feedback.

Abstract: A drain-source voltage regulator in a VPTAT generator operates with a lower minimum Vdd and provides a regulated current-mirror voltage. The minimum Vdd can be expressed as Vdd_min=Vdsat_cs+Vdsat_amp+VGS_pmir. Regulation of the current-mirror voltage is achieved by using a common-gate configuration to generate a low-voltage reference. The low-voltage reference is generated inside a regulated feedback loop that includes the VPTAT generator. The current-mirror voltage, which is outside the loop, is indirectly regulated. The current-mirror voltage can be regulated within a voltage range that spans from tens of millivolts to hundreds of millivolts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting a BGR circuit. In a first adjustment step, an offset adjustment of a voltage differential amplifier is performed at a predetermined temperature. In a second adjustment step, the reference voltage generated by the BGR circuit is regulated to as predetermined value of the reference voltage at the predetermined temperature by setting a variable resistance of an external circuitry of the voltage differential amplifier.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for generating a temperature dependent signal are described involving: generating a thermal voltage referenced positive temperature coefficient signal using a pair of transistors operating at different current densities; generating a transistor voltage referenced negative temperature coefficient signal using a transistor voltage of one of said pair of transistors; and subtracting one of said positive and negative temperature coefficient signals from the other of said signals to generate said temperature dependent signal, whereby the temperature dependence of said temperature dependent signal is greater than either of said subtracted signals.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first transistor connected in series to a second transistor. A gate of the first transistor is connected to a source of the second transistor. The gate of the first transistor may also be connected to a load and may not be connected to ground. A gate of the second transistor may be connected to ground. The transistors are preferably formed by silicon on insulator integration technology.

Abstract: A current generator generates a non-linear output current whose temperature coefficient exhibits a prescribed non-linear-to-quasi-linear curvature when a control voltage range is restricted. This particular current characteristic enables a voltage reference employing the current generator for high-order curvature correction to produce an output voltage whose variation is extremely flat over its industry standard operational temperature range.

Abstract: A very small current generating circuit stabilizes a very small current flowing in a CR oscillation circuit and load driving circuit with an over-current protection function wherein, for example, a discharge time period is determined on the basis of the very small current. The very small current generating circuit includes: a first current route wherein between the internal reference voltage terminal and ground, a resistor is connected in series with an npn transistor; a second current route wherein between the external voltage source and ground, another pnp transistor, another resistor, another npn transistor and still another resistor are connected in series in this order; and a third current route wherein between the external voltage source and ground, and another resistor is connected in series with another pnp transistor. The very small current in the first current route is stabilized by the second and third current routes.

Abstract: A voltage reference circuit includes a current source unit, a voltage-difference creating unit, and a resistance ratio unit. The current source unit receives an input current source and produces two current sources in equal current. The voltage-difference creating unit includes a first MOS device and a second MOS device to respectively receive the two current sources, wherein the first MOS device and a second MOS device has a threshold voltage difference. The resistance ratio unit includes a first resistor and a second resistor coupled in cascade, wherein the threshold voltage difference is applied to the first resistor. By adjusting a ratio of the first resistor to the second resistor, the resistance ratio unit produces a voltage reference, which is also fed back to the current source unit to ensure that the first current source and the second current source are equal.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes a fundamental wave current control system that controls a fundamental wave component of a motor current in an orthogonal coordinate system and a higher harmonic current control system that controls a higher harmonic component contained in the motor current in an orthogonal coordinate system. In the motor control apparatus, it is judged whether an output voltage from the power conversion device is in a saturated state, and a current control gain for the higher harmonic current control system is reduced if it is judged that the output voltage is in the saturated state.

Abstract: A power supply circuit is provided that supplies a voltage to a load. The power supply circuit includes a power supply for generating a predetermined voltage; an electrical path for electrically connecting the power supply and the load to each other; a current draw unit for drawing a current from the electrical path; and a current control unit for controlling the current drawn by the current draw unit from the electrical path.

Abstract: A power on detect circuit. The power on detect circuit is designed for detecting low power on voltage and having low temperature coefficient of power on voltage. Detected power on voltage range is insensitive to process and temperature. The power on detect circuit includes two MOS transistors, one has a larger aspect ratio and is coupled to a voltage source by two series resistors, the first resistor and the second resistor, and the other has a lower aspect ratio and is coupled to the voltage source by a resistor, the third resistor. A comparator senses out voltage difference the first resistor and the third resistor to generate a power on reset signal.

Abstract: A current generator generates a non-linear output current whose temperature coefficient exhibits a prescribed non-linear-to-quasi-linear curvature when a control voltage range is restricted. This particular current characteristic enables a voltage reference employing the current generator for high-order curvature correction to produce an output voltage whose variation is extremely flat over its industry standard operational temperature range.

Abstract: The power supply circuit of this invention includes a constant voltage element which generates an output voltage insensitive to change in ambient temperature, a power supply transistor, to a base of which the output voltage of the constant voltage element is applied and from an emitter of which a power supply voltage is provided, a load connected to an emitter of the power supply transistor and a differential amplifier to one input terminal of which an emitter voltage of the power supply transistor is applied and to the other input terminal of which a voltage corresponding to the output voltage of the constant voltage element is applied, and a voltage corresponding to an output voltage of which is applied to the base of the power supply transistor.