Patent ID: 7071782
Filing Date: 2006-07-04
Classification: H03F

Abstract:
1. A method of amplifying or attenuating HF signals comprising: configuring an NPN bipolar transistor having a base, a collector, an emitter, a base-collector junction and a base-emitter junction in a common emitter configuration including a switchable voltage source connected to the collector; providing a base voltage at said base; amplifying HF signals applied to said base by applying a first voltage to said collector through said switchable voltage source, said first voltage selected to reverse bias said base-collector junction and to forward bias said base-emitter junction; and attenuating HF signals applied to said base by applying a second voltage to said collector through said switchable voltage source, said second voltage selected to forward bias said base-collector junction, said second voltage being applied to said collector while said base voltage is maintained at its original level or varied to control forward bias of said base-collector junction, wherein the varied base voltage level is equal to or more positive than the emitter level and more positive than the collector level.