Abstract: The invention concerns H-bridge type power amplifiers and their blocking means.The memory effect of the capacitive impedance of control inputs of each of the two blocking transistors-in the H-bridge is used to block and unblock the amplifier synchronously with the amplifier input signal: a first switch and a semi-conductor element are placed in parallel with each other, in series with each of these control inputs, such that the blocking of the blocking transistor necessitates the opening of the first switch under the control of the blocking signal, and is dependent on the sign of the charge carried by said capacitive impedance; a second switch controlled by the half periods of the input signal only enables the first switch to close and therefore unblocking of the considered blocking transistor for half periods that are not amplified by this blocking transistor.

Abstract: A self-configurable, dual bridge, power amplifier has a window comparator to sense amplifier signals and control a plurality of configuring switches capable of configuring the amplifier either as a single bridge amplifier driving two loads connected in series or as two distinct bridge amplifiers each driving one of the two loads. When the two amplifier signals remain within a range defined by a negative voltage reference and a positive voltage reference, the amplifier is configured as a single bridge driving the two loads in series, thus reducing power dissipation. Several embodiments of the invention are shown.

Abstract: A voltage regulator (200) includes a controller (204) which selectively activates a plurality of switching means (208, 210, 214, and 212) in order to select between a first current loop in which an energy storage device is charged by an input supply and a second loop in which the energy storage device is coupled to the output terminal (242) of the regulator (200). The switching from the second current loop to the first is governed by the controller (204) determining that the loop current in the second loop has reached a predetermined level. A first switching audio amplifier (300) is disclosed which uses the voltage regulator (200) to provide a continuously variable output voltage (318) in order to provide for high quality amplification which is independent of the volume setting. A second audio amplifier (400)includes a converter (436) which provides discrete voltage levels to a full wave bridge in order to provide improved audio output.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first push-pull amplifier for amplifying an audio signal, a second push-pull amplifier for inverting and amplifying the audio signal, a switching circuit for switching power from a power source line at a frequency exceeding an audible frequency and feeding the first or second amplifier and a control circuit for controlling a switching period of the switching circuit such that the feeding power is changed correspondingly to a level of the audio signal correspondingly to a first difference in voltage between one of the audio signal and the audio signal amplified by the amplifier and the power or a second difference in voltage between one of the audio signal and the audio signal amplified by the second amplifier and the feeding power, a loud speaker being driven by outputs of the first and second amplifiers.

Abstract: An amplifier (1) used with a pulse width modulated signal which improves the efficiency of a low level input signal comprises two or more switching devices (7,9) with common source/drain or emitter/collector connections. The gates or the bases of the devices are independently driven to optimize the efficiency of the various Rds (on) resistance values of the transistors (61, 63, 65, 89, 91, 93) used in the devices. The amplifier is operated so that during the highest output levels, select switching devices (61, 63, 65) are utilized to reduce in series resistance with the load (13). As output power decreases, devices (89, 91, 93) with higher Rds (on) resistance values are activated by a control signal which greatly improves DC to DC conversion efficiency with improved output voltage resolution, dynamic range and reduced electromagnetic interference potential.

Abstract: A circuit for coupling a signal source producing a signal having a given voltage waveform to a load having two ends, the circuit being composed of: a load voltage control unit connectable between the signal source and one end of the load for producing across the load a voltage corresponding to the signal voltage; and a load current control unit connectable to the load and operable independently of the signal source for producing a current flow through the load sufficient to cause the voltage across the load or the current through the load to have the given waveform.

Abstract: An audio amplifier (100) switches between a pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) mode to an analog mode when required in order to reduce unwanted EMI when the signals being reproduced fall within a predetermined threshold range such as when reproducing low amplitude signals. Amplifier (100) includes both a pulsewidth-modulator (114) and a low-level analog amplifier (126) coupled to a speaker bridge circuit. When controller (106) determines that the input signal (102) is at a predetermined level, controller (106) selectively applies to the load (164) an analog signal instead of the PWM signal, this provides for improved dynamic range and reduced amplifier produced EMI.

Abstract: A self-configurable, dual bridge, power amplifier has a window comparator sensing the level of input signals fed to the amplifier which drives a plurality of configuring switches capable of configuring the amplifier as a single bridge amplifier driving a first and a second loads connected in series or as two distinct bridge amplifiers each driving one of the two loads. As long as the two levels of the input signals remain comprised between a range defined by a negative voltage reference and a positive voltage reference, the amplifier is configured as a single bridge driving the two loads in series, thus reducing sensibly power dissipation.

Abstract: The invention provides a high power, low distortion, high efficiency ampler design incorporating a high efficiency switching amplifier used in conjunction with a linear difference amplifier. The high efficiency switching amplifier, typically of full or half bridge design, is designed to generate a high efficiency, arbitrarily formed, wave portion such as a square wave. The high efficiency waveform is scaled down and is compared to a desired reference, such as a sinusoid. The output of the comparison is the analog difference (mathematical subtraction) between the reference waveform and the scaled-down switch amplifier output wave. This "difference" signal is then used to drive the linear difference amplifier which simply scales the signal linearly. The two power signals, one from the switching amplifier and the other from the linear difference amplifier, are then summed magnetically.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit for applying a voltage from a voltage source across a load having a frequency domain transfer function g(s), the circuit being composed of: a coupling member having a frequency domain transfer function f(s); first connecting elements for connecting the coupling member between the source and the load; a compensating member having a frequency domain transfer function r(s); and second connecting elements for connecting the compensating member to both the source and the load.

Abstract: A transconductance amplifier has sensfets connected to an H bridge configuration to drive a load with current which is linearly proportional to the input signal. A inverting or a non-inverting side is active depending upon whether the signal is above or below a reference. Three stages include power amplifiers, switches and comparators for turning the two sides on and off. A mirror current source for each sensfet provides feedback to maintain the linearity of the load current as a function of input signal, thus eliminating the need for a resistor in the current path for sensing the feedback.

Abstract: A differential amplifier circuit comprises a current mirror circuit associated with an electric power source, and an amplifier circuit for developing differential voltage produced between a pair of output nodes of the current mirror circuit, and the current mirror circuit is implemented by a first series combination of a first magneto-resistive element, a first bipolar transistor and a second magneto-resistive element and a second series combination of a third magneto-resistive element, a second bipolar transistor and a fourth magneto-resistive element, wherein the first to fourth magneto-resistive elements are arranged in such a manner that variation of magnetic field has the same influence on the first and fourth magneto-resistive elements and on the second and third magneto-resistive elements so that the characteristics of the current mirror circuit is hardly affected by fluctuation of device characteristics of either first or second bipolar transistor.

Abstract: A first non-inverting amplifier unit and a second inverting amplifier unit are driven by a single input signal; their outputs are connected across a load, directly and via a series capacitor, respectively. A circuit disables the second amplifier when the input signal is lower than a preset threshold level.

Abstract: A composite bridge amplifier having four output metal oxide semi-conductor field effect transistors (mosfets) in a bridge configuration. The gates of the mosfets are controlled by an input signal which is amplified in a diamond differential amplifier phase splitter and voltage gain stage and then applied to the mosfet gates. The power terminals (sources and drains) of the mosfets receive a power signal which varies with the input signal at a level sufficient to maintain headroom above the output signal but to reduce power dissipation in the mosfets. The power signal is produced by a switch connected between a floating power supply and a filter and operated at e.g. 200 KHz. The switch is operated by a pulse width modulated (pwm) signal derived from the absolute value of the input signal. Because the power signal in effect tracks the output signal, little power is dissipated in the mosfets so that the amplifier can be made very compact.

Abstract: The amplifier includes a bridge circuit having an input circuit adapted for connection across a DC voltage source and an output circuit connected across a load. The bridge circuit includes first and second transistors for, when on, connecting the DC voltage source across the load for DC current flow therethrough in a first direction and third and fourth transistors for, when on, connecting the DC voltage source across the load for DC current flow therethrough in a second direction. The transistors are controlled by an RF signal so that they turn on and off at a frequency dependent upon that of the RF signal such that current flows from the DC source alternately in the first and second directions through the load.

Abstract: An RF power amplifier having improved amplifier protection. An RF source provides an RF signal to be amplified. The amplifier includes a bridge circuit having an input circuit adapted for connection across a DC voltage source and an output circuit connected across a load. The bridge circuit includes first and second transistors for, when on, connecting the DC voltage source across the load for DC current flow therethrough in a first direction and third and fourth transistors for, when on, connecting the DC voltage source across the load for DC current flow therethrough in a second direction. The transistors are controlled in response to the RF signal so that they turn on and off at a frequency dependent upon that of the RF signal and such that current flows from the DC source alternately in the first and second directions through the load. An amplifier control serves to apply a reverse bias to the second and fourth transistors to prevent them from conducting current until receipt of a turn on signal.

Abstract: A so-called bridge audio amplifier, particularly for stereophonic car radio sets, comprises a first power amplifier in a non-inverting configuration which is connected to a second amplifier in an inverting configuration. This audio amplifier further comprises a first resistor pair forming a bridge circuit with the resistors of the first power amplifier, as well as a second resistor pair interconnected between a positive supply pole and ground and with the first and second amplifiers having their respective non-inverting inputs connected across the second resistor pair via respective input resistors. The audio amplifier of this invention requires but a very small number of input pins and may be used as a stereophonic amplifier.

Abstract: A bridge-type linear amplifier includes separate local feedback networks on each half-side channel of the amplifier and an additional feedback network between channels of the amplifier in order to correct for differences in current gains of output transistors and requisite drive currents.

Abstract: A proportional control circuit for the direction and precise speed control of D.C. electric motors such as those used to drive camera tilt/pan mountings. The circuit applies current to D.C. motors in a push/pull proportional scheme whereby slewing speed is smoothly and precisely controlled and electromotive force provides motor braking. A single current source powers the motors through an "H" bridge switching amplifier arrangement responsive to the balance between two voltage dividers, one of which includes a controlling potentiometer that regulates both direction and speed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit in a seven pin package particularly for audio signal amplification comprises at least two integrated amplifiers selectively commutable in a bridge configuration or in a stereo configuration by means of at least three integrated switches driven by an integrated comparator with threshold set by an internally generated reference voltage and whose input is connected to the SVR pin commonly used to implement the function of common mode signals rejections. The internal commutation between the two selectable configurations is obtained by varying the level of the bias voltage applied to said SVR pin by means of an external voltage divider.

Abstract: To permit cooling of transistor push-pull bridge-type audio end stages in car radios, where heat dissipation and cooling of components is difficult to achieve, without entire interruption of signals being amplified, the temperature of a heat sink (HS) is being sensed by a temperature sensor (14), and, if a predetermined level is exceeded as determined, for example, by a threshold circuit (15), one of the bridge arms formed by a transistor (10) is controlled to become saturated, thereby grounding-out the applied signal, so that a loudspeaker (6) will operate at only half voltage and hence 1/4 power, to thereby permit cooling of components, while providing some reproduction of introduced audio signals from an audio input terminal (11).

Abstract: An integrated amplifier circuit includes:first and second operational amplifiers each having a terminal connected to a supply potential node, and a terminal connected to a reference potential node;two ohmic voltage dividers each being formed of two resistors connected between an output of a respective one of the operational amplifiers and a first circuit node, and two further ohmic resistors each being connected between a respective tap of the voltage dividers and a respective inverting input of a respective one of the operational amplifiers, providing real negative feedback of the operational amplifiers;a third ohmic voltage divider formed of two resistors connected between a supply potential node and the first circuit node, an intermediate ohmic resistor connected between a tap of the third voltage divider and a second circuit node, and two ohmic supply resistors each being connected between the second circuit node and a respective non-inverting input of the operational amplifier; an ohmic series resistor c

Abstract: A class A bridge topology for audio amplifiers configured to operate in constant current mode, comprising power stages (3,4,5,6) supplied by supplies (8,9) and driven to equal amplitude opposite phase output signals applied across a load (7). Symmetrical current conditions are placed on said power stages to achieve a cancellation of supply currents during signal application to the load. Supplies are current limited to afford non-intrusive protection against overstress.

Abstract: A fully integratable bridge amplifier comprises two identical amplifiers (1; 5) each being provided with a first input stage (20; 40) whose inputs constitute the first non-inverting inputs (2; 6) and the first inverting inputs (3; 7) of the amplifier, a second input stage (29; 50) whose inputs constitute the second non-inverting inputs (28; 49) and the second inverting inputs (27; 48) of the amplifier, and an output stage (25; 45). The first inverting input (3; 7) of each amplifier (1; 5) is connected to the output (12) of a buffer amplifier (9) via a first resistor (R.sub.6 ; R.sub.9) which together with a second resistor (R.sub.5 ; R.sub.8) constitutes a negative feedback network between the output (4; 8) of the amplifier (1; 5) and the first inverting input (3; 7). The first non-inverting input (2; 6) is also connected to the output (12) of the buffer amplifier (9). This output (12) and consequently the first inputs (2, 3; 6, 7) of the amplifiers (1; 5) are at half the supply voltage with respect to the d.

Abstract: An audio amplifier of the type including circuitry to detect clipping and adjust the gain of an amplifier input element to control the clipping in closed loop operation further includes circuitry effective to sense the temperature of an amplifier component and change the amplifier bias voltage that determines the maximum non-clipping voltage so as to induce clipping in the amplifier when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. The clipping control circuitry then reduces the input gain to the amplifier to control the clipping and, in so doing, reduces power dissipation to a level allowing the temperature to decrease to the predetermined temperature. The circuit provides for closed loop control of amplifier temperature in marginal temperature situations with minimal intrusion on the music reproduction process.

Abstract: Conventional bridged amplifiers obtain output voltage range and DC operating voltage from full and half voltage outputs of a voltage divider. A low voltage unipolar supply powers the voltage divider for small signals. A peak detector selects the higher peak amplifier output; and a voltage follower with an output voltage range from a high voltage unipolar supply maintains an output voltage a predetermined level above the peak. The output of the follower controls a transistor connecting the high voltage supply to the full voltage output of the voltage divider to allow the bridged amplifier outputs to increase above the low voltage supply as necessary in class G operation.

Abstract: A push-pull power amplifier includes a pair of input terminals, a pair of output terminals, a pair of matched output tubes having cathode, plate, and grid terminals, and a pair of output power supplies, all of which are connected to form a bridge circuit. A floating bias supply is coupled between the grid and plate of both output tubes. A first feedback resistor couples the floating bias supply to the cathode of the first output tube. A second feedback resistor couples the floating bias supply to the cathode of the second output tube. The floating bias supply and feedback resistors provide degenerative feedback without affecting power gain.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit for use, e.g., in audio appliances, comprises two amplifiers; a first amplifier for controlling the output voltage, and a second amplifier for driving output electric current. An impedance circuit is connected to both outputs of the first and second amplifiers. Thus, the amplifier circuit accurately controls output electric power in response to the input signal and yet providing sufficient electric current for driving a speaker.

Abstract: A short circuit protection device for a unitary voltage gain signal transducer circuit (G.sub.v) and for a load impedance (R.sub.L) coupled to the transducer circuit includes a first (A.sub.1) and a second (A.sub.2) threshold comparator circuit and an actuator circuit (ACT). The input terminals of the first comparator (A.sub.1) are coupled to the transducer circuit input and output terminals and the output terminal of the first comparator is coupled to an activation terminal of the actuator circuit. The input terminals of the second comparator (A.sub.2) are coupled to the ends of the load impedance and the output terminal is coupled to an inhibit terminal of the actuator circuit. A first output terminal of the actuator circuit is coupled to an inhibit terminal of the transducer circuit, while a second output terminal of the transducer circuit is used to deliver a small current I.sub.1 to the load impedance.

Abstract: An amplifier having floating inverting and non-inverting inputs and a stabilized direct output voltage level. The amplifier comprises a preamplifier (10) and an output amplifier stage (20). The preamplifier (10) comprises a differential amplifier which comprises a first and a second transistor (T.sub.1, T.sub.2) between whose emitters a first resistor (R.sub.1) is arranged and whose emitters are connected to the positive direct power-supply terminal (2) by a first and a second current source (I.sub.1 =I, I.sub.2 =I) respectively. The collector of the second transistor (T.sub.2) is connected to the negative power-supply terminal (3) via a third current source (I.sub.3 =3.5I) and is coupled to the output (7) of the arrangement via a second resistor (R.sub.2). Two transistors (T.sub.3, T.sub.4) having commoned bases carrying a reference voltage (V.sub.R) are arranged in cascade with the third current source (I.sub.3).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for driving a non-centertapped load such as a loudspeaker from a low voltage supply such as a single dry cell, with increased efficiency. A push-pull signal having similar polarity voltage excursions is applied to opposite terminals of the load. Alternate individual terminals of the load which are opposite to the terminals to which the non-idle phases of the push-pull signal are alternately applied are connected to a common terminal via a pair of transistors. The pair of transistors are driven by an amplified representation of the push-pull input signal. Since pulse signals are not used to drive the pair of transistors, capacitors need not be used to eliminate switching transients which would otherwise appear, and increased efficiency results.

Abstract: An audio output amplifying device which is adapted for use in a plurality of audio output amplifying circuits. An audio signal to be amplified is supplied to a positive phase input of a first differential amplifier. The positive phase input of a second differential amplifier is selectively coupled either to a source of a reference voltage (ground) or the source of the audio signal. A feedback circuit is connected between the output of the first differential amplifier and the negative phase inputs of both the first and second differential amplifiers. A switch is provided to selectively couple the output of the first differential amplifier to ground in one position and to allow amplification by both differential amplifiers in a second position.

Abstract: A bridge amplifier having paired high and low output stages in which a main amplifier receiving an input signal drives the high output stages and a balancing amplifier drives the low of the output stages. A junction temperature simulation circuit extends between the main amplifier and the low output stages in which the temperatures of the low output stages are sensed to produce an arresting of the main amplifier drive to the high output stages and thereby simultaneously control the balancing amplifier and its drive to the low output stages.

Abstract: A bridge circuit for use with high gain high impedance direct-current amplifiers, when the input circuitry includes components subject to pyroelectric effects. The bridge includes temperature responsive elements connected to an adjustable direct-current voltage supply and produces a control voltage that compensates for changes in the zero offset of the input, due to such pyroelectric voltages.

Abstract: An improved transducer amplifier includes a first operational amplifier having low drift of its input offset voltage characteristic and having a first output of a transducer connected to its positive input and a second output of the transducer connected by means of an input resistor to its negative input. The gain of the first operational amplifier is set by a feedback resistor. A second operational amplifier having low current drain is connected as a voltage follower with its input connected to the first transducer output. A differential signal produced between the voltage follower output and the output of the first operational amplifier is applied to a conventional differential to single ended converter circuit with precisely matched input and feedback resistors to eliminate the common mode voltage component of the differential signal and to reference an amplified error signal component of the differential signal to ground.

Abstract: A Class B push-pull amplifier designed for use at low supply voltages (e.g. 1 to 2 volts) wherein complementary push-pull output transistors T.sub.3, T.sub.4 are biased by a biasing chain consisting of resistor R.sub.1, transistor T.sub.1, resistor R.sub.2, transistor T.sub.2, resistor R.sub.3, with the signal to the bases of T.sub.3, T.sub.4 being supplied from opposite ends of R.sub.2. The value of R.sub.2 is twice that of R.sub.1 and R.sub.3. The circuit is preferably used in a bridge configuration with a second similar amplifier set at unity gain driven from the first amplifier. It may be used to power the loudspeaker of a miniature radio receiver.

Abstract: A power amplifier with a low distortion and a high power efficiency includes a first amplifier of the low distortion type for being powered by a first voltage source to amplify an input signal thereto to apply an output signal to a first terminal, and a second amplifier of the high power efficiency type for being powered by a second voltage source to amplify the input signal to apply an output signal to a second terminal. A load is connected between the first and second terminals. The output voltage of the second voltage source is greater than that of the first voltage source. A first feedback path is provided for feeding back the output signal of the first amplifier to an input thereof. A second feedback path is provided for feeding back the output signal of the second amplifier to the input of the first amplifier.

Abstract: An amplifier for bidirectionally driving a motor includes circuitry for enabling the amplifier to operate with a bipolar input signal while employing a single power supply. The amplifier includes an input section which receives the bipolar input signal and provides a unipolar output voltage. The operational amplifier drives a bridge drive network to provide a drive current to output bridge transistor in one of two directions. The bridge network includes control circuitry for causing all of the transistors of the drive bridge to be operated in their active regions, thereby improving the power dissipation characteristics of the network. The output bridge transistors are also controlled to operate in their active regions. In addition, circuitry is included for providing negative feedback for the amplifier despite the fact that the output current is always a positive current.

Abstract: A final bridge stage for a receiver audio amplifier, which can be monolithically integrated, consists of two pairs of complementary bipolar transistors. The collectors of the transistors of each of the transistor pairs are connected together to form two terminals to which a transducer is connected. The transistor emitters of NPN type and PNP type transistors are respectively connected to the negative pole and, through a constant current generator, to the positive pole of a supply voltage generator. The constant current generator consists of a small resistor to which a constant voltage is applied by means of a suitable circuit. The bases of the bridge transistors are connected to the signal source by means of suitable circuits. The signal source controls similar transistors in phase opposition, while at the same time controlling the complementary transistors in phase opposition.

Abstract: A security system of the bridge circuit type has in one of its arms a conducting element whose impedance is to be monitored and in its other arms reference and/or compensating elements, for detecting an unbalance of the bridge resulting from a sudden change in the impedance of the conducting element. At least one of the reference elements has a variable impedance. The phase shift of the signal obtained at the output of the bridge circuit is detected, due to the drift of the bridge circuit, with respect to the A.C. supply frequency. The detection signal is then used for compensating the drift by acting on the reference element having a variable impedance in order to bring the bridge circuit back to balanced condition.

Abstract: A bridge audio amplifier is disclosed which includes an input stage for receiving an audio input signal and having a bias amplifier and a signal amplifier which provide a combined output current containing a substantially constant dc component and an ac component which is dependent on the input signal and the relative transconductance of the bias and signal amplifiers. The transconductance of the bias and signal amplifiers is reciprocably varied by a dc control voltage to vary the ac component of the current. The output current is converted to a voltage signal and applied to an output stage for driving a speaker. Two such audio amplifiers driving front and rear speakers may be employed to achieve a low level fade function.

Abstract: In an electronic amplifier having a floating output stage (42), a demand signal modulates a high frequency carrier (e.g. 20MHz) and the modulated carrier is applied to the floating output stage through a capacitance (10) of very low value (e.g. 1pf) and is then demodulated. The amplifier is preferably a bridge amplifier and each arm of the bridge may comprise a number of floating output stages, each supplied with the modulated carrier through a low-value capacitor (10). As described, the amplifier drives a crystal (40) for modulating electromagnetic radiation from a laser.

Abstract: An amplifying device comprising a pre-amplifier, a first high power amplifier of a relatively bad lineality for amplifying the outputs of the pre-amplifier, a first impedance element for applying the outputs of the first amplifier to a load, a negative feedback circuit for feeding back the outputs of the first amplifier to the input of the pre-amplifier and a second low power amplifier of the relatively good linearity for amplifying the inputs of the first amplifier and supplying the outputs through a second impedance element to the load. The amplifying device can cancel the distortion in the high frequency band caused in the first amplifier through the first and second impedance elements by the outputs of the first amplifier.

Abstract: A bridge amplifier is provided wherein one end of a load device is driven by a first amplifier and the other end of the load device is driven by a second amplifier. The second amplifier is an inverting amplifier comprising P and N-channel field-effect transistors, having complementary symmetry conduction characteristics. The input to the second amplifier is directly coupled to the output of the first amplifier.

Abstract: A circuit responsive to applied audio signals for amplifying the same and providing the amplified signals across differential output terminals. The circuit comprising an audio amplifying section which is responsive to the audio input signals for amplifying the same and a feedback circuit connected across the output terminals for providing a feedback signal to the amplifier section to reduce any direct current offset voltage errors appearing across the output terminals to a minimum value. Additionally, the amplifier section includes circuitry for setting the quiescent voltage bias levels of the output terminals to a predetermined level and for providing common-mode rejection of voltage supply line ripple.

Abstract: A circuit for converting an asymmetrical input signal applied to a single ended input terminal of the circuit to a symmetrical output voltage appearing across balanced differential outputs. The circuit includes first and second operational amplifiers, the outputs of which are the outputs of the circuit. The noninverting inputs of the two amplifiers being coupled to a reference voltage. The inverting input of the first amplifier being adapted to receive the input signal and further being coupled through a first resistor to the output thereof. The inverting input of the second amplifier being coupled both to the output thereof and the output of the first amplifier through respective second and third resistors.

Abstract: This invention relates to the protection of power transistors in an H configuration power amplifier which drives a D.C. motor. When the amplifier is switched off, it may be possible for the base terminals of the transistors to be turned "on" which results in the transistors conducting. If two series transistors conduct, the resulting short circuit may damage or destroy the transistors. This invention provides an easy and economical apparatus for protecting the transistors in the power amplifier by grounding the base input terminals of the power transistors during all times when the transistors are switched "off.

Abstract: Operational amplifier circuitry is provided which comprises an operational amplifier having a first input port and a second input port, and a compensating circuit for making a voltage difference between the first and the second input ports of the operational amplifier substantially equal to the offset voltage of the amplifier, compensating the bias currents of the operational amplifier. The compensating circuit may include a series of a first resistor and a second resistor connected between the first and the second input ports of the amplifier. The node connecting the first and the second resistors is coupled to a predetermined voltage, the resistances of the first and the second resistors being selected so that a voltage difference between the first and the second input ports of the amplifier is substantially equal to the offset voltage of the operational amplifier.

Abstract: The amplifiers of the present application all include at least two pairs of complementary, metal-oxide-semiconductor (COS/MOS) transistors, each pair quiescently biased to operate as a linear amplifier. An input signal is applied in one phase to the input circuit of one COS/MOS pair and in opposite phase to the input circuit of the other COS/MOS pair. The output signal appears across a load circuit which is connected at one terminal to the joined drain electrodes of one COS/MOS pair and at its other terminal to the joined drain electrodes of the other COS/MOS pair.

Abstract: A system providing linear amplification of a signal including a pulse duration modulation of the signal upon a carrier signal, the system further including a plurality of amplifying units which are sequentially activated by the modulated carrier. The amplifying units are arranged in the form of a bridge circuit, the nodes of which are coupled to a load, the amplifying units including transistors which are driven alternately in states of conduction and nonconduction for maximizing power coupled to the load while minimizing power dissipated in the transistors. A filter connected between the amplifying units and the load attenuates signals at the frequency of the carrier so that the waveform of the signal applied to the load duplicates the waveform of the signal at the input of the system.