Patents by Inventor Peter J. Frith

Peter J. Frith 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: 20190356222
    Abstract: A bipolar output charge pump circuit having a network of switching paths for selectively connecting an input node and a reference node for connection to an input voltage, a first pair of output nodes, two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, and a controller for controlling the switching of the network of switching paths. The controller is operable to control the network of switching paths when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, to provide a first mode and a second mode when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the flying capacitor nodes, wherein at least the first mode corresponds to a bipolar output voltage of +/?3VV, +/?VV/5 or +/?VV/6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, Peter J. Frith, John L. Pennock
  • Patent number: 10312802
    Abstract: A bipolar output charge pump circuit having a network of switching paths for selectively connecting an input node and a reference node for connection to an input voltage, a first pair of output nodes, two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, and a controller for controlling the switching of the network of switching paths. The controller is operable to control the network of switching paths when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, to provide a first mode and a second mode when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the flying capacitor nodes, wherein at least the first mode corresponds to a bipolar output voltage of +/?3 VV, +/?VV/5 or +/?VV/6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, Peter J. Frith, John L. Pennock
  • Publication number: 20180323705
    Abstract: A bipolar output charge pump circuit having a network of switching paths for selectively connecting an input node and a reference node for connection to an input voltage, a first pair of output nodes and a second pair of output nodes, and two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, and a controller for controlling the switching of the network of switching paths. The controller is operable to control the network of switching paths when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, to provide a first bipolar output voltage at the first pair of output nodes and a second bipolar output voltage at the second pair of bipolar output nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, Peter J. Frith, John L. Pennock
  • Patent number: 10014769
    Abstract: A bipolar output charge pump circuit having a network of switching paths for selectively connecting an input node and a reference node for connection to an input voltage, a first pair of output nodes and a second pair of output nodes, and two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, and a controller for controlling the switching of the network of switching paths. The controller is operable to control the network of switching paths when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, to provide a first bipolar output voltage at the first pair of output nodes and a second bipolar output voltage at the second pair of bipolar output nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, Peter J. Frith, John L. Pennock
  • Publication number: 20170288534
    Abstract: A bipolar output charge pump circuit having a network of switching paths for selectively connecting an input node and a reference node for connection to an input voltage, a first pair of output nodes, two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, and a controller for controlling the switching of the network of switching paths. The controller is operable to control the network of switching paths when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, to provide a first mode and a second mode when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the flying capacitor nodes, wherein at least the first mode corresponds to a bipolar output voltage of +/?3 VV, +/?VV/5 or +/?VV/6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, Peter J. Frith, John L. Pennock
  • Publication number: 20170250601
    Abstract: A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, John L. Pennock, Peter J. Frith
  • Publication number: 20170250600
    Abstract: A bipolar output charge pump circuit having a network of switching paths for selectively connecting an input node and a reference node for connection to an input voltage, a first pair of output nodes and a second pair of output nodes, and two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, and a controller for controlling the switching of the network of switching paths. The controller is operable to control the network of switching paths when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, to provide a first bipolar output voltage at the first pair of output nodes and a second bipolar output voltage at the second pair of bipolar output nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, Peter J. Frith, John L. Pennock
  • Patent number: 9735672
    Abstract: A bipolar output charge pump circuit having a network of switching paths for selectively connecting an input node and a reference node for connection to an input voltage, a first pair of output nodes, two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, and a controller for controlling the switching of the network of switching paths. The controller is operable to control the network of switching paths when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, to provide a first mode and a second mode when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the flying capacitor nodes, where at least the first mode corresponds to a bipolar output voltage of +/?3VV, +/?VV/5 or +/?VV/6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, Peter J. Frith, John L. Pennock
  • Patent number: 9685855
    Abstract: A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, John L. Pennock, Peter J. Frith
  • Patent number: 9685856
    Abstract: A bipolar output charge pump circuit having a network of switching paths for selectively connecting an input node and a reference node for connection to an input voltage, a first pair of output nodes and a second pair of output nodes, and two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, and a controller for controlling the switching of the network of switching paths. The controller is operable to control the network of switching paths when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, to provide a first bipolar output voltage at the first pair of output nodes and a second bipolar output voltage at the second pair of bipolar output nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, Peter J. Frith, John L. Pennock
  • Patent number: 9673700
    Abstract: A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, John L. Pennock, Peter J. Frith
  • Publication number: 20160336850
    Abstract: A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, John L. Pennock, Peter J. Frith
  • Publication number: 20160322895
    Abstract: A bipolar output charge pump circuit having a network of switching paths for selectively connecting an input node and a reference node for connection to an input voltage, a first pair of output nodes and a second pair of output nodes, and two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, and a controller for controlling the switching of the network of switching paths. The controller is operable to control the network of switching paths when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, to provide a first bipolar output voltage at the first pair of output nodes and a second bipolar output voltage at the second pair of bipolar output nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, Peter J. Frith, John L. Pennock
  • Publication number: 20160211816
    Abstract: A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd.
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, John L. Pennock, Peter J. Frith
  • Patent number: 9306448
    Abstract: A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd.
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, John L. Pennock, Peter J. Frith
  • Publication number: 20160028306
    Abstract: A bipolar output charge pump circuit having a network of switching paths 110 for selectively connecting an input node (VV) and a reference node (VG) for connection to an input voltage, a first pair of output nodes (VP, VN), two pairs of flying capacitor nodes (CF1A, CF1B; CF2A, CF2B), and a controller for controlling the switching of the network of switching paths. The controller is operable to control the network of switching paths when in use with two flying capacitors (CF1, CF2) connected to the two pairs of flying capacitor nodes, to provide a first mode and a second mode when in use with two flying capacitors connected to the flying capacitor nodes, wherein at least the first mode corresponds to a bipolar output voltage of +/?3VV, +/?VV/5 or +/?VV/6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, Peter J. Frith, John L. Pennock
  • Publication number: 20140152388
    Abstract: A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: WOLFSON MICROELECTRONICS PLC
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, John L. Pennock, Peter J. Frith
  • Patent number: 8660277
    Abstract: A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plc
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, John L. Pennock, Peter J. Frith
  • Patent number: 8363856
    Abstract: An electronic audio amplifier circuit, operable in two modes and a battery powered portable audio apparatus incorporating the circuit; and associated apparatuses and methods. When in the first mode the audio apparatus is designed for the direct driving of headphones or a speaker. When in the second mode the audio apparatus is designed to drive a line input of an external amplifying apparatus with a signal that having a higher voltage amplitude for a given signal content than when driving headphone or a speaker. The circuit has common output stage circuitry for use in both modes, and a dual mode power supply circuit, ideally a charge pump circuit, for supplying the output stage in the first mode with a lower supply voltage than in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics ple
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, John L. Pennock, Peter J. Frith
  • Patent number: 8279012
    Abstract: A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plc
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, John L. Pennock, Peter J. Frith