Amplifier circuit and method
US5491437A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1994 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F3/3067
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An amplifier circuit (10) is provided. Amplifier (10) has an amplifier stage (14) that is coupled to control an output stage (18). Output stage (18) includes a sourcing circuit (20) and a sinking circuit (22). Output stage (18) also includes a mirror circuit (42) that is coupled to an output of amplifier stage (14). Output stage (18) also includes a current balancing circuit (30) coupled to mirroring circuit (42) and sourcing circuit (20). Mirroring circuit (42) draws current from balancing circuit (30) in response to a first predetermined output from amplifier stage (14) such that balancing circuit (30) causes an insignificant current to flow in sourcing circuit (20). Thus amplifier (10) operates to sink current from an external load (12). Alternatively, mirroring circuit (42) may draw an insignificant current from balancing circuit (30) in response to a second predetermined output of the amplifier stage (14). This causes a significant current flow in sourcing circuit (20).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.