Texas Instruments Corporation

Brad P Whitney

Todd M Neale

Mark E Granahan

Roy Alan Hastings

Dean A Wallace

A programmable mixed-mode circuit (180) has both digital (215,217) and analog (120,120',120') circuit portions. The digital portion (215,217) is provided by programmable digital logic. The analog portion (120,120',120') has a variety of analog circuits, including voltage references (218), high-speed comparators (208,209) and circuits (80) that are selectively configurable to provide operational amplifier or comparator functions. The analog circuits (122-125) are interconnected by programmable switch elements (128-131,160-167) so that the connection of the analog circuits to one another, to input or output pins (A0-A3,B0-B3,C0-C3) and to the digital circuitry (215,217) can be programmed.

Programmable mixed-mode integrated circuit architecture

A non-linear transmission line terminator (10) is provided in which voltages appearing on a transmission line are sensed. If the voltage level sensed is equal to a predetermined voltage, the non-linear transmission line terminator (10) couples a reference voltage to the transmission line. If the sensed voltage is less than the predetermined voltage, the non-linear transmission line terminator (10) delivers current to the transmission line having a magnitude related non-linearly to the sensed voltage.

Method and apparatus for non-linear transmission line termination

A method and apparatus for a circuit physically realizing a virtual ground function producing a virtual ground voltage halfway between the supply and common voltages and having improved accuracy and stability is described. A stable bias current source is coupled to a precision resistor voltage divider network, which is used as a voltage reference generator to produce a virtual ground voltage of a precise value. This reference voltage is coupled to an operational amplifier configured in a unity gain configuration. The circuit thus created offers numerous advantages over the virtual ground circuits in use in the prior art. An integrated circuit implementing this circuit is described, and alternative packaging embodiments are disclosed. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Rail splitting virtual ground generator for single supply systems

A method and apparatus for a circuit physically realizing a virtual ground function and having improved accuracy and stability is described. A stable bias current source is coupled to a bandgap reference generator and resistances to produce a virtual ground voltage of a precise value, this voltage is then coupled to an operational amplifier configured in a unity gain configuration. The circuit thus created offers numerous advantages over the virtual ground circuits in use in the prior art. An integrated circuit implementing this circuit is described, and alternative packaging embodiments are disclosed. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

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Garland, TX, United States of America

Brad P Whitney