Patents by Inventor Peter J. Nicholas

Peter J. Nicholas 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: 8536925
    Abstract: A voltage translator circuit (320) includes an input stage (322) adapted for receiving an input signal referenced to a first voltage supply (VDD core), a latch (326) adapted for connection to a second voltage supply (VDD33) and operative to at least temporarily store a logic state of the input signal, and a voltage clamp (324) coupled between the input stage (322) and the latch (326). The voltage clamp (322) is operative to set a maximum voltage across the latch (326) to a first prescribed level and to set a maximum voltage across the input stage to a second prescribed level. The voltage translator circuit (320) generates a first output signal (II) at a junction between the latch (326) and the voltage clamp (324). The voltage translator circuit generates a second output signal (15) at a junction between the voltage clamp (324) and the input stage (322).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Agere Systems LLC
    Inventors: Dipankar Bhattacharya, Makeshwar Kothandaraman, John C. Kriz, Bernard L. Morris, Jeffrey J. Nagy, Peter J. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 8373441
    Abstract: Described embodiments provide for a semiconductor device comprising a core and one or more input/output (I/O) buffers surrounding the core. The I/O buffers are adapted to transfer signals associated with core circuitry of the core. The I/O buffers comprise I/O cells having a first orientation and I/O cells having a second orientation. Each I/O cell has a corresponding translator having low voltage transistors in a corresponding footprint. The low voltage transistors in the first orientation I/O cells have the first orientation, and the low voltage transistors in the second orientation I/O cells have the first orientation. The footprints of the first orientation I/O cells and the second orientation I/O cells are compatible with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Milinichik, Peter J. Nicholas, Carol A. Huber, Antonio M. Marques, Daniel J. Delpero
  • Patent number: 8362803
    Abstract: A voltage translator circuit includes an input stage adapted for receiving an input signal referenced to a first voltage supply, a first latch circuit adapted for connection with a second voltage supply and operative to at least temporarily store a logic state of the input signal, and a voltage clamp coupled between the input stage and the first latch circuit. The voltage clamp is operative to set a maximum voltage across the input stage to a prescribed level. The voltage translator circuit generates a first output signal at a first output formed at a junction between the first latch circuit and the voltage clamp. A second latch circuit is connected to the first output in a feedback configuration. The second latch circuit is operative to retain a logical state of the first output signal as a function of at least a first control signal supplied to the second latch circuit regardless of a state of the first voltage supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Nicholas, John Christopher Kriz, Dipankar Bhattacharya, James John Bradley
  • Publication number: 20120212256
    Abstract: A voltage translator circuit includes an input stage adapted for receiving an input signal referenced to a first voltage supply, a first latch circuit adapted for connection with a second voltage supply and operative to at least temporarily store a logic state of the input signal, and a voltage clamp coupled between the input stage and the first latch circuit. The voltage clamp is operative to set a maximum voltage across the input stage to a prescribed level. The voltage translator circuit generates a first output signal at a first output formed at a junction between the first latch circuit and the voltage clamp. A second latch circuit is connected to the first output in a feedback configuration. The second latch circuit is operative to retain a logical state of the first output signal as a function of at least a first control signal supplied to the second latch circuit regardless of a state of the first voltage supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Nicholas, John Christopher Kriz, Dipankar Bhattacharya, James John Bradley