Abstract: A power-on reset circuit input stage includes a current source charging a capacitor from a first power supply voltage to produce a reset signal, and a current shutoff means for shutting off the current source when the reset signal reaches a desired threshold voltage (i.e., when the capacitor is charged up). Beneficially, the current shutoff means comprises a transistor connected between the current source and a second power supply voltage. Advantageously, the transistor is controlled by a feedback voltage that may be the output signal, or a voltage derived from the output signal by a capacitive divider, for example.

Abstract: A power-on reset circuit has a configuration comprising an input circuit which is initialized by the assertion of a power-on reset signal entered from outside when power supply is turned on and supplies a first signal of a first logical value at the time a detection signal is entered, a reset extending circuit which is initialized by the assertion of the power-on reset signal and, after the power-on reset signal is negated, supplies a second signal which takes on a second logical value when an external clock signal is first entered and a third logical value after the lapse of a prescribed length of time determined by counting the external clock signals after the first signal of the first logical value is entered, a detecting circuit which is initialized by the assertion of the power-on reset signal and, after the power-on reset signal is negated, caused to generate the detection signal by the input of the second signal of the second logical value from the reset extending circuit and to supply it to the input

Abstract: A wake-up circuit for a ECU on a CAN bus utilizes two complementary switching transistors which will turn ON when there is a differential voltage between CANH and CANL which will turn ON the transistors to pass a current which will be mirrored over to create a voltage which will switch a comparator or a Schmitt trigger. The two signals are then ORed together to generate a digital wake-up signal that can be utilized by other on-chip circuitry.

Abstract: A power-on reset (POR) circuit comprises a transistor connected ad diodes for setting temperature time delay coupled to a power supply voltage, a transistor switch, and buffering circuits. The trip point voltage of the POR circuit depends only on one type of transistor, such as the switching transistor so that the p-to-n skew variations do not affect the trip point. The switching transistor has a resistor connected from base to ground and another resistor connected to the power supply voltage to limit current flow during transitions.

Abstract: A method for driving a plurality of circuit units to be controlled includes applying a control signal to a control signal connection unit and an activation signal to an activation connection unit. A hold signal is the generated on the in response to the activation signal. This hold signal is combined with the control signal to obtain a modified control signal, which is then made available at an output.

Abstract: A data input circuit for use in a semiconductor device, the data input circuit reducing a load difference between a fetch signal and a plurality of groups of data. The data input circuit includes first through Nth latching units for latching each one of N groups of data in response to a reference clock, respectively (N is a natural number greater than 2), and a bus for transmitting the reference clock and the N groups of data to the first through Nth latching units. Each of the first through Nth latching units includes a clock buffer for buffering the reference clock; a data buffer for buffering a corresponding group of data of the N groups of data; N−1 dummy elements for respectively receiving each one of the N groups of data, except for the group of data input to the data buffer; and latches for latching data output from the data buffer in synchronization with a signal output from the clock buffer.

Abstract: A CMOS power up circuit for producing a power up signal for an integrated circuit device includes a plurality of transistor chains coupled to first and second select lines. The first and second select lines are configured to enable a selected one of the transistor chains. A VCC input is coupled to the transistor chains. An output latch is included in the power up circuit for generating a power up signal. The output latch is coupled to the transistor chains and to the VCC input and is configured to keep the power up signal deasserted until a voltage from the selected one transistor chain rises past a switch on threshold as VCC rises. When VCC rises past the switch on threshold, the output latch asserts the power up signal and maintains the power up signal asserted even if the voltage level of the VCC input temporarily droops below the switch on threshold.

Abstract: A method for reducing the time for a partially depleted/silicon-on-insulator (PD/SOI) based circuit to reach a dynamic steady state pre-conditions the PD/SOI-based circuit by initially charging the circuit at a voltage greater than the normal operating voltage. The circuit is then charged at the normal operating voltage after a predetermined amount of time. By pre-conditioning the circuit in this manner, the amount of time required for the PD/SOI transistors of the circuit to reach their dynamic steady state (DSS) condition is shortened.

Abstract: A start-up circuit includes a power supply node which receives a power supply voltage, a ground node which receives a ground voltage, a first node, a first capacitor which is coupled between the first node and the ground node, a supply circuit which is coupled between the power supply node and the first node, and which supplies an electrical charge from the power supply node to the first capacitor, a discharge circuit which is coupled between the first node and the ground node, and which discharges an electrical charge stored in the first capacitor to the ground node, and an output circuit which is connected to the first node, and which outputs a start-up signal when a voltage level of the first node becomes higher than a set voltage level.

Abstract: A reset circuit of a semiconductor circuit for reliably resetting plural reset target circuits in the semiconductor circuit, even when a surge noise signal having a short pulse length or the like is input to the reset circuit, the reset circuit including a reset signal control circuit for controlling timing of deactivating a reset instruction signal for resetting plural reset target circuits in the semiconductor circuit. Respective reset target circuits are for outputting reset completion signals to the reset signal control circuit when the respective reset target circuits have been reset. The reset signal control circuit also is for deactivating the reset instruction signal when all of the reset completion signals have been activated.

Abstract: Unlike prior art synchronizers and asynchronous arbiters that produce glitches in their outputs, the present invention provides a failure-free synchronizer that can sample an arbitrary and unstable inputs while maintaining zero probability of system failure. In particular, the invention addresses the synchronization failure problem and the lack of a metastable state in prior art synchronizers. Prior attempts have shown that the conditions rex and rex (where re is the control input and x is the data input) cannot be arbitrated. To overcome this, embodiments of the present invention introduce explicit signals a0 and a1 to hold the values rex and rex, respectively. One embodiment is a fast synchronizer. It has four main components—an input integrator, an inverting component, a SEL component and an output filter. Another embodiment of the present invention is a safe synchronizer that meets the strictest QDI design requirements. Other embodiments use a standard arbiter and a killable arbiter for arbitration.

Abstract: A timing circuit having a controllable current source and a capacitor coupled to the current source. A resistor and a second capacitor are connected in series. The series resistor and second capacitor are connected in parallel with the capacitor. A trigger circuit has a first terminal coupled to the capacitor. The trigger circuit changes states when a voltage at the first terminal exceeds a reference voltage.

Abstract: A 256 Meg dynamic random access memory is comprised of a plurality of cells organized into individual arrays, with the arrays being organized into 32 Meg array blocks, which are organized into 64 Meg quadrants. Sense amplifiers are positioned between adjacent rows in the individual arrays while row decoders are positioned between adjacent columns in the individual arrays. In certain of the gap cells, multiplexers are provided to transfer signals from I/O lines to data lines. A datapath is provided which, in addition to the foregoing, includes array I/O blocks, responsive to the datalines from each quadrant to output data to a data read mux, data buffers, and data driver pads. The write data path includes a data in buffer and data write muxes for providing data to the array I/O blocks. A power bus is provided which minimizes routing of externally supplied voltages, completely rings each of the array blocks, and provides gridded power distribution within each of the array blocks.

Abstract: A power-on reset system insensitive to the ramp up rate of supply voltage VDD includes two power-on reset circuits. The first reset circuit asserts a reset signal RS1 when supply voltage VDD ramps up to its rated voltage. The second reset circuit produces a first reference voltage VR1 and a second reference voltage VR2 which is delayed with respect to VR1, and asserts a reset signal RS2 when VR1 is greater than VR2. A logic gate asserts a reset signal RS3 when either RS1 or RS2 is asserted; RS3 is the output of the power-on reset system, and is asserted whether one or both of reset signals RS1 and RS2 is asserted. Both reset circuits are preferably arranged to operate with supply voltages of 2 volts or less.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a reference voltage signal initially increases with increases in a processor voltage signal and then decreases with a further increase in the processor voltage signal. Moreover, according to some embodiments a comparator circuit generates a power indication signal when a substantially scaled processor voltage signal exceeds a reference voltage signal.

Abstract: The present invention is relative to a starter circuit for starting and re-starting a main circuit (20) in startup and during the unusual operation of the main circuit. The starter circuit includes a startup signal supplying unit (11) for supplying a stop signal for stopping the operation of the main circuit when the standby signal is at a standby level, supplying a startup signal to a circuit startup node (22) of the main circuit when the standby signal is changed from the standby level to the startup level and for halting the supply of the stop signal.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first arbiter cell, a second arbiter cell and a selection device. The first arbiter cell may be configured to lock if one or more requests are not resolved within a first predetermined time period. The second arbiter cell may be configured to dominate if the first arbiter cell enters a metastable state. The selection device may be configured to provide arbitration between the first and second arbiter cells within a second predetermined time period.

Abstract: The reset function incorporated microcomputer of the present invention, capable of suppressing a variation in reset voltage with a simple configuration, includes a reset decision section. In the reset decision section, a band gap reference circuit generates a predetermined reference voltage VA. A voltage dividing resistance generates a reset voltage VR from the reference voltage VA. A comparator compares the supply voltage VDD applied to the microcomputer with the reset voltage VR, and outputs a reset signal SR.

Abstract: An integrated circuit may be initialized by determining that the supply voltage is ramping up and resetting logic in the integrated circuit to a predetermined initial state using a reset signal. After the logic is determined to be in its initial state and the supply voltage is established, the reset signal may be latched off.

Abstract: A microcomputer prevents an unnecessary signal from being outputted before the microcomputer is released from a reset state when the microcomputer includes a plurality of circuit blocks operating at different power source voltages. A reset signal transmitted to an input/output terminal unit of the microcomputer is generated by carrying out an OR operation between reset signals transmitted to a 3 V system circuit unit and a 5 V system circuit unit by an OR gate.

Abstract: A power-on reset circuit is provided, which includes a ground input, a power input having a voltage relative to the ground input, a reset output, a self-initializing latch, a high voltage trigger circuit and a discharge circuit. The self-initializing latch has first and second latch nodes which are initialized to logic high and low states, respectively, upon initial application of power to the power input. One of the first and second latch nodes is coupled to the reset output. The high voltage trigger circuit is coupled to the first latch node and reverses the states of the first and second latch nodes when the voltage rises above a high trigger voltage. The discharge circuit is coupled to the second latch node and has a switch circuit, which selectively couples the second latch node to the ground input when the voltage falls below a low trigger voltage.

Abstract: A frequency multiplier design that uses a flip-flop to output (1) a first edge on an output clock signal upon receipt of a first transition of an input clock signal and (2) a second edge on the output clock signal before receipt of a second transition of the input clock signal is provided. The frequency multiplier design uses circuitry dependent on the output clock signal to reset the flip-flop after some delay but before the second transition of the input clock signal, wherein the resetting of the flip-flop causes the flip-flop to output the second edge on the output clock signal.

Abstract: A device and method for improving the synchronization and metastability resolving capabilities of a flip flop. At least one master latch resolves a metastable condition of a received data signal thereby generating a stable data signal which is received and then displayed by a slave latch. Latches with superior metastability time resolution are configured in a master-slave relationship along with a novel clocking scheme whereby the clock signal supplied to the master latch is inverted as compared to that which is supplied to slave latch. As a result, the input data is latched on a falling edge of a clock signal and subsequently displayed on the rising edge of the clock signal providing at one half cycle for the input data to settle before passing out the data thereby allowing metastabilities to resolve during that period.

Abstract: In an integrated circuit, a detection device detects a drop in the supply voltage of the core of the integrated circuit or an excessively slow build-up of this voltage with respect to a supply voltage of the input/output interface circuits of the integrated circuit. Outputs of the interface circuits are set to a high impedance state by the detection device to minimize their power consumption.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a stand-alone integrated circuit (IC) includes processing that begins by establishing an idle state that holds at least a portion of the stand-alone integrated circuit in a reset condition when a power source is operably coupled to the stand-alone integrated circuit. A stand-alone integrated circuit includes generally an on-chip power converter, a reset circuit and some functional circuitry, which may be a microprocessor, digital signal processor digital circuitry, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, and/or any type of components and/or circuits that perform a desired electrical function. When a power enable signal is received, the on-chip power converter is enabled to generate at least 1 supply from the power source. The processing continues by enabling functionality of the stand-alone integrated circuit when the at least one supply has substantially reached a steady state condition.

Abstract: A power-generation detection circuit for detecting a power-generation state by an AC voltage supplied from a power-generation device including a capacitor, and switching element, a resistor, and an inverter circuit which controls the charging of the capacitor by a power-generation device. The switching element is switched by the AC voltage from the power-generation device. The voltage of the capacitor is detected by the inverter circuit thereby performing power-generation detection.

Abstract: A simulation circuit for MOS transistors is provided in which neither oscillation nor a change in a characteristic of feedback capacitance occurs. A ratio of a junction capacitance characteristic of a third diode and an electrostatic capacity characteristic of a capacitor to be displayed, changes in response to a change in a voltage between a drain and a gate and the junction capacitance characteristic of the third diode and the electrostatic capacity characteristic of the capacitor are displayed at an equal ratio in a region where a voltage between the drain and gate is almost 0 (zero) V and, therefore, normal simulation testing can be done and no oscillation occurs. Moreover, since no resistor component is connected in series in the third diode and the capacitor, there is no time constant. Therefore, a characteristic curve of the feedback capacitance can be normally obtained irrespective of the change rate of the voltage between the drain and gate.

Abstract: A proper functioning of an integrated circuit is monitored by monitoring a supply voltage of the integrated circuit. Dips in the supply voltage are ascertained. A signaling of the dips in the supply voltage is only effected if the supply voltage falls below a given voltage for a given minimum duration. As a result, the reliability of the integrated circuit is increased.

Abstract: A power noise prevention circuit in an MCU, includes a system clock generating circuit generating a system clock signal by receiving a clock signal, a clock freezing and synchronizing part outputting the system clock signal during a power failure, a reset circuit resetting an MCU during the power failure, a power fail detection circuit detecting a power level based on a freeze level and a reset level, and a power fail detection register controlling a detection operation and a detection mode of the power fail detection circuit. The power fail detection circuit operates the clock freezing and synchronizing part when a power level reaches the freeze level, and operates the reset circuit when the power level reaches the reset level.

Abstract: A reset control apparatus, which carries out reset control in response to an external reset signal, includes a count start signal generating unit for producing a count start signal in response to the external reset signal, a counter for starting counting in response to the count start signal, and a reset signal generating unit for outputting an internal reset signal in response to the external reset signal, and for halting the output of the internal reset signal while the counter counts a predetermined count value. The reset control apparatus can solve a problem of a conventional reset control apparatus in that when the pulse width of the external reset signal passing through a noise canceler is narrower than the period of the clock signal, it cannot sample the signal, and hence cannot generate the internal reset signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a transistor that controls, according to the resistance of the load externally connected to the output terminal thereof, the current fed to the base of an output-stage transistor for driving the load to turn it on. In this circuit configuration, even if a base current of the output-stage transistor is so determined as to permit the semiconductor device to drive the heaviest permissible load, only a reduced amount of extra current is fed to the base of the output-stage transistor when it is turned on with a light load connected to the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A circuit for putting an output driver into a high impedance state upon failure of the power supply. This is accomplished by providing a first transistor that is connected between the power supply and the n-well to charge the n-well node of the PMOS drive transistor. Upon failure of the supply voltage, a number of transistors are connected to couple the n-well and a gate of the PMOS drive transistor to the output line, so that they track the voltage level of the output, thereby preventing forward biasing of the P+/n-well diode.

Abstract: A power-up detector for detecting power-up and power supply voltage bump conditions includes a current mirror connected to the power supply. A pair of series connected resistors are connected between the current mirror and ground thereby providing a bias point at a junction of the series connected resistors. A field effect transistor having a source-drain circuit is connected between the current mirror and ground for providing an output signal to an inverter. The field effect transistor being is controlled by the voltage at bias point between the series connected resistors.

Abstract: When a control power source voltage becomes lower than an operation guarantee voltage level, the output of a start-up circuit assumes an H-level, a NOR gate produces an output shut-off signal of an L-level, and FETs are turned off. As the control power source voltage further decreases, the output shut-off control circuit loses stability in the operation. In this case, a resistor maintains the FETs in the OFF state due to its pull-down operation. As a result, the output of the output circuit is maintained in a high-impedance state over the whole range of control power source voltages lower than the operation guarantee voltage level.

Abstract: A 256 Meg dynamic random access memory is comprised of a plurality of cells organized into individual arrays, with the arrays being organized into 32 Meg array blocks, which are organized into 64 Meg quadrants. Sense amplifiers are positioned between adjacent rows in the individual arrays while row decoders are positioned between adjacent columns in the individual arrays. In certain of the gap cells, multiplexers are provided to transfer signals from I/O lines to data lines. A datapath is provided which, in addition to the foregoing, includes array I/O blocks, responsive to the datalines from each quadrant to output data to a data read mux, data buffers, and data driver pads. The write data path includes a data in buffer and data write muxes for providing data to the array I/O blocks. A power bus is provided which minimizes routing of externally supplied voltages, completely rings each of the array blocks, and provides gridded power distribution within each of the array blocks.

Abstract: A power ground short circuit with adjustable activation delay and activation time period eliminates latent voltages in the power down/ off discharging circuitry. The circuit uses an internal back up power storage device to supply power on power down. A comparator determines when the power down condition occurs. Two timers are used to generate an activation signal for a charge pump. The charge pump is responsible for turning on a pair of transistors which bring the power bus voltage down to a zero level. A slew rate detector enables the comparator.

Abstract: A mixed-signal integrated circuit (12) having compensation for leakage through an ESD cell (16) at an external terminal of a reference voltage is disclosed. A reference voltage generator circuit (14) generates a reference voltage that is low-pass filtered by an on-chip resistor (Rf) and an off-chip capacitor (Coc). The ESD cell (16) is connected at the terminal node between the resistor (Rf) and the capacitor (Coc), as is an ESD compensation circuit (20, 20′, 20″). The ESD compensation circuit (20, 20′, 20″) includes a dummy ESD cell (29) that is physically matched to the ESD cell (16), and a current mirror biased in a direction corresponding to the direction of the expected leakage through ESD cell (16). The ESD compensation circuit (20, 20′, 20″) ensures that very little of the leakage current through ESD cell (16) is conducted by the filter resistor (Rf), so that changes in this leakage current over temperature or bias conditions does not modulate the reference voltage.

Abstract: A high gain clock circuit that includes an input section that receives an input clock on an input section input. A self terminating pre-charge section is connected to the input section and includes domino logic. An output section is connected to the self terminating pre-charge section and produces an output clock at an output section output. The clock circuit encompasses a small area and achieves high gain at the output section output relative to the input section input. The high gain clock circuit has higher gain than known circuits and is characterized by fast rise time and slower fall time.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a first MOS transistor whose gate and drain are connected with a first node, a second MOS transistor whose gate and drain are connected with the first node and a third node, respectively, a first resistive element which is connected between the first node and a second node, a second resistive element which is connected between the second node and a ground voltage terminal, a first NOT circuit whose input terminal is connected with the second node, whose output terminal is a fourth node, and which is connected between the third node and the ground voltage terminal, and a second NOT circuit whose input terminal is connected with the fourth node and whose output terminal is a fifth node. Consequently, the present invention can detect voltage in a stable condition with low power consumption.

Abstract: A PLL is provided with separate phase and frequency adjustment circuits to adjust the frequency of a produced internal clock independently from adjusting its phase. The phase adjustment circuit determines a phase error between the internal clock and an external clock, and averages the phase error over a predetermined time period to produce the corresponding control current. The frequency adjustment circuit detects the difference between the frequency of the internal clock and the frequency of the external clock to determine a frequency error. An accumulator accumulates the frequency error during the predetermined time period to produce the corresponding control current. Based on values of the control currents produced by the phase and frequency adjustment circuits, a current calculator calculates a resulting value of the control current to be applied to a CCO to modify its frequency so as reduce the frequency and phase differences.

Abstract: A high swing cascode bias circuit is provided for use within an integrated circuit. The bias circuit utilizes a start up transistor. The use of the start up transistor allows for high swing at the bias circuit outputs even though only one current source is provided from a reference bias circuit. The bias circuit may be powered down in response to a power down control signal. When the bias circuit is activated a plurality of bias signals may be provided to operating circuits of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is directed to a power-on reset circuit for providing a power-on reset signal having a rising edge and an adjustable falling edge. A reference generator circuit produces two different reference signals in response to a power supply signal. The two reference signals are compared by a comparison circuit to produce a resulting reference signal. The resulting reference signal tracks the power supply signal until a first threshold potential is reached. When the first threshold potential is reached, a rising edge is produced in the power-on reset signal. The rising edge indicates that the power supply signal has reached an operating potential. A second threshold potential corresponds to the adjustable falling edge of the power-on reset signal. When the power supply signal decreases below the second threshold potential, the adjustable falling edge is produced in the power-on reset signal.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first one or more threshold devices, a second one or more threshold devices and a logic device. The first one or more threshold devices may be configured to control an output. The second one or more threshold devices may be configured to receive the output. The logic device may be (i) coupled to the second one or more threshold devices and (ii) configured to provide a feedback to the first one or more threshold devices. The feedback may be configured to force a reset condition if a metastable event occurs.

Abstract: In an electronic device, a first electronic circuit is selectively operated in a selected one of at least two operating modes. A second electronic circuit is selectively operated in a power-up mode and a power-down mode. The second electronic circuit is put into the power-down mode if the first electronic circuit is operated in one of the at least two operating modes.

Abstract: A wake-up contains a controller provided with an analog voltage input terminal, a trigger signal input terminal, and first and second output terminals and enabled to control an external device according to a voltage value entered to the analog voltage input terminal and output a high level voltage via the first output terminal in a sleep state and output a low level voltage via the second output terminal upon applying of a voltage to the trigger signal input terminal, thereby it is woken up; resistance value changing means provided with a plurality of switches and a plurality of resistors; pull-up means; and wake-up trigger signal generating means. The wake-up trigger signal generating means outputs a trigger signal when the voltage of the resistance value changing means changes.

Abstract: A power-on reset circuit connected to a supply line feeding a supply voltage, the circuit including an output terminal supplying a power-on reset signal; a divider connected between the supply line (36) and ground and having an intermediate node supplying a division voltage correlated to the supply voltage; an inverter having an input connected to the intermediate node and an output connected to the output terminal and supplying a reset logic signal; and a deactivation branch coupled to the supply line and the intermediate node. The deactivation branch preventing switching of the power-on reset signal on the output terminal when the supply voltage is higher than a deactivation voltage.

Abstract: A storage cell of an integrated circuit is operable in a radiation environment to capture and store at predetermined time intervals a time sample of a data input signal. A signal representative of the stored data sample for each time interval is generated at an output of the storage cell. At least three data capturing circuits operate to capture and store a time sample of the data input signal at each predetermined time interval, the stored data sample of each circuit being generated correspondingly at an output thereof. Coupled to the outputs of the data capturing circuits is a circuit for generating a signal representative of a stored data sample selected from at least two of the circuit outputs. Also coupled to the data capturing circuits is a circuit for causing each data capturing circuit to capture a different time sample of the input data signal from the other data capturing circuits over each predetermined time interval.

Abstract: The present invention provides a receiver device having multiple voltage supplies that allows the output stage of the receiver device to go to a safe state whenever its voltage is disconnected or powered-down, independent of any of its normal control circuits. Furthermore, the isolation of the multiple voltage supplies provides a low skew at the output of the receiver device.

Abstract: A circuit for generating a double-edged POWERGOOD signal to a P6 processor after power-up. After a power supply circuit asserts a signal which indicates that computer system power supply voltages are stable and within threshold levels, the circuit drives the POWERGOOD signal high. A first period later, the circuit drives the POWERGOOD signal back low. The POWERGOOD signal is maintained low for a second predetermined period. Finally, the circuit drives the POWERGOOD signal back high again, and the POWERGOOD signal is maintained high for as long as the power supply circuit indicates that computer system power supply voltages are stable.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an arbiter cell and a delay logic circuit. The arbiter cell may be configured to receive a plurality of request signals and provide two or more grant signals. The delay logic circuit may be configured to interface the arbiter cell and force each of the plurality of request signals to be serviced in succession when a metastable state occurs.