Including Particular Power Supply Circuitry Patents (Class 330/297)
  • Patent number: 8311243
    Abstract: An energy-efficient consumer device audio power output stage provides improved battery life and reduced power dissipation. A power supply having a selectable operating mode supplies the power supply rails to the power amplified output stage. The operating mode is controlled in conformity with the audio signal level, which may be determined from a volume control setting of the device and/or from a signal level detector that determines the amplitude of the signal being amplified. The power supply may be a charge pump in which the operating mode uses a capacitive divider to provide for selection of a power supply output voltage that is a rational fraction of the power supply output voltage in a full-voltage operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: John Christopher Tucker, Daniel John Allen, John L. Melanson, Ammisetti Prasad
  • Patent number: 8310313
    Abstract: A highly efficient class-G amplifier includes an amplifier circuit coupled between a positive power rail and a negative power rail to amplify an audio input signal of the class-G amplifier, and a boost inverting power converter to convert a supply voltage to a positive rail voltage and a negative rail voltage on the positive and negative power rails. The boost inverting power converter includes a boost inverting power stage coupled to the positive and negative power rails, and a controller to switch the boost inverting power stage between a boost mode and an inverting mode. An audio level detector detects the audio input signal for the controller to adjust the positive and negative rail voltages. The class-G amplifier has higher efficiency and requires lower cost because it does not need a charge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Richtek Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Jwin-Yen Guo, Tsung-Nan Wu
  • Patent number: 8306490
    Abstract: A high frequency power amplifier maintains an excellent linearity regardless of a fluctuation of a load impedance and is downsized. The high frequency power amplifier detects an AC voltage amplitude at an output terminal of a final amplification stage transistor, and suppresses an input signal amplitude of a power amplifier when the voltage amplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonori Tanoue, Hidetoshi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20120274405
    Abstract: An amplifier including: an output stage having two first power supply terminals capable of receiving a first voltage defined by first positive and negative variable potentials with respect to a reference potential; and a circuit for controlling the current in transistors of the output stage with a reference value, wherein the output stage includes a first and a second MOS transistors in series between the first two terminals, the junction point of this series association defining an output terminal of the amplifier; the control circuit includes two measurement MOS transistors having their respective sources and gates coupled to the respective sources and gates of the first and second transistors of the output stage; at least one control branch, comprising transistors in series between two terminals of application of a second voltage, defines nodes connected to the gates of the output transistors, said second voltage being greater than the first one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: EASII IC
    Inventors: Alexandre HUFFENUS, Serge PONTAROLLO
  • Patent number: 8299855
    Abstract: A power amplifier system includes a power amplifier element that provides a power output signal in response to a bias signal, and a voltage converter. The voltage converter provides at least one discrete voltage output level to the power amplifier element, where the discrete voltage output level is used to develop the bias signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Young, Ying Shi
  • Publication number: 20120268212
    Abstract: An amplifier arrangement comprising an amplifier (AMP) with a terminal (SPL) for a supply signal (VSPL) and a bias circuit (BIAS) for providing the supply signal (VSPL) at the terminal (SPL). The bias circuit holds an operating point (OP) of the amplifier (AMP) constant by means of the supply signal (VSPL). The bias circuit (BIAS) comprises a reference circuit (REF) for providing a reference signal (VREF) and a correction device (COR) by means of which the supply signal (VSPL) is regulated based on the reference signal (VREF) and a correction signal (Vfeed), the correction signal (Vfeed) being dependent on the operating point (OP) of the amplifier (AMP). A method for operating an amplifier arrangement is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Thomas CHRISTEN
  • Patent number: 8294522
    Abstract: This is disclosed an amplification stage including a first amplifier stage, a second amplifier stage, and a power supply unit, in which the output of the first stage provides the input to the second stage, and the power supply unit provides a power supply for both amplifier stages, wherein the voltage of the power supply is continuously varied in dependence of the amplitude of the signal being amplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Nujira Limited
    Inventors: Shane Flint, Gerard Wimpenny
  • Patent number: 8295510
    Abstract: An power-saving amplifying device is disclosed, the power-saving amplifying device uses a micro controller unit (MCU) to receive a control signal transmitted by a volume controller and to generate a decision signal based on the control signal; the MCU transmits the decision signal to the volume controlling circuit for obtaining a drive signal, then the volume controlling circuit transmits the drive signal to a power amplifier for driving a speaker to output a sound with a required volume; the MCU also calculates an output value of a PWM signal and transmits the PWM signal to a DC integrating circuit for rectifying and integrating the PWM signal into a DC voltage; the DC voltage is coupled with a voltage control terminal of the power supply to increase or decrease the DC voltage outputted by the power supply to the power amplifier, thereby reducing power consumption by using the volume to control the output voltage of the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sound Cheers Limited
    Inventor: Chi-Lien Lin
  • Patent number: 8289084
    Abstract: An RF power amplifier device includes a driver stage amplifier, a first RF amplifier, a second RF amplifier and a DC voltage converter operated by first, second and third external power supply voltages. The output of the driver stage amplifier is supplied to the inputs of the first and second RF amplifiers. An effective device size of the first RF amplifier is set to a device size larger than that of the second RF amplifier. The third external power supply voltage is supplied to the DC voltage converter, so that the DC voltage converter generates a fourth operating power supply voltage corresponding to a low voltage and supplies it to an output terminal of the second RF amplifier. An output terminal of the first RF amplifier can be supplied with the second external power supply voltage without via the DC voltage converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Morimoto, Akira Kuriyama, Satoshi Tanaka, Hayato Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20120249247
    Abstract: A circuit includes a reference voltage generator configured to generate a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage, wherein the first reference voltage is higher than a half of a positive power supply voltage, and the second reference voltage is lower than the half of the positive power supply voltage. An n-type differential amplifier includes a first and a second NMOS transistor, wherein a gate of the first NMOS transistor is coupled to an input node, and a gate of the second NMOS transistor is configured to receive the first reference voltage. A p-type differential amplifier is operated by the positive supply voltage and includes a first and a second PMOS transistor. A gate of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to the input node, and a gate of the second PMOS transistor is configured to receive the second reference voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Yu Hsu
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8279001
    Abstract: Several push-pull linear hybrid class H amplifiers are disclosed. A split power rail provides a positive supply rail and a negative supply rail in response to a power supply control voltage. A push-pull amplifier stage is powered by the positive and negative supply rails. The amplifier stage receives an input signal and provides a corresponding amplified output signal. A power supply control circuit provides the power supply control voltage in response to the smaller of the positive and negative supply rails, and the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Audera Acoustics Inc.
    Inventors: John Barry French, Andrew John Mason
  • Patent number: 8279011
    Abstract: An amplifier circuit and a method of signal amplification are provided. The amplifier circuit includes a first amplifier and a charge pump. The first amplifier includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The first terminal is coupled to a first external voltage. The second terminal is coupled to a negative voltage. The third terminal is coupled to a ground reference voltage. The charge pump is coupled to the first amplifier for providing the negative voltage transformed from a second external voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Modiotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Che-Ya Chang, Yuan-Han Yang, Chun-Yuan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20120242413
    Abstract: An amplifier circuit, comprising: an input, for receiving an input signal to be amplified; a power amplifier, for amplifying the input signal; a switched power supply, having a switching frequency, for providing at least one supply voltage to the power amplifier; and a dither block, for dithering the switching frequency of the switched power supply. The dither block is controlled based on the input signal. Another aspect of the invention involves using first and second switches, each having different capacitances and resistances, and using the first or second switch depending on the input signal or volume signal. Another aspect of the invention involves controlling a bias signal provided to one or more components in the signal path based on the input signal or volume signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: John Paul Lesso
  • Patent number: 8274328
    Abstract: An amplifying apparatus includes an amplifier that amplifies a signal, using a voltage supplied; a power source unit that generates a first voltage and a second voltage having an amplitude greater than that of the first voltage; and a switching controller that, when the an envelope signal of the signal becomes current zero, switches between and supplies to the amplifier, the first voltage and the second voltage generated by the power source unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hironobu Hongo, Katsutoshi Ishidoh
  • Publication number: 20120235747
    Abstract: An amplifier circuit for actuating a light diode is provided. The amplifier circuit may have a small output impedance of approximately 3 Ohms, a large bandwidth having a lower threshold frequency of 200 kHz and an upper threshold frequency of 5 MHz, for example, and an amplitude of the output current of several 100 mA, for example. The amplifier circuit may have an entry stage for actuating a driver circuit that actuates the light diode by means of a direct current supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Baumgartner, Andreas Kornbichler, Joachim Walewski
  • Patent number: 8269558
    Abstract: A power supply controller controls the power supply voltage provided to a multi-gain step RF power amplifier to increase the efficiency of the RF power amplifier when the different gains of the RF power amplifier are selected and, thereby, reduce the power consumed by the multi-gain step RF power amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: William Otis Keese, Bhaskar Ramachandran, Jane Xin-LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 8269475
    Abstract: A class DH amplifier is provided. The amplifier is generally comprised of a tracking power supply, a class D amplifier section, and a carrier generator. The tracking power supply receives a supply voltage and an analog input signal, and the tracking power supply provides an input for the carrier generator. Based on its input from the tracking power supply, the carrier generator can output a positive ramp signal and a negative ramp signal to the class D amplifier section. The class D amplifier section can generate an output signal base on the analog input signal and the ramp signals from the carrier generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard K. Hester, Patrick P. Siniscalchi
  • Publication number: 20120229213
    Abstract: To provide an envelope tracking type amplifier that has high efficiency and small fluctuations, an output unit supplies an output signal that is adjusted corresponding to an input signal to a power supply terminal of the amplifier. The output unit includes an analog amplifying circuit that amplifies the input signal; a digital circuit that selectively outputs a first voltage or a second voltage that is lower than the first voltage; and first and second output circuits. The first output circuit includes a first integrating circuit that integrates an output signal of the digital circuit; and a combining section that combines an output signal of the first integrating circuit and an output signal of the analog amplifying circuit and outputs the combined signal to a power supply terminal of the amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Yuji Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20120223777
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier system adjusts the supply voltage provided to a power amplifier (PA) adaptively, responsive to the measured or estimated power of the RF output signal of the PA. The RF PA system includes a power amplifier (PA) which receives and amplifies an RF input signal to generate an RF output signal at a level suitable for transmission to an antenna. A PA supply voltage controller generates a supply voltage control signal, which is used to control the supply voltage to the final stage of the PA. The supply voltage control signal is generated responsive to the measured or estimated power of the PA RF output signal, and also may be responsive to a parameter indicative of impedance mismatch experienced at the PA output. By controlling this supply voltage to the RF PA, the efficiency of the PA is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: QUANTANCE, INC.
    Inventors: Serge Francois Drogi, Martin Tomasz
  • Patent number: 8258874
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for managing an application of power with a power generator to a load, the apparatus comprising a power generator configured to apply power to the load; a controller coupled to the power generator, the controller configured to control a plurality of parameters to optimize operational performance of the power system in response to indicia of operational performance of the power system; and a performance assessor, coupled to the power generator and coupled to the controller, the performance assessor configured to provide the indicia of operational performance of the power system to the controller, where the indicia of the operational performance are relative to a plurality of metrics indicative of operational efficiency of the power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gideon Van Zyl
  • Patent number: 8258875
    Abstract: A power amplifier system is provided that includes a power amplifier configured to receive an RF input. A DC-DC converter is coupled to the power amplifier. Clocking circuits drive the DC-DC converter. The clocking circuits use the RF input to generate a clock. The clock acts with the DC-DC converter to provide an output voltage used in the power amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Amalfi Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm Smith, Matthew Anthony Mow
  • Patent number: 8258872
    Abstract: Techniques for providing multiple power supplies in electronic devices are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an appropriate power supply is provided only to accommodate a volume setting. In other words, there are at least two power supplies, one with a low voltage and the other with a high voltage. The high voltage power supply is only applied when there is a need to accommodate a volume setting. Thus the power consumption of the amplifiers is well controlled. As a result, the designs of the device and heat dissipation therein can be simplified and lowered in cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Lazar, Mark Polomski
  • Patent number: 8253487
    Abstract: A tracking power supply, a method for controlling a power supply, and a communication apparatus are disclosed. The tracking power supply includes: a basic voltage output unit, configured to provide a basic voltage; and a compensation voltage output unit, configured to provide a compensation voltage. The compensation voltage output unit and the basic voltage output unit are connected in series so as to provide a voltage which is the sum of the basic voltage and the compensation voltage for a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhaozheng Hou, Xujun Liu
  • Patent number: 8253491
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for power conversion in a class D amplifier is provided. The power conversion is achieved using synchronous rectifiers in a regulated half bridge power supply, taking the sum of the positive and negative rails as feedback, in order facilitate energy transfer between positive and negative output rails. This minimizes the effects of off side charging and rail sag, as well as achieving good line regulation, while allowing use of very small, low value output capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 8248163
    Abstract: A system for preventing power amplifier supply voltage saturation includes a multiple stage voltage regulator configured to provide a regulated voltage, a power amplifier configured to receive the regulated voltage, and a saturation protection circuit configured to apply a current into a first stage of the multiple stage voltage regulator when the regulated voltage reaches a reference voltage, the applied current causing a subsequent stage of the multiple stage voltage regulator to prevent the regulated voltage from exceeding the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Lige Wang
  • Patent number: 8243956
    Abstract: An autobias vehicular microphone system (300) includes a microphone (301) uses an amplifier (306) for amplifying an output of the microphone. A first feedback path (308) provides an amplifier output signal to the amplifier input for providing amplifier linearity and a second feedback path (305) is used for providing bias to an voltage reference (303). The voltage reference (303) operates to provide an autobias to the amplifier (306) based upon amplifier loading. Thus, a DC feedback loop works as an average voltage sensing circuit operating to center the amplifier (306) to an operating point near one half its supply voltage. By allowing the bias point to vary, a constant clip level can be maintained depending on varying load conditions of electronic devices (307, 309, 311) using the microphone (301).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Robert R. Turnbull
  • Patent number: 8233643
    Abstract: A system and method for amplifying an information carrying signal provided on electrical supply power are provided. An input amplifier unit receives an input signal which contains an information carrying component and a supply power component. A power conversion unit is coupled to the input amplifier unit. The input amplifier unit amplifies the information carrying component of the input signal to generate an amplified signal. The power conversion unit generates at least one complementary set of offset supply levels each referenced to a non-zero offset ground level adaptively defined responsive to the electrical supply power, such that the amplified signal is referenced about the offset ground level. In certain embodiments, an output conditioning unit is employed to generate an output signal comprising an amplified version of the information carrying component of the input signal extracted from the amplified signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Fiberplex Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Markey
  • Patent number: 8232834
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing amplifier supply power on demand for a plurality of xDSL signals is provided. In an embodiment, circuitry may be used to detect the signal or signals having the highest voltage. In different embodiments, the signal(s) with the highest absolute voltage or highest combined voltage between complementary signal pairs may be compared to a threshold voltage, such as an existing amplifier supply voltage. In different embodiments, when these highest voltage(s) exceed the threshold voltage, the corresponding amplifier supply voltages may be increased to meet the increased amplification demand. In some embodiments when these highest voltage(s) do not exceed the threshold voltage, the amplifier supply voltage may not be increased and the existing amplifier supply voltage may be used to amplify the xDSL signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: John Pierdomenico
  • Patent number: 8228124
    Abstract: A class G headphone amplifier circuit with improved power efficiency and low EMI. It may use an automatic signal level detector to detect the signal level of incoming signals and determine positive and negative power supplies for headphone amplifiers accordingly. A voltage generator may generate pairs of differential output voltages at a plurality of amplitude steps, and supply to headphone amplifiers the pair with the amplitude determined by the automatic signal level detector. As a result, headphone amplifiers are biased according to the input signal level, and the multiple voltage rails may improve power efficiency and avoid clipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinghua Ye, Hui Shen, Danny Li
  • Patent number: 8222959
    Abstract: There is provided an amplification control circuit that can adjust the amount of current being supplied to an amplifier according to a reference signal set beforehand. An amplification control circuit according to an aspect of the invention may include: a power supply section supplying a DC power set beforehand to at least one amplifier according to a reference signal set beforehand; a current control section detecting a current being supplied from the power supply section according to a ratio set beforehand and controlling the amount of current being supplied to the at least one amplifier from the power supply section; and a current adjustment section adjusting a level of the current being controlled by the current control section in order to increase or decrease the amount of current being supplied to the at least one amplifier from the power supply section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dae Seok Jang
  • Publication number: 20120176200
    Abstract: A cross-differential amplifier is provided. The cross-differential amplifier includes an inductor connected to a direct current power source at a first terminal. A first and second switch, such as transistors, are connected to the inductor at a second terminal. A first and second amplifier are connected at their supply terminals to the first and second switch. The first and second switches are operated to commutate the inductor between the amplifiers so as to provide an amplified signal while limiting the ripple voltage on the inductor and thus limiting the maximum voltage imposed across the amplifiers and switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Scott D. Kee, Ichiri Aoki
  • Publication number: 20120169425
    Abstract: A method is described comprising conducting a first current through a switching transistor. The method also comprises conducting a second current through a pair of transistors whose conductive channels are coupled in series with respect to each other and are together coupled in parallel across the switching transistor's conductive channel. The second current is less than and proportional to the first current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Gerhard Schrom, Peter Hazucha, Vivek De, Tanay Karnik
  • Patent number: 8212620
    Abstract: An amplifier device including an amplifier having an input for receiving an audio input signal and an output for sending an output signal to a load. A boosted-rail circuit is connected to a power source and has a single boosted rail connected to the BTL amplifier. Also, a common-mode circuit is coupled to the boosted-rail circuit and the BTL amplifier. The common-mode circuit sends a common-mode signal to the BTL amplifier that will dynamically track the output voltage supplied from the boosted-rail circuit to the BTL amplifier. In operation, the boosted-rail circuit reacts to the BTL amplifier and switches from a non-boost mode to a boost mode to increase the output voltage supplied to the BTL when the BTL amplifier requires additional voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rockford Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Strickland, Mark D. Albers, David Dean Baker
  • Publication number: 20120161875
    Abstract: An amplification circuit, which may be in a receive path of a communication device, includes an amplifier including at least a first amplification device and a switchable attenuation circuit. The switchable attenuation circuit includes one or more switches and a plurality of attenuation devices and is operable to provide different levels of attenuation to an input signal prior to input to the amplifier depending on the status of the one or more switches. The attenuation devices may be capacitors, wherein the capacitors may be arranged to form a capacitive divider with a level of attenuation dependent on the status of the switches. The switchable attenuation circuit may be a switched capacitive attenuation ladder of n stages, n being any integer, each ladder stage including a capacitive divider. The amplification circuit may also include a switch, which when closed provides an unattenuated path for the input signal to the amplifier input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xavier (Javier) Trulls Fortuny, Diego Mateo Pena, Adria Bofill-Petit
  • Patent number: 8208878
    Abstract: A method, amplifier and system are provided for enabling power recovery from a narrow-band antenna when a signal having bandwidth exceeding that of the antenna is utilized. The amplifier provides amplification of a source signal to the antenna and recovery of power stored in the antenna during periods when the impedance of the antenna is negative to enable reverse current through the amplifier to a direct current (DC) power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Nautel Limited
    Inventors: Tim Hardy, Dennis Covill
  • Patent number: 8203387
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a circuit providing a power for a sense amplifier that stabilizes a power voltage supplied to the sense amplifier by compensating a noise generated in the power voltage when the sense amplifier operates with an selectively generated decoupling noise. The circuit providing a power for a sense amplifier includes a sense amplifying circuit sensing and amplifying data loaded on a bit line with a first power. A power supplying unit provides the first power to the sense amplifying circuit. A decoupling unit generates a decoupling noise with a second power and provides the decoupling noise to the first power voltage. The decoupling noise is maintained for a period including a time point of an operation of the sense amplifying circuit and a predetermined time thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Gi Choi
  • Patent number: 8203382
    Abstract: A class D amplification device that prevents beats caused by switching operations of a switching power supply and a class D amplifier from causing noise within a voice band, enables easy control over power supply operations, and offers low power loss is provided. The amplification device includes a unit that generates a reference clock, a switching power supply that operates at a first frequency at which the frequency of the reference clock is divided, and a triangular wave generation unit that operates at a second frequency higher than the first frequency at which the frequency of the reference clock is divided. The amplification device further includes a class D amplifier that performs a switching operation with a pulse whose width has been modulated according to the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasushi Maeda
  • Patent number: 8198941
    Abstract: There is provided an amplifier circuit, comprising: an input, for receiving an input signal to be amplified; a power amplifier, for amplifying the input signal; a switched power supply, having a switching frequency, for providing at least one supply voltage to the power amplifier; and a dither block, for dithering the switching frequency of the switched power supply. The dither block is controlled based on the input signal. Another aspect of the invention involves using first and second switches, each having different capacitances and resistances, and using the first or second switch depending on the input signal or volume signal. Another aspect of the invention involves controlling a bias signal provided to one or more components in the signal path based on the input signal or volume signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plc
    Inventor: John Paul Lesso
  • Patent number: 8193864
    Abstract: A distributed power converter is for use with an RF power amplifier and includes a primary converter connected to an input voltage and configured to provide a regulated DC intermediate voltage that is galvanically isolated from the input voltage. Additionally, the distributed power converter also includes a secondary regulator connected galvanically to the regulated DC intermediate voltage and configured to generate a regulated DC supply voltage for at least a portion of the RF power amplifier. In another aspect, a method of operating a distributed power converter is for use with an RF power amplifier and includes providing a regulated DC intermediate voltage that is galvanically isolated from an input voltage and generating a regulated DC supply voltage for at least a portion of the RF power amplifier that is galvanically connected to the regulated DC intermediate voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Lineage Power Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Model
  • Patent number: 8193720
    Abstract: An electrodeless lamp protecting device installed between an electrodeless lamp and a power source comprises a substrate having a feedback signal input module, a signal level determination module and a protection signal output module installed on the substrate. A signal of the power source is transmitted from the feedback signal input module to the signal level determination module, and the signal serves as a reference for an output signal of the protection signal output module, such that the electrodeless lamp has an automatic protection function upon the receipt of an abnormal signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Chih-Chiang Yang
  • Patent number: 8189816
    Abstract: A computer controlled amplifier and speaker system includes a power conservation feature allowing ready adaptation to a variety of consumer vehicles, audio systems, and individual consumer purposes. The computer controlled amplifier and speaker system includes an audio-signal detection and power on/off feature and accepts multiple audio inputs and enables multiple audio outputs while also allowing ready adaptation to a variety of power sources. A plurality of power supply functions are readily adapted to supply power to the amplifier and speaker system enhancing user convenience. The disclosed system may be readily adaptable to a portable kit allowing achievement of similar power conservation goals in diverse settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Wolo Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Stanley Solow
  • Patent number: 8188790
    Abstract: Amplifier circuitry (10) includes a driver amplifier (11) and an integrator amplifier (AH) producing an output signal (VAH) that controls a pass transistor (Q2) coupled to a pump capacitor (CH). Input circuitry (16) controls the direction of ramping of the output signal during a first interval to boost a supply voltage (V12) of the driver amplifier via the pump capacitor, and also controls the direction of ramping to recharge the pump capacitor following a second interval. In one embodiment, pump capacitor recharging circuitry (Q75,R76,ICCH) completes the recharging of the pump capacitor following the second interval after it has been partially recharged by the integrator amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul G. Damitio, Xavier P. Ramus, He Qing
  • Publication number: 20120126899
    Abstract: A power amplifier circuit comprising a transistor for receiving a signal to be amplified at an input and for outputting an amplified signal at an output; a modulated power supply connected to the transistor output; and a resistive element connected at the transistor output such that a low impedance is maintained at the transistor output across a range of operational frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: NUJIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Martin Paul Wilson
  • Patent number: 8183931
    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: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plc
    Inventors: John P. Lesso, John L. Pennock, Peter J. Frith
  • Patent number: 8183917
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier system adjusts the supply voltage provided to a power amplifier (PA) adaptively, responsive to the measured or estimated power of the RF output signal of the PA. The RF PA system includes a power amplifier (PA) which receives and amplifies an RF input signal to generate an RF output signal at a level suitable for transmission to an antenna. A PA supply voltage controller generates a supply voltage control signal, which is used to control the supply voltage to the final stage of the PA. The supply voltage control signal is generated responsive to the measured or estimated power of the PA RF output signal, and also may be responsive to a parameter indicative of impedance mismatch experienced at the PA output. By controlling this supply voltage to the RF PA, the efficiency of the PA is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Quantance, Inc.
    Inventors: Serge Francois Drogi, Martin Tomasz
  • Patent number: 8174313
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a power amplifier configured to amplify radio frequency (RF) signal includes a detector and a controller. The detector is configured to detect a power level of the RF signal with respect to a predetermined power threshold and to generate a corresponding detection signal. The controller is configured to provide a control voltage to an output transistor of the amplifier based on the detection signal. The control voltage has a low voltage value, which is substantially the same as a value of a supply voltage, when the detection signal indicates that the power level is below the power threshold, and the control voltage has a high voltage value when the detection signal indicates that the power level is above the power threshold. The controller generates the high voltage value by boosting the supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Wireless IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Wendell Vice
  • Patent number: 8169795
    Abstract: An audio power conversion system includes a power supply having a positive supply rail and a negative supply rail for supplying power to a single ended class D amplifier. The system further includes a supply pump reduction circuit connected to the supply rails and adapted to redistribute a pumping charge from said power supply by forcing a current-flow from a rail with a higher voltage to a rail with a lower voltage. According to the at least one embodiment of the invention, the redistribution circuit is arranges to always distribute charge from the rail with the higher voltage. Thus, for practical circuits, the pump canceling occurs continuously and is not confined to every other cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Bang & Olufsen Icepower A/S
    Inventor: Lars Petersen
  • Publication number: 20120098601
    Abstract: When an output voltage from the amplifying circuit includes a positive DC voltage, an electric current continuously flows in a power source voltage, a load, and a reference voltage in this order. As a result, the reference voltage increases so as to be a first threshold voltage or more. The detecting section detects that the reference voltage is the first threshold voltage or more. When the output voltage from the amplifying circuit includes a negative DC voltage, an electric current continuously flows in the reference voltage, the load, a grounding potential in this order. As a result, the reference voltage reduces so as to be a second threshold voltage or less. The detecting section detects that the reference voltage is the second threshold voltage or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: ONKYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori NAKANISHI, Kei ASAO
  • Publication number: 20120098602
    Abstract: Provided is a power consumption control circuit, an amplifier circuit and a power consumption control method which control the power consumption associated with an amplification action in real time. A power consumption control circuit of the present invention comprises: a detection means which detects the presence or absence of an input of a digital input signal, spending a first period of time; a signal delay means which delays the digital input signal by a second period of time equivalent to the first period of time, and outputs the delayed signal; a digital-to-analog conversion means which converts the delayed signal into an analog signal, and outputs the analog signal; an amplification means which generates an amplification action when a bias is applied to it; and a bias control means which applies a bias to an amplification device, on the basis of a detection result obtained by the detection means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Doi