Abstract: A low noise voltage regulator generally includes an output switching stage and an amplifier, both of which contribute current to produce an output voltage at a substantially constant level. The amplifier produces a current that is based on a difference between a reference voltage and a feedback of the output voltage. The current from the amplifier (and optionally also from a current ramp generator) counterbalances the current from the output switching stage to maintain the output voltage at the substantially constant level. The output switching stage is controlled in response to a level of the counterbalancing current.

Abstract: A low noise voltage regulator generally includes an output switching stage and an amplifier, both of which contribute current to produce an output voltage at a substantially constant level. The amplifier produces a current that is based on a difference between a reference voltage and a feedback of the output voltage. The current from the amplifier (and optionally also from a current ramp generator) counterbalances the current from the output switching stage to maintain the output voltage at the substantially constant level. The output switching stage is controlled in response to a level of the counterbalancing current.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for lighting are disclosed. For example, some embodiments of the present invention provide methods for retrofitting lights. The methods include providing a solid state light bulb. The solid state light bulb includes: an LED array, a dimming control circuit, and a current regulator. The current regulator provides an LED current to the LED array. The LED current varies based on a control from the dimming control circuit. The methods further include, electrically coupling the solid state light bulb to an existing incandescent dimmer switch, and adjusting the existing incandescent dimmer switch such that the intensity of light emitted from the LED array is adjusted in proportion to the adjustment of the existing incandescent dimmer switch.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is an amplifier (10), comprising an input stage amplifier (20) coupled to an output node (81). The amplifier (10) further comprises a class D output stage (50), which comprises at least two switching elements (P1, N1) and coupled to the output node (81). The amplifier (10) also comprises a control circuit (40) coupled to the output stage (50). The control circuit (40) is operable to produce a tri-state output of the output stage (50) in response to a sensed value proportional to an amount of current that flows to the output node (81).

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is an amplifier (10), comprising an input stage amplifier (20) coupled to an output node (81). The amplifier (10) further comprises a class D output stage (50), which comprises at least two switching elements (P1, N1) and coupled to the output node (81). The amplifier (10) also comprises a control circuit (40) coupled to the output stage (50). The control circuit (40) is operable to produce a tri-state output of the output stage (50) in response to a sensed value proportional to an amount of current that flows to the output node (81).

Abstract: A data acquisition system uses an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that includes a prediction feedback element. Using the computing power of a digital signal processor, the system predicts the next sample of the target signal based on pre-defined rules and previous samples. This digital prediction is converted to an analog signal using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). An analog error summer compares the predicted signal with the target signal and creates an error signal. The digital signal processor uses the prediction error to more accurately predict the next sample. A negative feedback loop is thus formed by this system to drive the prediction error toward zero. Operating on the relatively small error signal in the forward and feedback paths enhances the conversion performance and data transfer efficiency.

Abstract: A data acquisition system uses an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that includes a prediction feedback element. Using the computing power of a digital signal processor, the system predicts the next sample of the target signal based on pre-defined rules and previous samples. This digital prediction is converted to an analog signal using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). An analog error summer compares the predicted signal with the target signal and creates an error signal. The digital signal processor uses the prediction error to more accurately predict the next sample. A negative feedback loop is thus formed by this system to drive the prediction error toward zero. Operating on the relatively small error signal in the forward and feedback paths enhances the conversion performance and data transfer efficiency.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is an amplifier (10), comprising an input stage amplifier (20) coupled to an output node (81). The amplifier (10) further comprises a class D output stage (50), which comprises at least two switching elements (P1, N1) and coupled to the output node (81). The amplifier (10) also comprises a control circuit (40) coupled to the output stage (50). The control circuit (40) is operable to produce a tri-state output of the output stage (50) in response to a sensed value proportional to an amount of current that flows to the output node (81).