Patents by Inventor John Groe
John Groe 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: 7970367Abstract: System for dual diversity receiver using switched LNAs. A dual diversity receiver is provided that includes two antennas to receive a radio signal, where each antenna produces an antenna signal that is representative of the received radio signal. The receiver includes first and second LNAs that receive the respective antenna signals and output first and second amplified signals. The receiver also includes logic to determine the stronger antenna signal and select one of the LNA outputs for processing by the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Quintic HoldingsInventor: John Groe
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Patent number: 7672648Abstract: System for linear amplitude modulation. Apparatus is provided for linear amplitude modulation of an amplifier. The apparatus includes a processing circuit that receives an amplitude modulation signal and produces one or more amplifier control signals that are coupled to the amplifier. The apparatus also includes a feedback circuit that generates a feedback signal from an output of the amplifier that is input to the processing circuit; and a network that controls a bias of the amplifier in response to the feedback signal to linearize the amplifier's amplitude control.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Quintics HoldingsInventors: John Groe, Naone Farias, Burcin Baytekin, Carrie Lo
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Patent number: 7609118Abstract: Phase locked loop calibration system. Apparatus is provided for calibration of a phase-locked loop. The apparatus includes logic to calibrate an integration filter of the phase-locked loop, and logic to calibrate a charge pump current of the phase-locked loop, wherein the integration filter and charge pump current are calibrated to achieve a desired phase-locked loop performance level.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Sequoia CommunicationsInventors: John Groe, Carrie Lo
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Patent number: 7522017Abstract: System for high-Q integrated RF filters. A filter system is provided that comprises a resonate LC filter and a Q-enhancement circuit coupled to the resonate LC filter, wherein the Q-enhancement circuit operates to improve a quality factor of the filter system.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Sequoia CommunicationsInventors: John Groe, Marc Facchini
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Patent number: 7496338Abstract: Multi-segment gain control system. Apparatus is provided for a multi-segment gain control. The apparatus includes logic to convert a gain control signal to an exponential signal, and logic to map the exponential signal to multiple control signals that are used to control multiple gain stages to produce linear multi-segment gain control.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Sequoia CommunicationsInventors: John Groe, Naone Farias, Damian Costa, Babak Nejati
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Patent number: 7489916Abstract: Direct down-conversion mixer. A direct down-conversion mixer is provided. The mixer comprises an LO switching pair coupled to receive an RF input signal and produce a down converted output signal. The mixer also comprises an integrator coupled to receive the output signal and produce an integrator output signal. The mixer also comprises a control circuit coupled to receive an input voltage and the integrator output signal to produce a control signal that is coupled to the LO switching pair.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Sequoia CommunicationsInventors: Michael Farias, John Groe, Damian Costa
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Patent number: 7450915Abstract: Smart transmitter system that includes apparatus for an automatic gain control circuit. The apparatus includes a circuit translates a transmit power control signal to produce a linear signal, and a first mapping circuit that maps the linear signal to a first control signal that is coupled to a variable gain amplifier (VGA). The apparatus also includes a power amplifier (PA) control circuit that receives the linear signal and a transmit signal to produce a second control signal that is coupled to a power amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Sequoia CommunicationsInventor: John Groe
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Publication number: 20070291889Abstract: Systems for multi-mode phase modulation are disclosed. Systems provide for direct modulation of a multi-mode voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). A fractional-N counter may be used in a phase-locked loop (PLL) to synthesize a radio frequency carrier signal. The multi-mode VCO may be characterized by a first frequency gain during operation in a first mode and by a second frequency gain during operation in a second mode where signals controlling the first and second operating modes are provided by a control circuit. The control circuit may include a switch to provide control signals to the VCO.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2007Publication date: December 20, 2007Applicant: SEQUOIA COMMUNICATIONSInventors: John Groe, Joe Austin, Damian Costa
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Patent number: 7164318Abstract: Continuous variable-gain low-noise amplifier. The amplifier continuously adjusts its gain between well-defined high and low values by using a cascode current-steering circuit to partition signal current between two different nodes of an output loading network. A shunt feedback network connected from an intermediate node of the loading network to the input provides negative feedback that linearizes the amplifier as its gain is decreased. The circuit degrades the noise figure at lower gains by varying the gain without directly dumping the signal current to the power supply. The circuit produces only small changes in input and output impedances and preserves an improved reverse-isolation cascode characteristic as the gain is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Sequoia CommunicationsInventors: Damian Costa, Joseph Austin, John Groe, Michael Farias
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Patent number: 7135929Abstract: A bias voltage circuit with ultra low output impedance. The circuit incorporates feedback to reduce the output impedance at both low and RF frequencies. The bias circuit outputs a bias signal for biasing an amplifier. The bias circuit includes an input stage that receives an input signal and produces the bias signal at an output terminal that is coupled to a gain stage. The bias circuit also includes a load coupled to the input stage at a first terminal, and a feedback circuit coupled between the first terminal and the gain stage.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Sequoia CommunicationsInventors: Damian Costa, Shahram Mahdavi, John Groe
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Patent number: 7109815Abstract: Voltage-controlled oscillator with apparatus for automatic calibration. The voltage-controlled oscillator includes switches connecting associated coarse-tuning capacitors to an LC resonant tank of the oscillator. The voltage-controlled oscillator also comprises a calibration loop used to appropriately set the switches associated with the coarse tuning capacitors based on a oscillator control signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Sequoia Communications CorpInventors: John Groe, Joseph Austin
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Patent number: 7061341Abstract: System for highly linear phase modulation. Apparatus is provided for linear phase modulation utilizing a phase-locked loop (PLL). The apparatus includes a PLL utilizing fractional N synthesis to realize a non-integer divide value. A two-port voltage-controlled oscillator includes a first port controlled by the phase-locked loop and a second port accessed for direct modulation. A second input to the fractional-N phase-locked loop is provided to remove the modulation introduced at the second port. Lastly, a calibration loop is provided wherein a frequency offset applied at the second port is adjusted until it cancels the effects of a known frequency offset introduced to the fractional-N phase-locked loop.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Sequoia Communications Corp.Inventor: John Groe
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Publication number: 20060077004Abstract: A differential feedback system that minimizes even order distortion of a differential circuit. The feedback system includes a feedback circuit for use with a differential circuit to reduce even-order distortion and dc offset of a difference output signal produced by the differential circuit. The feedback circuit includes an integrator coupled to receive the difference output signal from the differential circuit and produce an integrator output signal. The feedback circuit also includes a control circuit coupled to the integrator to receive the integrator output signal to produce a control signal that is coupled to the differential circuit, wherein the control signal controls the differential circuit to reduce the even-order distortion and the DC offset.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2005Publication date: April 13, 2006Inventor: John Groe
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Publication number: 20050134385Abstract: Continuous variable-gain low-noise amplifier. The amplifier continuously adjusts its gain between well-defined high and low values by using a cascode current-steering circuit to partition signal current between two different nodes of an output loading network. A shunt feedback network connected from an intermediate node of the loading network to the input provides negative feedback that linearizes the amplifier as its gain is decreased. The circuit degrades the noise figure at lower gains by varying the gain without directly dumping the signal current to the power supply. The circuit produces only small changes in input and output impedances and preserves an improved reverse-isolation cascode characteristic as the gain is controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2004Publication date: June 23, 2005Inventors: Damian Costa, Joseph Austin, John Groe, Michael Farias
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Publication number: 20050099232Abstract: A translinear variable-gain amplifier. The translinear variable gain amplifier receives a differential input voltage and produces a differential output current having a selected gain. The amplifier comprises a buffer amplifier that receives the differential input voltage and produces a differential input current. The amplifier further comprises a translinear gain cell coupled to receive the differential input current and produce the differential output current. The gain cell includes a first adjustable bias source that operates to set a linear input range of the gain cell, and a second adjustable bias source that operates to set a gain value of the gain cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2004Publication date: May 12, 2005Inventors: John Groe, Michael Farias
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Publication number: 20050093631Abstract: A differential feedback system that minimizes even order distortion of a differential circuit. The feedback system includes a feedback circuit for use with a differential circuit to reduce even-order distortion and dc offset of a difference output signal produced by the differential circuit. The feedback circuit includes an integrator coupled to receive the difference output signal from the differential circuit and produce an integrator output signal. The feedback circuit also includes a control circuit coupled to the integrator to receive the integrator output signal to produce a control signal that is coupled to the differential circuit, wherein the control signal controls the differential circuit to reduce the even-order distortion and the DC offset.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2004Publication date: May 5, 2005Inventor: John Groe
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Patent number: 6856205Abstract: Voltage-controlled oscillator with apparatus for automatic calibration. The voltage-controlled oscillator includes switches connecting associated coarse-tuning capacitors to an LC resonant tank of the oscillator. The voltage-controlled oscillator also comprises a calibration loop used to appropriately set the switches associated with the coarse tuning apparatus based on a oscillator control signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Sequoia CommunicationsInventors: John Groe, Joseph Austin
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Patent number: 6801089Abstract: Continuous variable-gain low-noise amplifier. The amplifier continuously adjusts its gain between well-defined high and low values by using a cascode current-steering circuit to partition signal current between two different nodes of an output loading network. A shunt feedback network connected from an intermediate node of the loading network to the input provides negative feedback that linearizes the amplifier as its gain is decreased. The circuit degrades the noise figure at lower gains considerably less than conventional circuits by varying the gain without directly dumping the signal current to the power supply. The circuit produces only small changes in input and output impedances and preserves an improved reverse-isolation cascode characteristic as the gain is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Sequoia CommunicationsInventors: Damian Costa, Joseph Austin, John Groe, Michael Farias
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Patent number: 6774740Abstract: System for highly linear phase modulation. Apparatus is provided for linear phase modulation utilizing a phase-locked loop (PLL). The apparatus includes a PLL utilizing fractional N synthesis to realize a non-integer divide value. A two-port voltage-controlled oscillator includes a first port controlled by the phase-locked loop and a second port accessed for direct modulation. A second input to the fractional-N phase-locked loop is provided to remove the modulation introduced at the second port. Lastly, a calibration loop is provided wherein a frequency offset applied at the second port is adjusted until it cancels the effects of a known frequency offset introduced to the fractional-N phase-locked loop.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Sequoia Communications Corp.Inventor: John Groe
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Patent number: 6664865Abstract: Amplitude-adjustable oscillator. The oscillator includes a feedback loop to control the amplitude of an oscillator output signal. The feedback loop includes a pair of clamping transistors, wherein base terminals of the clamping transistors are coupled to an adjustable voltage signal to prevent saturation of the oscillator circuit. The feedback loop also includes a filter to monitor the current flowing through the clamping transistors. The feedback loop also includes an amplifier to compare an output of the clamping transistors to a reference signal, and a reference generator to set an operating bias for the oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Sequoia CommunicationsInventors: John Groe, Joseph Austin