Patents by Inventor David B. Rutledge

David B. Rutledge 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: 8073392
    Abstract: The invention is a radio transmitter that includes an antenna having at least one driven element and at least one reflector element. The driven element is electrically coupled to a radio carrier source. At least one of the driven elements or the at least one reflector element, includes at least one switch to modulate the radio carrier. Also, a secure communication system includes a radio transmitter configured to transmit a modulated signal within an information beam width. Also, a method for modulating a radio signal includes the steps of causing the transmitted carrier signal to be modulated by the modulation signal in response to switching the at least one reflector switch. Also, a method for selecting desirable antenna reflector switch combinations includes performing a mathematical simulation to determine whether the combination of reflector switch positions results in a modulated signal that can be demodulated within an information beam width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Aydin Babakhani, David B. Rutledge, Seyed Ali Hajimiri
  • Publication number: 20090002071
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a distributed power amplifier topology and device that efficiently and economically enhances the power output of an RF signal to be amplified. The power amplifier comprises a plurality of push-pull amplifiers interconnected in a novel circular geometry that preferably function as a first winding of an active transformer having signal inputs of adjacent amplification devices driven with an input signal of equal magnitude and opposite phase. The topology also discloses the use of a secondary winding that matches the geometry of primary winding and variations thereof that serve to efficiently combine the power of the individual power amplifiers. The novel architecture enables the design of low-cost, fully-integrated, high-power amplifiers in the RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Ichiro Aoki, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, David B. Rutledge, Scott David Kee
  • Patent number: 7075371
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a distributed power amplifier topology and device that efficiently and economically enhances the power output of an RF signal to be amplified. The power amplifier comprises a plurality of push-pull amplifiers interconnected in a novel circular geometry that preferably function as a first winding of an active transformer having signal inputs of adjacent amplification devices driven with an input signal of equal magnitude and opposite phase. The topology also discloses the use of a secondary winding that matches the geometry of primary winding and variations thereof that serve to efficiently combine the power of the individual power amplifiers. The novel architecture enables the design of low-cost, fully-integrated, high-power amplifiers in the RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ichiro Aoki, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, David B. Rutledge, Scott David Kee
  • Patent number: 6930556
    Abstract: A system for amplifying a signal is provided. The system includes a wave guide and an active loop amplifier disposed in the wave guide. The active loop amplifier receives the signal and generates a magnetic field in response to the signal, such as one that couples to the propagating mode of the wave guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: David B. Rutledge, James Rosenberg, Ichiro Aoki, Scott D. Kee, Michael P. DeLisio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6816012
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a distributed power amplifier topology and device that efficiently and economically enhances the power output of an RF signal to be amplified. The power amplifier comprises a plurality of push-pull amplifiers interconnected in a novel circular geometry that preferably function as a first winding of an active transformer having signal inputs of adjacent amplification devices driven with an input signal of equal magnitude and opposite phase. The topology also discloses the use of a secondary winding that matches the geometry of primary winding and variations thereof that serve to efficiently combine the power of the individual power amplifiers. The novel architecture enables the design of low-cost, fully-integrated, high-power amplifiers in the RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ichiro Aoki, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, David B. Rutledge, Scott David Kee
  • Patent number: 6784732
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new family of switching amplifier classes called “class E/F amplifiers.” These amplifiers are generally characterized by their use of the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) phase correction technique to eliminate of the loss normally associated with the inherent capacitance of the switching device as utilized in class-E amplifiers, together with a load network for improved voltage and current wave-shaping by presenting class-F−1 impedances at selected overtones and class-E impedances at the remaining overtones. The present invention discloses a several topologies and specific circuit implementations for achieving such performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Ichiro Aoki, David B. Rutledge, Scott David Kee
  • Publication number: 20040113689
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new family of switching amplifier classes called “class E/F amplifiers.” These amplifiers are generally characterized by their use of the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) phase correction technique to eliminate of the loss normally associated with the inherent capacitance of the switching device as utilized in class-E amplifiers, together with a load network for improved voltage and current wave-shaping by presenting class-F−1 impedances at selected overtones and class-E impedances at the remaining overtones. The present invention discloses a several topologies and specific circuit implementations for achieving such performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Ichiro Aoki, David B. Rutledge, Scott David Kee
  • Patent number: 6737948
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a distributed power amplifier topology and device that efficiently and economically enhances the power output of an RF signal to be amplified. The power amplifier comprises a plurality of push-pull amplifiers interconnected in a novel circular geometry that preferably function as a first winding of an active transformer having signal inputs of adjacent amplification devices driven with an input signal of equal magnitude and opposite phase. The topology also discloses the use of a secondary winding that matches the geometry of primary winding and variations thereof that serve to efficiently combine the power of the individual power amplifiers. The novel architecture enables the design of low-cost, fully-integrated, high-power amplifiers in the RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ichiro Aoki, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, David B. Rutledge, Scott David Kee
  • Patent number: 6724255
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new family of switching amplifier classes called “class E/F amplifiers.” These amplifiers are generally characterized by their use of the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) phase correction technique to eliminate of the loss normally associated with the inherent capacitance of the switching device as utilized in class-E amplifiers, together with a load network for improved voltage and current wave-shaping by presenting class-F−1 impedances at selected overtones and class-E impedances at the remaining overtones. The present invention discloses a several topologies and specific circuit implementations for achieving such performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Scott David Kee, Ichiro Aoki, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, David B. Rutledge
  • Publication number: 20030184385
    Abstract: A system for amplifying a signal is provided. The system includes a wave guide and an active loop amplifier disposed in the wave guide. The active loop amplifier receives the signal and generates a magnetic field in response to the signal, such as one that couples to the propagating mode of the wave guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: David B. Rutledge, James Rosenberg, Ichiro Aoki, Scott D. Kee, Michael P. DeLisio
  • Publication number: 20030184369
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a distributed power amplifier topology and device that efficiently and economically enhances the power output of an RF signal to be amplified. The power amplifier comprises a plurality of push-pull amplifiers interconnected in a novel circular geometry that preferably function as a first winding of an active transformer having signal inputs of adjacent amplification devices driven with an input signal of equal magnitude and opposite phase. The topology also discloses the use of a secondary winding that matches the geometry of primary winding and variations thereof that serve to efficiently combine the power of the individual power amplifiers. The novel architecture enables the design of low-cost, fully-integrated, high-power amplifiers in the RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Ichiro Aoki, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, David B. Rutledge, Scott David Kee
  • Patent number: 6583672
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bias tracking network that manipulates the DC value of the control voltage applied to the active devices in each quasi-optic cell within an array of cells. The purpose of this network is to compensate for variations in the main DC bias supply voltage provided to each cell. In one embodiment, the bias tracking network includes a set of resistive voltage dividers at the boundary of each cell, together with resistors inserted within the conductors that carry a reference voltage from which the control voltage for each cell is derived. This impedance network introduced at each cell boundary causes the control voltage to “track” the variation in the voltage of the return lead (i.e., the “ground lead”) at each cell in the array, in order to maintain a consistent (or desired) control voltage distribution to each cell in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Blythe C. Deckman, David B. Rutledge
  • Patent number: 6559724
    Abstract: The present invention discloses active unit cell topologies for quasi-optic grid array structures that make use of combinations of one of several broadband or frequency-selective positive (or regenerative) feedback networks, as well as multiple transistor configurations in order to enhance the gain of the grid array amplifier. These new topologies yield higher gain, extending the utility of the grid array amplifier to both new applications requiring higher gain, as well as to higher frequencies where the intrinsic gain of the active devices is lower. They also offer greater flexibility in impedance matching, improving the bandwidth and manufacturability of the design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: James J. Rosenberg, Blythe C. Deckman, David B. Rutledge, Michael P. DeLisio, Jr., Chun-Tung Cheung
  • Patent number: 6542662
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a simple adapter that transitions between a standard rectangular waveguide environment and the quasi-plane wave (quasi-TEM mode) environment of an active grid array assembly. The device may serve as a mode expanding waveguide feed or as a mode contracting waveguide collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Chun-Tung Cheung, David B. Rutledge
  • Patent number: 6538793
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronically frequency tunable and phase modulatable quasi-optic grid oscillator. The oscillator includes a reference signal input port whereby a small external reference signal is introduced that entrains the frequency and phase of the oscillator signal to it. Amplitude modulation techniques are introduced to further enhance the utility of the oscillator as a modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: James J. Rosenberg, Blythe C. Deckman, David B. Rutledge
  • Publication number: 20020135422
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a distributed power amplifier topology and device that efficiently and economically enhances the power output of an RF signal to be amplified. The power amplifier comprises a plurality of push-pull amplifiers interconnected in a novel circular geometry that preferably function as a first winding of an active transformer having signal inputs of adjacent amplification devices driven with an input signal of equal magnitude and opposite phase. The topology also discloses the use of a secondary winding that matches the geometry of primary winding and variations thereof that serve to efficiently combine the power of the individual power amplifiers. The novel architecture enables the design of low-cost, fully-integrated, high-power amplifiers in the RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Ichiro Aoki, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, David B. Rutledge, Scott David Kee
  • Publication number: 20020101284
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new family of switching amplifier classes called “class E/F amplifiers.” These amplifiers are generally characterized by their use of the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) phase correction technique to eliminate of the loss normally associated with the inherent capacitance of the switching device as utilized in class-E amplifiers, together with a load network for improved voltage and current wave-shaping by presenting class-F−1 impedances at selected overtones and class-E impedances at the remaining overtones. The present invention discloses a several topologies and specific circuit implementations for achieving such performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Scott David Kee, Ichiro Aoki, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, David B. Rutledge
  • Publication number: 20020024719
    Abstract: The present invention discloses active unit cell topologies for quasi-optic grid array structures that make use of combinations of one of several broadband or frequency-selective positive (or regenerative) feedback networks, as well as multiple transistor configurations in order to enhance the gain of the grid array amplifier. These new topologies yield higher gain, extending the utility of the grid array amplifier to both new applications requiring higher gain, as well as to higher frequencies where the intrinsic gain of the active devices is lower. They also offer greater flexibility in impedance matching, improving the bandwidth and manufacturability of the design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: James J. Rosenberg, Blythe C. Deckman, David B. Rutledge, Michael P. Delisio, Chung-Tung Cheung
  • Publication number: 20020024387
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bias tracking network that manipulates the DC value of the control voltage applied to the active devices in each quasi-optic cell within an array of cells. The purpose of this network is to compensate for variations in the main DC bias supply voltage provided to each cell. In one embodiment, the bias tracking network includes a set of resistive voltage dividers at the boundary of each cell, together with resistors inserted within the conductors that carry a reference voltage from which the control voltage for each cell is derived. This impedance network introduced at each cell boundary causes the control voltage to “track” the variation in the voltage of the return lead (i.e., the “ground lead”) at each cell in the array, in order to maintain a consistent (or desired) control voltage distribution to each cell in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Blythe C. Deckman, David B. Rutledge
  • Publication number: 20020021865
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a simple adapter that transitions between a standard rectangular waveguide environment and the quasi-plane wave (quasi-TEM mode) environment of an active grid array assembly. The device may serve as a mode expanding waveguide feed or as a mode contracting waveguide collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Chun-Tung Cheung, David B. Rutledge