Multi-channel programmable gain amplifier controlled with a serial interface
AssigneeMicrochip Technology Incorporated
InventorsKumen E. Blake, James B. Nolan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A programmable gain amplifier (PGA) controlled through a serial communications interface are fabricated on an integrated circuit (IC). A multiplexer (MUX) may also be included on the IC. The serial communications interface controls the gain of the PGA, MUX channel selection, and other functions of the PGA. Status of the PGA may also be obtained through the serial communications interface. By using a serial communications interface, the pin count of the PGA IC package may be kept to a minimum.
Claims49
An integrated circuit programmable gain amplifier, comprising:
- at least one operational amplifier;
- gain setting resistors for setting the gain of each of the at least one operational amplifiers;
- gain selection switches coupled between the gain setting resistors and each of the at least one operational amplifiers;
- and
- a serial communications interface, wherein the serial communications interface controls the gain selection switches.
A method for controlling an integrated circuit programmable gain amplifier comprising an operational amplifier, gain setting resistors for determining the gain of the operational amplifier, gain selection switches for coupling the gain setting resistors to the operational amplifier and a serial communications interface, said method comprising the step of controlling the operational amplifier gain with the serial communications interface.
A method for controlling an integrated circuit programmable gain amplifier comprising a plurality of operational amplifiers, gain setting resistors for determining the gain of each of the plurality of operational amplifiers, gain selection switches for coupling the gain setting resistors to respective ones of the plurality of operational amplifiers and a serial communications interface, said method comprising the step of controlling the plurality of operational amplifier gains with the serial communications interface.
A system for analog signal processing, said system comprising:
- a programmable gain amplifier comprising:
- an operational amplifier;
- gain setting resistors for setting the gain of the operational amplifier;
- gain selection switches coupled between the gain setting resistors and the operational amplifier;
- and
- a serial communications interface, wherein the serial communications interface controls the gain selection switches;
- an analog-to-digital converter, wherein an input of the analog-to-digital converter is coupled to an output of the operational amplifier;
- and
- a digital processor, wherein the digital processor is coupled to the output of the analog-to-digital converter and to the serial communications interface.
A system for analog signal processing, said system comprising:
- a programmable gain amplifier comprising:
- a plurality of operational amplifiers;
- gain setting resistors for setting gains for each of the plurality of operational amplifiers;
- gain selection switches coupled between the gain setting resistors and the respective ones of the plurality of operational amplifiers;
- and
- a serial communications interface, wherein the serial communications interface controls the gain selection switches;
- at least one analog-to-digital converter, wherein a respective input of the at least one analog-to-digital converter is coupled to an output of a respective one the plurality of operational amplifiers;
- and
- a digital processor, wherein the digital processor is coupled to the output of the at least one analog-to-digital converter and to the serial communications interface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.