Jonathan Scott McCalmont

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Jonathan Scott McCalmont

Introduction

Jonathan Scott McCalmont is a notable inventor based in Ames, IA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the design of circuits for operational amplifiers. With a total of 6 patents to his name, McCalmont's work has had a lasting impact on the industry.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is the "Common-mode feedback circuit." This invention provides a common-mode feedback circuit for fully-differential operational amplifier stages of a multistage amplifier. The first stage of the circuit establishes a substantially constant current output level for a feedback generating stage. An exemplary embodiment using MOSFET devices illustrates the use of a diode-connected MOSFET and mirror MOSFET first stage, generating the current for a common-source connected MOSFET second stage. This design ensures that the output stage of the circuit provides feedback voltage at different levels based on the equilibrium of the inputs to the operational amplifier.

Another significant patent is the "Self-starting reference circuit." This reference circuit provides a reference electrical characteristic, such as current or voltage, using a low-threshold field effect transistor (FET) for improved start-up operation. The use of a low-threshold FET eliminates the stable operating point from occurring at zero current, allowing for the elimination of additional startup circuitry. This innovation results in power and space savings, particularly in analog CMOS circuitry, and allows for a lower voltage requirement from the power supply.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, McCalmont has worked with several reputable organizations, including Micrel, Incorporated and the Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. His experience in these companies has contributed to his expertise in circuit design and innovation.

Collaborations

McCalmont has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Sandhya Gupta and Gary L Tuttle. These collaborations have further enriched his work and contributed to the development of his patents.

Conclusion

Jonathan Scott McCalmont's contributions to electrical engineering through his innovative patents demonstrate his expertise and commitment to advancing technology. His work continues to influence the field, showcasing the importance of innovation in circuit design.