Patents by Inventor Howard R. Samuels
Howard R. Samuels 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: 10854306Abstract: A state of one or more fuses can be determined using a common-gate FET device to read reference information and test information from a fuse bank. In an example, the FET device can be selectively diode-connected using a first switch that responds to a control signal, and a signal-storing capacitor can be connected to the gate terminal of the FET device. The capacitor can store information about a reference signal when the first switch is closed and a first input signal is applied at a source node of the FET device. When the first switch is open, a second input signal can be applied at the source node of the FET device, and an output signal at the drain node of the FET device can indicate a magnitude relationship between the first input signal and the reference signal. In an example, the second input signal can indicate a state of a fuse.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2019Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Howard R. Samuels, Long Pham
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Patent number: 10210946Abstract: According to some aspects, a low-leakage switch is provided. In some embodiments, the low-leakage switch includes a plurality of pass transistors in series that selectively couple two ports of the low-leakage switch and a node biasing circuit coupled to a node between the plurality of pass transistors. In these embodiments, the node biasing circuit may adjust a voltage at the node to change the gate-to-source voltage of the pass transistors and, thereby, reduce the leakage current through the pass transistors when the low-leakage switch is turned off. The node biasing circuit may also include circuitry to reduce the leakage current introduced by the node biasing circuit into the node when the low-leakage switch is turned on.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventor: Howard R. Samuels
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Publication number: 20180013417Abstract: According to some aspects, a low-leakage switch is provided. In some embodiments, the low-leakage switch includes a plurality of pass transistors in series that selectively couple two ports of the low-leakage switch and a node biasing circuit coupled to a node between the plurality of pass transistors. In these embodiments, the node biasing circuit may adjust a voltage at the node to change the gate-to-source voltage of the pass transistors and, thereby, reduce the leakage current through the pass transistors when the low-leakage switch is turned off. The node biasing circuit may also include circuitry to reduce the leakage current introduced by the node biasing circuit into the node when the low-leakage switch is turned on.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2016Publication date: January 11, 2018Applicant: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventor: Howard R. Samuels
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Patent number: 9531330Abstract: An amplifier system has an amplifier for amplifying a plurality of input signals from a plurality of different channels, and a plurality of demodulators each operatively coupled with the amplifier for receiving amplified input signals from the amplifier. Each demodulator is configured to demodulate a single amplified input channel signal from a single channel of the plurality of different channels. The system thus also has a plurality of filters, coupled with each of the demodulators, for mitigating the noise.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventor: Howard R. Samuels
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Patent number: 9297825Abstract: A single-axis tilt-mode microelectromechanical accelerometer structure. The structure includes a substrate having a top surface defined by a first end and a second end. Coupled to the substrate is a first asymmetrically-shaped mass suspended above the substrate pivotable about a first pivot point on the substrate between the first end and the second end and a second asymmetrically-shaped mass suspended above the substrate pivotable about a second pivot point on the substrate between the first end and the second end. The structure also includes a first set of electrodes positioned on the substrate and below the first asymmetrically-shaped mass and a second set of electrodes positioned on the substrate and below the second asymmetrically-shaped mass.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Xin Zhang, Howard R. Samuels, Michael W. Judy
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Publication number: 20150256133Abstract: An amplifier system has an amplifier for amplifying a plurality of input signals from a plurality of different channels, and a plurality of demodulators each operatively coupled with the amplifier for receiving amplified input signals from the amplifier. Each demodulator is configured to demodulate a single amplified input channel signal from a single channel of the plurality of different channels. The system thus also has a plurality of filters, coupled with each of the demodulators, for mitigating the noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Inventor: Howard R. Samuels
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Patent number: 9078070Abstract: A hearing instrument has a plurality of electronic components within a body, and an inertial sensor mechanically coupled with the body. The inertial sensor is configured to monitor the motion of the body and generate a movement signal representative of the body motion. A controller operatively coupled with the inertial sensor controls power usage by at least one or more of the electronic components as a function of the movement signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventor: Howard R. Samuels
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Patent number: 9041463Abstract: An amplifier system has an amplifier for amplifying a plurality of input signals from a plurality of different channels, and a plurality of demodulators each operatively coupled with the amplifier for receiving amplified input signals from the amplifier. Each demodulator is configured to demodulate a single amplified input channel signal from a single channel of the plurality of different channels. The system thus also has a plurality of filters, coupled with each of the demodulators, for mitigating the noise.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventor: Howard R. Samuels
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Patent number: 8917099Abstract: A MEMS device has a movable beam, a differential capacitor with a movable electrode that moves in response to the displacement of the movable beam and that is disposed between two stationary electrodes, and a voltage circuit for applying a first voltage to the first stationary electrode, second voltage to the second stationary electrode, and a third voltage to the moveable electrode. The MEMS device also has a monitor operably coupled with the movable beam to monitor the displacement of the movable beam. In some embodiments, the monitor may monitor the distance between the movable electrode and at least one of the stationary electrodes. The MEMS device further has a voltage reducing circuit operatively coupled with the monitor, the movable electrode, and the stationary electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: David C. Hollocher, Howard R. Samuels
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Publication number: 20140251011Abstract: A single-axis tilt-mode microelectromechanical accelerometer structure. The structure includes a substrate having a top surface defined by a first end and a second end. Coupled to the substrate is a first asymmetrically-shaped mass suspended above the substrate pivotable about a first pivot point on the substrate between the first end and the second end and a second asymmetrically-shaped mass suspended above the substrate pivotable about a second pivot point on the substrate between the first end and the second end. The structure also includes a first set of electrodes positioned on the substrate and below the first asymmetrically-shaped mass and a second set of electrodes positioned on the substrate and below the second asymmetrically-shaped mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Xin Zhang, Howard R. Samuels, Michael W. Judy
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Patent number: 8665627Abstract: An apparatus and method of testing one-time-programmable memory provides one-time-programmable memory having one or more memory locations for storing data and corresponding programming circuitry for each memory location. In addition, each programming circuitry has a circuit element configured to permanently change state to store the data in the memory. The method also reads each memory location to verify that the memory location is unprogrammed and activates the programming circuitry for each memory location, which applies a test current to the programming circuitry. The test current is less than a threshold current needed to permanently change the state of the circuit element. The method then determines whether the programming circuitry is functioning properly.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: James M. Lee, Howard R. Samuels, Thomas W. Kelly
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Publication number: 20140056452Abstract: A wearable device has a motion detector configured to detect motion of the device and produce a motion signal relating to motion of the device, a contact sensor configured to detect if the device is in contact with an object and produce a contact signal relating to whether the device is in contact with an object, and a controller operatively coupled with the motion detector and the contact sensor. The controller is configured to switch between on and off-states as a function of at least one of the motion signal and contact signal. The device also has a sound transducer or other transducer operatively coupled with the controller. The controller is configured to change the state of the sound transducer between on and off-states in response to receipt of the motion signal, and the contact signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Brian Moss, Howard R. Samuels, Joseph Wayne Palmer, Alain Valentin Guery, James M. Lee
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Publication number: 20130294143Abstract: An apparatus and method of testing one-time-programmable memory provides one-time-programmable memory having one or more memory locations for storing data and corresponding programming circuitry for each memory location. In addition, each programming circuitry has a circuit element configured to permanently change state to store the data in the memory. The method also reads each memory location to verify that the memory location is unprogrammed and activates the programming circuitry for each memory location, which applies a test current to the programming circuitry. The test current is less than a threshold current needed to permanently change the state of the circuit element. The method then determines whether the programming circuitry is functioning properly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: James M. Lee, Howard R. Samuels, Thomas W. Kelly
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Patent number: 8508972Abstract: An apparatus and method of testing one-time-programmable memory provides one-time-programmable memory having one or more memory locations for storing data and corresponding programming circuitry for each memory location. In addition, each programming circuitry has a circuit element configured to permanently change state to store the data in the memory. The method also reads each memory location to verify that the memory location is unprogrammed and activates the programming circuitry for each memory location, which applies a test current to the programming circuitry. The test current is less than a threshold current needed to permanently change the state of the circuit element. The method then determines whether the programming circuitry is functioning properly.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: James M. Lee, Howard R. Samuels, Thomas W. Kelly
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Patent number: 8472270Abstract: An apparatus and method of testing one-time-programmable memory limits current through a one-time-programmable memory to less than a threshold amplitude, where the memory has a fuse configured to blow upon receipt of a signal having the threshold amplitude. The method also uses blow signal assertion circuitry to attempt to assert a blow signal to the fuse. When not defective, blow signal assertion circuitry is configured to permit the low amplitude signal to flow through the fuse when the fuse is not blown and the blow signal is asserted. The method then produces an output signal having a success value if the limited current flows through the fuse, and a failure value if the current does not flow through the fuse.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Howard R. Samuels, Thomas W. Kelly
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Publication number: 20120300965Abstract: A hearing instrument has a plurality of electronic components within a body, and an inertial sensor mechanically coupled with the body. The inertial sensor is configured to monitor the motion of the body and generate a movement signal representative of the body motion. A controller operatively coupled with the inertial sensor controls power usage by at least one or more of the electronic components as a function of the movement signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.Inventor: Howard R. Samuels
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Publication number: 20120092916Abstract: An apparatus and method of testing one-time-programmable memory provides one-time-programmable memory having one or more memory locations for storing data and corresponding programming circuitry for each memory location. In addition, each programming circuitry has a circuit element configured to permanently change state to store the data in the memory. The method also reads each memory location to verify that the memory location is unprogrammed and activates the programming circuitry for each memory location, which applies a test current to the programming circuitry. The test current is less than a threshold current needed to permanently change the state of the circuit element. The method then determines whether the programming circuitry is functioning properly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.Inventors: James M. Lee, Howard R. Samuels, Thomas W. Kelly
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Publication number: 20120020139Abstract: An apparatus and method of testing one-time-programmable memory limits current through a one-time-programmable memory to less than a threshold amplitude, where the memory has a fuse configured to blow upon receipt of a signal having the threshold amplitude. The method also uses blow signal assertion circuitry to attempt to assert a blow signal to the fuse. When not defective, blow signal assertion circuitry is configured to permit the low amplitude signal to flow through the fuse when the fuse is not blown and the blow signal is asserted. The method then produces an output signal having a success value if the limited current flows through the fuse, and a failure value if the current does not flow through the fuse.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: Analog Devices, IncInventors: Howard R. Samuels, Thomas W. Kelly
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Publication number: 20110221454Abstract: A MEMS device has a movable beam, a differential capacitor with a movable electrode that moves in response to the displacement of the movable beam and that is disposed between two stationary electrodes, and a voltage circuit for applying a first voltage to the first stationary electrode, second voltage to the second stationary electrode, and a third voltage to the moveable electrode. The MEMS device also has a monitor operably coupled with the movable beam to monitor the displacement of the movable beam. In some embodiments, the monitor may monitor the distance between the movable electrode and at least one of the stationary electrodes. The MEMS device further has a voltage reducing circuit operatively coupled with the monitor, the movable electrode, and the stationary electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.Inventors: David C. Hollocher, Howard R. Samuels
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Patent number: 7956621Abstract: A MEMS device has a movable beam, a differential capacitor with a movable electrode that moves in response to the displacement of the movable beam and that is disposed between two stationary electrodes, and a voltage circuit for applying a first voltage to the first stationary electrode, second voltage to the second stationary electrode, and a third voltage to the movable electrode. The MEMS device also has a monitor operably coupled with the movable beam to monitor the displacement of the movable beam. In some embodiments, the monitor may monitor the distance between the movable electrode and at least one of the stationary electrodes. The MEMS device further has a voltage reducing circuit operatively coupled with the monitor, the movable electrode, and the stationary electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: David C. Hollocher, Howard R. Samuels