Low power circuit for detecting a slow changing input

Details Low power circuit for detecting a slow changing input Low power circuit for detecting a slow changing input

1994-07-07

2000-02-29

Ton, My-Trang Nu

Miscellaneous active electrical nonlinear devices, circuits, and

Signal converting, shaping, or generating

Amplitude control

327210, H03K 17687

Patent

active

060314079

ABSTRACT:
A constant current source is used to provide a constant current to set a delay which defines the period of the output of the oscillator. The delay is preferably set by charging a capacitor with the constant current. Because the current is independent of variations in V.sub.CC and temperature, the capacitor will charge for a given period. Therefore, the frequency or period of oscillation will also be fixed and independent of variation in V.sub.CC or temperature. A current limiting circuit and latch are provided to generate an output which will be transmitted through one or a series of inverters. In an alternate embodiment, a differential amplifier is provided between the delay circuit and the current limiting circuit. This differential amplifier is typically needed in a case where VCC is not well-controlled to provide an output signal which has an appropriate voltage. A method of generating an oscillating output for refreshing a DRAM and a method for refreshing a DRAM are also disclosed.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4135230 (1979-01-01), Oura
patent: 4370628 (1983-01-01), Henderson et al.
patent: 4495425 (1985-01-01), McKenzie
patent: 4553132 (1985-11-01), Dingwall et al.
patent: 4595844 (1986-06-01), Shen
patent: 4734656 (1988-03-01), Miller
patent: 4988893 (1991-01-01), Bonneau et al.
patent: 4999814 (1991-03-01), Hashimoto
patent: 5034623 (1991-07-01), McAdams
patent: 5041738 (1991-08-01), Walters, Jr.
patent: 5087834 (1992-02-01), Tsay
patent: 5099148 (1992-03-01), McClure et al.
patent: 5132563 (1992-07-01), Fujii et al.
patent: 5173623 (1992-12-01), Chau et al.
patent: 5311084 (1994-05-01), Gabara
patent: 5315230 (1994-05-01), Cordoba et al.
Zhu, "Ultrastable Integrated CMOS Oscillator," International Journal of Electronics, vol. 70, No. 2, pp. 433-444, February 1991, London, GB.
Abstract of Japanese patent document JP 22046088, Dec. 20, 1990.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Low power circuit for detecting a slow changing input does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Low power circuit for detecting a slow changing input, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Low power circuit for detecting a slow changing input will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-686526