Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in power amplifiers where multiple parallel power amplifiers provide various output power levels. By selectively enabling and disabling the parallel power amplifiers and combining their outputs, a desired output power can be realized, while choosing a combination of power amplifiers that provide a high efficiency.

Abstract: A method and system is provided relating to the production of ethanol or other renewable bio-fuels on a mass, large scale basis while maintaining a positive energy balance. In one example, the present invention relates to a system and method for the mass manufacture of fuel, fuel stock, or fuel additives by using dry or drying up hydrocarbon wells as a heat source in the manufacturing process. In one example, the distillation column is constructed from dried up oil wells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides metronomes capable of wireless synchronization with other similar metronomes. A metronome includes a tactile device capable of conveying the tempo and beat to a user without the use of sound. In one example, one of the metronomes is used as a lead unit (for example, controlled by a band leader or conductor) and transmits control signals to the other metronomes. This allows multiple musicians in an orchestra, or similar music ensemble, to each have a metronome that is synchronized with other metronomes and shares a common tempo and beat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in combustion system for capturing gas phase pollutants such as SO3. In one example, the invention uses a computer model to model the combustion system. Particles are injected into the combustion system to capture the gas phase pollutants. The model is used to determine the injection location, as well as the size and amount of the particles to be injected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in producing high-pressure hydrogen from natural gas, methanol, ethanol, or other fossil fuel-derived and renewable hydrocarbon resources. The process can produce hydrogen at pressure ranging from 2000 to 12,000 pounds per square inch (psi) using a hydrogen feedstock (16, 18) high pressure water (12, 18), and an appropriate catalyst. Following making and heating in preheater (14), the catalyst reacts with the hydrogen feedstock (16, 18) and high pressure water (12, 18) in a catalytic reformer (20) maintained under desired temperature and pressure conditions. Reformate products exit reformer (200) and flow into condenser (22), in which water and a portion of the carbon dioxide product are condensed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use with a power amplifier to provide a regulated supply to the power amplifier. The invention uses a combination of voltage and current regulation to overcome the problems encountered in the prior art. In one example, voltage regulation is used at high power levels, while current regulation is used at low power levels.

Abstract: In a power amplifier, a serial bus interface is provided for sending and receiving information to other devices, such as a baseband controller. The power amplifier includes several control pins that can be used as a serial interface, or alternately, with a direct pin control interface. The power amplifier uses various techniques to address noise problems related to the use of a serial bus with a power amplifier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides techniques for electrically isolating switching devices in a stacked RF power amplifier, which prevents the switching devices from being subjected to high breakdown voltages. The isolation provided allows the power amplifier to be implemented on an integrated circuit.

Abstract: In a power amplifier, a serial bus interface is provided for sending and receiving information to other devices, such as a baseband controller. The power amplifier includes several control pins that can be used as a serial interface, or alternately, with a direct pin control interface. The serial bus interface can be used with digital power control techniques that provide various advantages over conventional power amplifiers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for dynamically changing the biasing conditions of a voltage regulator to overcome the problems caused by various conditions. The invention includes a detector and a bias control circuit for applying bias current to the voltage regulator to compensate for a detected condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides an input structure for a power amplifier. In one example, the input structure has an input network and a predriver circuit to provide an input signal to the power amplifier. The input network includes a transformer for helping to maintain a constant input impedance. The predriver includes a limiting amplifier that provides isolation between the power amplifier and the RF input. A DC feedback circuit is used by the predriver that maintains the DC level of the inverters to a desired level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides an input structure for a power amplifier. In one example, the input structure has an input network and a predriver circuit to provide an input signal to the power amplifier. The input network includes a transformer for helping to maintain a constant input impedance. The predriver includes a limiting amplifier that provides isolation between the power amplifier and the RF input. A DC feedback circuit is used by the predriver that maintains the DC level of the inverters to a desired level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use with a power amplifier for protecting active devices on the power amplifier. A peak detector is used by control circuitry to detect the presence of a peak voltage that exceeds a threshold voltage. In response to the detection of a peak voltage, the gain of the power amplifier is reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reducing interference in circuits. A management strategy is provided to reduce reference spurs and interference in circuits. The management strategy uses a combination of one or more techniques which reduce the digital current, minimize mutual inductance, utilize field cancellation, prevent leakage current, and/or manage impedance. These techniques may be used alone, or preferably, used on combination with one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relates to systems powered by energy stored in capacitors. The capacitors may be charged using any desired power source. The system does not require batteries, which increases the reliability and life span of the system. In one example, an automatic feeder system uses the combination of solar panels and a capacitive network to power the feeder system indefinitely with minimal required maintenance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is used to provide DC stabilization and noise reduction in a multistage power amplifier. The invention uses various feedback techniques to stabilize DC levels, which helps to reduce noise. The invention also uses other techniques to reduce noise, and to reduce the noise transfer function in a power amplifier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in power amplifiers for reducing the peak voltage that transistors are subjected to. A power amplifier is provided with first and second switching devices and an inductor connected between the switching devices. The switching devices are driven such that the switching devices are turned on and off during the same time intervals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides techniques for electrically isolating switching devices in a stacked RF power amplifier, which prevents the switching devices from being subjected to high breakdown voltages. The isolation provided allows the power amplifier to be implemented on an integrated circuit.