Patents by Inventor Ludmil Nikolov

Ludmil Nikolov 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: 9929590
    Abstract: Circuits and methods providing a electronic power supply applicable to any dual supply rail systems, which require a smooth and uninterrupted output supply and a replica power path and autonomous mode of operation from the system power supply are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the power supply is applied to a real time clock. An Innovative Replica Power Path concept and circuit implementation ensures the smooth and uninterrupted transfer of power from one input source to the other. The circuit features a Latched Supply Comparator that guarantees the commutation to the Replica Power Path only happens after the voltage is settled. Zero power consumption from the back-up energy source is achieved in the presence of an alternative higher voltage source. The generated RTC supply voltage does not suffer from abrupt changes when the voltage level of the main system power source (battery or charger) is connected or disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Ludmil Nikolov, Carlos Calisto
  • Patent number: 9671801
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a system with improved power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) over a wide frequency range. The improved PSRR is achieved by negating the influence of the parasitic capacitance associated with the bias lines and the introduction of a regulated power supply with embodiments associated with providing a ripple free and regulated supply. With reduction of parasitic capacitance, and providing an ENABLE switch by a pre-regulated supply, the degradation of the PSRR is achieved. The embodiments include both n-channel and p-channel MOSFETs implementations, and a positive and negative regulated power supply voltage. With the combined influence of the utilization of the VREG supply, and the lowering of battery-to-bias line capacitance using design layout and improved floor planning an improved PSRR over a wide frequency distribution is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Ludmil Nikolov
  • Patent number: 9454170
    Abstract: Circuits and methods to improve dynamic load transient performance of circuits supplying high current and having parasitic resistances are disclosed. These circuits comprise e.g. LDOs, amplifiers or buffers. The circuits and methods are characterized by including parasitic resistances, caused by bond wires, metallization of pass devices, and substrate routings, in a loop for fast transient response. Furthermore the circuits comprise a stabilization circuit within said loop and a separate pad for said loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Ludmil Nikolov
  • Patent number: 9372491
    Abstract: Circuits and methods to maintain a resistive voltage divider ratio during start-up of an electronic circuit comprising a feed-forward capacitor across a feedback resistor using a dynamic start-up circuit are disclosed as e.g. a LDO or an amplifier. In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure is applied to an LDO. Modification of the resistive voltage divider ratio caused by the feed-forward capacitor during start-up is prevented while the voltage level of a voltage access point of the voltage divider on the feed-forward capacitor is maintained. A start-up circuit comprises a start-up capacitor and a start-up comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH, Dialog Semiconductor B. V.
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Ludmil Nikolov, Marinus Wilhelmus Kruiskamp
  • Publication number: 20160132064
    Abstract: Circuits and methods to improve dynamic load transient performance of circuits supplying high current and having parasitic resistances are disclosed. These circuits comprise e.g. LDOs, amplifiers or buffers. The circuits and methods are characterized by including parasitic resistances, caused by bond wires, metallization of pass devices, and substrate routings, in a loop for fast transient response. Furthermore the circuits comprise a stabilization circuit within said loop and a separate pad for said loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Ludmil Nikolov
  • Patent number: 9239585
    Abstract: Circuits and methods to improve dynamic load transient performance of circuits supplying high current and having parasitic resistances are disclosed. These circuits comprise e.g. LDOs, amplifiers or buffers. The circuits and methods are characterized by including parasitic resistances, caused by bond wires, metallization of pass devices, and substrate routings, in a loop for fast transient response. Furthermore the circuits comprise a stabilization circuit within said loop and a separate pad for said loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Ludmil Nikolov
  • Publication number: 20150309520
    Abstract: Circuits and methods to maintain a resistive voltage divider ratio during start-up of an electronic circuit comprising a feed-forward capacitor across a feedback resistor using a dynamic start-up circuit are disclosed as e.g. a LDO or an amplifier. In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure is applied to an LDO. Modification of the resistive voltage divider ratio caused by the feed-forward capacitor during start-up is prevented while the voltage level of a voltage access point of the voltage divider on the feed-forward capacitor is maintained. A start-up circuit comprises a start-up capacitor and a start-up comparator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Ludmil Nikolov, Marinus Wilhelmus Kruiskamp
  • Patent number: 9104218
    Abstract: Circuits and methods to achieve a clean start-up process and power saving of pulsed enabled electronic devices having an output capacitor and components requiring biasing during normal operating conditions are disclosed. These electronic devices could be e.g. LDOs, amplifiers or buffers. A set of switches are enabling bias currents from the output capacitor to internal nodes requiring biasing under normal operational conditions as e.g. output nodes of amplifying means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Ludmil Nikolov
  • Publication number: 20150123628
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a system with improved power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) over a wide frequency range. The improved PSRR is achieved by negating the influence of the parasitic capacitance associated with the bias lines and the introduction of a regulated power supply with embodiments associated with providing a ripple free and regulated supply. With reduction of parasitic capacitance, and providing an ENABLE switch by a pre-regulated supply, the degradation of the PSRR is achieved. The embodiments include both n-channel and p-channel MOSFETs implementations, and a positive and negative regulated power supply voltage. With the combined influence of the utilization of the VREG supply, and the lowering of battery-to-bias line capacitance using design layout and improved floor planning an improved PSRR over a wide frequency distribution is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Ludmil Nikolov
  • Publication number: 20150108835
    Abstract: Circuits and methods providing a electronic power supply applicable to any dual supply rail systems, which require a smooth and uninterrupted output supply and a replica power path and autonomous mode of operation from the system power supply are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the power supply is applied to a real time clock. An Innovative Replica Power Path concept and circuit implementation ensures the smooth and uninterrupted transfer of power from one input source to the other. The circuit features a Latched Supply Comparator that guarantees the commutation to the Replica Power Path only happens after the voltage is settled. Zero power consumption from the back-up energy source is achieved in the presence of an alternative higher voltage source. The generated RTC supply voltage does not suffer from abrupt changes when the voltage level of the main system power source (battery or charger) is connected or disconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Ludmil Nikolov, Carlos Calisto
  • Patent number: 8933587
    Abstract: Circuits and methods providing a electronic power supply applicable to any dual supply rail systems, which require a smooth and uninterrupted output supply and a replica power path and autonomous mode of operation from the system power supply are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the power supply is applied to a real time clock. An Innovative Replica Power Path concept and circuit implementation ensures the smooth and uninterrupted transfer of power from one input source to the other. The circuit features a Latched Supply Comparator that guarantees the commutation to the Replica Power Path only happens after the voltage is settled. Zero power consumption from the back-up energy source is achieved in the presence of an alternative higher voltage source. The generated RTC supply voltage does not suffer from abrupt changes when the voltage level of the main system power source (battery or charger) is connected or disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Ludmil Nikolov, Carlos Calisto
  • Publication number: 20140210430
    Abstract: Circuits and methods to maintain a resistive voltage divider ratio during start-up of an electronic circuit comprising a feed-forward capacitor across a feedback resistor using a dynamic start-up circuit are disclosed as e.g. a LDO or an amplifier. In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure is applied to an LDO. Modification of the resistive voltage divider ratio caused by the feed-forward capacitor during start-up is prevented while the voltage level of a voltage access point of the voltage divider on the feed-forward capacitor is maintained. Embodiments of the disclosure presented comprise using a start-up buffer or a start-up capacitor during the start-up phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicants: DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR B.V., DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR GMBH
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Ludmil Nikolov, Marinus Wilhelmus Kruiskamp
  • Publication number: 20140210440
    Abstract: Circuits and methods to achieve a clean start-up process and power saving of pulsed enabled electronic devices having an output capacitor and components requiring biasing during normal operating conditions are disclosed. These electronic devices could be e.g. LDOs, amplifiers or buffers. A set of switches are enabling bias currents from the output capacitor to internal nodes requiring biasing under normal operational conditions as e.g. output nodes of amplifying means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR GMBH
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Ludmil Nikolov
  • Publication number: 20140103893
    Abstract: Circuits and methods to improve dynamic load transient performance of circuits supplying high current and having parasitic resistances are disclosed. These circuits comprise e.g. LDOs, amplifiers or buffers. The circuits and methods are characterized by including parasitic resistances, caused by bond wires, metallization of pass devices, and substrate routings, in a loop for fast transient response. Furthermore the circuits comprise a stabilization circuit within said loop and a separate pad for said loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR GMBH
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Ludmil Nikolov
  • Patent number: 8598862
    Abstract: A self-biased reference circuit device (100) includes a first cascode current mirror (116), a second cascode current mirror (118), and a startup circuit (108). The first cascode current mirror (116) is capable to generate a first bias voltage (136) and a second bias voltage (140) in response to a first current and to generate a second current in response to the first and second bias voltages. The second cascode current mirror (118) is capable to generate a third bias voltage (164) in response to the second current, to generate a fourth bias voltage (168) in response to a third current, and to generate the first current in response to the third and fourth bias voltages. The startup circuit includes a first switch (188) and a second switch (196). The first switch (188) is capable to connect the first bias voltage (136) and fourth bias voltage (168) during startup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH.
    Inventors: Ludmil Nikolov, Carlos Calisto
  • Patent number: 8330532
    Abstract: Circuits and methods for power efficient generation of supply voltages and currents in an integrated circuit by reducing the power consumption of all core analog circuit blocks by a pulsed operation mode are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the invention has been applied to a power management chip. Pulsed Mode of Operation of ALL core analog blocks—internal LDO/s, VREF an IBIAS generators, results in significantly reduced power consumption. New circuit realizations and control algorithms to improve the ON/OFF ratio of the Pulsed Mode Operation yield in better power efficiency. Innovative circuit implementation consisting of an additional Top Up Buffer Amplifier stage ensures a fast recharge of VREF output, thus allowing shorter ON times and respectively even better power efficiency. Bypassing a low bandwidth and slow to start LDO with a fast Bypass Comparator supplies a LDO rail in Pulsed Mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Ludmil Nikolov, Carlos Calisto
  • Publication number: 20120261994
    Abstract: Circuits and methods providing a electronic power supply applicable to any dual supply rail systems, which require a smooth and uninterrupted output supply and a replica power path and autonomous mode of operation from the system power supply are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the power supply is applied to a real time clock. An Innovative Replica Power Path concept and circuit implementation ensures the smooth and uninterrupted transfer of power from one input source to the other. The circuit features a Latched Supply Comparator that guarantees the commutation to the Replica Power Path only happens after the voltage is settled. Zero power consumption from the back-up energy source is achieved in the presence of an alternative higher voltage source. The generated RTC supply voltage does not suffer from abrupt changes when the voltage level of the main system power source (battery or charger) is connected or disconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Ludmil Nikolov, Carlos Calisto
  • Publication number: 20120229117
    Abstract: A self-biased reference circuit device (100) includes a first cascode current mirror (116), a second cascode current mirror (118), and a startup circuit (108). The first cascode current mirror (116) is capable to generate a first bias voltage (136) and a second bias voltage (140) in response to a first current and to generate a second current in response to the first and second bias voltages. The second cascode current mirror (118) is capable to generate a third bias voltage (164) in response to the second current, to generate a fourth bias voltage (168) in response to a third current, and to generate the first current in response to the third and fourth bias voltages. The startup circuit includes a first switch (188) and a second switch (196). The first switch (188) is capable to connect the first bias voltage (136) and fourth bias voltage (168) during startup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Ludmil Nikolov, Carlos Calisto
  • Publication number: 20120229202
    Abstract: Circuits and methods for power efficient generation of supply voltages and currents in an integrated circuit by reducing the power consumption of all core analog circuit blocks by a pulsed operation mode are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the invention has been applied to a power management chip. Pulsed Mode of Operation of ALL core analog blocks—internal LDO/s, VREF an IBIAS generators, results in significantly reduced power consumption. New circuit realizations and control algorithms to improve the ON/OFF ratio of the Pulsed Mode Operation yield in better power efficiency. Innovative circuit implementation consisting of an additional Top Up Buffer Amplifier stage ensures a fast recharge of VREF output, thus allowing shorter ON times and respectively even better power efficiency. Bypassing a low bandwidth and slow to start LDO with a fast Bypass Comparator supplies a LDO rail in Pulsed Mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Ludmil Nikolov, Carlos Calisto
  • Patent number: 8122277
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a clock distribution chip includes a clock input adapted to receive an input clock signal, clock dividers each adapted to receive a clock signal based on the first input clock signal and to generate a divided clock signal, and programmable clock outputs adapted to provide output clock signals. The clock outputs are configurable to support a number of signaling standards. A programmable switch fabric is coupled between the clock dividers and the clock outputs and is configurable to provide the divided clock signals to the clock outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Shyam Chandra, Om Agrawal, Ludmil Nikolov, Harald Weller, Douglas Morse