Patents by Inventor Padraig Fitzgerald
Padraig Fitzgerald 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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Publication number: 20240087828Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are disclosed. Parallel configurations of back-to-back MEMS switches are disclosed in some embodiments. An isolation connection of constant electrical potential may be made to a midpoint of the back-to-back switches. In some embodiments, a separate MEMS switch is provided as a shunt switch for the main MEMS switch. MEMS switch device configurations having multiple switchable signal paths each coupling a common input electrode to a respective output electrode are also disclosed. The MEMS switch device includes shunt switches each coupling a respective output electrode to a reference potential. The presence of a shunt switch coupled to an output electrode enhances the isolation of the signal path corresponding to that output electrode when the path is open.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Applicant: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Philip James Brennan, Jiawen Bai, Michael James Twohig, Bernard Patrick Stenson, Raymond C. Goggin, Mark Schirmer, Paul Lambkin, Donal P. McAuliffe, David Aherne, Cillian Burke, James Lee Lampen, Sumit Majumder
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Publication number: 20240087829Abstract: Impedance paths for integrated circuits having microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches that allow for electrical charge to bleed from circuit nodes to fixed electric potentials (e.g., ground) are described. Such paths are referred to herein as charge bleed circuits. The circuit nodes may be circuit locations where electrical charge may accumulate because there is no other path for the electrical charge to dissipate. In some embodiments, a charge bleed circuit includes a switchable device (e.g., a MEMS switch, a solid-state device switch, or a circuit including various solid-state device switches that, collectively, implement a device that can be switched on and off) that connects and disconnects the impedance path from a circuit node. This may allow the device to perform different types of measurements at desired performance levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Applicant: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, David Aheme, Patrick M. McGuinness, Naveen Dhull, Michael James Twohig, Philip James Brennan, Donal P. McAuliffe
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Publication number: 20220371882Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are disclosed. The MEMS switch may have an actuation voltage greater than the expected voltage of a signal being passed by the MEMS switch in normal operation. The MEMS switches may include a distributed hinge structure in some embodiments. Radial contact pads are included in some embodiments, with or separate from the distributed hinge.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Applicant: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Michael James Twohig, James Lee Lampen, Philip James Brennan
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Publication number: 20220373592Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is implemented to enable multiple tests of different types, such as a direct current (DC) test and/or a radio frequency (RF) test of a semiconductor device. The apparatus includes a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switch block coupled between the semiconductor device and automatic testing equipment (ATE). The apparatus is configured to enable/disable a DC path or an RF path to switch between a DC test and an RF test without reconfiguring the connections between the semiconductor device and the ATE. The DC path is used to perform a DC contact test for one or more pins of the semiconductor device. The RF path is used to perform an RF test for the semiconductor device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Applicant: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Erkan Acar, Patrick M. McGuinness, Randy Oltman, Naveen Dhull, Derek W. Nolan, Eric James Carty
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Patent number: 11489255Abstract: A phase shifter that includes an RF splitter is disclosed. The RF splitter is arranged so that an RF input signal is provided to, and split over portions of, a feed line that connects an antenna element with a radio transmitter/receiver/transceiver, thus realizing a feed line splitter. Feed line splitters described herein are provided with switches that allow changing a point at which the RF input signal is fed to the feed line, where the switches may be semiconductor-based or MEMS-based switches. The point at which the RF input signal is provided to the feed line to be split defines the electrical path length that the RF energy will travel down each respective path of the feed line splitter, which, in turn, changes the phase shift realized at each output of the feed line splitter. Different antenna elements may be coupled to different outputs of the feed line splitter.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: ANALOG DEVICES INTERNATIONAL UNLIMITED COMPANYInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Yong Zhang, Padraig McDaid, Dragoslav Culum, Philip Brennan, Derek Nolan
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Publication number: 20220328426Abstract: The present disclosure relates to integrated circuits which include various structural elements designed to reduce the impact of strain on the electronic components of the circuit. In particular, a combination of trenches and cavities are used to mechanically isolate the integrated circuit from the surrounding substrate. The trenches may be formed such that they surround the integrated circuit, and the cavities may be formed under the integrated circuit. As such, the integrated circuit may be formed on a portion of the substrate that forms a platform. In order that the platform does not move, it may be tethered to the surrounding substrate. By including such mechanical elements, variation in the electrical characteristics of the integrated circuit are reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Applicant: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, George Redfield Spalding, JR., Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz, Michael J. Flynn
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Patent number: 11417611Abstract: The present disclosure relates to integrated circuits which include various structural elements designed to reduce the impact of strain on the electronic components of the circuit. In particular, a combination of trenches and cavities are used to mechanically isolate the integrated circuit from the surrounding substrate. The trenches may be formed such that they surround the integrated circuit, and the cavities may be formed under the integrated circuit. As such, the integrated circuit may be formed on a portion of the substrate that forms a platform. In order that the platform does not move, it may be tethered to the surrounding substrate. By including such mechanical elements, variation in the electrical characteristics of the integrated circuit are reduced.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, George Redfield Spalding, Jr., Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz, Michael J. Flynn
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Patent number: 11404781Abstract: A phase shifter that includes an RF splitter is disclosed. The RF splitter is arranged so that an RF input signal is provided to, and split over portions of, a feed line that connects an antenna element with a radio transmitter/receiver/transceiver, thus realizing a feed line splitter. Feed line splitters described herein are provided with switches that allow changing a point at which the RF input signal is fed to the feed line, where the switches may be semiconductor-based or MEMS-based switches. The point at which the RF input signal is provided to the feed line to be split defines the electrical path length that the RF energy will travel down each respective path of the feed line splitter, which, in turn, changes the phase shift realized at each output of the feed line splitter. Different antenna elements may be coupled to different outputs of the feed line splitter.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2021Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Inventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Yong Zhang, Padraig McDaid, Dragoslav Culum, Philip Brennan, Derek Nolan
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Patent number: 11228310Abstract: Optically isolated micromachined (MEMS) switches and related methods are described. The optically isolated MEMS switches described herein may be used to provide isolation between electronic devices. For example, the optically isolated MEMS switches of the types described herein can enable the use of separate grounds between the receiving electronic device and the control circuitry. Isolation of high-voltage signals and high-voltage power supplies can be achieved by using an optical isolator and a MEMS switch, where the optical isolator controls the state of the MEMS switch. In some embodiments, utilizing optical isolators to provide high voltages, the need for electric high-voltage sources such as high-voltage power supplies and charge pumps may be removed, thus removing the cause of potential damage to the receiving electronic device. In one example, the optical isolator and the MEMS switch may be co-packaged on the same substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2020Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Analog Devices Global Unlimited CompanyInventors: Ying Zhao, Alan O'Donnell, Michael James Twohig, Olly J. Kierse, James Thomas Sheeran, Michael C. W. Coln, Paul W. Stevens, Bruce A. Hecht, Padraig Fitzgerald, Mark Schirmer
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Publication number: 20210367339Abstract: A phase shifter that includes an RF splitter is disclosed. The RF splitter is arranged so that an RF input signal is provided to, and split over portions of, a feed line that connects an antenna element with a radio transmitter/receiver/transceiver, thus realizing a feed line splitter. Feed line splitters described herein are provided with switches that allow changing a point at which the RF input signal is fed to the feed line, where the switches may be semiconductor-based or MEMS-based switches. The point at which the RF input signal is provided to the feed line to be split defines the electrical path length that the RF energy will travel down each respective path of the feed line splitter, which, in turn, changes the phase shift realized at each output of the feed line splitter. Different antenna elements may be coupled to different outputs of the feed line splitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Applicant: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig FITZGERALD, Yong ZHANG, Padraig McDAID, Dragoslav CULUM, Philip BRENNAN, Derek Nolan
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Publication number: 20210265281Abstract: The present disclosure relates to integrated circuits which include various structural elements designed to reduce the impact of strain on the electronic components of the circuit. In particular, a combination of trenches and cavities are used to mechanically isolate the integrated circuit from the surrounding substrate. The trenches may be formed such that they surround the integrated circuit, and the cavities may be formed under the integrated circuit. As such, the integrated circuit may be formed on a portion of the substrate that forms a platform. In order that the platform does not move, it may be tethered to the surrounding substrate. By including such mechanical elements, variation in the electrical characteristics of the integrated circuit are reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2020Publication date: August 26, 2021Applicant: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, George Redfield Spalding, JR., Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz, Michael J. Flynn
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Publication number: 20210067160Abstract: Optically isolated micromachined (MEMS) switches and related methods are described. The optically isolated MEMS switches described herein may be used to provide isolation between electronic devices. For example, the optically isolated MEMS switches of the types described herein can enable the use of separate grounds between the receiving electronic device and the control circuitry. Isolation of high-voltage signals and high-voltage power supplies can be achieved by using an optical isolator and a MEMS switch, where the optical isolator controls the state of the MEMS switch. In some embodiments, utilizing optical isolators to provide high voltages, the need for electric high-voltage sources such as high-voltage power supplies and charge pumps may be removed, thus removing the cause of potential damage to the receiving electronic device. In one example, the optical isolator and the MEMS switch may be co-packaged on the same substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Applicant: Analog Devices Global Unlimited CompanyInventors: Ying Zhao, Alan O'Donnell, Michael James Twohig, Olly J. Kierse, James Sheeran, Michael C.W. Coln, Paul W. Stevens, Bruce A. Hecht, Padraig Fitzgerald, Mark Schirmer
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Publication number: 20200411984Abstract: A phase shifter that includes an RF splitter is disclosed. The RF splitter is arranged so that an RF input signal is provided to, and split over portions of, a feed line that connects an antenna element with a radio transmitter/receiver/transceiver, thus realizing a feed line splitter. Feed line splitters described herein are provided with switches that allow changing a point at which the RF input signal is fed to the feed line, where the switches may be semiconductor-based or MEMS-based switches. The point at which the RF input signal is provided to the feed line to be split defines the electrical path length that the RF energy will travel down each respective path of the feed line splitter, which, in turn, changes the phase shift realized at each output of the feed line splitter. Different antenna elements may be coupled to different outputs of the feed line splitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Applicant: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig FITZGERALD, Yong ZHANG, Padraig McDAID, Dragoslav CULUM, Philip BRENNAN
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Patent number: 10855073Abstract: A method of and apparatus for protecting a MEMS switch is provided. The method and apparatus improve the integrity of MEMS switches by reducing their vulnerability to current flow through them during switching of the MEMS switch between on and off or vice versa. The protection circuit provides for a parallel path, known as a shunt, around the MEMS component. However, components within the shunt circuit can themselves be removed from the shunt when they are not required. This improves the electrical performance of the shunt when the switch is supposed to be in an off state.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Analog Devices Global Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Eric James Carty
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Patent number: 10848152Abstract: Optically isolated micromachined (MEMS) switches and related methods are described. The optically isolated MEMS switches described herein may be used to provide isolation between electronic devices. For example, the optically isolated MEMS switches of the types described herein can enable the use of separate grounds between the receiving electronic device and the control circuitry. Isolation of high-voltage signals and high-voltage power supplies can be achieved by using an optical isolator and a MEMS switch, where the optical isolator controls the state of the MEMS switch. In some embodiments, utilizing optical isolators to provide high voltages, the need for electric high-voltage sources such as high-voltage power supplies and charge pumps may be removed, thus removing the cause of potential damage to the receiving electronic device. In one example, the optical isolator and the MEMS switch may be co-packaged on the same substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Analog Devices Global Unlimited CompanyInventors: Ying Zhao, Alan O'Donnell, Michael James Twohig, Olly J. Kierse, James Thomas Sheeran, Michael C. W. Coln, Paul W. Stevens, Bruce A. Hecht, Padraig Fitzgerald, Mark Schirmer
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Patent number: 10640363Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are described. The MEMS switches can be actively opened and closed. The switch can include a beam coupled to an anchor on a substrate by one or more hinges. The beam, the hinges and the anchor may be made of the same material in some configurations. The switch can include electrodes, disposed on a surface of the substrate, for electrically controlling the orientation of the beam. The hinges may be thinner than the beam, resulting in the hinges being more flexible than the beam. In some configurations, the hinges are located within an opening in the beam. The hinges may extend in the same direction of the axis of rotation of the beam and/or in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the beam.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Analog Devices GlobalInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Michael James Twohig
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Publication number: 20190288686Abstract: Optically isolated micromachined (MEMS) switches and related methods are described. The optically isolated MEMS switches described herein may be used to provide isolation between electronic devices. For example, the optically isolated MEMS switches of the types described herein can enable the use of separate grounds between the receiving electronic device and the control circuitry. Isolation of high-voltage signals and high-voltage power supplies can be achieved by using an optical isolator and a MEMS switch, where the optical isolator controls the state of the MEMS switch. In some embodiments, utilizing optical isolators to provide high voltages, the need for electric high-voltage sources such as high-voltage power supplies and charge pumps may be removed, thus removing the cause of potential damage to the receiving electronic device. In one example, the optical isolator and the MEMS switch may be co-packaged on the same substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2018Publication date: September 19, 2019Applicant: Analog Devices Global Unlimited CompanyInventors: Ying Zhao, Alan O'Donnell, Michael James Twohig, Olly J. Kierse, James Thomas Sheeran, Michael C.W. Coln, Paul W. Stevens, Bruce A. Hecht, Padraig Fitzgerald Fitzgerald, Mark Schirmer
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Publication number: 20190013668Abstract: A method of and apparatus for protecting a MEMS switch is provided. The method and apparatus improve the integrity of MEMS switches by reducing their vulnerability to current flow through them during switching of the MEMS switch between on and off or vice versa. The protection circuit provides for a parallel path, known as a shunt, around the MEMS component. However, components within the shunt circuit can themselves be removed from the shunt when they are not required. This improves the electrical performance of the shunt when the switch is supposed to be in an off state.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2018Publication date: January 10, 2019Applicant: Analog Devices Global Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Eric James Carty
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Publication number: 20180033565Abstract: Several features are disclosed that improve the operating performance of MEMS switches such that they exhibit improved in-service life and better control over switching on and off.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Inventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Jo-ey Wong, Raymond C. Goggin, Bernard Patrick Stenson, Paul Lambkin, Mark Schirmer
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Publication number: 20170225942Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are described. The MEMS switches can be actively opened and closed. The switch can include a beam coupled to an anchor on a substrate by one or more hinges. The beam, the hinges and the anchor may be made of the same material in some configurations. The switch can include electrodes, disposed on a surface of the substrate, for electrically controlling the orientation of the beam. The hinges may be thinner than the beam, resulting in the hinges being more flexible than the beam. In some configurations, the hinges are located within an opening in the beam. The hinges may extend in the same direction of the axis of rotation of the beam and/or in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Applicant: Analog Devices GlobalInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Michael James Twohig