Ricke W. Clark

Bio: Ricke W. Clark is an academic researcher from Skyworks Solutions. The author has contributed to research in topics: Signal & Amplifier. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 27 publications receiving 1099 citations. Previous affiliations of Ricke W. Clark include RF Micro Devices & Conexant.

Self-test and status reporting system for microcontroller-controlled devices

Abstract: An internal self-test and status reporting system for an electrical device with a plurality of components, a power supply and a microcontroller or microprocessor. The self-test system powers on and off each component one at a time and measures an amount of current drawn by the component with an internal current sensor. The self-test system compares the measured amount of current drawn by the component with an expected, predetermined current value or range. The self-test system then reports whether the measured amount of current drawn by the component matches the expected, predetermined current value or is within the expected, predetermined current range. The self-test system reports the results of the self-test by generating a pattern of signals on a general purpose input/output (GPIO) line, displaying a message on a display of the device, or generating a sound with a speaker of the device.

N-th order curve fit for power calibration in a mobile terminal

Abstract: A method for calibrating the output power of a mobile terminal using at least a second order curve fit to describe a power amplifier gain (PAG) setting versus output power characteristic of a power amplifier in a transmitter of the mobile terminal is provided. For each of an upper-band frequency, a mid-band frequency, and a lower-band frequency of a frequency band, multiple measurements of the output power of the mobile terminal are made corresponding to multiple values of the PAG setting, and a curve fit is performed, thereby calculating coefficients defining a polynomial describing the PAG setting versus output power characteristic. Using the polynomials describing the PAG setting versus output power characteristic of the power amplifier for each of the upper-band, mid-band, and lower-band frequencies, values of the PAG setting are determined for each desired output power level for each desired frequency within the frequency band.

System for closed loop power control using a linear or a non-linear power amplifier

Abstract: A system for a closed power control feedback loop (200) allows for the use of a non-linear amplifier for amplifying a phase modulated (PM) signal while introducing an inverse version of the desired amplitude modulation (AM) signal into the feedback loop using a variable gain element (Fig. 2, block 212). By introducing an inverse version of the desired (AM) portion of the signal into the power control feedback loop, the non-linear, and highly efficient, power amplifier may be used to amplify only the (PM) portion of the signal, while the (AM) portion is introduced by the power control feedback loop (200). In another aspect of the invention, an inverse version of the (AM) portion of the desired transmit signal is introduced into the power control feedback loop of an amplifier that is amplifying both a phase modulated signal and an amplitude modulated signal. By introducing an inverse version of the desired (AM) signal into the power control feedback loop, the power control feedback loop may not cancel the (AM) component present at the output of the power amplifier. In yet another aspect of the invention, the desired (AM) signal is injected into the feedback loop with the power control reference signal.

Critical path adaptive power control

Abstract: Modern digital integrated circuits are commonly synchronized in their workings by clock circuits. The clock frequency for a circuit must take into account the propagation delay of signals within the critical path of the circuit. If the clock time is not adequate to allow propagation of signals through the critical path, improper circuit operation may result. The propagation delay is not a constant from circuit to circuit, and even in a single circuit may change due to temperature, power supply voltage and the like. Commonly, this variation is handled by assuming a worse case propagation delay of the critical path, and then designing the clock frequency and minimum power supply voltage of the circuit so that the circuit will function under worst case conditions. However, instead of assuming a worse case propagation delay of the critical path, the propagation delay may be measured in an actual circuit path that has been constructed to be the equivalent to, or slightly worse than, the propagation delay of the critical path. By knowing the actual worst case propagation delay, the circuit may be modified to operate with lower power supply voltages, conserving power and/or to controlling the frequency of the clock, so that the clock may be operated at or near the circuit's actual, not theoretical worst case limit. Such modifications of power supply voltage and/or clock frequency may occur during circuit operation and thus, adapt the circuit to the different operating parameters of each circuit.

High-linearity, low-spread variable capacitance array

Abstract: The invention provides a unique apparatus and method which varies the capacitance coupled to a circuit. In one embodiment, the variable capacitance comprises a unique variable capacitance array (402) with multiple capacitance modules (508, 540 and 550) which can be selectively enabled. Each capacitance module has a capacitive value (510, 542, 544, 552 and 556) and a corresponding parasitic capacitance. The invention provides high linearity, low spread, improves the response to power fluctuations by maintaining a consistent relationship between the capacitive value (510, 542, 544, 552 and 556) and the parasitic capacitance in each capacitance module (508, 540 and 550). For example, the invention can be used with devices to provide a linear variation of capacitance. In addition, the invention can be used to calibrate a wide range of devices.

Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface

Abstract: Newness and distinctiveness is claimed in the features of ornamentation as shown inside the broken line circle in the accompanying representation.

Surgical stapling instrument with an articulatable end effector

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a cutting member configured to incise tissue positioned captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil and, in addition, means for stopping the cutting member prior to a distal end datum, wherein the distal end datum can be defined by the distal-most staple cavity in the staple cartridge. In such embodiments, the incision within the tissue may not extend beyond the portion of the tissue that has been stapled.

Articulating surgical stapling instrument incorporating a two-piece e-beam firing mechanism

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.

Powered surgical instrument

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a first endoscopic portion, a motor, and a first end effector is disclosed. The first endoscopic portion is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The first endoscopic portion includes a housing adjacent its proximal portion and includes an actuation member. The motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing of the first endoscopic portion and is operatively connected to the actuation member for moving the actuation member substantially along the longitudinal axis. The first end effector is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the first endoscopic portion and is configured to perform a first stapling function.

Motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument with tactile position feedback

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.