Stmicroelectronics S.a.

François Ravatin

Gilles Troussel

Marco Cioci

Charles Vera

An embodiment of a discharge circuit comprises an output circuit with one output connected to an electrical load to absorb a discharge current given by the load when a logic signal commands a discharge of the load. The discharge circuit also comprises a control circuit to give the output circuit an appropriate control signal so that a slope of an output potential of the output circuit diminishes gradually when the logic signal commands a discharge of the load. Limiting the slope of the output potential gradually (and not suddenly) may limit the electromagnetic radiation generated by these variations.

Circuit for discharging an electrical load, power output stage comprising such a discharge circuit for the control of plasma display cells; and related system and method

Circuit for discharging an electrical load, power output stage comprising such a discharge circuit for the control of plasma display cells, and related system and method

A temperature detection cell includes a circuit for producing a voltage that increases with temperature, a circuit producing a voltage that decreases with temperature, and a comparison circuit to compare the increasing voltage with the decreasing voltage. The comparison circuit produces a warning signal when the temperature reaches a detection threshold such that the decreasing voltage becomes lower than the increasing voltage. The cell also has a test circuit to determine the detection threshold of the cell. Also disclosed is a method for testing a temperature detection cell, during which the detection threshold of a cell is determined from measurements of the increasing voltage and the decreasing voltage at a reference temperature.

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La Murette, France

François Ravatin