The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 09, 2001
Filed:
Nov. 23, 1999
Ulrich Theus, Gundelfingen, DE;
Reiner Bidenbach, Voerstetten, DE;
Micronas GmbH, Freiburg, DE;
Abstract
A function generator includes a switching stage for forming a defined signal waveform. The switching stage includes switching transistors that are turned on in a predetermined sequence of undelayed and delayed clock signals, with an output node summing the output currents of the switching transistors. The function generator also includes a delay device that generates the undelayed and delayed clock signals from an applied clock signal. The delays of the delayed clock signals define predetermined instants within at least one period of the applied clock signal. The switching edge is divided into different time ranges whose respective edge steepnesses are adjustable independently of each other. By point-mirroring the signal waveform about a medium value of the signal edge, frequencies at twice, four times, six times, etc. the frequency of the fundamental signal frequency are reduced. Due to the sinusoidal shape of the switching edges, electromagnetic emissions are reduced because of the reduced amplitude of the harmonics. The electromagnetic emission reduction applies both to pure clock signals and to other digital signals, including control, data, or supply lines.