Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

William C Singleton

Scott C Willis

Richard J Ferguson

Richard Brosh

Russell Buchanan

Techniques are provided for non-volatile detection of an overvoltage condition in a circuit of interest. A circuit implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a fuse configured to provide a non-volatile indication of an overvoltage event, the indication associated with an open state of the fuse. The circuit also includes a voltage controlled current switch coupled in series to the fuse. The voltage controlled current switch is configured to enable current flow through the fuse in response to a supply voltage exceeding a threshold value associated with the overvoltage event. The current causes the fuse to switch from a closed state to an open state providing a non-volatile record of the overvoltage event. In some embodiments, the voltage controlled current switch can be a Zener diode with a breakdown voltage based on the threshold value, or a transistor configured to switch into conducting mode at the threshold value.

Non-volatile overvoltage detector

A method for dealing with high inrush current when voltage is applied to mixed voltage logic integrated circuits is disclosed. A depletion N-Channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) or junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET) is added to a linear voltage regulator in mixed voltage logic integrated circuits. The Field Effect Transistor (FET) is utilized to allow the core voltage to come up with Input/Output voltage prior to turn-on of linear voltage regulator. Turn-on state of FET allows the core voltage to rise with Input/Output voltage until the FET threshold is reached across the gate. When threshold is reached, the FET turns off to allow linear voltage regulator turn on and take over supply power.

Coincident tracking turn-on for mixed voltage logic

An electromagnetic protection ASIC that includes a high transconductance FET switch array operatively arranged to momentarily short all lines of ingress/egress to ground when triggered by a nuclear event detector.

Growing community of inventors

Manassas, VA, United States of America

William C Singleton