Patents by Inventor Huy M. Nguyen

Huy M. Nguyen 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: 11522544
    Abstract: Described are on-die termination (ODT) systems and methods that facilitate high-speed communication between a driver die and a receiver die interconnected via one or more signal transmission lines. An ODT control system in accordance with one embodiment calibrates and maintains termination resistances and drive currents to produce optimal output swing voltages. Comparison circuitry employed to calibrate the reference resistance is also used to calibrate the drive current. Termination elements in some embodiments are divided into two adjustable resistive portions, both of which are designed to minimize capacitive loading. One portion is optimized to produce a relatively high range of adjustment, while the other is optimized for fine-tuning and glitch-free switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Vijay Gadde, Benedict Lau
  • Patent number: 10880042
    Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second receiver circuits and a decision circuit. The first receiver circuit is configured to generate a first data symbol from a particular input data symbol of a plurality of input data symbols included in an input signal. The second receiver circuit is configured to generate a second data symbol from the particular input data symbol. The decision circuit is configured to select, using respective values of one or more previous output data symbols, either the first or second data symbol as a current output data symbol. In response to a change in value between successive input data symbols, the first and second receiver circuits are configured to generate the first and second data symbols with respective data valid windows with different durations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mitesh D. Katakwar, Seong Hoon Lee, Huy M. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20200389254
    Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second receiver circuits and a decision circuit. The first receiver circuit is configured to generate a first data symbol from a particular input data symbol of a plurality of input data symbols included in an input signal. The second receiver circuit is configured to generate a second data symbol from the particular input data symbol. The decision circuit is configured to select, using respective values of one or more previous output data symbols, either the first or second data symbol as a current output data symbol. In response to a change in value between successive input data symbols, the first and second receiver circuits are configured to generate the first and second data symbols with respective data valid windows with different durations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Mitesh D. Katakwar, Seong Hoon Lee, Huy M. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20200350913
    Abstract: Described are on-die termination (ODT) systems and methods that facilitate high-speed communication between a driver die and a receiver die interconnected via one or more signal transmission lines. An ODT control system in accordance with one embodiment calibrates and maintains termination resistances and drive currents to produce optimal output swing voltages. Comparison circuitry employed to calibrate the reference resistance is also used to calibrate the drive current. Termination elements in some embodiments are divided into two adjustable resistive portions, both of which are designed to minimize capacitive loading. One portion is optimized to produce a relatively high range of adjustment, while the other is optimized for fine-tuning and glitch-free switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Vijay Gadde, Benedict Lau
  • Patent number: 10727895
    Abstract: A transceiver circuit having a T-coil circuit, inductive termination, and an equalization circuit is disclosed. The transceiver includes a transmitter having an output coupled to a first node, and a receiver having an input coupled to the first node. A T-coil circuit is coupled between the first node and an input/output (I/O) node. The T-coil circuit includes first and second inductors coupled in series between the first node and the I/O node, the inductors being coupled at a second node. A termination circuit is coupled between the first node and a reference node, the termination circuit including a third inductor. The transceiver circuit also includes an equalization circuit configured to convey an equalization signal to the second node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Cristian Gozzi, Huabo Chen, Xuchen Zhang, Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 10666254
    Abstract: Described are on-die termination (ODT) systems and methods that facilitate high-speed communication between a driver die and a receiver die interconnected via one or more signal transmission lines. An ODT control system in accordance with one embodiment calibrates and maintains termination resistances and drive currents to produce optimal output swing voltages. Comparison circuitry employed to calibrate the reference resistance is also used to calibrate the drive current. Termination elements in some embodiments are divided into two adjustable resistive portions, both of which are designed to minimize capacitive loading. One portion is optimized to produce a relatively high range of adjustment, while the other is optimized for fine-tuning and glitch-free switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Vijay Gadde, Benedict Lau
  • Patent number: 10651979
    Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second receiver circuits and a decision circuit. The first receiver circuit is configured to generate a first data symbol from a particular input data symbol of a plurality of input data symbols included in an input signal. The second receiver circuit is configured to generate a second data symbol from the particular input data symbol. The decision circuit is configured to select, using respective values of one or more previous output data symbols, either the first or second data symbol as a current output data symbol. In response to a change in value between successive input data symbols, the first and second receiver circuits are configured to generate the first and second data symbols with respective data valid windows with different durations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mitesh D. Katakwar, Seong Hoon Lee, Huy M. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10566963
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving reduced voltage swing signals is disclosed. A first amplifier may generate a first intermediate signal based on a difference between voltage levels of a first and second input signals, and a second amplifier may generate a second intermediate signal based on a difference in the voltage levels between the second and first input signals. A regenerative amplifier may increase a difference in the voltage level of the first and second intermediate signals using regenerative feedback and the voltage levels of the first and second input signals. A latch circuit may generate first and second output signals using the first and second intermediate signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Seong Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20190326896
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving reduced voltage swing signals is disclosed. A first amplifier may generate a first intermediate signal based on a difference between voltage levels of a first and second input signals, and a second amplifier may generate a second intermediate signal based on a difference in the voltage levels between the second and first input signals. A regenerative amplifier may increase a difference in the voltage level of the first and second intermediate signals using regenerative feedback and the voltage levels of the first and second input signals. A latch circuit may generate first and second output signals using the first and second intermediate signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Seong Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20190305777
    Abstract: Described are on-die termination (ODT) systems and methods that facilitate high-speed communication between a driver die and a receiver die interconnected via one or more signal transmission lines. An ODT control system in accordance with one embodiment calibrates and maintains termination resistances and drive currents to produce optimal output swing voltages. Comparison circuitry employed to calibrate the reference resistance is also used to calibrate the drive current. Termination elements in some embodiments are divided into two adjustable resistive portions, both of which are designed to minimize capacitive loading. One portion is optimized to produce a relatively high range of adjustment, while the other is optimized for fine-tuning and glitch-free switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Vijay Gadde, Benedict Lau
  • Patent number: 10304530
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for generating a reference voltage are described. In various embodiments, an interface between a memory and a processor uses a reference voltage generator to generate a reference voltage for a single pin or a small group of pins. The generator generates a default reference voltage from a first tap in a resistor ladder, injects current with a current controller into a second tap of the resistor ladder when the generator receives an indication to generate a larger reference voltage, and draws current from a third tap of the resistor ladder when the generator receives an indication to generate a smaller reference voltage. The generator also generates a high threshold voltage independent of a low threshold voltage after calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Seong Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 10277216
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving reduced voltage swing signals is disclosed. A first amplifier may generate a first intermediate signal based on a difference between voltage levels of a first and second input signals, and a second amplifier may generate a second intermediate signal based on a difference in the voltage levels between the second and first input signals. A regenerative amplifier may increase a difference in the voltage level of the first and second intermediate signals using regenerative feedback and the voltage levels of the first and second input signals. A latch circuit may generate first and second output signals using the first and second intermediate signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Seong Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 10270441
    Abstract: Described are on-die termination (ODT) systems and methods that facilitate high-speed communication between a driver die and a receiver die interconnected via one or more signal transmission lines. An ODT control system in accordance with one embodiment calibrates and maintains termination resistances and drive currents to produce optimal output swing voltages. Comparison circuitry employed to calibrate the reference resistance is also used to calibrate the drive current. Termination elements in some embodiments are divided into two adjustable resistive portions, both of which are designed to minimize capacitive loading. One portion is optimized to produce a relatively high range of adjustment, while the other is optimized for fine-tuning and glitch-free switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Vijay Gadde, Benedict Lau
  • Publication number: 20190066777
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for generating a reference voltage are described. In various embodiments, an interface between a memory and a processor uses a reference voltage generator to generate a reference voltage for a single pin or a small group of pins. The generator generates a default reference voltage from a first tap in a resistor ladder, injects current with a current controller into a second tap of the resistor ladder when the generator receives an indication to generate a larger reference voltage, and draws current from a third tap of the resistor ladder when the generator receives an indication to generate a smaller reference voltage. The generator also generates a high threshold voltage independent of a low threshold voltage after calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Seong Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 10067519
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a voltage regulator to supply a regulated voltage and a data output that couples to an unterminated transmission line. The circuit draws a variable amount of power from the voltage regulator according to the data. The voltage regulator includes a first current generation circuit to provide a data transition-dependent current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Leibowitz, Michael D. Bucher, Lei Luo, Chaofeng Charlie Huang, Amir Amirkhany, Huy M. Nguyen, Hsuan-Jung (Bruce) Su, John Wilson
  • Publication number: 20180019752
    Abstract: Described are on-die termination (ODT) systems and methods that facilitate high-speed communication between a driver die and a receiver die interconnected via one or more signal transmission lines. An ODT control system in accordance with one embodiment calibrates and maintains termination resistances and drive currents to produce optimal output swing voltages. Comparison circuitry employed to calibrate the reference resistance is also used to calibrate the drive current. Termination elements in some embodiments are divided into two adjustable resistive portions, both of which are designed to minimize capacitive loading. One portion is optimized to produce a relatively high range of adjustment, while the other is optimized for fine-tuning and glitch-free switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Vijay Gadde, Benedict Lau
  • Publication number: 20170351282
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a voltage regulator to supply a regulated voltage and a data output that couples to an unterminated transmission line. The circuit draws a variable amount of power from the voltage regulator according to the data. The voltage regulator includes a first current generation circuit to provide a data transition-dependent current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Brian S. Leibowitz, Michael D. Bucher, Lei Luo, Chaofeng Charlie Huang, Amir Amirkhany, Huy M. Nguyen, Hsuan-Jung (Bruce) Su, John Wilson
  • Patent number: 9780784
    Abstract: Described are on-die termination (ODT) systems and methods that facilitate high-speed communication between a driver die and a receiver die interconnected via one or more signal transmission lines. An ODT control system in accordance with one embodiment calibrates and maintains termination resistances and drive currents to produce optimal output swing voltages. Comparison circuitry employed to calibrate the reference resistance is also used to calibrate the drive current. Termination elements in some embodiments are divided into two adjustable resistive portions, both of which are designed to minimize capacitive loading. One portion is optimized to produce a relatively high range of adjustment, while the other is optimized for fine-tuning and glitch-free switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Vijay Gadde, Benedict Lau
  • Patent number: 9684321
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a voltage regulator to supply a regulated voltage and a data output that couples to an unterminated transmission line. The circuit draws a variable amount of power from the voltage regulator according to the data. The voltage regulator includes a first current generation circuit to provide a data transition-dependent current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Leibowitz, Michael D. Bucher, Lei Luo, Chaofeng Charlie Huang, Amir Amirkhany, Huy M. Nguyen, Hsuan-Jung (Bruce) Su, John Wilson
  • Publication number: 20170012623
    Abstract: Described are on-die termination (ODT) systems and methods that facilitate high-speed communication between a driver die and a receiver die interconnected via one or more signal transmission lines. An ODT control system in accordance with one embodiment calibrates and maintains termination resistances and drive currents to produce optimal output swing voltages. Comparison circuitry employed to calibrate the reference resistance is also used to calibrate the drive current. Termination elements in some embodiments are divided into two adjustable resistive portions, both of which are designed to minimize capacitive loading. One portion is optimized to produce a relatively high range of adjustment, while the other is optimized for fine-tuning and glitch-free switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Huy M. Nguyen, Vijay Gadde, Benedict Lau