Linear Technology Corporation

James Herr

Zhizhong Hou

Christopher Bruce Umminger

Robert Loren Reay

A device having a signal level different from a signal level of an external device includes an interface, such as an IC interface, for providing communications with the external device. The interface is configurable to support communications with the external device either via multiple wires or via a single wire.

Configurable data port for I2C or single-wire broadcast interface

A method of and system for controlling the inrush current generated in a MOSFET of an inrush current control system, wherein the MOSFET includes a source, gate and drain. The dV/dt at the drain of the MOSFET is controlled so as to set the inrush current level as a function of dV/dt, independent of current limit without requiring a separate capacitor connected between the gate and drain of the MOSFET so that the MOSFET can turn on and off more quickly.

Inrush current control system with soft start circuit and method

An output signal is controlled with adjustable hysteresis in response to a variable voltage input signal. One or more signals derived from the input signal are respectively compared with first and second reference voltages of different magnitudes. The output signal changes from a first state to a second state when one of the derived signals reaches a first reference voltage level threshold, and changes from the second state to the first state when a second one of the derived signals reaches a second reference level voltage threshold. A first derived signal may be varied to have a voltage magnitude that is greater or lesser than the voltage magnitude of a second derived signal while maintaining a positive hysteresis level. The circuit may be configured to output a signal representing an undervoltage and/or overvoltage condition of the input signal.

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

James Herr