Patent US4255815A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4255815A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic switching for AM-FM radio
Assignee: National Semiconductor Corp
•
Filing: 1978-10-02
•
Granted: 1981-03-10
•
Expires: 1998-10-02
Abstract
Abstract An integrated circuit, when operated from a simple single-pole-double throw switch, performs all of the functions required to switch modes in an FM-AM radio. The radio frequency circuits are switched directly and, in response to the AM oscillator circuit state, electronic switching is employed to switch the FM limiter, AM mixer, and audio amplifier. In the FM mode, the audio amplifier has high fidelity wide band response. In the AM mode, the audio amplifier is switched to operate with a reduced bandwidth. Thus, the audio amplifier does not produce signal components that can be picked up by the AM antenna, where they are interpreted as noise.
Inventors
- 👤 Don R. Sauer
- 👤 William A. Cocke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 14:34
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03D; H03D5/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
272 words
An integrated circuit for performing the signal processing functions of a radio receiver capable of operating on amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) standard broadcast signals, said receiver comprising an AM signal antenna, an FM signal antenna, intermediate frequency (IF) amplification means, FM amplification and converter means, audio frequency (AF) amplifier means, and single pole means for switching the operation of said receiver between said AM and FM signals, said circuit comprising: means for converting signals from said AM signal antenna to an IF signal and means for coupling said IF signal to said IF amplification means; means responsive to said switching means for disabling said means for converting when said switching means is in the FM function; limiting amplifier means coupled to said IF amplification means and operative to provide signal limiting action on said FM signals; means responsive to said switching means for disabling said limiting amplifier means when said switching means is in the AM function; audio amplifier means for amplifying both said AM and FM audio signals; and; means responsive to said switching means for reducing the bandwidth of said audio amplifier means when said switching means is in the AM function, wherein said audio amplifier means comprise: a high gain inverting amplifier portion having a capacitor coupled between the input and output terminals thereof; a variable current driver portion coupled to said input terminal of said high gain inverting amplifier whereby the bandwidth of said audio amplifier is proportional to the current in said variable current driver; and means for varying the current in said variable current driver as a function of said means for switching.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
272 words
An integrated circuit for performing the signal processing functions of a radio receiver capable of operating on amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) standard broadcast signals, said receiver comprising an AM signal antenna, an FM signal antenna, intermediate frequency (IF) amplification means, FM amplification and converter means, audio frequency (AF) amplifier means, and single pole means for switching the operation of said receiver between said AM and FM signals, said circuit comprising: means for converting signals from said AM signal antenna to an IF signal and means for coupling said IF signal to said IF amplification means; means responsive to said switching means for disabling said means for converting when said switching means is in the FM function; limiting amplifier means coupled to said IF amplification means and operative to provide signal limiting action on said FM signals; means responsive to said switching means for disabling said limiting amplifier means when said switching means is in the AM function; audio amplifier means for amplifying both said AM and FM audio signals; and; means responsive to said switching means for reducing the bandwidth of said audio amplifier means when said switching means is in the AM function, wherein said audio amplifier means comprise: a high gain inverting amplifier portion having a capacitor coupled between the input and output terminals thereof; a variable current driver portion coupled to said input terminal of said high gain inverting amplifier whereby the bandwidth of said audio amplifier is proportional to the current in said variable current driver; and means for varying the current in said variable current driver as a function of said means for switching.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-03-09 | 1984-09-08 | 1985-03-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-03-09 | 1988-09-08 | 1989-03-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-03-09 | 1992-09-08 | 1993-03-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |