Patent ID: 9571047
Date: 2017-02-14
CPC Classifications: H03F

Claim:
1. A dual mode regulator for an amplifier, the dual mode regulator comprising: a microcontroller; a first regulator for driving the amplifier; a variable dummy current load (VDCL) controlled by the microcontroller; a second regulator for driving the VDCL, wherein respective inputs of the regulators form a main path coupled to a power source, the main path carrying a total current applied to the regulators with the first regulator providing an operating current to the amplifier; and a first current sensor coupled to the main path and a second current sensor coupled to a first regulator path directly coupled to the amplifier, wherein in a first mode of operation, the microcontroller controls the VDCL and the amplifier to maintain a constant total current and the microcontroller generates an alert signal upon detecting an alarm condition based on amplitudes of the total current or the operating current of the amplifier, and wherein, in a second mode of operation, the microcontroller controls the VDCL to deactivate the second regulator, and wherein the first current sensor and the second current sensor are capable of detecting the current amplitudes on the main path and on the first regulator path directly coupled to the amplifier during operation.