Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
An amplifier circuit having a pair of input terminals for accepting a differential input and an output terminal for producing a single-ended output referenced to ground potential, said amplifier circuit comprising: differential to single-ended converter means having a differential input coupled to said pair of input terminals and a single-ended output; an operational amplifier having a noninverting input coupled to a source of reference potential, an inverting input coupled to said single-ended output of said differential to single-ended converter means, and an output; a feedback resistor coupled between said operational amplifier output and inverting input, whereby said inverting input is forced to said reference potential; and level shift means coupled between said output of said operational amplifier and said circuit output terminal whereby said output terminal is at ground potential when said circuit is in a quiescent state.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
An amplifier circuit having a pair of input terminals for accepting a differential input and an output terminal for producing a single-ended output referenced to ground potential, said amplifier circuit comprising: differential to single-ended converter means having a differential input coupled to said pair of input terminals and a single-ended output; an operational amplifier having a noninverting input coupled to a source of reference potential, an inverting input coupled to said single-ended output of said differential to single-ended converter means, and an output; a feedback resistor coupled between said operational amplifier output and inverting input, whereby said inverting input is forced to said reference potential; and level shift means coupled between said output of said operational amplifier and said circuit output terminal whereby said output terminal is at ground potential when said circuit is in a quiescent state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The amplifier circuit of claim 1 wherein said operational amplifier is operated from power supply rails connectable to a first source of operating power and said circuit output terminal is returned to a power supply rail connectable to a second source of operating power.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The amplifier circuit of claim 1 wherein said operational amplifier output is operated at a potential equal to said level shift and acts, in combination with said feedback resistor, to produce a feedback current that is applied to said inverting input.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The amplifier circuit of claim 1 wherein said level shift means comprises a zener diode biased into reverse breakdown voltage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The amplifier circuit, of claim 4 wherein the bias current flowing in said zener diode comprises a portion of the current flowing to said circuit output terminal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The amplifier circuit of claim 5 wherein said circuit output terminal is coupled to the emitter of an emitter follower that is driven from said output of said operational amplifier.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The amplifier of claim 6 wherein said emitter follower further includes a cascode connected transistor coupled to its collector electrode.