99results about How to "Keep linear" patented technology

An AFM that combines an AFM Z position actuator and a self-actuated Z position cantilever (both operable in cyclical mode and contact mode), with appropriate nested feedback control circuitry to achieve high-speed imaging and accurate Z position measurements. A preferred embodiment of an AFM for analyzing a surface of a sample in either ambient air or fluid includes a self-actuated cantilever having a Z-positioning element integrated therewith and an oscillator that oscillates the self-actuated cantilever at a frequency generally equal to a resonant frequency of the self-actuated cantilever and at an oscillation amplitude generally equal to a setpoint value. The AFM includes a first feedback circuit nested within a second feedback circuit, wherein the first feedback circuit generates a cantilever control signal in response to vertical displacement of the self-actuated cantilever during a scanning operation, and the second feedback circuit is responsive to the cantilever control signal to generate a position control signal. A Z position actuator is also included within the second feedback circuit and is responsive to the position control signal to position the sample. In operation, preferably, the cantilever control signal alone is indicative of the topography of the sample surface. In a further embodiment, the first feedback circuit includes an active damping circuit for modifying the quality factor (“Q”) of the cantilever resonance to optimize the bandwidth of the cantilever response.

A digitally controlled transconductance cell includes a differential transistor pair coupled to load elements (either passive or active with resistive or impedance loads) and a variable bias current source, where the transconductance or gain is digitally varied by changing the aspect ratio of the transistors and the bias current.

A scanning probe microscope method and apparatus that modifies imaging dynamics using an active drive technique to optimize the bandwidth of amplitude detection. The deflection is preferably measured by an optical detection system including a laser and a photodetector, which measures cantilever deflection by an optical beam bounce technique or another conventional technique. The detected deflection of the cantilever is subsequently demodulated to give a signal proportional to the amplitude of oscillation of the cantilever, which is thereafter used to drive the cantilever.

A Radio Frequency (RF) receiver includes a low noise amplifier (LNA) and a mixer coupled to the output of the LNA. The gain of the LNA is adjusted to maximize signal-to-noise ratio of the mixer and to force the mixer to operate well within its linear region when an intermodulation interference component is present. The RF receiver includes a first received signal strength indicator (RSSI_A) coupled to the output of the mixer that measures the strength of the wideband signal at that point. A second received signal strength indicator (RSSI_B) couples after the BPF and measures the strength of the narrowband signal. The LNA gain is set based upon these signal strengths. LNA gain is determined during a guard period preceding an intended time slot of a current frame and during a guard period following an intended time slot of a prior frame. The lesser of these two LNA gains is used for the intended time slot of the current frame.

A shrinkable and extensible screen is mounted between a pair of screen-mounting frame portions arranged bilaterally to confront each other and at least one being slidably movable. A tension member extending through the screen for supporting it in shrinking and extending directions is routed in the screen-mounting frame portions. The tension member is extracted at the portion close to the central portion from the upper end portion of the slidably movable screen-mounting frame portions, to the outside on the side opposite to the screen mounting side.

The invention enables an increase in linearity of a power amplifier while reducing current consumption by supplying a bias current to the power amplifier in a Class AB mode.