Devices and methods for auto-tuning a tunable circuit based on a frequency of operation of the tunable circuit using a clocked frequency detector circuit are described. The clocked frequency detector uses a readily available clock signal to drive a counter circuit to provide an indication of the frequency of operation of the tunable circuit. The tunable circuit, including the clocked frequency detector, can be integrated within a same chip that is autonomously configurable based on the frequency of operation and the readily available clock.

There is provided a method, including obtaining information indicating at least one reference characteristic; obtaining input data, the input data relating to the output of the tunable filter; determining, based on the input data, at least one characteristic of the tunable filter; upon detecting that the at least one determined characteristic does not match with the at least one reference characteristic, determining tuning instructions for the tunable filter; and applying the tuning instructions in adjusting the tunable filter.

There is provided a method, including obtaining information indicating at least one reference characteristic; obtaining input data, the input data relating to the output of the tunable filter; determining, based on the input data, at least one characteristic of the tunable filter; upon detecting that the at least one determined characteristic does not match with the at least one reference characteristic, determining tuning instructions for the tunable filter; and applying the tuning instructions in adjusting the tunable filter.

There is provided a method, including obtaining information indicating at least one reference characteristic; obtaining input data, the input data relating to the output of the tunable filter; determining, based on the input data, at least one characteristic of the tunable filter; upon detecting that the at least one determined characteristic does not match with the at least one reference characteristic, determining tuning instructions for the tunable filter; and applying the tuning instructions in adjusting the tunable filter.

There is provided a method, including obtaining information indicating at least one reference characteristic; obtaining input data, the input data relating to the output of the tunable filter; determining, based on the input data, at least one characteristic of the tunable filter; upon detecting that the at least one determined characteristic does not match with the at least one reference characteristic, determining tuning instructions for the tunable filter; and applying the tuning instructions in adjusting the tunable filter.

A peak current evaluation apparatus for an IC is provided. The peak current evaluation apparatus includes a pulse tuner and a testing circuit. The pulse tuner receives a clock signal, adjusts pulse width and duty ratio of the clock signal according to at least one predetermined parameter in order to generate a pulse signal with a stress voltage. The testing circuit is coupled to the pulse tuner. The testing circuit, which includes two input ports, receives the pulse signal at one of the two input ports in order to stress a testing device, measures the resistance value of the testing device, and calculates the peak current of the testing device when the resistance value increases and exceeds a threshold value.

A peak current evaluation apparatus for an IC is provided. The peak current evaluation apparatus includes a pulse tuner and a testing circuit. The pulse tuner receives a clock signal, adjusts pulse width and duty ratio of the clock signal according to at least one predetermined parameter in order to generate a pulse signal with a stress voltage. The testing circuit is coupled to the pulse tuner. The testing circuit, which includes two input ports, receives the pulse signal at one of the two input ports in order to stress a testing device, measures the resistance value of the testing device, and calculates the peak current of the testing device when the resistance value increases and exceeds a threshold value.

A PoDL system includes a PSE connected via a wire pair to a PD, where differential data and DC power are transmitted over the same wire pair. Typically, low voltage/current detection and classification routines are required upon every powering up of the system to allow the PD to convey its PoDL requirements to the PSE. Various techniques are described that simplify or obviate such start-up routines or enable increased flexibility for the PoDL system. Such techniques include: ways to specify a particular PD operating voltage; ways to disable the PD's UVLO circuit during such routines; using opposite polarity voltages for the two routines; using voltage limiters or surge protectors to convey the PoDL information; detecting loop resistance; using a PSE memory to store previous results of the routines; and powering the PD communication circuit using the wire pair while the PD load is powered by an alternate power source.

A calibration method, a calibration apparatus, and a program capable of estimating a degree of signal loss of an input signal supplied to an oscillator are provided. The calibration method includes: outputting an input signal to be input to an oscillator to be calibrated that includes a resonator and performs parametric oscillation, from a signal generator connected to the resonator via a transmission path while sweeping a frequency or a power of this input signal; acquiring distribution data of an intensity of a reflection signal based on measurement of the intensity of the reflection signal from the oscillator in response to the input signal; and estimating a degree of signal loss by comparing the distribution data acquired by the measurement with the distribution data theoretically obtained in which a value of the degree of the signal loss of the transmission path is assumed.

A calibration method, a calibration apparatus, and a program capable of estimating a degree of signal loss of an input signal supplied to an oscillator are provided. The calibration method includes: outputting an input signal to be input to an oscillator to be calibrated that includes a resonator and performs parametric oscillation, from a signal generator connected to the resonator via a transmission path while sweeping a frequency or a power of this input signal; acquiring distribution data of an intensity of a reflection signal based on measurement of the intensity of the reflection signal from the oscillator in response to the input signal; and estimating a degree of signal loss by comparing the distribution data acquired by the measurement with the distribution data theoretically obtained in which a value of the degree of the signal loss of the transmission path is assumed.