Method, system and apparatus for determining that a programming voltage level is sufficient for reliably programming an eeprom

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6166960
SERIAL NO

09405450

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

See full text

An electronic system, comprising a digital processor and an EEPROM, has circuit logic and program software or firmware for determining if a programming voltage level is sufficient for reliably programming the EEPROM. A charge pump is enabled and generates a voltage used for programming of the EEPROM. The enabled charge pump thereby loads a battery power supply. In addition, a test load may be connected to the output of the charge pump to simulate the EEPROM load during a programming operation to the EEPROM. The charge pump output voltage is measured to determine if at least a desired voltage value is obtained. Once the charge pump voltage level has been pre-qualified for the desired voltage value, an actual programming operation to the EEPROM may be performed. If the voltage level does not reach the desired value then a programming operation is inhibited and the electronic system may alarm or shut down operation. The charge pump voltage level is a good indication and measure of battery charge condition under actual EEPROM programming load conditions.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

See full text

Family

Loading Family data... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED2355 WEST CHANDLER BLVD CHANDLER AS 85224

International Classification(s)

  • [Classification Symbol]
  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Chen, Meiling Tempe, AZ 4 103
Marneweck, Willem J Tempe, AZ 8 388
Smit, Willem Chandler, AZ 22 463

Cited Art Landscape

Load Citation

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cite Landscape

Load Citation