System and method for clamping a differential amplifier
US7368991B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F2203/45636
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
System and method for limiting an output signal of a differential amplifier. A preferred embodiment comprises a limit sense amplifier configured to detect when the output exceeds a permitted limit, a common mode bias current unit configured to increase a signal gain of a common mode amplifier in the differential operational amplifier when the limit sense amplifier detects that the output exceeded the permitted limit, and an output stage bias current unit configured to fix the output at a level substantially equal to the specified limit when the limit sense amplifier detects that the output exceeded the permitted limit. The clamping is achieved by changing the operation of circuitry within the differential amplifier and results in a smoother clamping that helps to maintain stable operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.