Programmable front end for a receiving channel
AssigneeTexas Instruments Incorporated
InventorMyron J. Koen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention discloses a circuit used to couple an input signal to an amplifier circuit. The circuit may contain a diode bridge coupled to an adjustable bias circuit. The current through the bias circuit can be adjusted such that the resistance of the diode bridge can be dynamically configured to change the sensitivity of the diode bridge. The bias circuit may be configured to produce a variable amount of current based on a voltage signal. In another aspect of the present invention, the output from the diode bridge is coupled to an amplifier via a clamp circuit designed to prevent the amplifier from overloading.
Claims15
A circuit for interfacing between a transducer and an amplifier comprising:
- a diode bridge;
- a variable bias circuit coupled to the diode bridge;
- and
- a variable clamp circuit.
A method of coupling an amplifier to an input signal comprising:
- inputting the input signal into a diode bridge;
- and
- biasing the diode bridge via an adjustable bias circuit;
- clamping said signal;
- and
- transmitting said signal into said amplifier.
A bias circuit configured to bias a bridge circuit, said bias circuit comprising:
- a first transistor coupled to a positive voltage supply;
- a second transistor coupled to a ground;
- and
- a current supply coupled to both said first and second transistors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.