US5586146A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Programmable voltage controlled attenuator
Assignee: Intel Corp
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Filing: 1995-01-30
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Granted: 1996-12-17
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Expires: 2015-01-30
Abstract
Abstract A programmable voltage controlled attenuator (100) meets the dynamic range and gain requirements for various communication protocols using a single bias generator circuit (104). A control voltage input, Vcnt, and a slope select input provide the dynamic range and attenuation for a voltage controlled attenuator (VCA) (102).
Inventors
- 👤 Yi Fang
- 👤 Cesar Carralero
- 👤 Mark McEwen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 02:01
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L27/00; H04L27/32; H04L27/34; H04L27/36; H04L27/366; H04L27/367; H03; H03G; H03G1/00; H03G1/0005; H03G1/0017; H03G1/0023; H04L27/0002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of providing dynamic range and slope control from a common bias point in a voltage controlled attenuator, comprising the steps of: receiving a modulated radio frequency (RF) signal; providing first and second differential voltage swings using a single control voltage range and a variable impedance; selecting either the first or second differential voltage swing; providing the selected differential voltage swing to the common bias point; and controlling the dynamic range and slope of the modulated RF signal using the selected differential voltage swing.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of providing dynamic range and slope control from a common bias point in a voltage controlled attenuator, comprising the steps of: receiving a modulated radio frequency (RF) signal; providing first and second differential voltage swings using a single control voltage range and a variable impedance; selecting either the first or second differential voltage swing; providing the selected differential voltage swing to the common bias point; and controlling the dynamic range and slope of the modulated RF signal using the selected differential voltage swing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as described in claim 1, wherein the modulated RF signal is modulated with quadrature phase shift keyed modulation (QPSK).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as described in claim 1, wherein the modulated RF signal is modulated with pi/4 quadrature phase shift keyed modulation (pi/4 QPSK).
Claim 5
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of controlling the gain and slope of a modulated radio frequency (RF) signal, comprising the steps of: generating a predetermined control voltage range; generating an input voltage having either a first or second voltage level; providing a first impedance in response to the input voltage having a first voltage level; providing a second impedance in response to the input voltage having a second voltage level; generating a first differential voltage swing using the first impedance and the predetermined control voltage range; generating a second differential voltage swing using the second and the predetermined control voltage range; providing the modulated RF signal to a voltage controlled attenuator (VCA); providing the first differential voltage swing to the VCA to provide a first gain and slope of the modulated RF signal; and providing the second differential voltage swing to the VCA to provide a second gain and slope of the modulated RF signal.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of controlling the gain and slope of a modulated radio frequency (RF) signal, comprising the steps of: generating a predetermined control voltage range; generating an input voltage having either a first or second voltage level; providing a first impedance in response to the input voltage having a first voltage level; providing a second impedance in response to the input voltage having a second voltage level; generating a first differential voltage swing using the first impedance and the predetermined control voltage range; generating a second differential voltage swing using the second and the predetermined control voltage range; providing the modulated RF signal to a voltage controlled attenuator (VCA); providing the first differential voltage swing to the VCA to provide a first gain and slope of the modulated RF signal; and providing the second differential voltage swing to the VCA to provide a second gain and slope of the modulated RF signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as described in claim 4, wherein the predetermined control voltage range is generated form a digital to analog converter (DAC).
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3612890A
Cited
US5387877A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-12-17 | 2000-06-17 | 2000-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-12-17 | 2004-06-17 | 2004-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-12-17 | 2008-06-17 | 2008-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |