Patents by Inventor Ryan P. Foran

Ryan P. Foran 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: 7459959
    Abstract: A plurality of LEDs is driven in parallel, in at least two modes. In a first mode, the LEDs are driven with a first voltage. In subsequent modes, the LEDs are driven with successively higher voltages. The forward voltage drop for each LED is monitored, and the driver switches from the first mode to successive modes based on the largest of the LED forward voltage drops. The current through each LED is controlled by directing a reference current through a first digitally controlled variable resistance circuit, and directing the LED current through a second digitally controlled variable resistance circuit having substantially a known ratio to the first variable resistance circuit and connected in series with the LED. A digital count is altered based on a comparison of the first and second currents, and the first and second variable resistance circuits are simultaneously altered based on the digital count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Semtech Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Rader, Ryan P. Foran
  • Patent number: 6836157
    Abstract: A plurality of LEDs is driven in parallel, in at least two modes. In a first mode, the LEDs are driven with a first voltage. In subsequent modes, the LEDs are driven with successively higher voltages. The forward voltage drop for each LED is monitored, and the driver switches from the first mode to successive modes based on the largest of the LED forward voltage drops. The current through each LED is controlled by directing a reference current through a first digitally controlled variable resistance circuit, and directing the LED current through a second digitally controlled variable resistance circuit having substantially a known ratio to the first variable resistance circuit and connected in series with the LED. A digital count is altered based on a comparison of the first and second currents, and the first and second variable resistance circuits are simultaneously altered based on the digital count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Semtech Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Rader, Ryan P. Foran
  • Publication number: 20040233144
    Abstract: A plurality of LEDs is driven in parallel, in at least two modes. In a first mode, the LEDs are driven with a first voltage. In subsequent modes, the LEDs are driven with successively higher voltages. The forward voltage drop for each LED is monitored, and the driver switches from the first mode to successive modes based on the largest of the LED forward voltage drops. The current through each LED is controlled by directing a reference current through a first digitally controlled variable resistance circuit, and directing the LED current through a second digitally controlled variable resistance circuit having substantially a known ratio to the first variable resistance circuit and connected in series with the LED. A digital count is altered based on a comparison of the first and second currents, and the first and second variable resistance circuits are simultaneously altered based on the digital count.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: William E. Rader, Ryan P. Foran
  • Patent number: 5461343
    Abstract: A current mirror circuit and method of generating an output current at an output node which is proportional to an input current applied to an input node. The circuit operates to receive the input current and develops a reference voltage. The reference voltage is converted to a reference current which is proportional to the input current and is applied to a high impedance node. A feedback network is coupled to said high impedance node and includes an output device driven by the high impedance node and which provides the output current to the output node. The feedback network is operable for forcing current generated by said feedback network to the high impedance node to be equal to the reference current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Analog Devices Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan P. Foran