Rail to rail class AB output for an amplifier
US6879213B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F3/3067
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit is used in the output stage of an operational amplifier which allows a rail to rail swing of the output voltage while consuming low quiescent power. The circuit includes first and second control elements each having a controllable path and a control node. The circuit further includes a third control element having a controllable path connected between the control nodes of the first and second control elements via a resistive path. A voltage indicative of an input signal is applied to a node of the resistive path. Current flow through the controllable paths of the first and second control elements changes in response to changes in the voltage at the node. More specifically, current flow through the controllable path of the second control element changes in dependance on the current flow through the controllable path of the third control element. Additionally, as one of the first and second control elements is turned on, the other control element is held off.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.