Stmicroelectronics Gmbh

Stmicroelectronics International N.v.

Stmicroelectronics S.r.l.

Pavan Nallamothu

Mark A Lysinger

James Leon Worley

Chih-Hung Tai

Yamu Hu

Deyou Fang

David McClure

David C McClure

Marco Garbarino

Milad Alwardi

Naren K Sahoo

Christiana Kapatsori

Naren Kumar Sahoo

David Mcclure

According to an embodiment, a circuit is proposed for generating rate and quadrature demodulation signals, incorporating unidirectional hysteresis for negative edges. The circuit features a preliminary stage that amplifies the differential sinusoidal signal from gyroscopic proof mass oscillations; a gain stage for boosting this signal with adjustable hysteresis levels; an output stage delivering a full-swing square wave output; and a customizable offset component to deepen the drop in the non-inverting compared to the inverting signal for the third signal's falling edge.

Precision rate demodulation for a vibrating gyroscope

According to an embodiment, a method includes adjusting a reference generator into a first configuration based on a temporary trim value resulting, in a first reference voltage and a first reference current being generated for a first memory. The method further includes performing an integrity check on an initial set of data downloaded from the first memory based on the first reference voltage and the first reference current. The initial set of data includes a first trim value. The method further includes downloading contents from the first memory into a second memory in response to a successful integrity check after adjusting the reference generator into a second configuration. In the second configuration, the reference generator generates a second reference voltage and a second reference current for the first memory. The reference generator is adjusted by the first trim value in response to a successful integrity check.

Reliable non-volatile memory download approach

At start-up of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope, the drive signal is inhibited, and the phase, frequency and amplitude of any residual mechanical oscillation is sensed and processed to determine a process path for start-up. In the event that the sensed frequency of the residual mechanical oscillation is a spurious mode frequency and a quality factor of the residual mechanical oscillation is sufficient, an anti-phase signal is applied as the MEMS gyroscope drive signal in order to implement an active dampening of the residual mechanical oscillation. A kicking phase can then be performed to initiate oscillation. Also, in the event that the sensed frequency of the residual mechanical oscillation is a resonant mode frequency with sufficient drive energy, a quadrature phase signal with phase lock loop frequency control and amplitude controlled by the drive energy is applied as the MEMS gyroscope drive signal in order to induce controlled oscillation.

MEMS gyroscope start-up process and circuit

Various embodiments provide an optical image stabilization circuit including a drive circuit having a power waveform generator and a power waveform conversion circuit. The power waveform generator generates a power waveform. The power waveform conversion circuit converts the power waveform to a power drive signal. An actuator is then driven by the power drive signal to move a lens accordingly and compensate for any movements and vibrations of a housing of the lens.

Optical image stabilization actuator driver power distribution control

A voltage generator circuit uses a feedback loop to regulate an output voltage at an output node. A pair of opposite conductivity source-follower transistors are coupled to the output node. A first one of the source-follower transistors operates to provide a fast current transient for charging a capacitive load that is switchably connected to the output node. A second one of the source-follower transistor operate under feedback control to regulate the voltage level at the output node.

Low output impedance, high speed and high voltage generator for use in driving a capacitive load

An electronic device includes a power switch having a control terminal coupled to a first node, a first conduction terminal coupled to a second node, and a second conduction terminal coupled to a third node. A monitoring circuit has a first input coupled to the first node and a second input coupled to the second node, the monitoring circuit to generate a monitor signal indicating gate oxide stress on the power switch as a function of first and second voltages received at the first and second inputs thereof. A protection circuit actuates to protect the power switch from the gate oxide stress when the monitor signal indicates the gate oxide stress on the power switch. The monitoring signal is generated based upon a comparison of currents generated based upon the voltages at the first and second node, as well as a current generated based upon a programmable reference voltage.

High voltage comparator

A low voltage to high voltage (LV2HV) conversion circuit has an input configured to receive an input signal (at a relatively low voltage) and an output configured to generate an output signal (at a relatively high voltage). The LV2HV conversion circuit includes a voltage to current conversion circuit referenced to the relatively low voltage and configured to convert a voltage of the input signal to a first current, wherein a magnitude of the first current is dependent on said voltage of the input signal and a gain setting value. A current mirroring circuit mirrors the first current and outputs a second current. A current to voltage conversion circuit converts the second current to a voltage of the output signal. The current mirroring circuit and current to voltage conversion circuit are referenced to the relatively high voltage.

Linear high voltage driver with programmable differential and common mode gain

A differential amplifier has an inherent offset voltage. In many circuit applications, such as with a voltage to current converter circuit, it is important to nullify that offset voltage. A calibration circuit is provided to configured the differential amplifier to operate as a comparator with a common voltage applied to both inputs. The logic state of the output of the amplifier indicates whether the offset voltage is positive or negative. In response thereto, a trim current with a progressively increasing magnitude is injected into the amplifier and the amplifier output is monitored to detect a change in logic state. The magnitude of the trim current at the point where the logic state changes is the magnitude of trim current needed to nullify the voltage offset.

Growing community of inventors

Little Elm, TX, United States of America

Pavan Nallamothu