Analog tunneling current sensors for use with disk drive storage devices
US9099137B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F2203/45528
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Amplifier architectures are provided for current sensing applications. An amplifier includes a load device, an operational amplifier, a current source, and a bipolar transistor. The operational amplifier has a first input terminal connected to a first input node that receives an input current, and a second input terminal connected to a second input node that receives a reference voltage. The current source is connected to an output of the operational amplifier. The operational amplifier, the current source, and the bipolar transistor form a feedback loop that generates and maintains a bias voltage on the first input node based on the reference voltage applied to the second input node. The bipolar transistor amplifies the input current received on the first input node, and generates an amplified input current. The load device converts the amplified input current to an output voltage, wherein the output voltage is used to sense the input current.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.