Patents by Inventor David A. Jefferson

David A. Jefferson 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).

  • Patent number: 6996736
    Abstract: A clock network for an integrated circuits includes a first set of lines configured to distribute clock signals to a first section of the integrated circuit. The clock network also includes a second set of lines configured to distribute clock signals to a second section of the integrated circuit separately from the first section of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Triet Nguyen, David Jefferson, Srinivas Reddy, Keone Streicher
  • Patent number: 6965249
    Abstract: A programmable logic device and associated method is provided with repairable regions. In one aspect, general routing interconnect lines are segmented within repairable regions. In another aspect, IO bus lines and associated circuitry are provided that accommodate redundancy in a staggered segmented architecture. In another aspect, a dedicated routing architecture between particular logic regions accommodates shifting to define and utilize repairable regions. Principles of other aspects are illustrated and described in the context of several exemplary embodiments of aspects of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Lane, Ketan Zaveri, Hyun Yi, Giles Powell, Paul Leventis, David Jefferson, David Lewis, Triet Nguyen, Vikram Santurkar, Michael Chan, Andy Lee, Brian Johnson, David Cashman
  • Patent number: 6826741
    Abstract: In one aspect, flexible routing resources provided are comprising an arrangement of staggered line segments on a periphery of an electronic device. In another aspect, I/O bus lines a re coupled to receive signals from and to provide signals to other bus lines, core routing, and I/O circuitry, thus facilitating the use of the I/O bus for a variety of routes that may include I/O-to-core, core-to-I/O and core-to-core routes. In another aspect, a length of I/O bus lines is optimized for speed over long signal routes with high fanout. In another aspect, the loading effects of high fanout are minimized by using a plurality of tapping buffers to couple lines to both core routing and to I/O circuitry. In another aspect, a spiraling technique is provided that allows a continuous bus having line segments of consistent length whether or not the number of I/O blocks is an integral multiple of the selected logical length for line segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Johnson, Andy L. Lee, Cameron McClintock, Triet Nguyen, David Jefferson, Paul Leventis, David Lewis, Vaughn Betz, Michael Chan
  • Patent number: 6798242
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable logic disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of intersecting rows and columns of super-regions. Horizontal and vertical inter-super-region interconnection conductors are associated with each row and column, respectively. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic, and each region includes a plurality of subregions of programmable logic. Inter-region interconnection conductors are associated with each super-region, principally for bringing signals into the super-region and interconnecting the regions in the super-region. Local conductors are associated with each region, principally for bringing signals into the region. At the super-region level the device may be horizontally and vertically isomorphic, which helps make it possible to produce devices with low aspect ratios of one or nearly one. Shared driver circuits may be provided (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Srinivas T. Reddy, Richard G. Cliff, Christopher F. Lane, Ketan H. Zaveri, Manuel M. Mejia, David Jefferson, Bruce B. Pedersen, Andy L. Lee
  • Patent number: 6759871
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for segmenting lines in programmable logic devices having redundancy circuitry. A programmable logic device includes a first plurality of logic array blocks. The first plurality of logic array blocks includes a first logic array block and a second logic array block, a first programmable interconnect line coupled to a segmentation buffer and programmably coupled to the first logic array block, and a second programmable interconnect line coupled to the segmentation buffer and programmably coupled to the second logic array block. The segmentation buffer is capable of selectively providing an open circuit between the first programmable interconnect line and the second programmable interconnect line, a buffer driving signals from the first programmable interconnect line to the second programmable interconnect line, or a buffer driving signals from the second programmable interconnect line to the first programmable interconnect line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Triet Nguyen, Changsong Zhang, David Jefferson
  • Patent number: 6720796
    Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) includes a first memory block and at least a second memory block, where the two memory blocks have different memory sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Srinivas Reddy, David Jefferson, Christopher F. Lane, Vikram Santurkar, Richard Cliff
  • Publication number: 20030201793
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for segmenting lines in programmable logic devices having redundancy circuitry. A programmable logic device includes a first plurality of logic array blocks. The first plurality of logic array blocks includes a first logic array block and a second logic array block, a first programmable interconnect line coupled to a segmentation buffer and programmably coupled to the first logic array block, and a second programmable interconnect line coupled to the segmentation buffer and programmably coupled to the second logic array block. The segmentation buffer is capable of selectively providing an open circuit between the first programmable interconnect line and the second programmable interconnect line, a buffer driving signals from the first programmable interconnect line to the second programmable interconnect line, or a buffer driving signals from the second programmable interconnect line to the first programmable interconnect line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Triet Nguyen, Changsong Zhang, David Jefferson
  • Publication number: 20030201794
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable logic disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of intersecting rows and columns of super-regions. Horizontal and vertical inter-super-region interconnection conductors are associated with each row and column, respectively. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic, and each region includes a plurality of sub-regions of programmable logic. Inter-region interconnection conductors are associated with each super-region, principally for bringing signals into the super-region and interconnecting the regions in the super-region. Local conductors are associated with each region, principally for bringing signals into the region. At the super-region level the device may be horizontally and vertically isomorphic, which helps make it possible to produce devices with low aspect ratios of one or nearly one. Shared driver circuits may be provided (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Srinivas T. Reddy, Richard G. Cliff, Christopher F. Lane, Ketan H. Zaveri, Manuel M. Mejia, David Jefferson, Bruce B. Pedersen, Andy L. Lee
  • Patent number: 6600337
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for segmenting lines in programmable logic devices having redundancy circuitry. A programmable logic device includes a first plurality of logic array blocks. The first plurality of logic array blocks includes a first logic array block and a second logic array block, a first programmable interconnect line coupled to a segmentation buffer and programmably coupled to the first logic array block, and a second programmable interconnect line coupled to the segmentation buffer and programmably coupled to the second logic array block. The segmentation buffer is capable of selectively providing an open circuit between the first programmable interconnect line and the second programmable interconnect line, a buffer driving signals from the first programmable interconnect line to the second programmable interconnect line, or a buffer driving signals from the second programmable interconnect line to the first programmable interconnect line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Triet Nguyen, Changsong Zhang, David Jefferson
  • Patent number: 6577160
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable logic disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of intersecting rows and columns of super-regions. Horizontal and vertical inter-super-region interconnection conductors are associated with each row and column, respectively. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic, and each region includes a plurality of subregions of programmable logic. Inter-region interconnection conductors are associated with each super-region. Local conductors are associated with each region. Shared driver circuits may be provided (e.g., for (1) receiving signals from the subregions and the horizontal and/or vertical conductors, and (2) applying selected received signals to the inter-region conductors, the horizontal and vertical conductors, and possibly also the local conductors).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Srinivas T. Reddy, Richard G. Cliff, Christopher F. Lane, Ketan H. Zaveri, Manuel M. Mejia, David Jefferson, Bruce B. Pedersen, Andy L. Lee
  • Publication number: 20030076130
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable logic disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of intersecting rows and columns of super-regions. Horizontal and vertical inter-super-region interconnection conductors are associated with each row and column, respectively. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic, and each region includes a plurality of subregions of programmable logic. Inter-region interconnection conductors are associated with each super-region, principally for bringing signals into the super-region and interconnecting the regions in the super-region. Local conductors are associated with each region, principally for bringing signals into the region. At the super-region level the device may be horizontally and vertically isomorphic, which helps make it possible to produce devices with low aspect ratios of one or nearly one. Shared driver circuits may be provided (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Srinivas T. Reddy, Richard G. Cliff, Christopher F. Lane, Ketan H. Zaveri, Manuel M. Mejia, David Jefferson, Bruce B. Pedersen, Andy L. Lee
  • Publication number: 20030072185
    Abstract: A programmable logic device and associated method is provided with repairable regions. In one aspect, general routing interconnect lines are segmented within repairable regions. In another aspect, IO bus lines and associated circuitry are provided that accommodate redundancy in a staggered segmented architecture. In another aspect, a dedicated routing architecture between particular logic regions accommodates shifting to define and utilize repairable regions. Principles of other aspects are illustrated and described in the context of several exemplary embodiments of aspects of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher Lane, Ketan Zaveri, Hyun Yi, Giles Powell, Paul Leventis, David Jefferson, David Lewis, Triet Nguyen, Vikram Santurkar, Michael Chan, Andy Lee, Brian Johnson, David Cashman
  • Patent number: 6459303
    Abstract: A high-performance address decoder circuit provides higher speed read and write access for an embedded memory of a programmable logic integrated circuit. The address decoder is programmable to allow addressing of the memory in different data widths and depths. The circuitry can be used as column address decoder or row address decoder, or both. In a dual-port memory implementation of the memory, there can be two instances of each of the decoders, one for writing and one for reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Wanli Chang, David Jefferson
  • Patent number: 6417694
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable logic disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of intersecting rows and columns of super-regions. Horizontal and vertical inter-super-region interconnection conductors are associated with each row and column, respectively. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic, and each region includes a plurality of subregions of programmable logic. Inter-region interconnection conductors are associated with each super-region, principally for bringing signals into the super-region and interconnecting the regions in the super-region. Local conductors are associated with each region, principally for bringing signals into the region. At the super-region level the device may be horizontally and vertically isomorphic, which helps make it possible to produce devices with low aspect ratios of one or nearly one. Shared driver circuits may be provided (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Srinivas T. Reddy, Richard G. Cliff, Christopher F. Lane, Ketan H. Zaveri, Manuel M. Mejia, David Jefferson, Bruce B. Pedersen, Andy L. Lee
  • Publication number: 20020086812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel gene, CaSm, that is highly expressed in cancer tissues and cell lines, especially pancreatic cancer. The full length cDNA of CaSm encodes a protein of 133 amino acids. The present invention further encompasses CaSm peptides, fusion proteins, host cell expression systems, antibodies to CaSm, antisense CaSm molecules, and compounds that modulate CaSm gene expression or CaSm activity. The present invention also encompasses methods for disease diagnosis, drug screening and the treatment of cancer. In particular, the combined use of a CaSm antagonist with a therapeutic agent to treat cancer is encompassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Clifford W. Schweinfest, Dennis K. Waston, David Jefferson Cole, Alice Maxine Boylan
  • Publication number: 20020041191
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable logic disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of intersecting rows and columns of super-regions. Horizontal and vertical inter-super-region interconnection conductors are associated with each row and column, respectively. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic, and each region includes a plurality of subregions of programmable logic. Inter-region interconnection conductors are associated with each super-region, principally for bringing signals into the super-region and interconnecting the regions in the super-region. Local conductors are associated with each region, principally for bringing signals into the region. At the super-region level the device may be horizontally and vertically isomorphic, which helps make it possible to produce devices with low aspect ratios of one or nearly one. Shared driver circuits may be provided (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Srinivas T. Reddy, Richard G. Cliff, Christopher F. Lane, Ketan H. Zaveri, Manuel M. Mejia, David Jefferson, Bruce B. Pedersen, Andy L. Lee
  • Publication number: 20020003742
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for segmenting lines in programmable logic devices having redundancy circuitry. A programmable logic device includes a first plurality of logic array blocks. The first plurality of logic array blocks includes a first logic array block and a second logic array block, a first programmable interconnect line coupled to a segmentation buffer and programmably coupled to the first logic array block, and a second programmable interconnect line coupled to the segmentation buffer and programmably coupled to the second logic array block. The segmentation buffer is capable of selectively providing an open circuit between the first programmable interconnect line and the second programmable interconnect line, a buffer driving signals from the first programmable interconnect line to the second programmable interconnect line, or a buffer driving signals from the second programmable interconnect line to the first programmable interconnect line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Triet Nguyen, Changsong Zhang, David Jefferson
  • Patent number: 6326812
    Abstract: An integrated circuit programmable logic device comprising: a plurality of programmable logic elements that are responsive to clock signals; a clock signal generation circuit which produces a first clock signal; a first phase shifting element which produces a second clock signal which is a phase-shifted version of the first clock signal, shifted in phase by an amount which compensates for a logic signal delay; and a clock signal distribution network which distributes the first and second clock signals among the programmable logic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: David Jefferson
  • Patent number: 6300794
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable logic disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of intersecting rows and columns of super-regions. Horizontal and vertical inter-super-region interconnection conductors are associated with each row and column, respectively. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic, and each region includes a plurality of subregions of programmable logic. Inter-region interconnection conductors are associated with each super-region, principally for bringing signals into the super-region and interconnecting the regions in the super-region. Local conductors are associated with each region, principally for bringing signals into the region. At the super-region level the device may be horizontally and vertically isomorphic, which helps make it possible to produce devices with low aspect ratios of one or nearly one. Shared driver circuits may be provided (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Srinivas T. Reddy, Richard G. Cliff, Christopher F. Lane, Ketan H. Zaveri, Manuel M. Mejia, David Jefferson, Bruce B. Pedersen, Andy L. Lee
  • Patent number: 6278288
    Abstract: A programmable logic integrated circuit device is provided with enhanced capability for dynamically multiplexing signals on the device. Controllable connectors that are provided on the device for connecting any of several connector input signals to a connector output are controlled by control signals that can be programmable selected to be either constant or variable signals. If a control signal is selected to be a variable signal, then the connector controlled by that control signal can be operated as a dynamic multiplexer of the input signals to that connector. The controllable connectors may advantageously be used as the connectors that are employed for allowing several possible signal sources to effectively share a smaller of number of signal drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Andy L. Lee, Richard G. Cliff, David Jefferson, Cameron McClintock, Kurosu R. Altaf