David Philip Burton

Title: David Philip Burton: Innovator in Variable Gain Amplifiers and Digital Information Transmission

Introduction

David Philip Burton is a notable inventor based in Limerick, Ireland. He holds a total of 4 patents that showcase his contributions to the fields of electronics and communication technology. His work primarily focuses on variable gain amplifiers and methods for transmitting digital information.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is for a variable gain amplifier. This invention comprises eight identical variable gain stages arranged in two groups: a high gain group and a low gain group. The first gain stage is coupled directly to a pair of positive and negative main input terminals for receiving a differential input signal to be amplified. A pair of voltage divider impedance chains, comprising identical capacitors, define taps through which the input signal is applied to the corresponding gain stages in progressive steps of attenuation. Each gain stage comprises a pair of identical variable gain amplifier elements that amplify the respective positive and negative ends of the differential input signal. Only one of the gain stages is selected at any one time by a control circuit. The outputs from the gain stages of the high gain group are applied to positive and negative high gain output terminals, while the outputs from the low gain group are applied to positive and negative low gain output terminals. Additionally, a pair of selectively activatable shunt-shunt feedback circuits provide variable shunt impedance at the main input terminals for maintaining the input impedance of the variable gain amplifier within a predetermined range.

Another significant patent by Burton is related to a system and method for transmitting digital information using interleaved delta modulation. This invention involves a transmitter that directly modulates an RF carrier with a complex baseband waveform. It comprises a programmable device that generates amplitude and phase information corresponding to the complex baseband waveform, a signal generator that produces an RF carrier responsive to the phase information, and a plurality of delta modulators. Each delta modulator samples an error signal at a time period offset from all other delta modulators, generating streams of pulses that approximate the amplitude information. The supply voltage of the amplifier is adjusted based on the approximated amplitude information, ensuring that both amplitude and phase information are impressed upon the RF carrier.

Career Highlights

David has worked with several prominent companies throughout his career, including Analog Devices, Inc. and M/A-COM Eurotec. His experience in these organizations has contributed significantly to his expertise in electronic innovations.