Linear variable gain amplifiers
US6630864B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F2203/45702
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method of controlling the operation of linear variable-gain amplifiers to allow for such linear variable gain amplifiers to have a wider operating range at high current levels, control inputs for selectable gains and improved low-voltage operation. In a first mode, the amplifier includes an additional source of current to allow for an enhanced operating range. In a second embodiment, the amplifier includes a plurality of selective resistive levels and a selection system which allows the selection of one of the resistive levels which, in turn, controls the gain range of the amplifier system of the present invention. A third embodiment of the present invention illustrates the use of an amplifier system useful for a low voltage input signal to reduce errors caused by variations in the base to emitter in the two transistors providing the amplification. Also disclosed are embodiments for reducing the error in the amplifier output by providing additional stages to provide error reducing components which are added to the amplifier output.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.