William MacLean

Title: The Innovations of William MacLean

Introduction

William MacLean is a notable inventor based in Austin, TX. He has made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the development of DC-DC converters. With a total of 5 patents to his name, MacLean's work has had a substantial impact on power management technologies.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations is the "Buck DC-DC Converter with Fixed Frequency." This invention implements a fixed frequency feedback control circuit that includes both a voltage control loop and a frequency control loop. The design aims to regulate the switching frequency of the buck switching regulator to a fixed or nearly fixed frequency. The voltage control loop utilizes ripple mode control to manage the power switches based on the output voltage. Additionally, the frequency control loop employs a phase-locked loop control scheme to adjust the on-time of the high-side switch, ensuring that the switching frequency aligns with a reference frequency.

Another significant patent is the "Hysteretic Buck DC-DC Converter." This buck switching regulator features a feedback control circuit that uses a four-input comparator to maintain the output voltage at a constant level. It achieves reduced voltage offset and fast transient response. The four-input comparator compares a first feedback signal without ripple to a second feedback signal with injected ripple components, generating an output signal that controls the power switches. This innovation enhances the accuracy of the output voltage and allows for the use of output capacitors with any value of equivalent series resistance (ESR).

Career Highlights

William MacLean has worked with prominent companies in the industry, including Micrel, Incorporated and Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in power management solutions and circuit design.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, MacLean has collaborated with talented individuals such as Dashun Xue and Leland Swanson. These partnerships have fostered innovation and the development of advanced technologies in the field.

Conclusion

William MacLean's contributions to the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the area of DC-DC converters, showcase his innovative spirit and technical expertise. His patents reflect a commitment to improving power management technologies, making him a significant figure in the industry.