Patents Assigned to STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. Ltd.
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Patent number: 10050595Abstract: A circuit can be used in a speaker system. The circuit includes an amplifier with an output configured to be coupled to a speaker. An offset comparator has an input coupled the output of the amplifier and is configured to provide an offset control signal. A digital circuit has a first input coupled to an output of the offset comparator, a second input configured to receive an amplifier control signal, a third input configured to receive a play control signal, and an output configured to provide a forced mute signal that can be used to control the amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co., Ltd., STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: XiangSheng Li, Cristiano Meroni, Mei Yang, Xian Feng Xiong
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Patent number: 9980333Abstract: A driving apparatus configured to drive a light emitting device includes a driving current source module operable to supply current to the light emitting device via a node during operation. A protection module coupled to the node and the driving current source module selectively injects current to the node during operation. The driving current source module is controlled based on a detection result of a voltage on the node.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventors: Yi Jun Duan, Tao Tao Huang
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Patent number: 9958919Abstract: An embodiment is a circuit for use with a display device, the circuit including: a first input node configured to be operatively coupled to a first port of a data source device that provides the display device with data, to receive a first direct voltage used for a real-time display of the data on the display device; and at least one output node, configured to operatively provide the display device with at least one output voltage generated based on the first direct voltage, wherein the first port is isolated from a data port used to transmit the data.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignees: STMICROELECTRONICS (SHENZHEN) R&D CO., LTD., STMICROELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Danny Sheng, Andy Lin, Johnny Yoon
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Patent number: 9946282Abstract: A voltage regulator includes a feedback regulation loop and a drive transistor configured to source current to a regulated output. A transient recovery circuit is coupled to the voltage regulator circuit and includes a first transistor coupled to source current into a control terminal of the drive transistor, wherein the source current is in addition to current sourced in response to operation of the feedback regulation loop. The first transistor is selectively actuated in response to a drop in voltage at the regulated output. The transient recovery circuit further includes a second transistor coupled to sink current from the regulated output. The sink current has a first non-zero magnitude in the quiescent operating mode of the regulator circuit. In response to an increase in voltage at the regulated output, the operation of the second transistor is modified to increase the sink current to a second, greater, non-zero magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventor: Yong Feng Liu
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Patent number: 9923020Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a camera module and a method of manufacturing the same, the camera module comprising a sensor assembly, at least one semiconductor substrate, and a molding compound; wherein the sensor assembly comprises a semiconductor die, a sensor circuit disposed on the top surface of the semiconductor die, and a transparent cover coupled to the semiconductor die over the top surface of the semiconductor die; wherein each semiconductor substrate is disposed around the sensor assembly in a horizontal direction; and wherein the molding compound is filled between each semiconductor substrate and the sensor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (SHENZHEN) R&D CO., LTD.Inventor: Jing-En Luan
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Patent number: 9891250Abstract: A bidirectional voltage differentiator circuit comprises start-up circuitry, sensing circuitry, and output circuitry coupled to logic circuitry. The start-up circuitry acts to start-up the sensing circuitry when the circuit is powered on, and accelerates the response of the sensing circuitry thereafter. The sensing circuitry senses variation in an input voltage applied to an input node. Responsive to the voltage variation sensed by the sensing circuitry, the output circuitry produces a state change at a first or second output node. The logic circuitry receives the states of the output nodes and produces a logic output signal to indicate the occurrence of the variation sensed in the input voltage. The voltage sensing circuit is operable to sense variation of the input voltage regardless of whether the voltage is rising or falling and without regard to the DC value of the input voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2017Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventor: Yijun Duan
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Publication number: 20180017983Abstract: A current limiting circuit includes a current sensing module that is configured to sense an output current of a power transistor and to generate a corresponding sensing current which is proportional to the output current. A first current limiting module coupled to the current sensing module is configured to generate a first limiting current based on the sensing current when a variation of the output current of the power transistor exceeds a first current level. A second current limiting module coupled to the current sensing module is configured to generate a second limiting current based on the sensing current when a variation of the output current of the power transistor exceeds a second current level. A converting module coupled to the first and second current limiting modules and the power transistor controls a gate voltage of the power transistor based at least on the first and second limiting currents.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2017Publication date: January 18, 2018Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventor: Ni Zeng
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Publication number: 20180011506Abstract: A low dropout amplifier may include an error amplifier having first and second inputs coupled to a reference signal and a feedback signal, respectively. The error amplifier may be configured to generate first and second error signals at first and second outputs, respectively, with the first and second error signals based upon a difference between the reference signal and the feedback signal. A sink stage may be coupled to the first output and configured to generate a sink current based upon the first error signal. A source stage may be coupled to the second output and configured to generate a source current based upon the second error signal. An output node may be coupled to receive the sink and source currents.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2017Publication date: January 11, 2018Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventor: Ni Zeng
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Patent number: 9866187Abstract: A class-D amplifier includes a signal processing block. The signal processing block generates a first processed signal representing a difference between a first differential signal and a second differential signal, when a duty cycle of the first differential signal is greater than that of the second differential signal. The signal processing block generates the first processed signal representing a reference DC level, when the duty cycle of the first differential signal is less than that of the second differential signal. A second processed signal representing a difference between the second differential signal and the first differential signal is generated when the duty cycle of the second differential signal is greater than that of the first differential signal, and the second processed signal representing the reference DC level is generated when the duty cycle of the second differential signal is less than that of the first differential signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventors: Qi Yu Liu, Hong Wu Lin
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Publication number: 20180004241Abstract: An electronic device includes a current comparator to generate an output current based upon a difference between a current flowing in an output branch and a current flowing in an input branch. A pair of transistors is coupled to an output of the current comparator. A first amplifier has inputs coupled to the pair of transistors and to a reference voltage, the first amplifier being configured to subtract the reference voltage from a voltage across the pair of transistors and output a difference voltage. A second amplifier has inputs coupled to the difference voltage and to the reference voltage, the second amplifier being configured to subtract the difference voltage from the reference voltage and output a pulse skipping mode reference signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventors: Meng Wang, Xue Lian Zhou
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Patent number: 9857395Abstract: Current flowing through an inductor in response to a pulse width modulation (PWM) control signal is sensed to generate a sensed current. The sensed current is processed over one or more PWM cycles of the PWM control signal to generate an output signal indicative of average inductor current. This processing may include charging and discharging a capacitor at different rates dependent on the sense current, with the detection of capacitor discharge triggering a sampling of a voltage dependent on the sensed current that is indicative of average inductor current. The processing may include using the sensed to current to generate a first charge voltage associated with minimum inductor current and a second charge voltage associated with maximum inductor current, and then averaging the first and second charge voltages to generate an output signal indicative of average inductor current.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventors: Meng Wang, Xue Lian Zhou
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Patent number: 9859196Abstract: An electronic device may include leads, an IC having first and second bond pads, and an encapsulation material adjacent the leads and the IC so the leads extend to a bottom surface of the encapsulation material defining first contact pads. The electronic device may include bond wires between the first bond pads and corresponding ones of the leads, and conductors extending from corresponding ones of the second bond pads to the bottom surface of the encapsulation material defining second contact pads.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (SHENZHEN) R&D CO., LTD.Inventor: Jing-En Luan
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Patent number: 9853560Abstract: Congruent power and timing signals in a single electronic device. In an embodiment, a circuit may include just one isolation transformer operable to generate a power signal and a timing signal. On the secondary side, two branches may extract both a power signal and a clock signal for use in the circuit on the isolated secondary side. The first branch may be coupled to the transformer and operable to manipulate the signal into a power signal, such as a 5V DC signal. Likewise, the second circuit branch is operable to manipulate the signal into a clock signal, such as a 5 V signal with a frequency of 1 MHz. By extracting both a power supply signal and a clock signal from the same isolation transformer on the secondary side, valuable space may be saved on an integrated circuit device with only having a single winding for a single isolation transformer.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignees: STMICROELECTRONICS (SHENZHEN) R&D CO., LTD., STMICROELECTRONICS (CHINA) INVESTMENT CO. LTDInventors: Henry Ge, Welsin Wang, Xing Zhang
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Patent number: 9836075Abstract: A voltage detector operates to detect a system power supply voltage and generate a trigger signal. A control signal generator responds to the trigger signal and generates a control signal. A DC bias generator responds to the control signal by generating a DC bias. The control signal controls the DC bias to have a first value when the power supply voltage is a first voltage and have a second value when the power supply voltage is a second voltage different from the first voltage, wherein the first value is different from the second value. A dynamic DC bias is generated which can not only support a larger voltage scope, but also significantly improves signal to noise ratio. The system power supply detection may concern stop/start operation of an automobile engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2014Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventors: Min Chen, Wen Liu, Hong Xia Li
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Publication number: 20170336822Abstract: A Schmitt trigger circuit having an input coupled to a current summing junction. A trickle current source generates a trickle current applied to the current summing junction. A bandgap current source generates a bandgap current applied to the current summing junction (wherein the bandgap current is fixed when a supply voltage exceeds a threshold). A variable current source generates a variable current applied to the current summing junction (wherein the variable current varies dependent on the supply voltage). At the current summing junction, the variable current is offset against the trickle and bandgap currents with respect to generating a voltage that is sensed at the Schmitt trigger circuit input.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2017Publication date: November 23, 2017Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventor: Yong Feng Liu
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Patent number: 9811101Abstract: A power converter includes an input and an output with an energy storage circuit and a power switching circuit coupled between the input and the output. A feedback circuit generates a feedback voltage which is differentially compared to a reference in an error amplifier circuit to generate an error amplification signal. A comparator circuit generates a control signal for controlling on/off of the power switching circuit based on a first comparison signal related to the error amplification signal and a second comparison signal related to a charging current of the energy storage circuit. A regulating circuit is coupled between an output of the error amplifier circuit and an input of the comparator circuit for receiving the first comparison signal, the regulating circuit is configured to couple a voltage compensation signal related to an input voltage received by the input to an output of the error amplifier, so as to reduce a variation amount of the error amplification signal when the input voltage varies.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventors: Hai Bo Zhang, Zi Yu Zeng, Jerry Huang
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Patent number: 9800221Abstract: A circuit can be used in a speaker system. The circuit includes an amplifier with an output configured to be coupled to a speaker. An offset comparator has an input coupled the output of the amplifier and is configured to provide an offset control signal. A digital circuit has a first input coupled to an output of the offset comparator, a second input configured to receive an amplifier control signal, a third input configured to receive a play control signal, and an output configured to provide a forced mute signal that can be used to control the amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co., Ltd., STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: XiangSheng Li, Cristiano Meroni, Mei Yang, Xian Feng Xiong
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Publication number: 20170299638Abstract: A bidirectional voltage differentiator circuit comprises start-up circuitry, sensing circuitry, and output circuitry coupled to logic circuitry. The start-up circuitry acts to start-up the sensing circuitry when the circuit is powered on, and accelerates the response of the sensing circuitry thereafter. The sensing circuitry senses variation in an input voltage applied to an input node. Responsive to the voltage variation sensed by the sensing circuitry, the output circuitry produces a state change at a first or second output node. The logic circuitry receives the states of the output nodes and produces a logic output signal to indicate the occurrence of the variation sensed in the input voltage. The voltage sensing circuit is operable to sense variation of the input voltage regardless of whether the voltage is rising or falling and without regard to the DC value of the input voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventor: Yijun Duan
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Patent number: 9791883Abstract: An electronic device disclosed herein includes a current comparator to generate an output current based upon a difference between a current flowing in an output branch and a current flowing in an input branch. A pair of transistors is coupled to an output of the current comparator. A first amplifier has inputs coupled to the pair of transistors and to a reference voltage, the first amplifier being configured to subtract the reference voltage from a voltage across the pair of transistors and output a difference voltage. A second amplifier has inputs coupled to the difference voltage and to the reference voltage, the second amplifier being configured to subtract the difference voltage from the reference voltage and output a pulse skipping mode reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. LtdInventors: Meng Wang, Xue Lian Zhou
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Patent number: 9778670Abstract: A current limiting circuit includes a current sensing module that is configured to sense an output current of a power transistor and to generate a corresponding sensing current which is proportional to the output current. A first current limiting module coupled to the current sensing module is configured to generate a first limiting current based on the sensing current when a variation of the output current of the power transistor exceeds a first current level. A second current limiting module coupled to the current sensing module is configured to generate a second limiting current based on the sensing current when a variation of the output current of the power transistor exceeds a second current level. A converting module coupled to the first and second current limiting modules and the power transistor controls a gate voltage of the power transistor based at least on the first and second limiting currents.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (SHENZHEN) R&D CO. LTDInventor: Ni Zeng