Various systems may benefit from interfaces for handling multiple types of inputs. For example, a device with a trigger input from an external device may benefit from an isolated logic level trigger that is capable of addressing multiple types and values of voltage. An apparatus can include an input configured to receive an external trigger input signal having a trigger input voltage. The apparatus can also include circuitry configured to automatically adjust the trigger input voltage to a value configured to be compatible with a provided attached system. A working range of the trigger input voltage can exceed a compatible working range of the provided attached system.

Methods and systems include constructing and operating a semiconductor device with a mid-band dopant layer. In various implementations, carriers that are optically excited in a mid-band dopant region may provide injection currents that may reduce transition times and increase achievable operating frequency in a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). In various implementations, carriers that are optically excited in a mid-band dopant region within a thyristor may improve closure transition time, effective current spreading velocity, and maximum rate of current rise.

Methods and systems include constructing and operating a semiconductor device with a mid-band dopant layer. In various implementations, carriers that are optically excited in a mid-band dopant region may provide injection currents that may reduce transition times and increase achievable operating frequency in a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). In various implementations, carriers that are optically excited in a mid-band dopant region within a thyristor may improve closure transition time, effective current spreading velocity, and maximum rate of current rise.

There is provided an electronic device comprising: a plurality of switching elements connected to a power supply; a plurality of specific information storage units provided for the corresponding switching elements and configured to store specific information of respective corresponding switching elements; a processing unit configured to control the switching elements; and a communication line disposed between the specific information storage units and the processing unit, through which the specific information of the respective switching elements is sent from the specific information storage units to the processing unit.

There is provided an electronic device comprising: a plurality of switching elements connected to a power supply; a plurality of specific information storage units provided for the corresponding switching elements and configured to store specific information of respective corresponding switching elements; a processing unit configured to control the switching elements; and a communication line disposed between the specific information storage units and the processing unit, through which the specific information of the respective switching elements is sent from the specific information storage units to the processing unit.

Disclosed is a large-range input circuit for digital signals in the range of extra-low voltage signals of 120 V and in the range of low voltage signals of <1500 V, said input circuit comprising series-connected Zener diodes that are polarized in the reverse direction, each one defining at least one switching threshold in the range of the extra-low voltage signals or in the range of the low voltage signals, and can be selected to be active by not being bridged, wherein a respective auxiliary optocoupler, which can be controlled by a microprocessor, is used to bridge the inactive Zener diode.

A logic inverter with over-current protection, according to one embodiment, includes: a transistor, an input signal line coupled to a gate terminal of the transistor or a base region of the transistor, an output signal line coupled to a drain terminal of the transistor or a collector region of the transistor, a power supply line coupled to the drain terminal of the transistor or a collector region of the transistor, a pull up resistor between a power supply and one of: the drain terminal of the transistor and the collector region of the transistor, and a feedback resistor between ground and one of: a source terminal of the transistor and an emitter region of the transistor. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

A logic inverter with over-current protection, according to one embodiment, includes: a transistor, an input signal line coupled to a gate terminal of the transistor or a base region of the transistor, an output signal line coupled to a drain terminal of the transistor or a collector region of the transistor, a power supply line coupled to the drain terminal of the transistor or a collector region of the transistor, a pull up resistor between a power supply and one of: the drain terminal of the transistor and the collector region of the transistor, and a feedback resistor between ground and one of: a source terminal of the transistor and an emitter region of the transistor. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

A keyboard key structure comprising a key stem, a contact-based mechanical trigger, and a contactless analog key switch. The key stem is configured to be depressed and move along a linear path over a range of operation. The contact-based mechanical trigger is configured to activate after the key stem is depressed a threshold distance in the range of operation. In response to the contact-based mechanical trigger activating, the contactless analog key switch is configured to detect, at a sample rate, a position of the key stem between the threshold distance and an end of the range of operation after the key stem is depressed. The contact-based mechanical trigger can be a galvanic-type key switch. The contactless analog key switch can be one of an optical key switch, a magnetic key switch, or an inductive key switch.