Patents by Inventor Dean Liu

Dean Liu 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).

  • Publication number: 20080260071
    Abstract: A frequency synthesis circuit includes a phase locked loop and an interpolator circuit. The phase locked loop circuit receives a reference clock and a feedback clock and generates an output clock with a frequency based on the reference clock and the feedback clock. An interpolator circuit is coupled in the feedback path of the phase locked loop circuit. An interpolator control circuit generates an interpolator control word that specifies a variable time delay for the interpolator circuit. The interpolator circuit receives the output clock, and generates the feedback clock by introducing a variable time delay in the output clock in accordance with the interpolator control word. The time variable delay varies the frequency of the output circuit. Embodiments for frequency synthesis circuits that include a spread spectrum frequency clock generator, frequency modulators, and a fixed frequency clock generator circuit are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Stefanos Sidiropoulos, Marc Loinaz, R. Sekhar Narayanaswami, Nikhil Acharya, Dean Liu
  • Patent number: 7436229
    Abstract: A frequency synthesis circuit includes a phase locked loop and an interpolator circuit. The phase locked loop circuit receives a reference clock and a feedback clock and generates an output clock with a frequency based on the reference clock and the feedback clock. An interpolator circuit is coupled in the feedback path of the phase locked loop circuit. An interpolator control circuit generates an interpolator control word that specifies a variable time delay for the interpolator circuit. The interpolator circuit receives the output clock, and generates the feedback clock by introducing a variable time delay in the output clock in accordance with the interpolator control word. The time variable delay varies the frequency of the output circuit. Embodiments for frequency synthesis circuits that include a spread spectrum frequency clock generator, frequency modulators, and a fixed frequency clock generator circuit are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Net Logic Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefanos Sidiropoulos, Marc Loinaz, R. Shekhar Narayanaswami, Nikhil Acharya, Dean Liu
  • Patent number: 7432750
    Abstract: A frequency synthesis circuit includes a phase locked loop and an interpolator circuit. The phase locked loop circuit receives a reference clock and a feedback clock and generates an output clock with a frequency based on the reference clock and the feedback clock. An interpolator circuit is coupled in the feedback path of the phase locked loop circuit. An interpolator control circuit generates an interpolator control word that specifies a variable time delay for the interpolator circuit. The interpolator circuit receives the output clock, and generates the feedback clock by introducing a variable time delay in the output clock in accordance with the interpolator control word. The time variable delay varies the frequency of the output circuit. Embodiments for frequency synthesis circuits that include a spread spectrum frequency clock generator, frequency modulators, and a fixed frequency clock generator circuit are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: NetLogic Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefanos Sidiropoulos, Marc Loinaz, R. Shekhar Narayanaswami, Nikhil Acharya, Dean Liu
  • Publication number: 20080048734
    Abstract: A frequency synthesis circuit includes a phase locked loop and an interpolator circuit. The phase locked loop circuit receives a reference clock and a feedback clock and generates an output clock with a frequency based on the reference clock and the feedback clock. An interpolator circuit is coupled in the feedback path of the phase locked loop circuit. An interpolator control circuit generates an interpolator control word that specifies a variable time delay for the interpolator circuit. The interpolator circuit receives the output clock, and generates the feedback clock by introducing a variable time delay in the output clock in accordance with the interpolator control word. The time variable delay varies the frequency of the output circuit. Embodiments for frequency synthesis circuits that include a spread spectrum frequency clock generator, frequency modulators, and a fixed frequency clock generator circuit are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Stefanos Sidiropoulos, Marc Loinaz, R. Narayanaswami, Nikhil Acharya, Dean Liu
  • Patent number: 7323916
    Abstract: A frequency synthesis circuit includes a phase locked loop and an interpolator circuit. The phase locked loop circuit receives a reference clock and a feedback clock and generates an output clock with a frequency based on the reference clock and the feedback clock. An interpolator circuit is coupled in the feedback path of the phase locked loop circuit. An interpolator control circuit generates an interpolator control word that specifies a variable time delay for the interpolator circuit. The interpolator circuit receives the output clock, and generates the feedback clock by introducing a variable time delay in the output clock in accordance with the interpolator control word. The time variable delay varies the frequency of the output circuit. Embodiments for frequency synthesis circuits that include a spread spectrum frequency clock generator, frequency modulators, and a fixed frequency clock generator circuit are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: NetLogic Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefanos Sidiropoulos, Marc Loinaz, R. Shekhar Narayanaswami, Nikhil Acharya, Dean Liu
  • Patent number: 7251305
    Abstract: A calibration and adjustment system for post-fabrication control of a delay locked loop bias-generator is provided. The calibration and adjustment system includes an adjustment circuit operatively connected to the bias-generator, where the adjustment circuit is controllable to facilitate a modification of a voltage output by the bias-generator. Such control of the voltage output by the bias-generator allows a designer to achieve a desired delay locked loop performance characteristic after the delay locked loop has been fabricated. A representative value of the amount of adjustment desired in the bias-generator output may be stored and subsequently read to adjust the delay locked loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude R. Gauthier, Brian Amick, Dean Liu, Pradeep Trivedi
  • Patent number: 7136799
    Abstract: A mixed signal delay locked loop characterization technique for automatically characterizing a mixed signal delay locked loop is provided. The technique tests the mixed signal delay locked loop using a top-down approach in order to ensure the robustness of the mixed signal delay locked loop. Top-level testing involves testing the performance of the mixed signal delay locked loop in different process corners, and the results obtained from the top-level testing are then used to test sub-components of the mixed signal delay locked loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kian Chong, Dean Liu, Claude R. Gauthier
  • Patent number: 7106113
    Abstract: An adjustment and calibration system for post-fabrication treatment of a phase locked loop input receiver is provided. The adjustment and calibration system includes at least one adjustment circuit, to which the phase locked loop input receiver is responsive, and a storage device that selectively stores control information (1) associated with a state of the adjustment circuit and/or (2) from a tester that writes such control information to the storage device, where the control information stored in the storage device is subsequently selectively read out in order to adjust the adjustment circuit to a state corresponding to the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude R. Gauthier, Brian Amick, Pradeep Trivedi, Dean Liu
  • Patent number: 7062688
    Abstract: A technique for adjusting a communication system involves a link, where the link includes a data line arranged to transmit a data signal and a clock line adapted to transmit a clock signal. The technique uses one or more counters to test the transmission across the link. Dependent on one or more of these counters, a test circuit, connected to the link, compares a known test pattern signal to a latched test pattern signal transmitted on the data line. The test circuit includes an adjustment circuit arranged to generate an adjustable clock signal from the clock signal, where the adjustable clock signal determines when to latch the transmitted test pattern signal The test circuit adjusts a timing of the adjustable clock signal relative to the data signal of the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude R. Gauthier, Aninda K. Roy, Brian W. Amick, Dean Liu
  • Patent number: 6882196
    Abstract: A device that uses an input clock signal to generate an output clock signal with a desired frequency is provided. The device uses a voltage controlled delay element that outputs a reset signal to a flip-flop dependent on a bias signal and the input clock signal. When triggered, the flip-flop outputs a transition on the output clock signal, which, in turn, serves as an input to a duty cycle corrector that generates the bias signal dependent on the configuration of the duty cycle corrector. The duty cycle corrector may be configured to generate the bias signal so as to be able to operatively control the duty cycle of the output clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gin Yee, Sudhakar Bobba, Claude Gauthier, Dean Liu, Lynn Ooi, Pradeep Trivedi
  • Patent number: 6819192
    Abstract: A method for estimating jitter in a phase locked loop is provided. The estimation is determined from a simulation that uses a representative power supply waveform having noise as an input. Further, a computer system for estimating jitter in a phase locked loop is provided. Further, a computer-readable medium having recorded thereon instructions adapted to estimate jitter in a phase locked loop is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Gauthier, Brian Amick, Dean Liu, Pradeep Trivedi
  • Patent number: 6815986
    Abstract: A delay locked loop implementing design-for-test features to test for, among other, stuck-at-faults is provided. The delay locked loop uses multiplexers as design-for-test devices for controllability purposes and flip-flops as design-for-test devices for observability purposes. Such implementation of design-for-test features within a delay locked loop allows for pre-packaging delay locked loop verification and testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Aninda Roy, Claude Gauthier, Brian Amick, Dean Liu
  • Patent number: 6809557
    Abstract: An apparatus that uses a linear voltage regulator to reject power supply noise in a temperature sensor is provided. Further, a method for using a linear voltage regulator to reject power supply noise in a temperature sensor is provided. Further, a method and apparatus that uses a differential amplifier with a source-follower output stage as a linear voltage regulator for a temperature sensor is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Gauthier, Spencer Gold, Dean Liu, Kamran Zarrineh, Brian Amick, Pradeep Trivedi
  • Publication number: 20040208671
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shutter system for electrophotographic machines that effectively reduces the impact of ambient light-on the photoreceptor, or image-bearing member. The shutter system of the present invention utilizes a shutter member that substantially covers the cartridge chamber when in a closed position. Preferably, the shutter member is disposed at the opening of the cartridge chamber. The shutter member is held in place by one or more support brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Aetas Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Liu, Min-Chih Tseng
  • Patent number: 6806698
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that uses the difference between two nodal voltages, such as a temperature-independent voltage and a temperature-dependent voltage, to determine the actual temperature at a point on an integrated circuit is provided. Further, a method and apparatus that converts a difference between nodal voltages in an integrated circuit from an analog to a digital quantity on the integrated circuit such that the difference in voltage may be used by an on-chip digital system is provided. Further, a method and apparatus for quantifying a difference in voltage between a first node and a second node of a temperature sensor is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Gauthier, Brian Amick, Spencer Gold, Dean Liu, Kamran Zarrineh, Pradeep Trivedi
  • Publication number: 20040183578
    Abstract: A mixed signal delay locked loop characterization technique for automatically characterizing a mixed signal delay locked loop is provided. The technique tests the mixed signal delay locked loop using a top-down approach in order to ensure the robustness of the mixed signal delay locked loop. Top-level testing involves testing the performance of the mixed signal delay locked loop in different process corners, and the results obtained from the top-level testing are then used to test sub-components of the mixed signal delay locked loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Kian Chong, Dean Liu, Claude R. Gauthier
  • Patent number: 6788045
    Abstract: A calibration and adjustment system for post-fabrication control of a delay locked loop charge pump current is provided. The calibration and adjustment system includes an adjustment device that varies an amount of charge pump current. Such control of the charge pump current in a delay locked loop allows a designer to achieve a desired delay locked loop operating characteristic after the delay locked loop has been fabricated. A representative value of the amount of adjustment desired in the charge pump current may be stored and subsequently read to adjust the delay locked loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude R. Gauthier, Brian W. Amick, Pradeep Trivedi, Dean Liu
  • Publication number: 20040169539
    Abstract: A delay locked loop design uses a fixed capacitance to load down a signal output from a phase selector of the delay locked loop to a phase interpolator of the delay locked loop. Such loading counteracts for variable capacitive coupling that occurs in the phase interpolator as interpolation weights to the phase interpolator change. Without such loading of the output of the phase selector, the delay of the phase selector varies as a function of the capacitance coupling of the phase interpolator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Claude R. Gauthier, Brian W. Amick, Dean Liu
  • Patent number: 6784752
    Abstract: A phase locked loop that includes a receiver that is adjustable to substantially match delay of a system clock and a feedback clock at an input of the phase locked loop is provided. The receiver employs system clock path circuitry to input the system clock and feedback clock path circuitry to input the feedback clock, where current flow and load resistances associated with the system clock path circuitry and current flow and load resistances associated with the feedback clock path circuitry are responsive to one or more bias signals that are adjustable using one or more adjustment circuits that are operatively connected to the receiver. The control of the one or more bias signals via the one or more adjustment circuits facilitates the generation of substantially delay matched system and feedback clocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Gauthier, Brian Amick, Pradeep Trivedi, Dean Liu
  • Patent number: 6768955
    Abstract: An adjustment and calibration system for post-fabrication treatment of a phase locked loop charge pump is provided. The adjustment and calibration system includes at least one adjustment circuit, to which a phase locked loop charge pump output is responsive, and a storage device that selectively stores control information (1) associated with a state of the adjustment circuit and/or (2) from a tester that writes such control information to the storage device, where the control information stored in the storage device is subsequently selectively read out in order to adjust the adjustment circuit to a state corresponding to the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude R. Gauthier, Brian W. Amick, Dean Liu, Pradeep Trivedi
  • Patent number: 4963241
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell which comprises at least one anode and at least one cathode, an inlet channel through which liquor may be charged to the electrolytic cell, and an outlet channel through which liquor may be removed from the electrolytic cell, in which the outlet channel is operatively connected to the inlet channel, and in which the inlet channel comprises an ejector. The inlet and outlet channels may be formed in a unit made up of a plurality of shaped sheets, e.g. of electrically non-conducting plastics material, which together form the inlet and outlet channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventor: Keith Brattan