Electronic circuits with variable attenuators and methods of their operation
US8674746B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F1/3258
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Variable attenuators and methods of their operation are provided. A variable attenuator includes first and second variable resistance circuits and multiple additional resistors. The first variable resistance circuit has a plurality of current paths coupled in parallel between input and output terminals. A first current path includes two first resistors coupled in series between the input and output terminals, and a switch, which has a channel coupled across one of the two first resistors. The multiple additional resistors include second and third resistors. The second resistor is coupled between the input terminal and an intermediate node. The third resistor is coupled between the output terminal and the intermediate node. The second variable resistance circuit is coupled between the intermediate node and a voltage reference terminal. The level of attenuation provided by the attenuator is controlled by a switch control circuit based on a digital input.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.