Patents Examined by Adolf Danake Berhane
  • Patent number: 6078169
    Abstract: An amplifier (32) is provided which allows for reduced system power dissipation. The amplifier (32) can dynamically draw power from different supply voltages in response to an input voltage signal. The amplifier (32) includes a plurality of complementary transistor pairs (40-46), where each transistor pair is coupled to a respective power supply. Each transistor pair provides output current when the input voltage signal is within a respective predetermined voltage range. This arrangement permits the amplifier (30) to interpolate between the supply voltages to generate a continuous amp output. System power is conserved by selecting the power supply which can most efficiently supply the required current within the voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Petersen