Amplifier using a single polarity power supply and including depletion mode FET and negative voltage generator

Abstract

The present invention provides a power amplifier operating with a single power supply. The amplifier includes at least one depletion-mode FET for amplifying an ac signal and a negative voltage generator for providing a bias to the FET. Preferably the amplifier further includes a negative voltage regulator to provide a regulated bias to bias the FET for a class A, AB or B operation. The negative generator includes a multivibrator for producing two clock signals and a charge pump which receives the clock signals and produces a negative voltage. Advantageously the negative voltage is provided as a low reference potential to the multivibrator so that the clock signals it produced include a negative voltage period, which enables the charge pump to operate in a power efficient manner.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.