Douglas D Smith

Title: Innovations and Contributions of Inventor Douglas D. Smith

Introduction

Douglas D. Smith, an accomplished inventor based in Puyallup, WA, has made significant contributions to the field of electronics and semiconductor technology. With a total of eight patents to his name, Smith has developed innovative solutions that have advanced the capabilities of electronic circuits. His latest patents exhibit his expertise in voltage reference systems and memory cell technologies.

Latest Patents

One of Douglas D. Smith's notable inventions is the **BICMOS positive supply voltage reference**. This invention introduces a voltage reference level that utilizes a bipolar output transistor to deliver a reference voltage on a designated output line. The accompanying control circuit dynamically adjusts the base current of the output transistor based on the load present on the reference output line. Furthermore, the control circuit not only maintains the reference level for the output transistor but also integrates the MOS control circuit and bipolar output transistor onto a single chip using a BICMOS fabrication process.

Another significant patent authored by Smith is the **ECL EPROM with CMOS programming**. This inventive circuit employs a MOS memory cell integrated with a technique that utilizes MOS voltage levels for programming. The design cleverly separates reading and programming paths, leveraging ECL voltage levels for reading and MOS components for programming. This dual-path approach enhances the ease of programming while utilizing the rapid reading speeds characteristic of PROM devices.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Douglas D. Smith has been associated with prominent companies within the semiconductor industry. Notably, he has worked at **National Semiconductor Corporation** and **Signetics**, where he contributed to the development of cutting-edge technologies.

Collaborations

Smith's innovative journey has also involved collaboration with esteemed colleagues, including Robert A. Kertis and Terrance L. Bowman. Working alongside such talented professionals has undoubtedly enriched his inventions and broadened the impact of his work.

Conclusion

Douglas D. Smith stands out as a prolific inventor whose patents have greatly influenced the electronic components sector. His innovative spirit is exemplified through his latest contributions, particularly in voltage reference and memory cell technologies. With a solid background in reputable companies and valuable collaborations, Smith’s work continues to inspire future generations of inventors and engineers.