Patents Assigned to Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
  • Patent number: 11971992
    Abstract: Systems and methods for failure characterization of secure programmable logic devices (PLDs) are disclosed. An example system includes a secure PLD including programmable logic blocks (PLBs) arranged in PLD fabric of the secure PLD, and a configuration engine configured to program the PLD fabric according to a configuration image stored in non-volatile memory (NVM) of the secure PLD and/or coupled through a configuration input/output (I/O) of the secure PLD. The secure PLD is configured to receive a failure characterization (FC) command from the PLD fabric or an external system coupled to the secure PLD through the configuration I/O, and to execute the FC command to, at least in part, erase and/or nullify portions of the NVM. The secure PLD may also be configured to boot a debug configuration for the PLD fabric that identifies and/or characterizes operational failures of the secure PLD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Fulong Zhang, Srirama Chandra, Sreepada Hegade, Joel Coplen, Wei Han, Yu Sun
  • Patent number: 11914716
    Abstract: Systems and methods for asset management for secure programmable logic devices (PLDs) are disclosed. An example system includes a secure PLD including programmable logic blocks (PLBs) arranged in PLD fabric of the secure PLD, and a configuration engine configured to program the PLD fabric according to a configuration image stored in non-volatile memory (NVM) of the secure PLD and/or coupled through a configuration input/output (I/O) of the secure PLD. The secure PLD is configured to receive a secure PLD asset access request from the PLD fabric or an external system coupled to the secure PLD through the configuration I/O, and to perform a secure PLD asset update process corresponding to the secure PLD asset access request, where the performing the asset update process is based on a lock status associated with a secure PLD asset corresponding to the secure PLD asset access request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Fulong Zhang, Srirama Chandra, Sreepada Hegade, Joel Coplen, Wei Han, Yu Sun
  • Patent number: 11907033
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adaptive power on reset (POR) signals for use with programmable logic devices (PLDs) and/or other semiconductor devices are disclosed. An example adaptive POR signal generator includes a logic device configured to detect a first supply voltage ramp traversal across a first threshold ramp voltage, detect a second supply voltage ramp traversal across a second threshold ramp voltage, and generate a POR signal based, at least in part, on a nominal operating voltage associated with the power supply and/or the supply voltage and/or on a ramp time associated with the first and second supply voltage ramp traversals. The second threshold ramp voltage is higher than the first threshold ramp voltage and the first and second threshold ramp voltages are lower than the nominal operating voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Chwei-Po Chew, Bradley A. Sharpe-Geisler
  • Patent number: 11847471
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement fast boot for programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a method includes receiving configuration data associated with a PLD. The PLD includes an array of configuration memory cells including logic block memory cells and input/output (I/O) block memory cells associated with the PLD's logic fabric and I/O fabric, respectively. The method further includes programming a subset of the I/O block memory cells with the configuration data, and providing a wakeup signal to activate functionality associated with a portion of the I/O fabric. The method further includes programming remaining configuration memory cells of the array with the configuration data, where the remaining configuration memory cells include at least a subset of the logic block memory cells. The method further includes providing a wakeup signal to activate functionality associated with at least a portion of the logic fabric. Related systems and devices are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Fulong Zhang, Gordon Hands, Satwant Singh, Wei Han, Ravindar Lall, Joel Coplen, Sreepada Hegade, Ming Hui Ding
  • Patent number: 11681536
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement fast boot for programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a method includes performing a read operation on a non-volatile memory to obtain a first value. The method further includes comparing the value to a predetermined value to obtain a comparison result. The method further includes determining whether a boot image stored on the non-volatile memory is to be read based at least on the first comparison result. The method further includes performing, based on the determining, a read operation on the boot image to obtain data associated with booting of a device. The method further includes booting the device based at least on the data. Related systems and devices are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Fulong Zhang, John Gordon Hands, Wei Han, Mark Everhard
  • Patent number: 11514993
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement programmable linear-feedback shift register (LFSR) circuits. In one example, the LFSR circuit includes state storage elements. Each state storage element is configured to store a state signal. The LFSR circuit further includes programmable logic stage circuits each configured to selectively receive an input signal and a set of state signals, determine an output signal based at least on the set of state signals, and provide the output signal. Each programmable logic stage circuit is connected to at least one other programmable logic stage circuit. The LFSR circuit further includes pipeline elements. Each pipeline element is configured to selectively connect at least two programmable logic stage circuits. The LFSR circuit further includes sets of latency balance elements. Related systems and methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Wolfgang Roethig, Ashutosh Dikshit
  • Patent number: 11451648
    Abstract: A bridge chip receives a first data stream compliant with the first multimedia communication standard. The first data stream includes first video data of a first incoming video frame, second video data of a second incoming video frame, and information describing a transfer function for the second video data, the information included in a video blanking interval of the first incoming video frame. The bridge chip extracts information describing a transfer function for the second video data. The bridge chip then generates a second data stream compliant with the second multimedia communication standard. The second data stream includes the first video data in a first outbound video frame, the second video data in a second outbound video frame, and the extracted information describing the transfer function for the second video data. Finally, the generated second data stream is transmitted to a destination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Jiong Huang, Henry Tso, Hoon Choi
  • Patent number: 11316521
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement power supply regulation for programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a method includes powering configuration memory cells of a PLD with a first voltage. The method further includes configuring the configuration memory cells while the configuration memory cells are powered by the first voltage. The method further includes operating the PLD while the configuration memory cells are powered with a second voltage higher than the first voltage. The method further includes powering the configuration memory cells with a third voltage lower than the first voltage in response to an indication to transition the PLD to a sleep mode of the PLD. Related systems and devices are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Loren McLaury
  • Patent number: 11295825
    Abstract: A non-volatile programmable bitcell has a read enable device with a source coupled with a bitline, an anti-fuse device with a gate coupled with a first write line, a drain coupled with a supply voltage and a source coupled with a drain of the read enable device. The bitcell has a fuse device coupled between a second write line and the drain of the read enable device. A magnitude of current flowing in the bitline, when the read enable device is enabled for reading, is dependent both on (1) a voltage level applied to the first write line and anti-fuse device state and on (2) a voltage level applied to the second write line and fuse device state. Usages include in a memory array, such as for FPGA configuration memory. The bitcell can be used as a multi-time programmable element, or to store multiple bit values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Farrokh Kia Omid-Zohoor, Nguyen Duc Bui, Binh Ly
  • Patent number: 11258833
    Abstract: A source device and a sink device may be connected using an interface cable comprising at least first and second physical channels. The first physical channel may be used to transmit video data unidirectionally from the source device to the sink device. In addition, the second physical channel may comprise an audio return channel wherein audio data can be transmitted unidirectionally from the sink device to the source device at a first rate. In addition, the second physical channel may also transmit bidirectional control data between the source and sink devices at a second rate slower than the first rate. The audio data may be overlaid on the control data, wherein the audio data is transmitted using differential signaling, while the control data is transmitted using common mode signaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Shrikant Ranade, Lei Ming, Jiong Huang
  • Patent number: 11223874
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to transmission and detection of multi-channel signals in reduced channel format. An embodiment of a method for transmitting data includes determining whether a first type or a second type of content data is to be transmitted, where the first type of content data is to be transmitted at a first multiple of a base frequency and the second type of data is to be transmitted at a second multiple of the base frequency. The method further includes selecting one or more channels from a plurality of channels based on the type of content data, clocking a frequency on the first or second multiple of the base frequency according to the type of content data in the selected channels, modifying the content data to fit within a single output channel, and transmitting the modified data via a single output channel at the chosen multiple of the base frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Hoon Choi, Daekyeung Kim, Wooseung Yang, Young Il Kim
  • Patent number: 11206025
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing external bus protection for programmable logic devices (PLDs) are disclosed. An example system includes a programmable I/O bus configured to interface with a user device over an external bus interface coupled to a PLD; a bus protection circuit arrangement integrated with the programmable I/O interface and configured to provide I/O bus supply voltage protection for the programmable I/O interface; and a bus protection control signal generator. The bus protection control signal generator generates a default bus protection control signal for the bus protection circuit arrangement of the PLD prior to completion of a power ramp performed by the user device; an intermediate bus protection control signal for the PLD prior to completion of loading a PLD configuration into a PLD fabric of the PLD; and an operational bus protection control signal for the PLD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Chwei-Po Chew, Brad Sharpe-Geisler
  • Patent number: 11138150
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a network repository for metadata. Embodiments of a data repository include a memory to store data including one or more data content items, where each data content item is associated with zero or more metadata items, and where each data content item is associated with a handle and each metadata item is associated with an attribute name. The data repository further includes a network interface configured to communicate with a client device, and a control unit configured to control the storage of data in the memory, where the control unit provides functions for writing data to and reading data from the memory and where the control unit is to transfer the data without interpretation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Brian K. Schmidt, James G. Hanko, J. Duane Northcutt
  • Patent number: 11132207
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement fast boot for programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a method includes receiving configuration data associated with a PLD. The PLD includes an array of configuration memory cells including logic block memory cells and input/output (I/O) block memory cells associated with the PLD's logic fabric and I/O fabric, respectively. The method further includes programming a subset of the I/O block memory cells with the configuration data, and providing a wakeup signal to activate functionality associated with a portion of the I/O fabric. The method further includes programming remaining configuration memory cells of the array with the configuration data, where the remaining configuration memory cells include at least a subset of the logic block memory cells. The method further includes providing a wakeup signal to activate functionality associated with at least a portion of the logic fabric. Related systems and devices are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fulong Zhang, Gordon Hands, Satwant Singh, Wei Han, Ravindar Lail, Joel Copien, Sreepada Hegade, Ming Hui Ding
  • Patent number: 10979083
    Abstract: Example embodiments herein relate to methods of transmitting and receiving audio signals. A method of transmitting an audio signal includes: receiving the audio signal including frames having left and right subframes containing audio data of a first number of bits; encoding the left and right subframes into a parity code of a second number of bits; generating serial data by combining the parity code and audio data; and transmitting the serial data over an audio transmission media having a bandwidth of a third number of bits, a sum of the first and second number being below the third number. A method of receiving an audio signal includes: receiving a serial signal combining a parity code; decoding the serial signal by calculating a syndrome based on the parity code; detecting an error by comparing the syndrome with the audio data; and generating a corrected audio signal by correcting the detected error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jiong Huang, Alexander Peysakhovich, Lei Ming
  • Patent number: 10931722
    Abstract: A source device and a sink device may be connected using an interface cable comprising at least first and second physical channels. The first physical channel may be used to transmit video data unidirectionally from the source device to the sink device. In addition, the second physical channel may comprise an audio return channel wherein audio data can be transmitted unidirectionally from the sink device to the source device at a first rate. In addition, the second physical channel may also transmit bidirectional control data between the source and sink devices at a second rate slower than the first rate. The audio data may be overlaid on the control data, wherein the audio data is transmitted using differential signaling, while the control data is transmitted using common mode signaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shrikant Ranade, Lei Ming, Jiong Huang
  • Patent number: RE48570
    Abstract: One aspect relates to a memory circuit that has a programmable non-volatile memory (NVM) cell configured to generate an NVM output signal indicative of a program state of the NVM cell and to configure a volatile output based on the program state of the NVM cell. The NVM cell comprises a first anti-fuse device, a first select device connected in series with the first anti-fuse device at a first node, and a first pass device. The memory circuit also may have a programmable (independently of the NVM cell) volatile memory (VM) cell configured to receive the NVM output signal at a VM input node and to generate a VM output signal indicative of the program state of the VM cell. The NVM cell may have two NV elements that are separately programmable and are separately selectable via separate access transistors to drive the VM input node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald L. Cline, Stewart G. Logie
  • Patent number: RE48625
    Abstract: One aspect relates to a memory circuit that has a programmable non-volatile memory (NVM) cell configured to generate an NVM output signal indicative of a program state of the NVM cell and to configure a volatile output based on the program state of the NVM cell. The NVM cell comprises a first anti-fuse device, a first select device connected in series with the first anti-fuse device at a first node, and a first pass device. The memory circuit also may have a programmable (independently of the NVM cell) volatile memory (VM) cell configured to receive the NVM output signal at a VM input node and to generate a VM output signal indicative of the program state of the VM cell. The NVM cell may have two NV elements that are separately programmable and are separately selectable via separate access transistors to drive the VM input node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L Cline, Stewart G. Logie
  • Patent number: RE48740
    Abstract: A solution for adaptively processing a digital image with reduced color resolution is described herein. A source device pre-processes a video frame with reduce color resolution by remapping luma components and chroma components of the video frame, and encodes the pre-processed video frame. The source device remaps a half of luma components on a scan line of the video frame onto a data channel of a source line to an encoder and remaps the other half of the luma components on the scan line to another data channel of the source line. The source device remaps the corresponding chroma components onto a third data channel of a source line. By using a data channel conventionally configured to transmit chroma components, the solution enables a video codec to adaptively encode a digital image with reduced color resolution without converting the digital image to full color resolution before the encoding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Laurence Alan Thompson
  • Patent number: RE48920
    Abstract: A solution for adaptively processing a digital image with reduced color resolution is described herein. A source device pre-processes a video frame with reduce color resolution by remapping luma components and chroma components of the video frame, and encodes the pre-processed video frame. The source device remaps a half of luma components on a scan line of the video frame onto a data channel of a source line to an encoder and remaps the other half of the luma components on the scan line to another data channel of the source line. The source device remaps the corresponding chroma components onto a third data channel of a source line. By using a data channel conventionally configured to transmit chroma components, the solution enables a video codec to adaptively encode a digital image with reduced color resolution without converting the digital image to full color resolution before the encoding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Laurence Alan Thompson