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:
Feb. 28, 2006
Filed:
Nov. 26, 2003
Cornel D. Stanescu, Bucharest, RO;
Adrian M. Tache, Bucharest, RO;
Horia Profeta, Bucharest, RO;
Radu H. Iacob, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Adam P. Cosmin, Milpitas, CA (US);
Cornel D. Stanescu, Bucharest, RO;
Adrian M. Tache, Bucharest, RO;
Horia Profeta, Bucharest, RO;
Radu H. Iacob, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Adam P. Cosmin, Milpitas, CA (US);
Catalyst Semiconductor, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Abstract
A digital potentiometer is disclosed that includes first, second, and third signal terminals. A chain of series-connected impedance elements with multiple tap points is connected between the first and second signal terminals. A plurality of first switching devices are each connected to a respective one of the multiple tap points and to an internal wiper node. A configurable output stage is connected between the internal wiper node and the third signal terminal. The configurable output stage includes a buffer and a second switching device. The second switching device is operable to bypass the buffer. A switching circuit controls switching of the first switching devices. The switching circuit includes a Gray-code counter, a Gray-code decoder, and a make-before-break circuit that controls the timing of the switching of the wiper switches.