Patents by Inventor Benjamin R. Gilsdorf
Benjamin R. Gilsdorf 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).
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Patent number: 7440731Abstract: A radio frequency (“RF”) power amplifier circuit as described herein is configured to detect and measure an output load mismatch and to adjust the operating characteristics of the RF power amplifier to reduce output signal distortion. The circuit includes a directional RF signal coupler that obtains a coupled reflected RF signal that is indicative of the output load mismatch. The coupled reflected RF signal is processed to generate one or more bias control signals for the RF power amplifier. In operation, a mismatch condition will result in a measurable coupled reflected RF signal and a corresponding reduction in output power from the RF power amplifier. Ultimately, the output power control mechanism strives to maintain the RF power amplifier within a linear operating range.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Staudinger, Benjamin R. Gilsdorf, David A. Newman, George B. Norris, Gary W. Sadowniczak, Richard E. Sherman
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Patent number: 7301402Abstract: A soft saturation detection circuit for a radio frequency (“RF”) power amplifier is configured to detect the onset of soft saturation in an unambiguous and accurate manner. The circuit compares the time derivative of a voltage signal indicative of the RF output power to the time derivative of a control voltage signal for the RF power amplifier. The circuit also employs a gating mechanism that ensures that a soft saturation indication signal is generated under appropriate operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: George B. Norris, Benjamin R. Gilsdorf, David A. Newman
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Patent number: 7276974Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for protecting radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers. A circuit (10) is provided for limiting a supply current to a first stage (Q3) of the RF power amplifier having a second stage (Q2) coupled to the first stage. The circuit comprises a comparator (14) having first and second inputs and an output, and a switching circuit (12, 20, 22, 24) having an input coupled to the output of the comparator (14) and having an output configured to couple to the first stage (Q3). The first input of the comparator (14) is configured to receive the supply current, and the second input is configured to receive a current supplied to the second stage (Q2). The comparator (14) is configured to compare a ratio of the supply current to the first stage to the current supplied to the second stage (Q2) with a predetermined value. The switching circuit (12, 20, 22, 24) is configured to limit the supply current to the first stage (Q3) when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: David A. Newman, Benjamin R. Gilsdorf, David S. Peckham
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Patent number: 7262667Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power amplification circuit including a power amplifier is provided for preventing breakdown of the power amplifier. The power amplifier includes an input for receiving RF signals and an output for providing amplified RF signals. The RF power amplification circuit also includes a bias circuit coupled to the input of the power amplifier to permit normal operation of the power amplifier when the base current is below a predetermined current threshold and to prevent normal operation of the power amplifier when the base current is above the predetermined current threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin R. Gilsdorf, Gilles Montoriol, David A. Newman, Jacques Trichet
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Publication number: 20040212433Abstract: A power amplifier's base current is biased by a control circuit that produces a linear relationship across varying temperatures and processes. A voltage to current converter controls a voltage follower configured operational amplifier in response to a reference device to drive the voltage and current of the power amplifier. A slope control circuit is coupled to the reference device to limit a maximum power control slope.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Applicant: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: David A. Newman, Benjamin R. Gilsdorf
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Patent number: 6809593Abstract: A power amplifier's base current is biased by a control circuit that produces a linear relationship across varying temperatures and processes. A voltage to current converter controls a voltage follower configured operational amplifier in response to a reference device to drive the voltage and current of the power amplifier. A slope control circuit is coupled to the reference device to limit a maximum power control slope.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: David A. Newman, Benjamin R. Gilsdorf
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Patent number: 6750722Abstract: A power amplifier's base current is biased by a control circuit that produces a linear relationship across varying temperatures and processes. A voltage to current converter controls a voltage follower configured operational amplifier in response to a reference device to drive the voltage and current of the power amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: David A. Newman, Benjamin R. Gilsdorf
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Publication number: 20040000953Abstract: A power amplifier's base current is biased by a control circuit that produces a linear relationship across varying temperatures and processes. A voltage to current converter controls a voltage follower configured operational amplifier in response to a reference device to drive the voltage and current of the power amplifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Inventors: David A. Newman, Benjamin R. Gilsdorf
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Patent number: 6617920Abstract: A linear envelope tracking radio frequency (RF) power amplifier having an adaptive analog signal processing circuit. The amplifier outputs a voltage which is sampled by the adaptive analog signal processing circuit. The adaptive analog signal processing circuit generates an error signal which varies the linearity of the power amplifier. In one embodiment, the error signal controls a modulator which in turn controls the supply voltage to the power amplifier. In another embodiment, the control signal varies a controller which in turn varies a load placed on the power amplifier. The load in turn varies in linearity of the amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Staudinger, David A. Newman, Benjamin R. Gilsdorf
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Patent number: 6600344Abstract: An envelope detector circuit for use in controlling a RF amplifier is provided. The envelope detector circuit includes a first semiconductor device having a first input port that receives a first input signal and a first output port that provides current to charge a capacitor in response to the first input signal. The envelope detector circuit additionally includes a first current drain coupled to the first semiconductor device and the capacitor, where the first current drain conducts current away from the capacitor. The envelope detector circuit further includes a second semiconductor device having a second input port that is set to a biasing voltage and a second output port that is coupled to the first output port of the first semiconductor device.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: David A. Newman, Benjamin R. Gilsdorf
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Publication number: 20020145470Abstract: A linear envelope tracking radio frequency (RF) power amplifier having an adaptive analog signal processing circuit. The amplifier outputs a voltage which is sampled by the adaptive analog signal processing circuit. The adaptive analog signal processing circuit generates an error signal which varies the linearity of the power amplifier. In one embodiment, the error signal controls a modulator which in turn controls the supply voltage to the power amplifier. In another embodiment, the control signal varies a controller which in turn varies a load placed on the power amplifier. The load in turn varies in linearity of the amplifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Joseph Staudinger, David A. Newman, Benjamin R. Gilsdorf
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Patent number: 6407634Abstract: A linear envelope tracking radio frequency (RF) power amplifier having an adaptive analog signal processing circuit. The amplifier outputs a voltage which is sampled by the adaptive analog signal processing circuit. The adaptive analog signal processing circuit generates an error signal which varies the linearity of the power amplifier. In one embodiment, the error signal controls a modulator which in turn controls the supply voltage to the power amplifier. In another embodiment, the control signal varies a controller which in turn varies a load placed on the power amplifier. The load in turn varies in linearity of the amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Staudinger, David A. Newman, Benjamin R. Gilsdorf