Richard F Challen

Title: Innovations of Richard F. Challen

Introduction

Richard F. Challen is a notable inventor based in Lynchburg, VA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of electronics, particularly in the development of frequency synthesizers and sensing circuits. With a total of 5 patents to his name, Challen's work has had a considerable impact on battery efficiency and signal processing.

Latest Patents

One of Challen's latest patents is the "Battery Saving Frequency Synthesizer Arrangement." This innovative arrangement reduces the amount of battery-supplied power to a high-frequency synthesizer. The phase-locked loop section of the synthesizer is periodically disconnected from the battery power. To prevent substantial drift during these power interruptions, a control signal maintains the VCO frequency. This minimizes frequency drift, allowing the loop to re-lock quickly after each power interruption.

Another significant patent is the "Frequency Sensing Circuit." This digital circuit is designed to sense a frequency component F.sub.0 in an applied signal. The input signal's amplitude is sampled at a clock rate that is N times F.sub.0, with each sample encoded as a digital word. These digital words are processed through an adder, with feedback words applied to adjust the output signal. The circuit output signal indicates the frequency of the input signal concerning the clock frequency, achieving optimal performance when the input signal frequency matches the clock frequency divided by N.

Career Highlights

Challen has had a distinguished career at General Electric Company, where he has been instrumental in advancing electronic technologies. His innovative spirit and technical expertise have led to the development of cutting-edge solutions that enhance the efficiency and functionality of electronic devices.

Collaborations

Challen has collaborated with various professionals in his field, including his coworker Terry N. Garner. Their combined efforts have contributed to the successful development of several innovative technologies.

Conclusion

Richard F. Challen's contributions to the field of electronics through his patents and work at General Electric Company highlight his role as a significant inventor. His innovations in frequency synthesizers and sensing circuits continue to influence the industry and improve electronic device performance.