John Robert Shannon

Title: The Innovations of John Robert Shannon

Introduction

John Robert Shannon is a notable inventor based in Daly City, California. He has made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the development of technologies related to discharge lamps and backlighted displays. With a total of six patents to his name, Shannon's work has had a lasting impact on the industry.

Latest Patents

One of Shannon's latest patents is a method and apparatus for controlling a discharge lamp in a backlighted display. This invention describes a DC to AC inverter that efficiently controls the amount of electrical power used to drive a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). The output of this inverter is a fairly pure sine wave, which is proportional to an input control voltage. The purity of the output waveform is ensured by driving a symmetrical rectangular waveform into a second-order, low pass filter at the resonant frequency of the filter, accommodating all conditions of line voltage and delivered power. Operating stress on the step-up transformer is minimized by placing the load (lamp) directly across the secondary side of the transformer. When configured to regulate delivered power, the secondary side may be fully floated, which practically eliminates a thermometer effect on the operation of the lamp. Furthermore, all of the active elements, including the power switches, can be integrated into a monolithic silicon circuit.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, John Robert Shannon has worked with several prominent companies, including Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. and Electronic Lighting, Inc. His expertise in electrical engineering has allowed him to contribute to various innovative projects and advancements in technology.

Collaborations

Shannon has collaborated with notable individuals in the field, including James Copland Moyer and Michael Ren Hsing. These collaborations have further enriched his work and have led to the development of groundbreaking technologies.

Conclusion

John Robert Shannon's contributions to the field of electrical engineering and his innovative patents demonstrate his commitment to advancing technology. His work continues to influence the industry and inspire future inventors.