Patent US7180366B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US7180366B2
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Data signal amplifier and processor with multiple signal gains for increased dynamic signal range
Assignee: Varex Imaging Corp
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Filing: 2005-11-18
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Granted: 2007-02-20
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Expires: 2025-11-18
Abstract
Abstract Data signal amplification and processing circuitry with multiple signal gains for increasing dynamic signal range. An incoming data signal is processed in accordance with multiple signal gains. The resultant signals have multiple signal values which are compared to predetermined lower and higher thresholds. The desired output signal is: the maximum sample signal value when the maximum value fails to traverse a predetermined lower threshold; the minimum sample signal value when an adjacent larger one of the plurality of sample signal values traverses a predetermined higher threshold; a smaller of mutually adjacent ones of a pair of the plurality of sample signal values when a larger one of the pair of sample signal values traverses the predetermined higher threshold and the smaller value fails to traverse the predetermined lower threshold; and a combination of the smaller and larger ones of the pair of sample signal values when the larger value traverses the predetermined lower threshold and fails to traverse the predetermined higher threshold.
Inventors
- 👤 Pieter Gerhard Roos
- 👤 Edward Seppi
- 👤 Richard Colbeth
- 👤 Gary Virshup
- 👤 Ivan Petrov Mollov
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 17:28
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03F; H03F3/00; H03F3/04; H03F3/08; H03M; H03M1/00; H03M1/12; H03M1/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
An apparatus including data signal amplifier circuitry with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling amplifier circuitry responsive to at least one control signal and an input signal having an input signal value by providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said input signal value; and processing circuitry coupled to said sampling amplifier circuitry and responsive to said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals by processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processing circuitry is adapted to provide said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
172 words
An apparatus including data signal amplifier circuitry with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling amplifier circuitry responsive to at least one control signal and an input signal having an input signal value by providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said input signal value; and processing circuitry coupled to said sampling amplifier circuitry and responsive to said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals by processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processing circuitry is adapted to provide said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said sampling amplifier circuitry comprises: amplifier circuitry including input and output terminals; and a variable feedback capacitance coupled between said amplifier circuitry input and output terminals and responsive to one or more of said at least one control signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said sampling amplifier circuitry comprises: amplifier circuitry including input and output terminals; a feedback capacitance coupled between said amplifier circuitry input and output terminals; and switched circuitry coupled across said feedback capacitance and including a resistance and a switch responsive to one or more of said at least one control signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
81 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said processing circuitry comprises: analog-to-digital conversion circuitry responsive to one of said one or more processing control signals by converting said sample signal to provide a digital signal having a plurality of values corresponding to said plurality of sample signal values; and computational circuitry coupled to said analog-to-digital conversion circuitry and responsive to another one or more of said one or more processing control signals and said digital signal by providing said processed signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of values is two, consisting of said maximum and minimum sample signal values.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
173 words
An apparatus including data signal amplification and processing circuitry with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling amplifier means for receiving at least one control signal and an input signal having an input signal value and in response thereto providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said input signal value; and processor means for receiving said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and providing a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processor means is adapted for providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
173 words
An apparatus including data signal amplification and processing circuitry with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling amplifier means for receiving at least one control signal and an input signal having an input signal value and in response thereto providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said input signal value; and processor means for receiving said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and providing a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processor means is adapted for providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of data signal amplification and processing with multiple signal gains, comprising: receiving at least one control signal; receiving an input signal having an input signal value; generating, in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said input signal value; and receiving one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and generating a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said generating a processed signal comprises generating said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of data signal amplification and processing with multiple signal gains, comprising: receiving at least one control signal; receiving an input signal having an input signal value; generating, in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said input signal value; and receiving one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and generating a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said generating a processed signal comprises generating said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
86 words
The method of claim 7 , wherein said generating, in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said input signal value comprises: controlling a variable feedback capacitance with one or more of said at least one control signal; and generating said at least one sample signal as a function of said input signal and said controlled variable feedback capacitance.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
86 words
The method of claim 7 , wherein said generating, in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said input signal value comprises: selectively discharging a feedback capacitance with at least one of said at least one control signal; and generating said at least one sample signal as a function of said input signal and said selectively discharged feedback capacitance.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
101 words
The method of claim 7 , wherein said receiving one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and generating a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value comprises: responding to one of said one or more processing control signals by converting said at least one sample signal to a digital signal having a plurality of values corresponding to said plurality of sample signal values; and responding to another one or more of said one or more processing control signals and said digital signal by generating said processed signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 7 , wherein said plurality of values is two, consisting of said maximum and minimum sample signal values.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
203 words
An apparatus including data signal amplifier circuitry with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling amplifier circuitry with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and responsive to at least one control signal and an input signal having an input signal value by providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value; and processing circuitry coupled to said sampling amplifier circuitry and responsive to said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals by processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processing circuitry is adapted to provide said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
203 words
An apparatus including data signal amplifier circuitry with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling amplifier circuitry with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and responsive to at least one control signal and an input signal having an input signal value by providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value; and processing circuitry coupled to said sampling amplifier circuitry and responsive to said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals by processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processing circuitry is adapted to provide said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said sampling amplifier circuitry comprises: amplifier circuitry including input and output terminals; and a variable feedback capacitance coupled between said amplifier circuitry input and output terminals and responsive to one or more of said at least one control signal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said sampling amplifier circuitry comprises: amplifier circuitry including input and output terminals; a feedback capacitance coupled between said amplifier circuitry input and output terminals; and switched circuitry coupled across said feedback capacitance and including a resistance and a switch responsive to one or more of said at least one control signal.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
81 words
The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said processing circuitry comprises: analog-to-digital conversion circuitry responsive to one of said one or more processing control signals by converting said sample signal to provide a digital signal having a plurality of values corresponding to said plurality of sample signal values; and computational circuitry coupled to said analog-to-digital conversion circuitry and responsive to another one or more of said one or more processing control signals and said digital signal by providing said processed signal.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said plurality of values is two, consisting of said maximum and minimum sample signal values.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
203 words
An apparatus including data signal amplification and processing circuitry with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling amplifier means with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, for receiving at least one control signal and an input signal having an input signal value and in response thereto providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value; and processor means for receiving said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and providing a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processor means is adapted for providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
203 words
An apparatus including data signal amplification and processing circuitry with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling amplifier means with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, for receiving at least one control signal and an input signal having an input signal value and in response thereto providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value; and processor means for receiving said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and providing a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processor means is adapted for providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
200 words
A method of data signal amplification and processing with multiple signal gains, comprising: receiving at least one control signal; receiving an input signal having an input signal value; generating, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value; and receiving one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and generating a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said generating a processed signal comprises generating said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
200 words
A method of data signal amplification and processing with multiple signal gains, comprising: receiving at least one control signal; receiving an input signal having an input signal value; generating, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value; and receiving one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and generating a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said generating a processed signal comprises generating said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
103 words
The method of claim 18 , wherein said generating, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value comprises: controlling a variable feedback capacitance with one or more of said at least one control signal; and generating said at least one sample signal as a function of said input signal and said controlled variable feedback capacitance.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
103 words
The method of claim 18 , wherein said generating, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value comprises: selectively discharging a feedback capacitance with at least one of said at least one control signal; and generating said at least one sample signal as a function of said input signal and said selectively discharged feedback capacitance.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
101 words
The method of claim 18 , wherein said receiving one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and generating a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value comprises: responding to one of said one or more processing control signals by converting said at least one sample signal to a digital signal having a plurality of values corresponding to said plurality of sample signal values; and responding to another one or more of said one or more processing control signals and said digital signal by generating said processed signal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 18 , wherein said plurality of values is two, consisting of said maximum and minimum sample signal values.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of data signal amplification and processing with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling an input signal having an input signal value to provide at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said input signal value; and processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal comprises providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of data signal amplification and processing with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling an input signal having an input signal value to provide at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said input signal value; and processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal comprises providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein said sampling an input signal having an input signal value to provide at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said input signal value comprises: controlling a variable capacitance; and generating said at least one sample signal as a function of said input signal and said controlled variable capacitance.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein said sampling an input signal having an input signal value to provide at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said input signal value comprises: selectively discharging a capacitance; and generating said at least one sample signal as a function of said input signal and said selectively discharged capacitance.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value comprises: converting said at least one sample signal to a digital signal having a plurality of values corresponding to said plurality of sample signal values; and processing said digital signal to provide said processed signal.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein said plurality of values is two, consisting of said maximum and minimum sample signal values.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
178 words
A method of data signal amplification and processing with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, an input signal having an input signal value to provide at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value; and processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal comprises providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
178 words
A method of data signal amplification and processing with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, an input signal having an input signal value to provide at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value; and processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal comprises providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
86 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein said sampling, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, an input signal having an input signal value to provide at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value comprises: controlling a variable capacitance; and generating said at least one sample signal as a function of said input signal and said controlled variable capacitance.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
86 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein said sampling, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, an input signal having an input signal value to provide at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value comprises: selectively discharging a capacitance; and generating said at least one sample signal as a function of said input signal and said selectively discharged capacitance.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value comprises: converting said at least one sample signal to a digital signal having a plurality of values corresponding to said plurality of sample signal values; and processing said digital signal to provide said processed signal.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein said plurality of values is two, consisting of said maximum and minimum sample signal values.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
193 words
An apparatus including data signal processing circuitry for data signals with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling circuitry responsive to at least one control signal and at least one input signal having a plurality of input signal values by providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said plurality of input signal values; and processing circuitry coupled to said sampling circuitry and responsive to said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals by processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to one or more of said plurality of input signal values; wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal comprises providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
193 words
An apparatus including data signal processing circuitry for data signals with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling circuitry responsive to at least one control signal and at least one input signal having a plurality of input signal values by providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said plurality of input signal values; and processing circuitry coupled to said sampling circuitry and responsive to said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals by processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to one or more of said plurality of input signal values; wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal comprises providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
81 words
The apparatus of claim 33 , wherein said processing circuitry comprises: analog-to-digital conversion circuitry responsive to one of said one or more processing control signals by converting said sample signal to provide a digital signal having a plurality of values corresponding to said plurality of sample signal values; and computational circuitry coupled to said analog-to-digital conversion circuitry and responsive to another one or more of said one or more processing control signals and said digital signal by providing said processed signal.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 33 , wherein said plurality of values is two, consisting of said maximum and minimum sample signal values.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
193 words
An apparatus including data signal processing circuitry for data signals with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling means for receiving at least one control signal and at least one input signal having a plurality of input signal values and in response thereto providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said plurality of input signal values; and processing means for receiving said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to one or more of said plurality of input signal values; wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal comprises providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
193 words
An apparatus including data signal processing circuitry for data signals with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling means for receiving at least one control signal and at least one input signal having a plurality of input signal values and in response thereto providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said plurality of input signal values; and processing means for receiving said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to one or more of said plurality of input signal values; wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal comprises providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
183 words
A method of data signal processing for data signals with multiple signal gains, comprising: receiving at least one control signal; receiving at least one input signal having a plurality of input signal values; generating, in response to said at least one control signal and said at least one input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said plurality of input signal values; and receiving one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and generating a processed signal having a value corresponding to one or more of said plurality of input signal values; wherein said generating a processed signal comprises generating said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
183 words
A method of data signal processing for data signals with multiple signal gains, comprising: receiving at least one control signal; receiving at least one input signal having a plurality of input signal values; generating, in response to said at least one control signal and said at least one input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said plurality of input signal values; and receiving one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and generating a processed signal having a value corresponding to one or more of said plurality of input signal values; wherein said generating a processed signal comprises generating said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
107 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein said receiving one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and generating a processed signal having a value corresponding to one or more of said plurality of input signal values comprises: responding to one of said one or more processing control signals by converting said at least one sample signal to a digital signal having a plurality of values corresponding to said plurality of sample signal values; and responding to another one or more of said one or more processing control signals and said digital signal by generating said processed signal.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein said plurality of values is two, consisting of said maximum and minimum sample signal values.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of data signal processing for data signals with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling at least one input signal having a plurality of input signal values to provide at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said plurality of input signal values; and processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to one or more of said plurality of input signal values; wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal comprises providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of data signal processing for data signals with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling at least one input signal having a plurality of input signal values to provide at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values, including maximum and minimum sample signal values, and corresponding to said plurality of input signal values; and processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to one or more of said plurality of input signal values; wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal comprises providing said processed signal such that said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes said maximum sample signal value, said minimum sample signal value, a first one of said plurality of sample signal values, and a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of sample signal values.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein said processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to one or more of said plurality of input signal values comprises: converting said at least one sample signal to a digital signal having a plurality of values corresponding to said plurality of sample signal values; and processing said digital signal to provide said processed signal.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein said plurality of values is two, consisting of said maximum and minimum sample signal values.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
216 words
An apparatus including data signal amplifier circuitry with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling amplifier circuitry with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and responsive to at least one control signal and an input signal having an input signal value by providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value, wherein prior and subsequent ones of said plurality of sample signal values correspond to higher and lower ones of said plurality of signal gains, respectively; and processing circuitry coupled to said sampling amplifier circuitry and responsive to said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals by processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
216 words
An apparatus including data signal amplifier circuitry with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling amplifier circuitry with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and responsive to at least one control signal and an input signal having an input signal value by providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value, wherein prior and subsequent ones of said plurality of sample signal values correspond to higher and lower ones of said plurality of signal gains, respectively; and processing circuitry coupled to said sampling amplifier circuitry and responsive to said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals by processing said at least one sample signal to provide a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 43 , wherein said sampling amplifier circuitry is responsive to said input signal by sampling, a plurality of times, a charge at a terminal, which is produced solely in response to said input signal, to provide said at least one sample signal.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 43 , wherein said sampling amplifier circuitry comprises: amplifier circuitry including input and output terminals; and a variable feedback capacitance coupled between said amplifier circuitry input and output terminals and responsive to one or more of said at least one control signal.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 43 , wherein said sampling amplifier circuitry comprises: amplifier circuitry including input and output terminals; a feedback capacitance coupled between said amplifier circuitry input and output terminals; and switched circuitry coupled across said feedback capacitance and including a resistance and a switch responsive to one or more of said at least one control signal.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
81 words
The apparatus of claim 43 , wherein said processing circuitry comprises: analog-to-digital conversion circuitry responsive to one of said one or more processing control signals by converting said sample signal to provide a digital signal having a plurality of values corresponding to said plurality of sample signal values; and computational circuitry coupled to said analog-to-digital conversion circuitry and responsive to another one or more of said one or more processing control signals and said digital signal by providing said processed signal.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 43 , wherein said plurality of values is two, consisting of said maximum and minimum sample signal values.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
216 words
An apparatus including data signal amplification and processing circuitry with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling amplifier means with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, for receiving at least one control signal and an input signal having an input signal value and in response thereto providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value, wherein prior and subsequent ones of said plurality of sample signal values correspond to higher and lower ones of said plurality of signal gains, respectively; and processor means for receiving said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and providing a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
216 words
An apparatus including data signal amplification and processing circuitry with multiple signal gains, comprising: sampling amplifier means with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, for receiving at least one control signal and an input signal having an input signal value and in response thereto providing at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value, wherein prior and subsequent ones of said plurality of sample signal values correspond to higher and lower ones of said plurality of signal gains, respectively; and processor means for receiving said at least one sample signal and one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and providing a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
213 words
A method of data signal amplification and processing with multiple signal gains, comprising: receiving at least one control signal; receiving an input signal having an input signal value; generating, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value, wherein prior and subsequent ones of said plurality of sample signal values correspond to higher and lower ones of said plurality of signal gains, respectively; and receiving one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and generating a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
213 words
A method of data signal amplification and processing with multiple signal gains, comprising: receiving at least one control signal; receiving an input signal having an input signal value; generating, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value, wherein prior and subsequent ones of said plurality of sample signal values correspond to higher and lower ones of said plurality of signal gains, respectively; and receiving one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and generating a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value; wherein said processed signal value represents one of a plurality of values which includes a first value corresponding to said minimum signal gain, a second value corresponding to said maximum signal gain, a third value corresponding to a first one of said plurality of signal gains, and a fourth value corresponding to a combination of said first one and at least a second one of said plurality of signal gains.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
94 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said generating, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value comprises sampling, a plurality of times, a charge at a terminal, which is produced solely in response to said input signal, to provide said at least one sample signal.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
103 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said generating, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value comprises: controlling a variable feedback capacitance with one or more of said at least one control signal; and generating said at least one sample signal as a function of said input signal and said controlled variable feedback capacitance.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
103 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said generating, in conformance with a plurality of signal gains, including at least maximum and minimum signal gains, and in response to said at least one control signal and said input signal, at least one sample signal having a plurality of sample signal values related to said plurality of signal gains and corresponding to said input signal value comprises: selectively discharging a feedback capacitance with at least one of said at least one control signal; and generating said at least one sample signal as a function of said input signal and said selectively discharged feedback capacitance.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
101 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said receiving one or more processing control signals and in response thereto processing said at least one sample signal and generating a processed signal having a value corresponding to said input signal value comprises: responding to one of said one or more processing control signals by converting said at least one sample signal to a digital signal having a plurality of values corresponding to said plurality of sample signal values; and responding to another one or more of said one or more processing control signals and said digital signal by generating said processed signal.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said plurality of values is two, consisting of said maximum and minimum sample signal values.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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