Systems and methods are described for a power amplifier with a tracking power supply. The power amplifier may use envelope tracking. The power amplifier is protected when the output of the power amplifier is short circuited or overloaded.

A multi-stage amplifier including a pre-driver stage, and method of operating the same. In one example, the amplifier includes an output stage with a first output transistor coupled to an oppositely doped second output transistor and to an output terminal. The pre-driver stage includes with a first driver transistor coupled to the first output transistor, and a second driver transistor coupled to the second output transistor. The pre-driver stage also includes a first current mirror and a second current mirror coupled to the first driver transistor and the second driver transistor. The pre-driver stage also includes a first translinear loop having a first translinear loop transistor and a second translinear loop having a second translinear loop transistor coupled to the first output transistor and the second output transistor.

Configurable amplifier systems are described in which the power supply rail of a linear amplifier, e.g., a class A amplifier, is modulated by a switching amplifier, e.g., a class D amplifier, that may also be configured to operate independently of the linear amplifier. Techniques are also described by which the standing current of the output stage of a linear amplifier is modulated based on the input signal to the linear amplifier or based on modulation of the power supply rail of the linear amplifier.

A system includes: 1) a buffer circuit; 2) circuitry coupled to an input of the buffer circuit; 3) a load coupled to an output of the buffer circuit; and 4) a clamp circuit coupled between an input of the buffer circuit and the output of the buffer circuit. The clamp circuit includes: 1) a bipolar junction transistor (BJT); 2) a first resistor with a first end coupled to a base terminal of the BJT and with a second end coupled to a collector terminal of the BJT; and 3) a second resistor with a first end coupled to the collector terminal of the BJT and with a second end coupled to the input of the buffer circuit. The second resistor is between an output of the circuitry and the input of the buffer circuit.

Devices, systems and methods for clamping output voltages of op-amps while minimizing post-clamping recovery delays are described. A circuit, which controls transitions between two operating modes, may include a first comparator for comparing an output voltage with a clamping voltage and outputting a first mode signal, a second comparator for comparing an input voltage with a reference voltage and outputting a second mode signal. A first logic component may receive the mode signals, perform a logical operation, and output a logic signal. A duplex output, based on a value of the logic signal, may output a track signal and an inversely corresponding hold signal, such track and hold signals being used by an op-amp circuit to configure adjusting blocks used to control transients during mode transitions.

Devices, systems and methods for clamping output voltages of op-amps while minimizing post-clamping recovery delays are described. A circuit, which controls transitions between two operating modes, may include a first comparator for comparing an output voltage with a clamping voltage and outputting a first mode signal, a second comparator for comparing an input voltage with a reference voltage and outputting a second mode signal. A first logic component may receive the mode signals, perform a logical operation, and output a logic signal. A duplex output, based on a value of the logic signal, may output a track signal and an inversely corresponding hold signal, such track and hold signals being used by an op-amp circuit to configure adjusting blocks used to control transients during mode transitions.

Systems and methods are described for a power amplifier with a tracking power supply. The power amplifier may use envelope tracking. The power amplifier is protected when the output of the power amplifier is short circuited or overloaded.

An amplifier circuit includes an input amplifier; an output unity gain buffer; and a second unity gain buffer. The output unity gain buffer and the second unity gain buffer are each configured to receive a signal from an input amplifier. The output unity gain buffer is configured to provide an output voltage to an amplifier output, and the second unity gain buffer is configured to provide a bootstrap signal to the input amplifier. A unity gain amplifier includes an input unity gain amplifier; and an output unity gain buffer and a second unity gain buffer. The buffers are configured to receive a signal from an input amplifier. The output unity gain buffer is configured to provide an output voltage to an amplifier output, and the second unity gain buffer is configured to provide a bootstrap signal to the input unity gain amplifier.

An amplifier circuit includes an input amplifier; an output unity gain buffer; and a second unity gain buffer. The output unity gain buffer and the second unity gain buffer are each configured to receive a signal from an input amplifier. The output unity gain buffer is configured to provide an output voltage to an amplifier output, and the second unity gain buffer is configured to provide a bootstrap signal to the input amplifier. A unity gain amplifier includes an input unity gain amplifier; and an output unity gain buffer and a second unity gain buffer. The buffers are configured to receive a signal from an input amplifier. The output unity gain buffer is configured to provide an output voltage to an amplifier output, and the second unity gain buffer is configured to provide a bootstrap signal to the input unity gain amplifier.

Systems and methods for amplifying signals. In some embodiments, the signals may be amplified using a diode steering network with an amplifier operated in class AB mode. In some embodiments, distortion in the amplified signal may be corrected using a feed forward cancellation circuit operated in class A mode.