Patents by Inventor Gregory S. Rawlins

Gregory S. Rawlins 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: 20150117565
    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: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20150084700
    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: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20150087251
    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: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: David F. SORRELLS, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20150080063
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for partitioning an energy or power source. The energy source may be, for example, a battery or batteries or other power supply or power supplies for an electronic device, such as a cell phone, or mobile device. The energy source (battery for example), or power supply, provides power to a cell phone, or mobile device or any other load or power consuming device. Partitioning this energy source is a technique for controlling its operation so that power is provided to the power consuming device, such as a cell phone more efficiently, thereby extending the length of time the phone can be used between re-charging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: David F. SORRELLS, Gregory S. RAWLINS
  • Publication number: 20150071383
    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: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. RAWLINS, David F. Sorrels
  • Publication number: 20140375383
    Abstract: A power supply is disclosed herein. For example, a method for controlling the power supply can include dynamically programming a threshold voltage. The method can also include down-converting an input voltage to generate a down converted voltage at an output voltage node. Further, the method can include passing the input voltage to the output voltage node when a supply voltage exceeds the threshold voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. SILVER, David F. SORRELLS, Gregory S. RAWLINS
  • Patent number: 8913974
    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: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Patent number: 8913691
    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 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Patent number: 8884694
    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: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20140327484
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method and system for control of a multiple-input-single output (MISO) device. For example, the method includes partitioning a waveform constellation space into a plurality of regions, where each region of the plurality of regions is associated with one or more control functions of the MISO device. The method also includes transitioning the MISO device between a plurality of classes of operation based on the one or more control functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. SORRELLS, Gregory S. RAWLINS
  • Publication number: 20140315503
    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: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. SORRELLS, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20140308913
    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: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: PARKERVISION, INC.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Michael J. Bultman, Robert W. Cook, Jonathan S. Jensen, Martin R. Johnson, Richard C. Looke, Charley D. Moses, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins, Robert T. Short, Jamison L. Young
  • Publication number: 20140308911
    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: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: PARKERVISION, INC.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Michael J. Bultman, Robert W. Cook, Richard C. Looke, Charley D. Moses, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20140241464
    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 baseband 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: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Michael J. Bultman, Robert W. Cook, Richard C. Looke, Charley D. Moses, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20140233670
    Abstract: A balanced transmitter up-converts I and Q baseband signals directly from baseband-to-RF. The up-conversion process is sufficiently linear that no IF processing is required, even in communications applications that have stringent requirements on spectral growth. In operation, the balanced modulator sub-harmonically samples the I and Q baseband signals in a balanced and differential manner, resulting in harmonically rich signal. The harmonically rich signal contains multiple harmonic images that repeat at multiples of the sampling frequency, where each harmonic contains the necessary information to reconstruct the I and Q baseband signals. The differential sampling is performed according to a first and second control signals that are phase shifted with respect to each other. In embodiments of the invention, the control signals have pulse widths (or apertures) that operate to improve energy transfer to a desired harmonic in the harmonically rich signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    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
  • Publication number: 20140226768
    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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: PARKERVISION, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Rawlins, Kevin Brown, Michael W. Rawlins, David F. Sorrells
  • Publication number: 20140226751
    Abstract: A balanced transmitter up-converts a baseband signal directly from baseband-to-RF. The up-conversion process is sufficiently linear that no IF processing is required, even in communications applications that have stringent requirements on spectral growth. In operation, the balanced modulator sub-harmonically samples the baseband signal in a balanced and differential manner, resulting in harmonically rich signal. The harmonically rich signal contains multiple harmonic images that repeat at multiples of the sampling frequency, where each harmonic contains the necessary information to reconstruct the baseband signal. The differential sampling is performed according to a first and second control signals that are phase shifted with respect to each other. In embodiments of the invention, the control signals have pulse widths (or apertures) that operate to improve energy transfer to a desired harmonic in the harmonically rich signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: PARKERVISION, INC.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Michael J. Bultman, Robert W. Cook, Richard C. Looke, Charley D. Moses, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Patent number: 8781418
    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: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Publication number: 20140187184
    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: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. SORRELLS, Gregory S. Rawlins, Michael W. Rawlins
  • Patent number: 8766717
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method and system for control of a multiple-input-single output (MISO) device. For example, the method includes determining a change in power output level from a first power output level to a second power output level of the MISO device. The method also includes varying one or more weights associated with respective one or more controls of the MISO device to cause the change in power output. The one or more controls can include one or more of (a) a phase control of one or more input signals to the MISO device, (b) a bias control of the MISO device, and (c) an amplitude control of the input signals to the MISO device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Sorrells, Gregory S. Rawlins