Patents by Inventor Robert C. Dobkin
Robert C. Dobkin 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).
-
Publication number: 20080164853Abstract: Bidirectional power conversion systems provide the ability to change power attributes to and from a component. Current bidirectional power conversion systems use a unidirectional power converter for each direction. The integration of the two normally independent power converters results in a bidirectional power converter with nearly half the size, weight, volume, cost and complexity. Described are embodiments of bidirectional power conversion systems that allow power transfer between two or more components without requiring the use of separate unidirectional power converters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas P. Hack, Robert C. Dobkin
-
Methods and circuits for frequency modulation that reduce the spectral noise of switching regulators
Patent number: 7362191Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and circuits for spread spectrum frequency modulation that reduce peak spectral noise at the outputs or inputs of switching regulators. More specifically, the present invention modulates the operating frequency of the switching regulator in accordance with a frequency modulation waveform having a shape coordinated to a peak noise amplitude waveform that describes the correlation between the operating frequency of a switching regulator and the peak noise amplitude at the regulator's input or output absent spread spectrum frequency modulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Yuhui Chen, Doug LaPorte, Randy Guy Flatness, Robert C. Dobkin -
Patent number: 7348767Abstract: Bidirectional power conversion systems provide the ability to change power attributes to and from a component. Current bidirectional power conversion systems use a unidirectional power converter for each direction. The integration of the two normally independent power converters results in a bidirectional power converter with nearly half the size, weight, volume, cost and complexity. Described are embodiments of bidirectional power conversion systems that allow power transfer between two or more components without requiring the use of separate unidirectional power converters.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Thomas P Hack, Robert C Dobkin
-
Publication number: 20070216380Abstract: Apparatus is configured for producing an output signal indicating an operating status of a monitored circuit. An input signal relating to the monitored circuit is received at an input node. A pulse train generator, coupled to the input node, is configured for generating a pulse train of a prescribed repetition rate at a duty cycle alternated between first and second duty cycle values at a prescribed frequency. The duty cycle and frequency are indicative of operating status of the monitored circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2006Publication date: September 20, 2007Inventors: Thomas P. Hack, Robert C. Dobkin, Alfonso Centuori, Andrew Bishop
-
Patent number: 6894461Abstract: Bidirectional power conversion systems provide the ability to change power attributes to and from a component. Current bidirectional power conversion systems use a unidirectional power converter for each direction. The integration of the two normally independent power converters results in a bidirectional power converter with nearly half the size, weight, volume, cost and complexity. Described are embodiments of bidirectional power conversion systems that allow power transfer between two or more components without requiring the use of separate unidirectional power converters.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Linear Technology Corp.Inventors: Thomas P. Hack, Robert C. Dobkin
-
Patent number: 6636021Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor charging circuit that efficiently charges capacitive loads. In particular, circuits and techniques are preferably provided for using current from both the primary and secondary windings of a transformer to control ON-time and OFF-time of a switch. This arrangement preferably yields an adaptable ON-time and adaptable OFF-time switch that is capable of rapidly charging capacitor loads ranging from as low as zero volts to several hundred volts. The output voltage is preferably measured indirectly to prevent unnecessary power consumption. In addition, control circuitry can be provided to conserve power by ceasing the delivery of power to the capacitor load once the desired output voltage is reached. Control circuitry preferably operates an interrogation timer that periodically activates the power delivery cycle to maintain the capacitor output load in a constant state of readiness.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventors: Jeffrey Schenkel, Albert M. Wu, Robert C. Dobkin, Steven M. Pietkiewicz
-
Publication number: 20030090240Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor charging circuit that efficiently charges capacitive loads. In particular, circuits and techniques are preferably provided for using current from both the primary and secondary windings of a transformer to control ON-time and OFF-time of a switch. This arrangement preferably yields an adaptable ON-time and adaptable OFF-time switch that is capable of rapidly charging capacitor loads ranging from as low as zero volts to several hundred volts. The output voltage is preferably measured indirectly to prevent unnecessary power consumption. In addition, control circuitry can be provided to conserve power by ceasing the delivery of power to the capacitor load once the desired output voltage is reached. Control circuitry preferably operates an interrogation timer that periodically activates the power delivery cycle to maintain the capacitor output load in a constant state of readiness.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Applicant: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Schenkel, Albert M. Wu, Robert C. Dobkin, Steven M. Pietkiewicz
-
Patent number: 6518733Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor charging circuit that efficiently charges capacitive loads. In particular, circuits and techniques are preferably provided for using current from both the primary and secondary windings of a transformer to control ON-time and OFF-time of a switch. This arrangement preferably yields an adaptable ON-time and adaptable OFF-time switch that is capable of rapidly charging capacitor loads ranging from as low as zero volts to several hundred volts. The output voltage is preferably measured indirectly to prevent unnecessary power consumption. In addition, control circuitry can be provided to conserve power by ceasing the delivery of power to the capacitor load once the desired output voltage is reached. Control circuitry preferably operates an interrogation timer that periodically activates the power delivery cycle to maintain the capacitor output load in a constant state of readiness.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Schenkel, Albert M. Wu, Robert C. Dobkin, Steven M. Pietkiewicz
-
Patent number: 6501329Abstract: Adaptive filters are presented that dynamically adjust the level of filtering of signals output from a sigma-delta or noise-shaping pulse code modulator RMS-to-DC converter to efficiently remove noise to improve accuracy without unduly increasing conversion response time. The level of filtering is adjusted in accordance with criteria responsive to either input signal changes (e.g., variance), input signal frequency, or both. Filtering can be analog or digital.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Joseph G. Petrofsky, Robert C. Dobkin
-
Patent number: 5945728Abstract: A capacitor is provided including first and second electrodes formed from portions of the lead frame structure used in conventional integrated circuit packaging. The electrodes are encapsulated with dielectric molding material which provides dielectric insulation between the electrodes. A low power capacitively-coupled digital isolator circuit is also provided. The circuit employs a pair of the lead frame capacitors of the present invention and includes differential driver and receiver circuits. The receiver can also include an optional filter for increasing noise and glitch immunity.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Robert C. Dobkin, Robert L. Reay
-
Patent number: 5929620Abstract: Switching regulator circuits and methods are provided in which a voltage controlled oscillator circuit (VCO) is utilized to produce signals that turn ON a switch circuit. The VCO is itself controlled by a phase detector circuit that compares the output of the VCO to an external synchronization signal and locks the VCO to the external synchronization signal. The switching regulator circuits also include a slope compensation circuit that derives a slope compensation signal from an oscillator ramp signal produced by the VCO. The slope compensation signal is used to modify turning the switch circuit OFF when the duty cycle of the switch circuit exceeds a predetermined value. An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes a signal generation circuit in place of the phase detector circuit. The signal generation circuit applies a waveform to the VCO to vary the voltage oscillator circuit frequency, which causes a reduction in the amplitude of noise generated by the switching regulator circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1996Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Robert C. Dobkin, Milton E. Wilcox
-
Patent number: 5926358Abstract: A capacitor is provided including first and second electrodes formed from portions of the lead frame structure used in conventional integrated circuit packaging. The electrodes are encapsulated with dielectric molding material which provides dielectric insulation between the electrodes. A low power capacitively-coupled digital isolator circuit is also provided. The circuit employs a pair of the lead frame capacitors of the present invention and includes differential driver and receiver circuits. The receiver can also include an optional filter for increasing noise and glitch immunity.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1995Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Robert C. Dobkin, Robert L. Reay
-
Patent number: 5731731Abstract: Switching regulator circuits and methods are provided in which the output circuit is adaptable to maintain high efficiency over various load current levels. The regulator circuits generate one or more control signals in response to the load current and selectively route a switch driver control signal to one or more switches in the output circuit. The switches differ in their size, such that the most efficient switch can be used at a particular load current level. At low load current levels, the driver control signal is routed to output circuitry with smaller switch devices, which incur smaller driver current losses for a given frequency of operation, thereby increasing the regulator efficiency. At high load current levels, the driver control signal is routed to large switch devices, which incur greater driver current losses for a given frequency of operation, but which have a lower impedance.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1997Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Milton E. Wilcox, Robert C. Dobkin, Carl T. Nelson
-
Patent number: 5650357Abstract: A capacitor is provided including first and second electrodes formed from portions of the lead frame structure used in conventional integrated circuit packaging. The electrodes are encapsulated with dielectric molding material which provides dielectric insulation between the electrodes. A low power capacitively-coupled digital isolator circuit is also provided. The circuit employs a pair of the lead frame capacitors of the present invention and includes differential driver and receiver circuits. The receiver can also include an optional filter for increasing noise and glitch immunity.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Robert C. Dobkin, Robert L. Reay
-
Patent number: 5589709Abstract: A capacitor is provided including first and second electrodes formed from portions of the lead frame structure used in conventional integrated circuit packaging. The electrodes are encapsulated with dielectric molding material which provides dielectric insulation between the electrodes. A low power capacitively-coupled digital isolator circuit is also provided. The circuit employs a pair of the lead frame capacitors of the present invention and includes differential driver and receiver circuits. The receiver can also include an optional filter for increasing noise and glitch immunity.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Linear Technology Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Dobkin, Robert L. Reay
-
Patent number: 5485109Abstract: A three terminal control circuit for a low dropout voltage regulator having a PNP pass transistor is provided. The control circuit is capable of pulling the base-drive point down to a voltage of 3.0 volts or less to permit a current limiting resistor to be inserted between the base drive point and the base of the PNP pass transistor. The control circuit includes a pair of small-valued capacitors for providing stable operation with different output capacitors. The control circuit can also be used with p-channel FET pass transistors.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Robert C. Dobkin, Carl T. Nelson, Dennis P. O'Neill
-
Patent number: 5444600Abstract: A capacitor is provided including first and second electrodes formed from portions of the lead frame structure used in conventional integrated circuit packaging. The electrodes are encapsulated with dielectric molding material which provides dielectric insulation between the electrodes. A low power capacitively-coupled digital isolator circuit is also provided. The circuit employs a pair of the lead frame capacitors of the present invention and includes differential driver and receiver circuits. The receiver can also include an optional filter for increasing noise and glitch immunity.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1992Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Robert C. Dobkin, Robert L. Reay
-
Patent number: 5334928Abstract: A three terminal control circuit for a low dropout voltage regulator having a PNP pass transistor is provided. The control circuit is capable of pulling the base drive point down to a voltage of 3.0 volts or less to permit a current limiting resistor to be inserted between the base drive point and the base of the PNP pass transistor. The control circuit includes a pair of small-valued capacitors for providing stable operation with different output capacitors. The control circuit can also be used with p-channel FET pass transistors.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1993Date of Patent: August 2, 1994Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Robert C. Dobkin, Carl T. Nelson, Dennis P. O'Neill
-
Patent number: 5274323Abstract: A three terminal control circuit for a low dropout voltage regulator having a PNP pass transistor is provided. The control circuit is capable of pulling the base drive point down to a voltage of 3.0 volts or less to permit a current limiting resistor to be inserted between the base drive point and the base of the PNP pass transistor. The control circuit includes a pair of small-valued capacitors for providing stable operation with different output capacitors. The control circuit can also be used with p-channel FET pass transistors.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1991Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Robert C. Dobkin, Carl T. Nelson, Dennis P. O'Neill
-
Patent number: RE34821Abstract: A high speed BIFET junction field effect transistor is formed in an epitaxial layer of one conductivity type and includes source and drain regions of opposite conductivity type interconnected by a thin channel region of the opposite conductivity type. A thin surface layer of the one conductivity type is formed over the channel region, and a highly conductive contact is formed on the surface layer intermediate the source and drain regions. The surface contact can comprise highly doped polycrystalline silicon material with a metal layer on the surface thereof. The surface contact and the epitaxial layer underlying the channel region comprise gates for the field effect transistor. Increased speed of operation comes from the increased conductivity of the surface contact.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1993Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Wadie N. Khadder, James P. Vokac, Robert C. Dobkin