Patent ID: 7170332
Filing Date: 2007-01-30
Classification: H03B

Abstract:
1. A reference signal generator, comprising: an oscillator that provides an oscillator signal; a buffer amplifier having an adjustable amplifier gain and coupled to process said oscillator signal into a reference signal that has a reference amplitude; and a controller that adjusts said amplifier gain in response to said reference amplitude; wherein said amplifier gain corresponds to a gain control signal and said controller includes: at least one comparator that responds to said reference signal and provides a pulse train when said reference amplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold signal; and in response to said pulse train, a counter that provides said gain control signal to thereby reduce said amplifier gain until said reference amplitude no longer exceeds said threshold signal; and wherein said controller further includes: a generator that responds to a first clock signal to provide a second clock signal, an enable signal and a subsequent disable signal; a first gate that passes said second clock signal in response to said enable signal and blocks said second clock signal in response to said disable signal; and a second gate that passes said second clock signal from said first gate to said counter in response to said pulse train.