Patents by Inventor Schuyler E. Shimanek

Schuyler E. Shimanek 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: 6980030
    Abstract: Integrated circuits are disclosed that have interconnected programmable logic, and configuration memory. The interconnected programmable logic is connected by a logical interconnection network. The integrated circuits have a configurable function unit including a function unit component, such as a counter or shift register. The integrated circuits further include a configurable decoder, which decodes a value presented by the function unit component based on decoder configuration data. The integrated circuits also have at least one decoder output, which provides information about a comparison of the decoder configuration data with the value presented by the function unit component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank C. Wirtz, II, John R. Hubbard, Jeffrey H. Seltzer, Schuyler E. Shimanek
  • Patent number: 6981091
    Abstract: Structures and methods for transferring data from non-volatile to volatile memories. An extra bit, called a “transfer bit”, is included in each data word. The transfer bit is set to the programmed value, and is monitored by a control circuit during the memory transfer. If the supply voltage is sufficient for correct programming, the transfer bit is read as “programmed”, and the data transfer continues. If the supply voltage is below the minimum supply voltage for proper programming, the transfer bit is read as “erased”, and the data transfer is reinitiated. In one embodiment, a second transfer bit set to the “erased” value is included in each word.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Xilinx,Inc.
    Inventors: Schuyler E. Shimanek, Roy D. Darling
  • Patent number: 6968478
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for data transfer validation is described. Configuration data is obtained. A signature for the configuration data is generated. The configuration data and the signature are stored in a first memory. The configuration data is transferred to a second memory for storage. The configuration data transferred is read to generate another signature, where the other signature is for the configuration data transferred. The configuration data read is compressed to provide the other signature. The signature is transferred for comparison with the other signature to validate whether the configuration data transferred was transferred without error. The method and apparatus may be used when transferring configuration data, including, but not limited to, transfer of configuration data from a memory to a programmable logic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric E. Edwards, Schuyler E. Shimanek, Philip A. Young, Steven T. Reilly, Wayne E. Wennekamp
  • Patent number: 6714041
    Abstract: A method for reconfiguring a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) that includes an EEPROM array and a shadow SRAM array comprises reprogramming the EEPROM array with new configuration data while the CPLD is operating in a first configuration. This relatively time-consuming operation has no effect on CPLD operation since only the SRAM array controls the configuration of the CPLD. At a desired point in time, the new configuration data from the EEPROM array can be loaded into the SRAM array to reconfigure the CPLD. Because this loading of configuration data into the SRAM array takes only microseconds to perform, normal system operation effectively proceeds without interruption. A CPLD can include multiple EEPROM arrays, each storing a different set of configuration data, thereby allowing the CPLD to rapidly switch between various configurations by loading the configuration data from different EEPROM arrays into the SRAM array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy D. Darling, Schuyler E. Shimanek, Thomas J. Davies, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030084230
    Abstract: Structures and methods for transferring data from non-volatile to volatile memories. An extra bit, called a “transfer bit”, is included in each data word. The transfer bit is set to the programmed value, and is monitored by a control circuit during the memory transfer. If the supply voltage is sufficient for correct programming, the transfer bit is read as “programmed”, and the data transfer continues. If the supply voltage is below the minimum supply voltage for proper programming, the transfer bit is read as “erased”, and the data transfer is reinitiated. In one embodiment, a second transfer bit set to the “erased” value is included in each word.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Schuyler E. Shimanek, Roy D. Darling
  • Patent number: 6441641
    Abstract: A PLD can be manufactured to include power supply lines from two sources so that a portion of the PLD can be backed up with a battery when power to the PLD is removed. A switch that supplies power to the backed up portion of the PLD receives power from both an external power supply and from the battery, and detects voltage level of the external power supply, switching to battery power when voltage from the external power supply is not sufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Pang, Venu M. Kondapalli, Jane W. Sowards, Scott O. Frake, Jennifer Wong, F. Erich Goetting, Peter H. Alfke, Schuyler E. Shimanek
  • Patent number: 6353331
    Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) structure that combines the AND/OR structure of a CPLD with the look-up table (LUT) -based logic structure of a field programmable gate array (FPGA) to implement both wide logic functions and complex logic functions in a single pass. In one embodiment, a CPLD includes a programmable AND array, a programmable OR array, and several look-up tables (LUTs) that are connected to receive product-terms from the programmable AND array and sum-terms from the programmable OR array. The programmable AND array is programmable connected to multiple input lines, and the programmable OR array is programmably connected to receive selected product-terms generated by a group of AND gates of the programmable AND array. Each LUT includes memory cells that are addressed by the sum-term and product-term applied to the LUT input terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventor: Schuyler E. Shimanek
  • Patent number: 5889412
    Abstract: A condensed single block PAL plus PLA architecture utilizing a rectangular shape is shown. By interleaving the ORterms of the PLA array with the Pterms of the PAL array, a significant amount of die space is saved when incorporating the circuit with silicon. The decode routing required is now simplified and the propagation delay skews through the array are also reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corporation
    Inventors: Schuyler E. Shimanek, Thomas J. Davies
  • Patent number: 5694055
    Abstract: A zero static power programmable logic cell that operates without I.sub.cc leakage in the circuit being driven when the control nodes are set to V.sub.cc or ground, and has a decreased switching skew is provided. The logic cell utilizes stacked transistors and separates the output node from the input nodes by forming an inverter stage based on the current state of operation. The inverter stage isolates the output node from the input nodes, while also providing gain to the next stage. This configuration provides for a more compact cell design and prevents I.sub.cc leakage in the circuitry being driven by the logic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Philips Electronic North America Corp.
    Inventor: Schuyler E. Shimanek
  • Patent number: 5684413
    Abstract: A condensed single block PAL plus PLA architecture utilizing a rectangular shape is shown. By interleaving the ORterms of the PLA array with the Pterms of the PAL array, a significant amount of die space is saved when incorporating the circuit with silicon. The decode routing required is now simplified and the propagation delay skews through the array are also reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corp.
    Inventors: Schuyler E. Shimanek, Thomas J. Davies
  • Patent number: 5635854
    Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) integrated circuit containing an array of fuse or anti-fuse links includes verification circuitry configured to classify link resistances after programing into three resistance zones, corresponding to a "closed" state zone, an "open" state zone and a "forbidden" state zone intermediate the "closed" and "open" state zones. Two reference resistance values, namely a lower reference resistance value and the higher reference resistance value, divide the entire range of possible link resistance values into the aforementioned three resistance zones. Because the ratio between the higher reference resistance value and the lower reference resistance value is typically more than 50, the verification circuitry includes a switchable two level current source that produces a voltage across the link of correct dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corporation
    Inventors: Schuyler E. Shimanek, Alma Anderson