Patents by Inventor David F. Sorrells

David F. Sorrells 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: 8498593
    Abstract: A power supply is disclosed herein. For example, the power supply can include a switching device and an aperture generator and control module. The switching device can be configured to down-convert an input voltage and pass the down-converted input voltage to an output voltage node. The aperture generator and control module can be configured to control the switching device. In response to a power efficiency of the power supply exceeding a predetermined threshold, the aperture generator and control module can deactivate the switching device and pass the input voltage to the output voltage node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Silver, David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20130182749
    Abstract: A communication system comprising a multi-protocol, multi-bearer sub-system is described herein. The sub-system is a universal platform module that can transmit and receive one or more information signals in one or more protocols using one or more bearer services. In one embodiment, the sub-system may form a portion of a transceiver that is composed of a transmitter and a receiver, and which is a gateway server between a personal area network (PAN) and the global wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: PARKERVISION, INC.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Michael J. Bultman, Robert W. Cook, Richard C. Looke, Charley D. Moses, JR.
  • Patent number: 8461924
    Abstract: Multiple-Input-Single-Output (MISO) amplification and associated VPA control algorithms are provided herein. According to embodiments of the present invention, MISO amplifiers driven by VPA control algorithms outperform conventional outphasing amplifiers, including cascades of separate branch amplifiers using conventional power combiner technologies. MISO amplifiers can be operated at enhanced efficiencies over the entire output power dynamic range by blending the control of the power source, source impedances, bias levels, outphasing, and branch amplitudes. These blending constituents are combined to provide an optimized transfer characteristic function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Rawlins, David F. Sorrells
  • Patent number: 8447248
    Abstract: Methods and systems for vector combining power amplification are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals are individually amplified, then summed to form a desired time-varying complex envelope signal. Phase and/or frequency characteristics of one or more of the signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time-varying complex envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying complex envelope signal is decomposed into a plurality of constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified equally or substantially equally, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal. Embodiments also perform frequency up-conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Parkervision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Patent number: 8446994
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing DC offsets in a communication system are described. In a first aspect, a feedback loop circuit reduces DC offset in a wireless local area network (WLAN) receiver channel. The frequency response of the feedback loop circuit can be variable. In a second aspect, a circuit provides gain control in a WLAN receiver channel. The stored DC offset is subtracted from the receiver channel. First and second automatic gain control (AGC) amplifiers are coupled in respective portions of the receiver channel. In a third aspect, a feedback loop circuit reduces DC offset in a WLAN receiver channel. The feedback loop circuit includes a storage element that samples and stores receiver channel DC offset. The loop is opened, and the DC offset stored in the storage element is subtracted from the receiver channel. Circuits for monitoring DC offset, and for providing control signals for controlling the frequency response of the DC offset reducing circuits are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Rawlins, Kevin Brown, Michael W. Rawlins, David F. Sorrells
  • Publication number: 20130122846
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal by aliasing the EM signal, and applications thereof are described herein. Reducing or eliminating DC offset voltages and re-radiation generated when down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal is also described herein. Down-converting a signal and improving receiver dynamic range is also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Michael J. Bultman, Robert W. Cook, Jonathan S. Jensen, Martin R. Johnson, JR., Richard C. Looke, Charley D. Moses, JR., Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins, Robert T. Short, Jamison L. Young
  • Publication number: 20130122835
    Abstract: A method and system is described wherein an information signal is gated at a frequency that is a sub-harmonic of the frequency of the desired output signal. In the modulation embodiments, the information signal is modulated as part of the up-conversion process. In a first modulation embodiment, one information signal is phase modulated onto the carrier signal as part of the up-conversion process. In a second modulation embodiment, two information signals are multiplied, and, as part of the up-conversion process, one signal is phase modulated onto the carrier and the other signal is amplitude modulated onto the carrier. In a third modulation embodiment, one information signal is phase modulated onto the “I” phase of the carrier signal as part of the up-conversion process and a second information signal is phase modulated onto the “Q” phase of the carrier as part of the up-conversion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: PARKERVISION, INC.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Michael J. Bultman, Robert W. Cook, Richard C. Looke, Charley D. Moses, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130109338
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting and up-converting an electromagnetic signal. In embodiments, the invention operates by receiving an electromagnetic signal and recursively operating on approximate half cycles of a carrier signal. The recursive operations can be performed at a sub-harmonic rate of the carrier signal. The invention accumulates the results of the recursive operations and uses the accumulated results to form a down-converted signal. In embodiments, up-conversion is accomplished by controlling a switch with an oscillating signal, the frequency of the oscillating signal being selected as a sub-harmonic of the desired output frequency. When the invention is being used in the frequency modulation or phase modulation implementations, the oscillating signal is modulated by an information signal before it causes the switch to gate a bias signal. The output of the switch is filtered, and the desired harmonic is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: PARKERVISION, INC.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Michael J. Bultman, Robert W. Cook, Richard C. Looke, Charley D. Moses, JR., Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Patent number: 8433264
    Abstract: Methods and systems for vector combining power amplification are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals are individually amplified, then summed to form a desired time-varying complex envelope signal. Phase and/or frequency characteristics of one or more of the signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time-varying complex envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying complex envelope signal is decomposed into a plurality of constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified equally or substantially equally, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal. Embodiments also perform frequency up-conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20130101064
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, and combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal are described herein. Briefly stated, in embodiments the invention operates by receiving an EM signal and recursively operating on approximate half cycles (½, 1½, 2½, etc) of the carrier signal. The recursive operations can be performed at a sub-harmonic rate of the carrier signal. The invention accumulates the results of the recursive operations and uses the accumulated results to form a down-converted signal. In an embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to a basehand information signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is a frequency modulated (FM) signal, which is down-converted to a non-FM signal, such as a phase modulated (PM) signal or an amplitude modulated (AM) signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: PARKERVISION, INC.
    Inventors: David F. SORRELLS, Michael J. BULTMAN, Robert W. COOK, Richard C. LOOKE, Charley D. MOSES, JR., Gregory S. RAWLINS, Michael W. RAWLINS
  • Patent number: 8428527
    Abstract: Methods and systems for vector combining power amplification are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals are individually amplified, then summed to form a desired time-varying complex envelope signal. Phase and/or frequency characteristics of one or more of the signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time-varying complex envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying complex envelope signal is decomposed into a plurality of constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified equally or substantially equally, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal. Embodiments also perform frequency up-conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Patent number: 8410849
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enable a blended control approach to generate a desired output waveform in an outphasing-based system. Embodiments of blended control according to the present invention combine outphasing with bias and/or amplitude control to yield an accurate, practical, and producible system with substantially comparable performance to that of a theoretical ideal outphasing system, but without the isolation and accuracy requirements of outphasing alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20130078934
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for energy conversion. For example, the apparatus can include a trans-impedance node, a reactive element, and a trans-impedance circuit. The reactive element can be configured to transfer energy to the trans-impedance node. The trans-impedance circuit can be configured to receive one or more control signals and to dynamically adjust an impedance of the trans-impedance node. The trans-impedance node, as a result, can operate as an RF power switching supply based on the one or more control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory RAWLINS, David F. Sorrells
  • Publication number: 20130077708
    Abstract: An energy converter based transmitter, a method, a multi-element antenna array are provided for a radio frequency (RF) transmission. For example, the energy converter based transmitter can include a control circuit, a multiple input single output (MISO) operator, and an antenna. The control circuit is configured to receive input information and generate amplitude control signals and phase control signals. The MISO operator is configured to receive the amplitude control signals and the phase control signals and to generate an RF output signal. Further, the antenna is configured to receive and transmit the RF output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory Rawlins
  • Patent number: 8407061
    Abstract: A network system includes integrated radio transceivers and digitizers, integrated baseband processors and device controllers, digital interfaces there between, and architectures and partitions for same. Licensing methodologies are provided for implementing the features described herein, and for other products and services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventor: David F. Sorrells
  • Patent number: 8406724
    Abstract: Frequency translation and applications of same are described herein. Such applications include, but are not limited to, frequency down-conversion, frequency up-conversion, enhanced signal reception, unified down-conversion and filtering, and combinations and applications of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Michael J. Bultman, Robert W. Cook, Richard C. Looke, Charley D. Moses, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8406711
    Abstract: Methods and systems for vector combining power amplification are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals are individually amplified, then summed to form a desired time-varying complex envelope signal. Phase and/or frequency characteristics of one or more of the signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time-varying complex envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying complex envelope signal is decomposed into a plurality of constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified equally or substantially equally, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal. Embodiments also perform frequency up-conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20130038389
    Abstract: Methods and systems for vector combining power amplification are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals are individually amplified, then summed to form a desired time-varying complex envelope signal. Phase and/or frequency characteristics of one or more of the signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time-varying complex envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying complex envelope signal is decomposed into a plurality of constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified equally or substantially equally, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal. Embodiments also perform frequency up-conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. SORRELLS, Gregory S. RAWLINS, Michael W. RAWLINS
  • Publication number: 20130033313
    Abstract: Methods and systems for vector combining power amplification are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals are individually amplified, then summed to form a desired time-varying complex envelope signal. Phase and/or frequency characteristics of one or more of the signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time-varying complex envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying complex envelope signal is decomposed into a plurality of constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified equally or substantially equally, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal. Embodiments also perform frequency up-conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Parker Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. SORRELLS, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20130031442
    Abstract: The present invention is related to multi-dimensional error definition, error measurement, error analysis, error function generation, error information optimization, and error correction for communication systems. Novel techniques are provided that can be applied to a myriad of applications for which an input to output transfer characteristic must be corrected or linearized. According to embodiments of the present invention, error can be described, processed, and geometrically interpreted. Compact formulations of error correction and calibration functions can be generated according to the present invention, which reduce memory requirements as well as computational time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. RAWLINS, David F. SORRELLS