William R Fowler

Title: Innovations of William R. Fowler

Introduction

William R. Fowler is a notable inventor based in Sunnyvale, CA. He has made significant contributions to the field of electronics, particularly in the development of data bus transceivers and optically coupled isolator circuits. With a total of 2 patents to his name, Fowler's work has had a considerable impact on the industry.

Latest Patents

Fowler's latest patents include a data bus transceiver that reduces self-induced noise by utilizing trapezoidal drive waveforms. This innovative design features a differential receiver stage with a threshold voltage matched to the midpoint voltage of the drive waveform, which minimizes distortion. Additionally, a low-pass filter is incorporated to reduce noise while maintaining minimal propagation delay. The transceiver is ingeniously integrated using back-to-back junction capacitors in the driver and filter circuits, which are biased to minimize capacitance variation based on the voltage applied.

Another significant patent is the optically coupled isolator circuit that boasts increased common mode rejection. This circuit includes a light emitter that responds to an input signal, producing an output optical signal. This signal is then coupled through an optically transmissive electrical insulator to a principal photodetector, which detects the optical signal and generates an output signal. A dummy photodetector, with similar electrical characteristics but nonresponsive to the output optical signal, is also included. The differential amplifier processes the principal and dummy output signals to cancel common mode components, resulting in an amplified output signal.

Career Highlights

William R. Fowler is currently employed at National Semiconductor Corporation, where he continues to innovate and contribute to advancements in electronic technology. His work has been instrumental in enhancing the performance and reliability of electronic components.

Collaborations

Fowler has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Ramanatha V. Balakrishnan and James L. Broderick, further enriching his contributions to the field.

Conclusion

William R. Fowler's innovative patents and career at National Semiconductor Corporation highlight his significant role in the advancement of electronic technologies. His work continues to influence the industry and inspire future innovations.