Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

Jianxin Ma

Sung Ung Kwak

Irfan Azam Chaudhry

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a voltage generator, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of configuring a charge pump system by incorporating an auxiliary charge pump to generate an intermediate voltage that is used to boost up a primary charge pump according to a level of an input supply voltage. The intermediate voltage has a higher level than that of the input supply voltage, and is provided to boost up the primary charge pump when the input supply voltage is determined to be lower than a threshold voltage. Such a charge pump based voltage generator is compatible to a wide input supply range, capable of sustaining a large output load and effectively reduces the chip estate.

Charge pump with a wide input supply range

Various embodiments of the present invention relates to systems, devices and methods of detecting tampering and preventing unauthorized access by incorporating programmability and randomness into a process of coupling, driving and sensing conductive wires that are arranged above sensitive areas in a secured system. Such a tampering detection system comprises a security mesh network, a random number generator, a security controller and a security monitor. The security mesh network includes a plurality of security elements made from the conductive wires. The security controller selects a subset of security elements, forms a security array, and generates a driving stimulus. The security monitor selects a SENSE node, monitors an output at the SENSE node, and generates a flag signal indicating the presence of a tampering attempt. Programmability and randomness are introduced to at least one of the system parameters including array configuration, driving stimulus, SENSE node, and detection mode via random numbers.

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Plano, TX, United States of America

Jianxin Ma