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Patent US6157178A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6157178A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Voltage conversion/regulator circuit and method
Assignee: Monterey Research LLC
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Filing: 1999-03-25
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Granted: 2000-12-05
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Expires: 2019-03-25
Abstract
Abstract A circuit comprising a first voltage shifter, a second voltage shifter and a comparator configured to control a switchable current source. The first voltage shifter may be configured to provide a first reference voltage signal in response to a reference input signal. The second voltage shifter may be configured to provide a second reference voltage signal in response to the reference input signal. The comparator may be configured to control a switchable current source in response to said first and second reference voltage signals.
Inventors
- 👤 Donato Montanari
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 12:19
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05F; G05F1/00; G05F1/10; G05F1/46; G05F1/56; G05F1/575
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A circuit comprising: a first voltage shifter configured to provide a first reference voltage signal in response to a reference input voltage; a second voltage shifter configured to provide a second reference voltage signal in response to said reference input voltage; and a comparator configured to control a current source in response to said first and second reference voltage signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
A circuit comprising: a first voltage shifter configured to provide a first reference voltage signal in response to a reference input voltage; a second voltage shifter configured to provide a second reference voltage signal in response to said reference input voltage; and a comparator configured to control a current source in response to said first and second reference voltage signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The circuit according to claim 1, wherein: said first voltage shifter comprises a first amplifier configured to provide said first reference voltage signal; and said second voltage shifter comprises a second amplifier configured to provide said second reference voltage signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The circuit according to claim 1, wherein said circuit comprises a voltage regulator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The circuit according to claim 1, wherein said current source further comprises a transistor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The circuit according to claim 2, wherein said second amplifier provides said second reference voltage signal to an output node of said current source.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The circuit according to claim 2, further comprising: a first feedback path configured to provide a first feedback signal in response to said first reference voltage signal; and a second feedback path configured to provide a second feedback signal in response to said second reference voltage signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The circuit according to claim 6, wherein said first and second feedback paths each independently comprise a voltage shifter circuit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The circuit according to claim 1, further comprising a bandgap reference circuit configured to provide said first reference input voltage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The circuit according to claim 1, wherein said circuit operates in (i) a first mode where said current source is enabled or (ii) a second mode where said current source is disabled.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A circuit according to claim 1, wherein said comparator and said current source comprise one or more comparators and switchable current sources.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
50 words
A circuit comprising: means for generating a first reference voltage signal in response to a reference input voltage; means for generating a second reference voltage signal in response to said reference input voltage; and means for controlling a current source in response to said first and second reference voltage signals.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
A circuit comprising: means for generating a first reference voltage signal in response to a reference input voltage; means for generating a second reference voltage signal in response to said reference input voltage; and means for controlling a current source in response to said first and second reference voltage signals.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
45 words
A method of regulating a reference input voltage, comprising the steps of: (A) comparing each of a first and second reference voltage signals to said reference input voltage; and (B) enabling a current source in response to step (A) to regulate said reference input voltage.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
45 words
A method of regulating a reference input voltage, comprising the steps of: (A) comparing each of a first and second reference voltage signals to said reference input voltage; and (B) enabling a current source in response to step (A) to regulate said reference input voltage.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 12, further comprising generating said first and second reference voltage signals in response to (i) said reference input voltage and (ii) said first and second reference voltage signals.
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) | 2003-12-05 | 2004-06-05 | 2004-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-12-05 | 2008-06-05 | 2008-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-12-05 | 2012-06-05 | 2012-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |