Patents by Inventor Ichiro Aoki
Ichiro Aoki 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: 8049563Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Ichiro Aoki, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, David B. Ruthledge, Scott D. Kee
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Patent number: 8019292Abstract: A system for controlling amplifier power is provided. The system includes a voltage envelope detector receiving a voltage signal and generating an attenuated voltage envelope signal. A current envelope detector receives a current signal and generates an attenuated current envelope signal. A controller receives power level data and generates attenuation control data for the voltage envelope signal and the current envelope signal. A detector receives the voltage envelope signal and the current envelope signal and generates a control signal based on the greater of the voltage envelope signal and the current envelope signal. A power amplifier level controller receives the control signal and generates a power amplifier level control signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Axiom Microdevices, Inc.Inventors: Rahul Magoon, Scott Kee, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Ichiro Aoki, Roberto Aparicio Joo, Morten Damgaard, Setu Mohta, Geoff Hatcher
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Patent number: 8018283Abstract: Reconfigurable distributed active transformers are provided. The exemplary embodiments provided allow changing of the effective number and configuration of the primary and secondary windings, where the distributed active transformer structures can be reconfigured dynamically to control the output power levels, allow operation at multiple frequency bands, maintain a high performance across multiple channels, and sustain desired characteristics across process, temperature and other environmental variations. Integration of the distributed active transformer power amplifiers and a low noise amplifier on a semiconductor substrate can also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Abbas Komijani, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Scott D. Kee, Ichiro Aoki
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Patent number: 7999621Abstract: A cross-differential amplifier is provided. The cross-differential amplifier includes an inductor connected to a direct current power source at a first terminal. A first and second switch, such as transistors, are connected to the inductor at a second terminal. A first and second amplifier are connected at their supply terminals to the first and second switch. The first and second switches are operated to commutate the inductor between the amplifiers so as to provide an amplified signal while limiting the ripple voltage on the inductor and thus limiting the maximum voltage imposed across the amplifiers and switches.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Scott D. Kee, Ichiro Aoki
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Publication number: 20110175685Abstract: An integrated power combiner is disclosed. The power combiner includes a first circular geometry primary winding having one or more inductive elements, such as an active winding with one or more driver stages. A circular geometry secondary winding is disposed adjacent to the first primary winding, such as an active winding with one or more driver stages. A second circular geometry primary winding is disposed adjacent to the secondary winding and has one or more inductive elements. One or more connections are provided between one or more of the inductive elements of the first circular geometry primary winding and one or more of the inductive elements of the second circular geometry primary winding.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Scott D. KEE, Ichiro AOKI, Hui WU, Seyed-Ali HAJIMIRI, Frank CARR, Rahul MAGOON, Alexandre KRAL, Afshin MELLATI, Florian BOHN, Donald McCLYMONT
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Patent number: 7920833Abstract: A device having a radio front end is provided. The radio front end includes an inductor having a first end and a second end. A capacitor having a first end and a second end is connected to the second end of the inductor. An antenna is connected to the second end of the inductor and the second end of the capacitor. A first switch is connected to the first end of the inductor and the first end of the capacitor, wherein the inductor and capacitor form a resonant circuit when the first switch is closed. A second switch is connected to the resonant circuit, the second switch connecting the resonant circuit to ground through a low impedance when the first switch is closed. A third switch is connected to a transmit power amplifier connecting the transmit power amplifier to ground through a low impedance when the first switch is closed.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Axiom Microdevices, Inc.Inventors: Dongjaing Qiao, Scott Kee, Ichiro Aoki, Donald McClymont
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Patent number: 7915960Abstract: An integrated power combiner is disclosed. The power combiner includes a first circular geometry primary winding having one or more inductive elements, such as an active winding with one or more driver stages. A circular geometry secondary winding is disposed adjacent to the first primary winding, such as an active winding with one or more driver stages. A second circular geometry primary winding is disposed adjacent to the secondary winding and has one or more inductive elements. One or more connections are provided between one or more of the inductive elements of the first circular geometry primary winding and one or more of the inductive elements of the second circular geometry primary winding.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Axiom Microdevices, Inc.Inventors: Scott D. Kee, Ichiro Aoki, Hui Wu, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Frank Carr, Rahul Magoon, Alexandre Kral, Afshin Mellati, Florian Bohn, Donald McClymont
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Patent number: 7904045Abstract: A phase detector includes a plurality of phase detectors located in a phase correction loop, each phase detector configured to receive as input a radio frequency (RF) input signal and an RF reference signal, each of the plurality of phase detectors also configured to provide a signal representing a different phase offset based on the phase difference between the RE input signal and the RF reference signal; and a switch configured to receive an output of each of the plurality of phase detectors and configured to select the output representing the phase offset, that is closest to a phase of an output of an amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Axiom Microdevices, Inc.Inventors: Ichiro Aoki, Scott D. Kee, Dongjiang Qiao, Alyosha C. Molnar
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Patent number: 7893167Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a sealing film having excellent productivity, and improved light resistance and heat resistance, and a solar cell provided with the sealing film. A sealing film for a solar cell comprising ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and an organic peroxide, wherein the organic peroxide comprises an organic peroxide A having a 10 hour half-life in the range of 110 to 130° C. in and an organic peroxide B having a 10 hour half-life in the range of 80 to 100° C.; and a solar cell having the sealing film.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Hisataka Kataoka, Ichiro Aoki
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Patent number: 7894772Abstract: A limiter for minimizing an amount of phase change caused by input amplitude variation includes a variable gain amplifier configured to receive a signal having an amplitude component and a phase component and having a gain controlled by a compensation capacitance and a variable resistance, in which the compensation capacitance minimizes an effect of parasitic capacitance and the variable resistance adjusts a gain in the variable gain amplifier such that the amplitude component at an output of the variable gain amplifier remains substantially constant.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Axiom Microdevices, Inc.Inventor: Ichiro Aoki
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Patent number: 7894546Abstract: A power amplifier includes a power amplifier core in which a transmit signal having an amplitude-modulated (AM) component and a phase-modulated (PM) component is passed and amplified, the power amplifier comprising a forward path, and an additional amplification device configured to generate an output that is proportional to an output of the power amplifier core, such that the output of the additional amplification device indirectly controls the output of the power amplifier core.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Axiom Microdevices, Inc.Inventors: Rahul Magoon, Roberto Aparicio Joo, Scott D. Kee, Ichiro Aoki
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Publication number: 20100283548Abstract: An integrated power combiner is disclosed. The power combiner includes a first circular geometry primary winding having one or more inductive elements, such as an active winding with one or more driver stages. A circular geometry secondary winding is disposed adjacent to the first primary winding, such as an active winding with one or more driver stages. A second circular geometry primary winding is disposed adjacent to the secondary winding and has one or more inductive elements. One or more connections are provided between one or more of the inductive elements of the first circular geometry primary winding and one or more of the inductive elements of the second circular geometry primary winding.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventors: Scott D. Kee, Ichiro Aoki, Hui Wu, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Frank Carr, Rahul Magoon, Alexandre Kral, Afshin Mellati, Florian Bohn, Donald McClymont
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Publication number: 20100244955Abstract: Reconfigurable distributed active transformers are provided. The exemplary embodiments provided allow changing of the effective number and configuration of the primary and secondary windings, where the distributed active transformer structures can be reconfigured dynamically to control the output power levels, allow operation at multiple frequency bands, maintain a high performance across multiple channels, and sustain desired characteristics across process, temperature and other environmental variations. Integration of the distributed active transformer power amplifiers and a low noise amplifier on a semiconductor substrate can also be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: Abbas Komijani, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Scott D. Kee, Ichiro Aoki
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Patent number: 7760025Abstract: An integrated power combiner is disclosed. The power combiner includes a first circular geometry primary winding having one or more inductive elements, such as an active winding with one or more driver stages. A circular geometry secondary winding is disposed adjacent to the first primary winding, such as an active winding with one or more driver stages. A second circular geometry primary winding is disposed adjacent to the secondary winding and has one or more inductive elements. One or more connections are provided between one or more of the inductive elements of the first circular geometry primary winding and one or more of the inductive elements of the second circular geometry primary winding.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Axiom Microdevices, Inc.Inventors: Scott Kee, Ichiro Aoki, Hui Wu, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Frank Carr, Rahul Magoon, Alexandre Kral, Afshin Mellati, Florian Bohn, Donald McGlymont
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Patent number: 7756491Abstract: A phase shifter includes a plurality of variable gain elements, each variable gain element configured to receive one of a plurality of input signals, each input signal having a phase that is shifted with respect to each other input signal; and a control signal supplied to each variable gain element, where the control signals define a phase shift.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Axiom Microdevices, Inc.Inventors: Scott D. Kee, Ichiro Aoki, Weifeng Feng
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Patent number: 7733183Abstract: Reconfigurable distributed active transformers are provided. The exemplary embodiments provided allow changing of the effective number and configuration of the primary and secondary windings, where the distributed active transformer structures can be reconfigured dynamically to control the output power levels, allow operation at multiple frequency bands, maintain a high performance across multiple channels, and sustain desired characteristics across process, temperature and other environmental variations. Integration of the distributed active transformer power amplifiers and a low noise amplifier on a semiconductor substrate can also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Abbas Komijani, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Scott D. Kee, Ichiro Aoki
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Patent number: 7733176Abstract: A system for controlling amplifier power is provided. The system includes a voltage envelope detector that receives a voltage signal and generates a voltage envelope signal. A current envelope detector receives a current signal and generates a current envelope signal. A power amplifier level controller receives the greater of the voltage envelope signal and the current envelope signal, such as by connecting the output of the voltage envelope detector and the current envelope detector at a common point and conducting the high frequency current components to ground via a capacitor. A power amplifier level control signal is then generated based on the voltage drop across the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignees: Infineon Technologies AG, Axiom Microdevices, Inc.Inventors: Rahul Magoon, Ichiro Aoki, John Lyu, Scott Kee, Roberto Aparico Joo, Winfried Bakalski, Thomas Bruder
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Publication number: 20100117733Abstract: A cross-differential amplifier is provided. The cross-differential amplifier includes an inductor connected to a direct current power source at a first terminal. A first and second switch, such as transistors, are connected to the inductor at a second terminal. A first and second amplifier are connected at their supply terminals to the first and second switch. The first and second switches are operated to commutate the inductor between the amplifiers so as to provide an amplified signal while limiting the ripple voltage on the inductor and thus limiting the maximum voltage imposed across the amplifiers and switches.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Scott D. Kee, Ichiro Aoki
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Patent number: 7710197Abstract: A system for processing a signal is provided. The system includes a differential amplifier receiving a radio-frequency input signal at a first differential input. A rectifying device such as a transistor has a control terminal that is coupled to an output of the differential amplifier and an output that is coupled to a second differential input of the differential amplifier. The second differential input of the differential amplifier receives a low frequency feedback signal from the output of the rectifying device, such as by damping the frequency response at the output of the rectifying device using a capacitor and a current source coupled to the output of the rectifying device.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Axiom Microdevices, Inc.Inventors: Ichiro Aoki, Setu Mohta, Morten Damgaard
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Patent number: 7706129Abstract: In an electric double-layer capacitor, resistance of a polarizable electrode layer is reduced and gas generation inside a case is suppressed in an attempt to improve reliability. On that account, an electric double-layer capacitor is provided, which is obtained by housing in a case, together with a driving electrolyte, a capacitor element wound with a separator interposed between electrodes being paired anode and cathode electrodes in each of which polarizable electrode layers are formed on and lead wires are fixed to both sides of a current collector made of metallic foil, such that the polarizable electrode layers are opposed to each other. Further, an electric double-layer capacitor is provided in which the lead wire is fixed to a polarizable-electrode-layer-removed section on the electrode where the polarizable electrode layer has been removed, and an area of the polarizable-electrode-layer-removed section is not smaller than 1 and not larger than 2.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Eri Hirose, Yasuyuki Ito, Satomi Onishi, Mitsuru Iwai, Takumi Yamaguchi, Ichiro Aoki, Kouji Moriyama, Yoshiki Hashimoto