Patents by Inventor Christopher Umminger

Christopher Umminger has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8022679
    Abstract: A switching circuit approximating the fast switching characteristics and small forward voltage drop of an ideal diode is provided. The switching circuit may include a voltage multiplier circuit, a reservoir capacitor and a pull up switch configured to be coupled to the control terminal of a semiconductor switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pinkesh Sachdev, Christopher Umminger
  • Patent number: 7920013
    Abstract: A switching circuit configured to reduce the effects of signal oscillation on the operation of the switching circuit is provided. The switching circuit may include signal oscillation and detection circuitry that suppresses control signals during a detected oscillation, allowing stored energy to naturally decay in the switching circuit and thereby prevent unwanted extension of the oscillation that may be caused by the repeated switching of a semiconductor element coupled between the input and output of the switching circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pinkesh Sachdev, Christopher Umminger
  • Publication number: 20090261898
    Abstract: A switching circuit configured to reduce the effects of signal oscillation on the operation of the switching circuit is provided. The switching circuit may include signal oscillation and detection circuitry that suppresses control signals during a detected oscillation, allowing stored energy to naturally decay in the switching circuit and thereby prevent unwanted extension of the oscillation that may be caused by the repeated switching of a semiconductor element coupled between the input and output of the switching circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Pinkesh Sachdev, Christopher Umminger
  • Publication number: 20090261798
    Abstract: A switching circuit approximating the fast switching characteristics and small forward voltage drop of an ideal diode is provided. The switching circuit may include a voltage multiplier circuit, a reservoir capacitor and a pull up switch configured to be coupled to the control terminal of a semiconductor switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Pinkesh Sachdev, Christopher Umminger
  • Publication number: 20070069705
    Abstract: Circuits and methods to correct the load sharing in multiphase switching regulators are provided. Using these systems and methods, the input capacitor voltage signal can be sampled and used for current sensing of the regulator's stages. Differences in the amount of output current for a converter stage can then be determined. Corrections needed to equalize the output current of the converter stages can then be determined and carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Umminger
  • Publication number: 20060227478
    Abstract: A method of and system for controlling the inrush current generated in a MOSFET of an inrush current control system, wherein the MOSFET includes a source, gate and drain. The dV/dt at the drain of the MOSFET is controlled so as to set the inrush current level as a function of dV/dt, independent of current limit without requiring a separate capacitor connected between the gate and drain of the MOSFET so that the MOSFET can turn on and off more quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: James Herr, Zhizhong Hou, Christopher Umminger
  • Publication number: 20050242798
    Abstract: Circuits and methods to correct the load sharing in multiphase switching regulators are provided. Using these systems and methods, the input capacitor voltage signal can be sampled and used for current sensing of the regulator's stages. Differences in the amount of output current for a converter stage can then be determined. Corrections needed to equalize the output current of the converter stages can then be determined and carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Inventor: Christopher Umminger
  • Patent number: 6897717
    Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and circuits for mirroring input current in multiple stages to improve the accuracy of the mirrored output current over a wide dynamic range of input current. The current mirror circuit of the present invention automatically (1) detects an increasing magnitude of input current and (2) adapts the current mirror circuit to accommodate the increasing magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Eddleman, Christopher Umminger
  • Publication number: 20050001602
    Abstract: Methods for synchronizing non-constant frequency switching regulators with a phase locked loop are disclosed. The methods enable non-constant frequency switching regulators to be synchronized with a phase locked loop to achieve constant frequency operation in steady state while retaining the advantages of non-frequency operation to improve transient response and operate over a wider range of duty cycles. In addition, the methods enable multiple non-constant frequency regulators to be synchronized and operated in parallel to deliver higher power levels to the output than a single switching regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicant: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Umminger, Randy Flatness