Patents by Inventor Steven M. Pietkiewicz

Steven M. Pietkiewicz 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: 7639517
    Abstract: System and methodology for controlling output current of switching circuitry having an input circuit and an output circuit electrically isolated from each other. A value of the output current may be determined based on input voltage, input current and reflected output voltage representing the voltage in the input circuit which corresponds to the output voltage. A switching element in the input circuit is controlled to produce the determined value of output current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Xigen Zhou, David Roy Ng, Steven M. Pietkiewicz, Robert C. Dobkin
  • Patent number: 7528587
    Abstract: A converter coupled to a DC voltage input and connectable to a load, includes a signal responsive switch coupled between a first circuit point and a second circuit point. In lieu of burst mode operation during low load conditions, the peak switch current is varied directly with load condition and a switch deactivation interval is varied inversely with load condition. The switch deactivation level is within a maximum level to avoid audio frequency band interference, while maintaining high efficiency operation throughout the load range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Albert M. Wu, Steven M. Pietkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20080192514
    Abstract: System and methodology for controlling output current of switching circuitry having an input circuit and an output circuit electrically isolated from each other. A value of the output current may be determined based on input voltage, input current and reflected output voltage representing the voltage in the input circuit which corresponds to the output voltage. A switching element in the input circuit is controlled to produce the determined value of output current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Xigen Zhou, David Roy Ng, Steven M. Pietkiewicz, Robert C. Dobkin
  • Patent number: 7342365
    Abstract: A circuit for charging a photoflash that preferably reduces the average input to the switching regulator in an efficient fashion is provided. The regulator includes a transformer. The transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. The switching regulator also includes a switch that closes at the beginning of a first portion of the switching cycle and opens at the end of the first portion of the switching cycle. The second portion of the cycle may be to allow the secondary winding to release current into the load. The switch is adapted to allow the current to build up in the primary winding when the switch is closed. The switching regulator may also include a delay circuit that introduces a delay between the end of the second portion of the cycle and the beginning of the first portion of the next switching cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Albert M Wu, Steven M Pietkiewicz
  • Patent number: 7292005
    Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor charging circuit that efficiently charges capacitive loads. In particular, circuits and techniques are preferably provided for using current from both the primary and secondary windings of a transformer to control ON-time and OFF-time of a switch. This arrangement preferably yields an adaptable ON-time and adaptable OFF-time switch that is capable of rapidly charging capacitor loads ranging from as low as zero volts to several hundred volts. The output voltage is preferably measured indirectly to prevent unnecessary power consumption. In addition, control circuitry can be provided to conserve power by ceasing the delivery of power to the capacitor load once the desired output voltage is reached. Control circuitry preferably operates an interrogation timer that periodically activates the power delivery cycle to maintain the capacitor output load in a constant state of readiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Steven M Pietkiewicz, Albert M Wu
  • Publication number: 20040130299
    Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor charging circuit that efficiently charges capacitive loads. In particular, circuits and techniques are preferably provided for using current from both the primary and secondary windings of a transformer to control ON-time and OFF-time of a switch. This arrangement preferably yields an adaptable ON-time and adaptable OFF-time switch that is capable of rapidly charging capacitor loads ranging from as low as zero volts to several hundred volts. The output voltage is preferably measured indirectly to prevent unnecessary power consumption. In addition, control circuitry can be provided to conserve power by ceasing the delivery of power to the capacitor load once the desired output voltage is reached. Control circuitry preferably operates an interrogation timer that periodically activates the power delivery cycle to maintain the capacitor output load in a constant state of readiness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Pietkiewicz, Albert M. Wu
  • Patent number: 6636021
    Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor charging circuit that efficiently charges capacitive loads. In particular, circuits and techniques are preferably provided for using current from both the primary and secondary windings of a transformer to control ON-time and OFF-time of a switch. This arrangement preferably yields an adaptable ON-time and adaptable OFF-time switch that is capable of rapidly charging capacitor loads ranging from as low as zero volts to several hundred volts. The output voltage is preferably measured indirectly to prevent unnecessary power consumption. In addition, control circuitry can be provided to conserve power by ceasing the delivery of power to the capacitor load once the desired output voltage is reached. Control circuitry preferably operates an interrogation timer that periodically activates the power delivery cycle to maintain the capacitor output load in a constant state of readiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schenkel, Albert M. Wu, Robert C. Dobkin, Steven M. Pietkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20030090240
    Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor charging circuit that efficiently charges capacitive loads. In particular, circuits and techniques are preferably provided for using current from both the primary and secondary windings of a transformer to control ON-time and OFF-time of a switch. This arrangement preferably yields an adaptable ON-time and adaptable OFF-time switch that is capable of rapidly charging capacitor loads ranging from as low as zero volts to several hundred volts. The output voltage is preferably measured indirectly to prevent unnecessary power consumption. In addition, control circuitry can be provided to conserve power by ceasing the delivery of power to the capacitor load once the desired output voltage is reached. Control circuitry preferably operates an interrogation timer that periodically activates the power delivery cycle to maintain the capacitor output load in a constant state of readiness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schenkel, Albert M. Wu, Robert C. Dobkin, Steven M. Pietkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6518733
    Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor charging circuit that efficiently charges capacitive loads. In particular, circuits and techniques are preferably provided for using current from both the primary and secondary windings of a transformer to control ON-time and OFF-time of a switch. This arrangement preferably yields an adaptable ON-time and adaptable OFF-time switch that is capable of rapidly charging capacitor loads ranging from as low as zero volts to several hundred volts. The output voltage is preferably measured indirectly to prevent unnecessary power consumption. In addition, control circuitry can be provided to conserve power by ceasing the delivery of power to the capacitor load once the desired output voltage is reached. Control circuitry preferably operates an interrogation timer that periodically activates the power delivery cycle to maintain the capacitor output load in a constant state of readiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schenkel, Albert M. Wu, Robert C. Dobkin, Steven M. Pietkiewicz
  • Patent number: 4633165
    Abstract: A temperature compensated voltage reference circuit in which a compensation current is generated by establishing a current through a passive impedance element which varies with temperature in accordance with the transistor voltage equation. This current is proportionately reflected into the output impedance circuit associated with the voltage reference, where it compensates for temperature induced voltage variations. The passive impedance element is adjustable to correct for processing variations, and the compensation circuit requires no voltage supplies other than those typically provided for the reference circuit by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Precision Monolithics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Pietkiewicz, Derek F. Bowers