METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING INTERIM VOLTAGE SUPPLIES

Title:

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING INTERIM VOLTAGE SUPPLIES

Document Type and Number:

WIPO Patent Application WO2003073593

Kind Code:

A3

Abstract:

Methods and systems of a voltage generator(100) for protecting integrated circuits (ICs) from power-on sequencing problems provide an interim voltage during power-on sequences in order to prevent over-voltage conditions across IC(120) terminals. Voltages at first and second terminals of a circuit are monitored, and an interim voltage to the second terminal is provided when the voltage at the first terminal exceeds a first threshold and a voltage at the second terminal is below a second threshold. The interim voltage protects the circuit from excessive voltage differences across the first and second terminals during power-on sequences, and is deactivated during normal operation so as not to draw excessive current. The method/system helps to insure that multi-supply dependent logic and/or other circuitry does not receive inappropriate voltage levels, and thus helps to insure that lower voltage level based circuitry is not damaged during power-up, transients, and/or glitches.

Inventors:

AJIT JANARDHANAN S

Application Number:

PCT/US2003/004865

Publication Date:

November 20, 2003

Filing Date:

February 21, 2003

Export Citation:

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Assignee:

BROADCOM CORP (US)

International Classes:

H03K3/356; H03K17/22; (IPC1-7): H02J1/00

Foreign References:

US20030038666A1	2003-02-27
US6160430A	2000-12-12
US5742465A	1998-04-21

Other References: