Summit Microelectronics, Inc.

Qualcomm Incorporated

National Semiconductor Corporation

Kenneth C Adkins

M Abid Hussain

Georgios Konstantinos Paparrizos

Theodore Martin Myers

Thomas J O'Brien

Anurag Kaplish

John A Tabler

Sridhar Kotikalapoodi

Sang Ton Ngo

George A Hall

Richard V Orlando

Andrew Jenkins

Thomas J O'Obrien

Warren G Hafner

Richard A Palm

In one embodiment the present invention includes a system and method of charging a battery using a switching regulator. In one embodiment, a switching regulator receives an input voltage and input current. The output of the switching regulator is coupled to a battery to be charged. The switching regulator provides a current into the battery that is larger than the current into the switching regulator. As the voltage on the battery increases, the current provided by the switching regulator is reduced. The present invention may be implemented using either analog or digital techniques for reducing the current into the battery as the battery voltage increases.

System and method of charging a battery using a switching regulator

Embodiments of the present invention include circuits and methods for sensing resistance. In one embodiment, a current is generated into a node. The node is coupled to a first terminal of a resistor. A second terminal of the resistor is coupled in series with a capacitance and a reference voltage. The current is turned off when a voltage on the node meets a threshold. A second voltage is detected on the node after the current is turned off. A resistance value is determined based on the first voltage on the node and the second voltage on the node. In one embodiment, the resistor is external to an integrated circuit and sensed through a single pin of the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may include a current source, comparator, and a digital-to-analog converter.

Circuits and methods for sensing resistance

In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of controlling a switching regulator based on a derived input current. In one embodiment, an output current of said switching regulator is detected and used to generate a first voltage or current signal corresponding to the output current. Additionally, a switching signal of said switching regulator is detected and used to generate a second voltage or current signal corresponding to the switching signal. The resulting signals may be combined to produce a voltage or current signal corresponding to an input current of said switching regulator. The switching signal may be modified based on the derived voltage or current signal and used to control the system.

Circuits and methods for controlling a switching regulator based on a derived input current

Embodiments of the present invention include charge pump circuits and methods. In one embodiment, a first charge pump receives a voltage and generates a first charge pump output voltage and current for supplying the power requirements of a circuit. A second charge pump is coupled in series with the first charge pump. The second charge pump generates a second charge pump output voltage and current for supplying different power requirements of the circuit. In one embodiment, the first charge pump provides a high current low voltage output to a first circuit and the second charge pump provides a low current high voltage output to a second circuit. Capacitors of the first charge pump may be external to an integrated circuit and capacitors of the second charge pump may be internal to the integrated circuit.

Charge pump circuits and methods

Embodiments of the present invention include techniques for charging a battery using a switching regulator. Some embodiments include programmable switching battery chargers that can be configured using digital techniques. Other embodiments include switching battery chargers that modify the battery current based on sensed circuit conditions such as battery voltage or input current to the switching regulator. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a USB battery charger.

Switching battery charging systems and methods

In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of charging a battery comprising storing a plurality of charging parameters in one or more programmable data storage elements. The charging parameters may be used to program a variety of battery charging parameters including constant currents, voltages, thresholds, timers, or temperature controls. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a software algorithm that changes the charging parameters to improve battery charging efficiency.

Systems and methods of programming voltage and current in a battery charger

A feedback control-loop system that employs an active DC output control circuit is disclosed which compares an input parameter measurement against a target specification associated with the input parameter measurement. In one embodiment, the active DC output control circuit receives an input signal for laser bias adjustment. In another embodiment, the active DC output control circuit receives a motor speed input from a source, such as a tachometer, for motor speed adjustment. In another embodiment, the active DC output control circuit receives an input power amplifier measurement for wireless applications.

Active DC output control and method for controlling targeted applications

A control loop system is provided that employs an active DC output control circuit that more accurately calibrates the desire voltage at a load, e.g. 3.3 volts, by adjusting a trim pin on a DC/DC converter. In a first embodiment, an active DC output control circuit calibrates a DC/DC converter that is connected to a single load. In a second embodiment, an active DC output control circuit calibrates multiple DC/DC converters that are connected to multiple loads.

Active DC output control and method for DC/DC converter

A programmable and non-volatile analog signal storage structure and method are disclosed that employ two non-volatile cells which are arranged as a differential transistor pair. The non-volatile transistor at the positive (or non-inverting) terminal of the amplifier is referred to as the reference cell, while the non-volatile transistor on the negative (or inverting) input of the amplifier is referred to as the storage cell. The structure comprises a storage cell and a reference cell that produces a voltage which is independent of temperature and supply voltage variation. Additionally, the circuit structure is capable of operating at low supply voltage levels (<1.5V).

Structure and method for programmable and non-volatile analog signal storage for a precision voltage reference

The invention provides a single input pin on an integrated circuit chip that serves multiple functions during normal, test, and program modes. A first voltage detector detects a first predetermined high voltage level to place an integrated circuit in test mode. A second voltage detector detects a second predetermined high voltage level to place the integrated circuit in program mode. A high level switch is triggered to activate a pulse shaping circuit, which ramps up voltage gradually to prevent causing damage to programmable cells.

Method and system for pulse shaping in test and program modes

A method and apparatus for tracking and controlling one or more voltage and current supplies during a transition between and off-state to an on-state, or from an on state to an off-state, is enabled by detecting a voltage or current transition and controlling the voltage or current supply transition within a specified upper and lower limit about a reference transition.

Growing community of inventors

Mason, OH, United States of America

Kenneth C Adkins