Reduced output topology for multi-reference switching amplifiers
AssigneeJM Electronics Ltd. LLC
InventorLarry Kirn
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and attendant circuitry reduces the number of regulatory and switching devices in a multi-reference switching amplifier. In the preferred embodiment, multiple independently-modulated effective references are summed at a load through use of both linear and switched control of switching devices.
Claims20
In a multi-reference switching amplifier wherein switching devices control power supplied to a load in response to an input data stream having a sign, a simplified output topology, comprising:
- first and second independently modulated references, wherein the second one of the references is derived through a voltage divider;
- a data separator operative to separate the input data stream into course coarse-resolution data and fine-resolution data;
- circuitry for modulating the first one of the references on one side of the load as a function of the coarse-resolution data;
- and
- circuitry for modulating second one of the references on the other side of the load as a function of the fine-resolution data.
In a multi-reference switching amplifier, wherein switching devices control power supplied to a load, a circuit comprising:
- first and second independently modulated references, wherein the second independently modulated reference is derived through a voltage divider;
- a data separator operative to separate an input data stream into coarse-resolution data and fine-resolution data;
- a first circuit configured to modulate the first independently modulated reference on a first side of the load as a function of the coarse-resolution data;
- and
- a second circuit configured to modulate the second independently modulated reference on a second side of the load as a function of the fine-resolution data.
A method for controlling a multi-reference switching amplifier configured to supply power to a load, the method comprising:
- separating an input data stream into coarse-resolution data and fine-resolution data;
- dividing a first reference voltage to obtain a second reference voltage;
- modulating the first reference voltage on a first side of the load as a function of the coarse-resolution data;
- and
- modulating the second reference voltage on a second side of the load as a function of the fine-resolution data.
A multi-reference switching amplifier configured to supply power to a load, the amplifier comprising:
- a first plurality of switching devices configured to couple to a first side of the load;
- a second plurality of switching devices configured to couple to a second side of the load;
- first and second independently modulated references, wherein the second independently modulated reference is derived through a voltage divider;
- a data separator operative to separate an input data stream into coarse-resolution data and fine-resolution data;
- a first circuit coupled to the first plurality of switching devices and configured to modulate the first independently modulated reference as a function of the coarse-resolution data;
- and
- a second circuit coupled to the second plurality of switching devices and configured to modulate the second independently modulated reference as a function of the fine-resolution data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.