Patents by Inventor Michael J. Gaboury

Michael J. Gaboury 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: 8476879
    Abstract: A method of controlling a power factor correction (PFC) converter having a first PFC sub-circuit and a second PFC sub-circuit determines when to transition the PFC converter between an interleaved mode and a saving energy mode (SEM). The method includes generating an amplified error signal based on a monitored output voltage of the PFC converter. The second PFC sub-circuit is disabled in response to the amplified error signal being less than a first threshold value and enabled in response to the amplified error signal exceeding a second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Polar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gaboury, Gregory J. Rausch, Shohei Osaka
  • Patent number: 8248041
    Abstract: A controller provides frequency compression for an interleaved power factor correction (PFC) converter that determines the ON and OFF times of each switch associated with the PFC converter to prevent operating frequencies in the audible range. The controller includes a first circuit for generating an ON time current source having a magnitude related to an amplified error signal and the monitored input voltage, and a second circuit for generating an OFF time current source having a magnitude related to the ON time current source, the monitored input voltage, and the monitored output voltage. Gate drive circuitry provides gate drives signals to the switches of the interleaved PFC converter at a frequency determined by magnitudes of the ON time current source and the OFF time current source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Polar Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Rausch, Michael J. Gaboury, Shohei Osaka
  • Patent number: 8248040
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling an interleaved power factor correction (PFC) circuit operating in a discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). The controller employs a normal mode of operation in which inductor currents in each PFC sub-circuit are estimated based on the monitored input voltage and monitored output voltage, and switching devices associated with each PFC sub-circuit are controlled to ensure DCM operation. As the input voltage increases, the OFF times of each PFC sub-circuit increase such that the inductor currents no longer overlap. In response, the controller activates a time-limiting mode (TLM) in which OFF time durations for each sub-circuit are based on the monitored sum of load currents as opposed to the monitored input voltage and monitored output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Polar Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Rausch, Michael J. Gaboury, Shohei Osaka
  • Patent number: 8085563
    Abstract: A controller generates a drive signal for a converter circuit that includes an active component (i.e., transistor) that is selectively controlled to convert a rectified input to direct current (DC) output. The controller employs an outer feedback loop (based on monitored output voltage of the converter circuit), an inner feedback loop (based on monitored AC input current drawn by the converter circuit), and a pulse width modulator (PWM) to generate the drive signals necessary to generate the desired DC output voltage and to provide power factor correction to the converter circuit. In particular, the inner feedback loop includes an amplifier and a fault protection and clamp circuit. The amplifier has a first input connected to receive a feedback signal representing the monitored AC input current, a second input, and an output that provides a current feedback signal to the PWM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Polar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gaboury, Gregory J. Rausch
  • Patent number: 8019019
    Abstract: A receiver has a first input port and a second input port both coupled to a differential amplifier through first and second input capacitors. A bias circuit coupled to the core side of the first input capacitor and to the core side of the second input capacitor is configured to provide a selected voltage to at least one of the first input and the second input of the differential amplifier. In one embodiment, a common mode bias circuit provides a common mode voltage to both inputs of a differential amplifier. In a particular embodiment, a run length detector monitors the output of the differential amplifier and provides a run length feedback signal or an average bit density feedback signal to the set the selected voltage between periods of data reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Tetzlaff, Michael J. Gaboury
  • Publication number: 20110110132
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling an interleaved power factor correction (PFC) circuit operating in a discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). The controller employs a normal mode of operation in which inductor currents in each PFC sub-circuit are estimated based on the monitored input voltage and monitored output voltage, and switching devices associated with each PFC sub-circuit are controlled to ensure DCM operation. As the input voltage increases, the OFF times of each PFC sub-circuit increase such that the inductor currents no longer overlap. In response, the controller activates a time-limiting mode (TLM) in which OFF time durations for each sub-circuit are based on the monitored sum of load currents as opposed to the monitored input voltage and monitored output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: POLAR SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Rausch, Michael J. Gaboury, Shohei Osaka
  • Publication number: 20110110133
    Abstract: A controller provides frequency compression for an interleaved power factor correction (PFC) converter that determines the ON and OFF times of each switch associated with the PFC converter to prevent operating frequencies in the audible range. The controller includes a first circuit for generating an ON time current source having a magnitude related to an amplified error signal and the monitored input voltage, and a second circuit for generating an OFF time current source having a magnitude related to the ON time current source, the monitored input voltage, and the monitored output voltage. Gate drive circuitry provides gate drives signals to the switches of the interleaved PFC converter at a frequency determined by magnitudes of the ON time current source and the OFF time current source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: POLAR SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Rausch, Michael J. Gaboury, Shohei Osaka
  • Publication number: 20110110134
    Abstract: A method of controlling a power factor correction (PFC) converter having a first PFC sub-circuit and a second PFC sub-circuit determines when to transition the PFC converter between an interleaved mode and a saving energy mode (SEM). The method includes generating an amplified error signal based on a monitored output voltage of the PFC converter. The second PFC sub-circuit is disabled in response to the amplified error signal being less than a first threshold value and enabled in response to the amplified error signal exceeding a second threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Polar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gaboury, Gregory J. Rausch, Shohei Osaka
  • Publication number: 20100202169
    Abstract: A controller generates a drive signal for a converter circuit that includes an active component (i.e., transistor) that is selectively controlled to convert a rectified input to direct current (DC) output. The controller employs an outer feedback loop (based on monitored output voltage of the converter circuit), an inner feedback loop (based on monitored AC input current drawn by the converter circuit), and a pulse width modulator (PWM) to generate the drive signals necessary to generate the desired DC output voltage and to provide power factor correction to the converter circuit. In particular, the inner feedback loop includes an amplifier and a fault protection and clamp circuit. The amplifier has a first input connected to receive a feedback signal representing the monitored AC input current, a second input, and an output that provides a current feedback signal to the PWM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Polar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gaboury, Gregory J. Rausch
  • Patent number: 7742553
    Abstract: A device and a method for processing high data rate serial data includes a VCO initial frequency calibration circuit. The circuit includes a frequency detection block for indicating a difference between a reference clock and a divided VCO clock, a frequency calibration block that produces a digital output signal based upon the difference between the reference clock and the divided VCO clock, and a digital-to-analog converter for producing an analog VCO adjust signal. The frequency detection block produces a plurality of signals based upon the reference clock and the divided VCO clock. A plurality of user selected inputs selects a frequency detection lock range and hysteresis range and a coarse loop open calibration lock and hysteresis range. The frequency calibration block implements a state machine for producing the digital output signal that sets the initial operating frequency then adjusts the frequency of the VCO clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: XILINX, Inc.
    Inventors: Khaldoun Bataineh, Michael Mass, Michael J. Gaboury, David E. Tetzlaff
  • Patent number: 7620121
    Abstract: A receiver has a first input port and a second input port both coupled to a differential amplifier through first and second input capacitors. A bias circuit coupled to the core side of the first input capacitor and to the core side of the second input capacitor is configured to provide a selected voltage to at least one of the first input and the second input of the differential amplifier. In one embodiment, a common mode bias circuit provides a common mode voltage to both inputs of a differential amplifier. In a particular embodiment, a run length detector monitors the output of the differential amplifier and provides a run length feedback signal or an average bit density feedback signal to the set the selected voltage between periods of data reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Tetzlaff, Michael J. Gaboury
  • Patent number: 7460586
    Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a data-transfer circuit transfers high-speed input data toward an output port by coupling the data circuit selectively through a resistive-impedance circuit and a capacitive-impedance circuit to accommodate both high-frequency and low-frequency components of the input data signal. In a particular implementation, the control circuit can selectively control the data-passing circuit path by causing the input data to pass through the resistive-impedance circuit and therein pass low-frequency components of the input data signal while the capacitive-impedance circuit passes high-frequency components of the input data signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: XILINX, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gaboury, Brian T. Brunn
  • Patent number: 7426235
    Abstract: Circuitry for equalizing a high data rate serial data stream that receives low frequency and high frequency test tones, accurately measures an amount of attenuation experienced by the high frequency test tone in relation to the low frequency test tone, and accordingly, produces equalization data that results in a corresponding amount of equalization or pre-emphasis being added to an outgoing signal. More specifically, however, the present invention includes both open loop and closed loop systems for equalizing or adding pre-emphasis to a signal with attenuation. In the open loop transceiver system, a presumption is made that an amount of attenuation in both the outgoing and ingoing directions are equal. In the closed loop transceiver system, a receiver determines an amount of equalization and produces the equalization data to a remote transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Anderson, David E. Tetzlaff, Michael J. Gaboury, Matthew L. Bibee
  • Patent number: 7148758
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (“IC”) includes a phase-locked loop (“PLL”) with a controllable oscillator embedded in the integrated circuit. A phase-lock circuit provides a lock control signal to the controllable oscillator; and a digital-to-analog converter (“DAC”) provides an oscillator adjustment signal to the controllable oscillator according to a digital code. The digital code is generated by an adjustment circuit configured in the fabric of a programmable logic device, or embedded in the IC, for example. In a particular embodiment, the DAC adjusts the PLL to reduce differential mode voltage in the phase-lock circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Ross, Michael J. Gaboury
  • Patent number: 7142005
    Abstract: According to one example embodiment, a buffer, e.g., in a clock/signal distribution apparatus is provided that substantially reduces jitter due to power supply noise. Decoupler and input stage isolates load from the top rail power supply (VDD). In a more particular embodiment, jitter contributions from the bottom rail power supply (VSS) can be minimized by cross-coupled load devices within load. Substantial independence from process and temperature is facilitated through the use of current bias, such as Proportional to Absolute Temperature (PTAT) current bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Gaboury
  • Patent number: 7138835
    Abstract: A programmable, equalizing buffer is provided having feedback transistors used to vary the transfer function of the equalizing buffer, such that a low pass response of a transmission channel is substantially equalized. A zero in the buffer's transfer function is established by a conductive state of transistors caused by signal feedback. Multiple transistors establish increased flexibility for establishing the location of the zero, while a cascade of buffer stages provides a second order transfer function effective to cancel second order channel effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Gaboury
  • Patent number: 7132899
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a high speed buffer with high gain bandwidth and rail-to-rail operation is disclosed. Resistor-capacitor (RC) filters are added in current mirrors that are in the signal path. The effect of these filters is to create a frequency-dependent impedance that extends the gain bandwidth of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gaboury, Matthew L. Bibee
  • Patent number: 6956442
    Abstract: A ring oscillator with a plurality of delay stages having selectable active loads for selecting an R-C time constant that defines a delay through the delay stage. The ring oscillator oscillation frequency is a function of the selected R-C time constant, a selectable bias level, and the number of delay stages in the ring oscillator. In one embodiment, a MOSFET device gate-to-source capacitance is used with at least one selectable resistive device to form the R-C time constant. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of parallel coupled resistive devices and parallel coupled capacitive devices are selectively coupled to the active load circuit to set the delay through the delay stage. The resistive devices are formed to be one of a resistor configured MOSFET device and a traditional resistive element. The capacitive devices are formed to be one of a capacitor configure MOSFET device and a traditional capacitive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Groen, Charles W. Boecker, William C. Black, Michael J. Gaboury
  • Patent number: 6882224
    Abstract: A data receiver having a transfer function that exhibits peaking at high frequencies is provided to compensate an input signal provided on a transmission channel having a low pass transfer function. The data receiver includes first and second differential input terminals, which receive the differential input signal from the transmission channel. The first differential input terminal is coupled to the source of a first common gate transistor in a first self-biased common gate amplifier. The second differential input terminal is coupled to the source of a second common gate transistor in a second self-biased common gate amplifier. A differential output signal is provided from the drain terminals of the first and second common gate transistors. The first and second differential input terminals are not directly connected to any transistor gates in the data receiver, thereby enabling these differential input terminals to be safely connected directly to the transmission channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gaboury, Eric D. Groen
  • Patent number: 6760205
    Abstract: An active inductance circuit for ESD parasitic cancellation is described. A feedback circuit on a transconductance amplifier is utilized to transform and reflect the impedance of an active inductor to minimize effects of parasitics produced by ESD circuitry. The active inductance circuit may be programmably implemented, allowing tunable component values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Gaboury