Patents by Inventor Carlo Alberto Romani
Carlo Alberto Romani has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11598829Abstract: A magnetic field sensor array includes a plurality of sensor segments, each including a plurality of magnetic field sensors. A magnetizing current conductor is situated so as to run in the area of the magnetic field sensors in such a way that elements of the magnetic field sensors may be magnetized. A plurality of parallel-connected half-bridges, each including a high switch pJ and a low switch nJ, each include a center tap connection situated between the switches. The magnetizing current conductor is connected to each center tap connection, by means of which the magnetizing current conductor is divided into separately activatable magnetizing segments. Elements of a sensor segment are magnetized in that two switches nJ and pJ+1 having different electrical potentials, or alternatively pJ and nJ+1, of two directly adjacent half-bridges are closed simultaneously. At least one further switch nX<J or pY>J+1 or alternatively pX<J or nY>J+1 is closed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Brad Engel, Carlo Alberto Romani, Guido De Sandre, Johannes Artzner, Phillip Mather, Martin Maschmann
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Publication number: 20220026508Abstract: A magnetic field sensor array includes a plurality of sensor segments, each including a plurality of magnetic field sensors. A magnetizing current conductor is situated so as to run in the area of the magnetic field sensors in such a way that elements of the magnetic field sensors may be magnetized. A plurality of parallel-connected half-bridges, each including a high switch pJ and a low switch nJ, each include a center tap connection situated between the switches. The magnetizing current conductor is connected to each center tap connection, by means of which the magnetizing current conductor is divided into separately activatable magnetizing segments. Elements of a sensor segment are magnetized in that two switches nJ and pJ+1 having different electrical potentials, or alternatively pJ and nJ+1, of two directly adjacent half-bridges are closed simultaneously. At least one further switch nX<J or pY>J+1 or alternatively pX<j or nY>J+1 is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Brad Engel, Carlo Alberto Romani, Guido De Sandre, Johannes Artzner, Phillip Mather, Martin Maschmann
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Patent number: 10473731Abstract: A reading circuit for a magnetic-field sensor, provided with a detection structure generating an electrical detection signal as a function of an external magnetic field, has a signal-conditioning stage, which is electrically coupled to the detection structure and generates an output signal as a function of the electrical detection signal; the reading circuit is provided with a full-scale-control stage that is able to select automatically a full-scale value for the signal-conditioning stage, as a function of the value of the external magnetic field, such as to prevent saturation of the same conditioning stage.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventors: Carlo Alberto Romani, Enrico Pozzati, Fabio Bottinelli
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Patent number: 10001530Abstract: A method reading a magnetic-field sensor provided with at least one first magnetoresistive element envisages generation of an output signal, indicative of a magnetic field, as a function of a detection signal supplied by the magnetic-field sensor. The reading method envisages: determining an offset signal present in the output signal; generating at least one compensation quantity as a function of the offset signal; and feeding back the compensation quantity at input to the reading stage so as to apply a corrective factor at input to the reading stage as a function of the compensation quantity, such as to reduce the value of the offset signal below a given threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventors: Fabio Bottinelli, Carlo Alberto Romani, Carmela Marchese
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Patent number: 9461625Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide for cancellation of unwanted signals in switched-capacitor circuits. In certain embodiments cancellation this is accomplished by performing a multi-phase CDS technique. The technique comprises resetting capacitive elements in the feedback path of an operational amplifier during a reset interval, maintaining a decoupled condition during a sampling interval in which the unwanted signals are sampled, and cancelling unwanted signals in a sensing interval.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventors: Luciano Prandi, Carlo Caminada, Carlo Alberto Romani
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Reading circuit for a magnetic field sensor with sensititivy calibration, and related reading method
Patent number: 9360533Abstract: A reading circuit for a magnetic-field sensor, generating an electrical detection quantity as a function of a detected magnetic field and of a detection sensitivity, is provided with an amplification stage, which is coupled to the magnetic-field sensor and generates an output signal as a function of the electrical detection quantity. In particular, the reading circuit is provided with a calibration stage, integrated with the amplification stage and configured so as to control a feedback loop in such a way as to compensate a variation of the detection sensitivity with respect to a nominal sensitivity value.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Carlo Alberto Romani, Enrico Pozzati, Fabio Bottinelli -
Patent number: 9279867Abstract: Described herein is a biasing circuit for a magnetic-field sensor; the magnetic-field sensor is provided with a first detection structure, which generates a first electrical detection quantity as a function of a first component of an external magnetic field, and a second detection structure, which generates a second electrical detection quantity as a function of a second component of an external magnetic field. The biasing circuit electrically supplies the first detection structure and the second detection structure in respective biasing time intervals, at least partially distinct from one another, which preferably do not temporally overlap one other.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2015Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Enrico Pozzati, Carlo Alberto Romani, Fabio Bottinelli
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READING CIRCUIT FOR A MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR WITH SENSITITIVY CALIBRATION, AND RELATED READING METHOD
Publication number: 20150362563Abstract: A reading circuit for a magnetic-field sensor, generating an electrical detection quantity as a function of a detected magnetic field and of a detection sensitivity, is provided with an amplification stage, which is coupled to the magnetic-field sensor and generates an output signal as a function of the electrical detection quantity. In particular, the reading circuit is provided with a calibration stage, integrated with the amplification stage and configured so as to control a feedback loop in such a way as to compensate a variation of the detection sensitivity with respect to a nominal sensitivity value.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventors: Carlo Alberto Romani, Enrico Pozzati, Fabio Bottinelli -
Reading circuit for a magnetic field sensor with sensitivity calibration, and related reading method
Patent number: 9151806Abstract: A reading circuit for a magnetic-field sensor, generating an electrical detection quantity as a function of a detected magnetic field and of a detection sensitivity, is provided with an amplification stage, which is coupled to the magnetic-field sensor and generates an output signal as a function of the electrical detection quantity and of an amplification gain. In particular, the amplification gain is electronically selectable, and the reading circuit is moreover provided with a calibration stage, integrated with the amplification stage and configured so as to vary a value of the amplification gain in such a way as to compensate a variation of the detection sensitivity with respect to a nominal sensitivity value.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Carlo Alberto Romani, Enrico Pozzati, Fabio Bottinelli -
Publication number: 20150198680Abstract: Described herein is a biasing circuit for a magnetic-field sensor; the magnetic-field sensor is provided with a first detection structure, which generates a first electrical detection quantity as a function of a first component of an external magnetic field, and a second detection structure, which generates a second electrical detection quantity as a function of a second component of an external magnetic field. The biasing circuit electrically supplies the first detection structure and the second detection structure in respective biasing time intervals, at least partially distinct from one another, which preferably do not temporally overlap one other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2015Publication date: July 16, 2015Inventors: Enrico Pozzati, Carlo Alberto Romani, Fabio Bottinelli
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READING CIRCUIT FOR A MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR WITH SENSITIVITY CALIBRATION, AND RELATED READING METHOD
Publication number: 20150192644Abstract: A reading circuit for a magnetic-field sensor, generating an electrical detection quantity as a function of a detected magnetic field and of a detection sensitivity, is provided with an amplification stage, which is coupled to the magnetic-field sensor and generates an output signal as a function of the electrical detection quantity and of an amplification gain. In particular, the amplification gain is electronically selectable, and the reading circuit is moreover provided with a calibration stage, integrated with the amplification stage and configured so as to vary a value of the amplification gain in such a way as to compensate a variation of the detection sensitivity with respect to a nominal sensitivity value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2015Publication date: July 9, 2015Inventors: Carlo Alberto Romani, Enrico Pozzati, Fabio Bottinelli -
Patent number: 9018941Abstract: Described herein is a biasing circuit for a magnetic-field sensor; the magnetic-field sensor is provided with a first detection structure, which generates a first electrical detection quantity as a function of a first component of an external magnetic field, and a second detection structure, which generates a second electrical detection quantity as a function of a second component of an external magnetic field. The biasing circuit electrically supplies the first detection structure and the second detection structure in respective biasing time intervals, at least partially distinct from one another, which preferably do not temporally overlap one other.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Enrico Pozzati, Carlo Alberto Romani, Fabio Bottinelli
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Reading circuit for a magnetic field sensor with sensitivity calibration, and related reading method
Patent number: 9013175Abstract: A reading circuit for a magnetic-field sensor, generating an electrical detection quantity as a function of a detected magnetic field and of a detection sensitivity, is provided with an amplification stage, which is coupled to the magnetic-field sensor and generates an output signal as a function of the electrical detection quantity and of an amplification gain. In particular, the amplification gain is electronically selectable, and the reading circuit is moreover provided with a calibration stage, integrated with the amplification stage and configured so as to vary a value of the amplification gain in such a way as to compensate a variation of the detection sensitivity with respect to a nominal sensitivity value.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Carlo Alberto Romani, Enrico Pozzati, Fabio Bottinelli -
Patent number: 8981773Abstract: A magnetic-field sensor adapted to detect an external magnetic field. The magnetic-field sensor including a first chip, having a first magnetoresistive structure for detection of the external magnetic field, the first magnetoresistive detection structure including an electrical-contact pad and magnetoresistive element, and a second chip housing an integrated electronic circuit and a magnetic-field generator. The first and second chips being mutually arranged in such a way that the integrated electronic circuit can be electrically coupled to the electrical-contact pad of the magnetoresistive structure and in such a way that the magnetic-field generator can be magnetically coupled to the magnetoresistive structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Enrico Pozzati, Fabio Bottinelli, Carlo Alberto Romani
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Patent number: 8707236Abstract: A semiconductor device wherein a delay chain is integrated; the semiconductor device having a semiconductor layer. The delay chain includes a plurality of delay cells placed in the semiconductor layer and electrically connected to each other so as to form the delay chain. The semiconductor device includes a first and second metal lines respectively connected to a supply voltage and a reference voltage and placed in a longitudinal direction on a surface of the semiconductor layer; each delay cell of the plurality of cells is electrically connected with the first and second metal lines. Any delay cell and its successive or preceding delay cells of the delay chain are placed in a transversal direction with respect to the first or the second metal line.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignees: STMicroelectronics, Inc., STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Carlo Alberto Romani, Corrado Giorgio Castiglione, Massimo Scipioni, Elvio Romanucci, Donato Tancredi
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Publication number: 20120161759Abstract: A magnetic-field sensor adapted to detect an external magnetic field, comprising: a first chip, including a first magnetoresistive structure for detection of the external magnetic field, the first magnetoresistive detection structure including an electrical-contact pad and magnetoresistive means; and a second chip housing an integrated electronic circuit and a magnetic-field generator, the first and second chips being mutually arranged in such a way that the integrated electronic circuit can be electrically coupled to the electrical-contact pad of the magnetoresistive structure and in such a way that the magnetic-field generator can be magnetically coupled to the magnetoresistive structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventors: Enrico Pozzati, Fabio Bottinelli, Carlo Alberto Romani
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Publication number: 20120166122Abstract: A method for reading a magnetic-field sensor provided with at least one first magnetoresistive element envisages generation of an output signal, indicative of a magnetic field, as a function of a detection signal supplied by the magnetic-field sensor. The reading method envisages: determining an offset signal present in the output signal; generating at least one compensation quantity as a function of the offset signal; and feeding back the compensation quantity at input to the reading stage so as to apply a corrective factor at input to the reading stage as a function of the compensation quantity, such as to reduce the value of the offset signal below a given threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventors: Fabio Bottinelli, Carlo Alberto Romani, Carmela Marchese
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READING CIRCUIT FOR A MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR WITH SENSITIVITY CALIBRATION, AND RELATED READING METHOD
Publication number: 20120153936Abstract: A reading circuit for a magnetic-field sensor, generating an electrical detection quantity as a function of a detected magnetic field and of a detection sensitivity, is provided with an amplification stage, which is coupled to the magnetic-field sensor and generates an output signal as a function of the electrical detection quantity and of an amplification gain. In particular, the amplification gain is electronically selectable, and the reading circuit is moreover provided with a calibration stage, integrated with the amplification stage and configured so as to vary a value of the amplification gain in such a way as to compensate a variation of the detection sensitivity with respect to a nominal sensitivity value.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.LInventors: Carlo Alberto Romani, Enrico Pozzati, Fabio Bottinelli -
Publication number: 20120153937Abstract: Described herein is a biasing circuit for a magnetic-field sensor; the magnetic-field sensor is provided with a first detection structure, which generates a first electrical detection quantity as a function of a first component of an external magnetic field, and a second detection structure, which generates a second electrical detection quantity as a function of a second component of an external magnetic field. The biasing circuit electrically supplies the first detection structure and the second detection structure in respective biasing time intervals, at least partially distinct from one another, which preferably do not temporally overlap one other.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventors: Enrico Pozzati, Carlo Alberto Romani, Fabio Bottinelli
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Publication number: 20120158324Abstract: A reading circuit for a magnetic-field sensor, provided with a detection structure generating an electrical detection signal as a function of an external magnetic field, has a signal-conditioning stage, which is electrically coupled to the detection structure and generates an output signal as a function of the electrical detection signal; the reading circuit is provided with a full-scale-control stage that is able to select automatically a full-scale value for the signal-conditioning stage, as a function of the value of the external magnetic field, such as to prevent saturation of the same conditioning stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.LInventors: Carlo Alberto Romani, Enrico Pozzati, Fabio Bottinelli