Stmicroelectronics S.a.

Sgs-thomson Microelectronics S.a.

Stmicroelectronics (grenoble 2) Sas

Stmicroelectronics (grenoble) Sas

Easii Ic Sas

Stmicroelectronics (rousset) Sas

Easii Ic

Serge Pontarollo

Sébastien Laville

Serge Ramet

Philippe Maige

Christophe Forel

Michel Ayraud

Thierry Masson

Alexandre Huffenus

Bernard Majoux

Laurent Dulau

S&eacute;bastien Laville

Jean-Claude Kaire

Dominique Berger

The transmission device comprising a transmit stage configured to deliver a transmission signal on an input-output node of an antenna and comprising a power transistor coupled to the input-output node and configured to amplify a signal to be transmitted. The device comprises a receive stage configured to receive a reception signal on the input-output node and comprising an attenuator circuit configured to attenuate the reception signal. The attenuator circuit comprising the power transistor and a control circuit able to place the power transistor in a triode mode.

Attenuator device in a radio frequency transmission stage

A circuit includes a Wheatstone bridge and a correction circuit operable to correct an output voltage offset of the Wheatstone bridge. The correction circuit includes a supply module configured to supply the Wheatstone bridge with a voltage and output a first current applied to the Wheatstone bridge and output a second current proportional to the first current. A digital/analog current converter outputs a correction current to the outputs of the Wheatstone bridge circuit in response to a digital correction signal and the second current.

Device for correcting the voltage offset of a wheatstone bridge

An integrated circuit chip includes trenches at least partially surrounding a critical portion of a circuit that is sensitive to temperature variations. The trenches are locally interrupted in order to permit circuit connections to pass between the critical portion and an outer portion containing a remainder of the circuit. The critical portion includes heating resistors and a temperature sensor.

Integrated circuit chip with corrected temperature drift

An amplifier including: an output stage having two first power supply terminals capable of receiving a first voltage defined by first positive and negative variable potentials with respect to a reference potential; and a circuit for controlling the current in transistors of the output stage with a reference value, wherein the output stage includes a first and a second MOS transistors in series between the first two terminals, the junction point of this series association defining an output terminal of the amplifier; the control circuit includes two measurement MOS transistors having their respective sources and gates coupled to the respective sources and gates of the first and second transistors of the output stage; at least one control branch, comprising transistors in series between two terminals of application of a second voltage, defines nodes connected to the gates of the output transistors, said second voltage being greater than the first one.

Control of minimum current in output transistors of an amplifier output stage

Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a resistor formed of a lightly-doped P-type region formed in a portion of a lightly-doped N-type semiconductor well extending on a lightly-doped P-type semiconductor substrate, the well being laterally delimited by a P-type wall extending down to the substrate, the portion of the well being delimited, vertically, by a heavily-doped N-type area at the limit between the well and the substrate and, horizontally, by a heavily-doped N-type wall. A diode may be placed between a terminal of the resistor and the heavily-doped N-type wall, the cathode of the diode being connected to said terminal.

Diffused integrated resistor

An amplifier having an output stage with a complementary pair of first and second transistors each coupled to an output node of the amplifier; control circuitry arranged to provide a control signal at a control node of the first transistor based on the voltage at an input node of the amplifier; and adjustment circuitry arranged to adjust the control signal to maintain the current through the first transistor above a minimum value.

Amplifying circuit

Adjustment of an operating parameter of an analog electronic circuit is effectuated through a set of adjustment resistances () that can be configured from outside the circuit to modulate the value of resistances (R, R) in the circuit and thus to adjust the value of the parameter. Fusible elements () each associated with one of the said adjustment resistances are selected and activated to configure the resistances of the adjustment device. A combinational logic circuit () receives a control signal as input applied from outside the circuit onto a terminal (C) operates to select one of the fusible elements () as a function of a signal applied thereto.

Device and process for adjustment of an operating parameter of an analog electronic circuit

A device for adjusting an integrated circuit before encapsulation includes a first MOS transistor having a gate and a source connected together, and a body connected to a voltage reference. A first resistor is connected in parallel with the first MOS transistor. A second MOS transistor is connected in series with the first MOS transistor. The second MOS transistor has a gate and a source connected together, and a body connected to the voltage reference. A second resistor is connected in parallel with the second MOS transistor. A first terminal is connected to the source of the first MOS transistor, and a second terminal is connected to the source of the second MOS transistor. The first terminal is accessible externally after the integrated circuit has been encapsulated.

Device for adjusting circuits before encapsulation

A device for controlling a voltage-controlled switch, including two circuits respectively for setting to the high level and for setting to the low level a control terminal of the voltage-controlled switch, one at least of the circuits including a power transistor capable of connecting the control terminal to a high, respectively low voltage, a bipolar control transistor having its emitter, respectively its collector, connected to the control terminal of the power transistor, the base of the control transistor being likely to receive a control current and a first diode connected between a first predetermined voltage smaller than the high voltage, and the base of the control transistor.

Device for controlling high and low levels of a voltage-controlled power switch

An integrated circuit includes an adjustment resistor, and at least one control transistor connected to a first voltage reference. An adjustment element is connected in parallel with the adjustment resistor for adjusting a combined electrical resistance of the adjustment element and the resistor. The adjustment element is connected to the control transistor, and includes a substrate, and a MOS transistor having a source, a drain, and a gate on the substrate. The MOS transistor defines a parasitic bipolar transistor with the substrate. The adjustment element further includes a first resistor connected between the substrate and the source, and a second resistor is connected between the substrate and the drain. A diode is connected in series with the second resistor between the substrate and the drain. The gate and the source of the MOS transistor are connected together with the MOS transistor being broken down so that the adjustable element forms an electrical resistance.

Device for the adjustment of circuits after packaging

A method is provided for controlling a capacitive charge pump. The charge pump is regulated by a regulating voltage when the supply voltage is greater than the regulating voltage. When the supply voltage is less than a triggering voltage, which is less than or equal to the regulating voltage, the charge pump is automatically supplied between the supply voltage and ground. In one preferred method, the charge pump has a first supply terminal connected to the supply voltage and a second supply terminal that is automatically grounded when the supply voltage is less than the triggering voltage. Also provided is a capacitive charge pump device that includes a charge pump having first and second supply terminals, a voltage regulator delivering a regulating voltage, a switch connected between the second supply terminal and ground, and switch control circuitry for automatically controlling the switch. The first supply terminal is connected to a supply voltage and the voltage regulator is connected between the first and second supply terminals. The switch control circuitry opens the switch when the supply voltage is greater than or equal to a triggering voltage, which is less than the regulating voltage, and closes the switch when the supply voltage is less than the triggering voltage.

Capacitive charge pump device and method for controlling the same

A process for forming an electrical resistance in an integrated MOS transistor includes applying a first voltage to the source and gate of the MOS transistor, and applying a second voltage to the drain of the MOS transistor. A prebiasing voltage is applied to the substrate of the MOS transistor to make the base/emitter junction of a parasitic bipolar transistor of the MOS transistor conduct. The first and second voltages are capable of initiating a breakdown of the MOS transistor by an avalanche of the drain/substrate junction, an irreversible breakdown of the drain/substrate junction, and a short circuit between the drain and the source.

Device for the adjustment of circuits after packaging, corresponding fabrication process and induction device

A method is provided for generating a pulse signal with modulable-width pulses. A set-point signal is generated and compared with a control signal so as to produce the pulse signal. When the control signal is a two-state logical signal, a first reference voltage is taken as the set-point signal. When the control signal is a continuous analog voltage, the set-point signal is varied between the first reference voltage and a predetermined second reference voltage, which is higher than the first reference voltage. Also provided is a device for generating a pulse signal with modulable-width pulses. The device includes a set-point signal generator, a control signal generator, and a comparator that outputs the pulse signal. The set-point signal generator includes a first voltage source for generating a first reference voltage, and a second voltage source for generating a second reference voltage, which is higher than the first reference voltage. In a first operating state, the generated set-point signal varies between the two reference voltages, and in a second operating state, the first reference voltage is supplied as the set-point signal. The set-point signal generator is operated in the first operating state when the control signal generator generates a continuous analog voltage as the control signal, and in the second operating state when the control signal generator generates a two-state logical signal as the control signal.

Method and device for generating a pulse signal with modulable-width pulses

The present invention relates to a Vbe/R bias source of the type including a first reference branch, a second output branch, and means of correction of an output current by an error current proportional to the current flowing in the reference branch.

Bias source independent from its supply voltage

This invention relates to a device for protecting a circuit against voltage surges, including a MOS transistor of a first type connected to first and second supply terminals by its source and its drain, respectively; a MOS transistor of a second type connected between the second supply terminal and the gate of the first type transistor, by its source and its drain, respectively; and a capacitor having a first terminal connected to the first supply terminal and a second terminal connected to the gate of the second type transistor.

Growing community of inventors

Saint-Egreve, France

Serge Pontarollo