High-linearity, low-spread variable capacitance array
US6181218A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03J2200/10
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a unique apparatus and method which varies the capacitance coupled to a circuit. In one embodiment, the variable capacitance comprises a unique variable capacitance array with multiple capacitance modules which can be selectively enabled. Each capacitance module has a capacitive value and a corresponding parasitic capacitance. The invention provides high linearity, low spread, improves the response to power fluctuations by maintaining a consistent relationship between the capacitive value and the parasitic capacitance in each capacitance module. For example, the invention can be used with devices to provide a linear variation of capacitance. In addition, the invention can be used to calibrate a wide range of devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.