Kerry Brent Phillips

Title: Kerry Brent Phillips: Innovator in Low-Leakage Circuit Techniques

Introduction

Kerry Brent Phillips is a notable inventor based in Haverhill, MA (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the development of low-leakage switch circuits and amplifier output voltage limiting techniques. With a total of 9 patents to her name, Phillips continues to push the boundaries of innovation in her field.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is focused on a low off-leakage current switch. This invention introduces low-leakage switch circuit techniques designed to reduce leakage current of an off-state switch while maintaining a low on-resistance. The low-leakage switch circuit allows for the measurement of low current signals in a transimpedance amplifier with improved accuracy, eliminating the need for calibration. The circuit includes a bootstrapping path that connects two or more terminals or voltage nodes of an off-state switch, effectively bootstrapping major leakage current contributors such as substrate diode leakage and subthreshold leakage.

Another significant patent involves techniques for amplifier output voltage limiting. This invention provides methods for limiting the output voltage of an amplifier without directly affecting the output current. In this design, an amplifier comprises multiple stages that receive an input voltage and produce an output voltage based on that input. A comparator is utilized to receive a voltage limit and a representation of the output voltage, adjusting the current at the input of the first amplifier stage when the output voltage exceeds the limit, thereby clamping the output voltage at an offset from the voltage limit.

Career Highlights

Kerry Brent Phillips has worked with prominent companies in the industry, including Skyworks Solutions, Inc. and Analog Devices, Inc. Her experience in these organizations has allowed her to refine her skills and contribute to groundbreaking projects in electrical engineering.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Phillips has collaborated with talented individuals such as David Steven Ripley and Robert Michael Fisher. These partnerships have fostered innovation and have been instrumental in the development of her patented technologies.

Conclusion

Kerry Brent Phillips is a pioneering inventor whose work in low-leakage circuit techniques and amplifier output voltage limiting has made a significant impact in the field of electrical engineering. Her contributions continue to inspire advancements in technology and innovation.