Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Donovan

Timothy J. Donovan 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: 9252860
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with beamforming with steering submatrix selection are described. According to one embodiment, a method includes receiving a packet for transmit beamforming and identifying a first steering matrix. The first steering matrix includes weights, set forth in n rows and c columns, that are applicable to be applied to the packet in transmit beamforming of the packet. The method includes generating a second steering matrix having weights set forth in less than n rows or less than c columns. The weights of the second steering matrix are selected from the weights of the first steering matrix. The method includes providing the weights from the second steering matrix to a transmitter transmitting the packet for transmit beamforming of the packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: MARVELL INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Ying-Cheng Lee, Timothy J. Donovan, Ken Kinwah Ho, Hongyuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 9178673
    Abstract: A base station including a receiver, a processor, and a transmitter. The receiver is configured to receive, during a predetermined period, information from a plurality of stations. The processor is configured to estimate, based on the information received from the plurality of stations during the predetermined period, bandwidth requirement of each of the plurality of stations. The processor is configured to allocate, based on the estimated bandwidth requirement of each of the plurality of stations, a number of timeslots to each of the plurality of stations in which to communicate with the base station. Durations of the timeslots allocated to the plurality of stations are based on the estimated bandwidth requirement of each of the plurality of stations. The transmitter is configured to transmit a message including (i) identifiers identifying each of the plurality of stations and (ii) the number of timeslots allocated to each of the plurality of stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Marvell International LTD.
    Inventors: Peter Loc, Timothy J. Donovan, Milind Kopikare
  • Patent number: 9137341
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for communicating transmit parameters to a data transmitter for transmitting a data frame. Two or more levels of transmit parameters are associated with each data frame and are accessible and adjustable by a processor, such as a firmware processor. A data transmitter retrieves the transmit parameters of a level only if all attempts (initial attempt and retransmissions) at the previous level were unsuccessful. Each level includes a continuation data element, such as a designated bit, to indicate to the data transmitter that a subsequent level exists. The processor may adjust the transmit parameters in a transmit control table and may add levels of transmit parameters to the transmit control table based on transmission performance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Sonali Bagchi, Timothy J. Donovan
  • Patent number: 9037198
    Abstract: Enhancements are provided to lower power consumption in a wireless communication device. A traffic indicator message is designated to be positioned at or near a first burst to be transmitted to a subscriber station. Further, a clock signal provided to a decoder in the subscriber station has a variable frequency, the frequency being chosen based on the nature of the data to be decoded. Data needing immediate decoding is processed with a high speed clock. Other data are processed with a lower speed clock to reduce power consumption. Also, control information that is demodulated when the subscriber station is in sleep mode is batch processed when the subscriber station becomes active again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: MARVELL WORLD TRADE LTD.
    Inventors: Raja Banerjea, Robert B. Ganton, Timothy J. Donovan, Bhaskar Chowdhuri
  • Patent number: 9014207
    Abstract: A system including a physical layer module and a control module. The physical layer module is configured to generate a first clear channel assessment for a first sub-channel of a communication channel and generate a second clear channel assessment for a second sub-channel of the communication channel. The first clear channel assessment indicates whether the first sub-channel is free or busy. The second clear channel assessment indicates whether the second sub-channel is free or busy. The control module is configured to, in response to the second sub-channel being busy, extend a duration of the second clear channel assessment by a predetermined period of time, and transmit data via (i) only the first sub-channel or (ii) both the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel based on (a) the first clear channel assessment, (b) the second clear channel assessment, and (c) the extended duration of the first clear channel assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Sandesh Goel, Timothy J. Donovan, Ken Kinwah Ho, Yungping Hsu, Kedar Shirali, Atul Salhotra, Tam Tran, Chia-Chun Chung
  • Patent number: 8873484
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with a hybrid beamforming architecture are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a beamforming mode detection logic configured to select a beamforming mode based, at least in part, on a packet received from a wireless device. The apparatus also includes a beamformee unit and a beamformer unit. The beamformee unit is configured to derive steering information from channel related information in the packet. The beamformer unit is configured to provide weights from a steering matrix to a transmitter performing transmit beamforming on a subsequent packet being transmitted to the wireless device. The beamforming mode detection logic routes at least part of the packet to one or both of the beamformee unit and the beamformer unit based, at least in part, on the selected beamforming mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Cheng Lee, Timothy J. Donovan, Dharmesh C. Bhagatwala, Ken Kinwah Ho, Hongyuan Zhang, Rohit U. Nabar, Tsunglun Yu
  • Patent number: 8842591
    Abstract: An access point for a wireless local area network (LAN). In one aspect, the access point includes (i) a media access control (MAC) device, and (ii) a radio frequency (RF) transceiver in communication with the MAC device. The access point uses a random order or a rotating order to access a client station in the wireless LAN, and the client station transmits data to the RF transceiver after at least one of (i) the RF transceiver finishes transmitting directed data to the client station, or (ii) the RF transceiver transmits a null data frame to the client station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Donovan
  • Patent number: 8780831
    Abstract: A system including a base station and a plurality of stations. The base station is configured to estimate bandwidths used by the plurality of stations based on packets transmitted by the plurality of stations during a first period. The base station is further configured to selectively allocate timeslots to the plurality of stations for transmission of packets to the base station during a second period following the first period. Durations of the timeslots are based on the estimated bandwidths. The plurality of stations are configured to transmit packets to the base station in the timeslots during the second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Loc, Timothy J. Donovan, Milind Kopikare
  • Patent number: 8769176
    Abstract: A system including a first communication module to transmit or receive data via an antenna in accordance with a first communication standard; a second communication module to transmit or receive data via the antenna in accordance with a second communication standard; and an arbitration module. The arbitration module outputs a first mutual grant where both the first communication module and the second communication module are able to simultaneously transmit data via the antenna; a second mutual grant where both the first communication module and the second communication module are able to simultaneously receive data via the antenna; a third mutual grant where the first communication module and the second communication module are able to simultaneously transmit and receive data, respectively, via the antenna; and a fourth mutual grant where the first communication module and the second communication module are able to simultaneously receive and transmit data, respectively, via the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Gladys Yuen Yan Wong, Timothy J. Donovan, Timothy Li, Ken Yeung
  • Patent number: 8761292
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with beamforming with steering submatrix selection are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a steering matrix cache unit configured to store a steering matrix. The apparatus also includes a read control unit configured to select a steering submatrix from the steering matrix based, at least in part, on packet transmission instructions associated with a packet being processed for transmission. The read control unit is also configured to provide weights from the selected steering submatrix to a transmitter transmitting the packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Cheng Lee, Timothy J. Donovan, Ken Kinwah Ho, Hongyuan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140169250
    Abstract: Enhancements are provided to lower power consumption in a wireless communication device. A traffic indicator message is designated to be positioned at or near a first burst to be transmitted to a subscriber station. Further, a clock signal provided to a decoder in the subscriber station has a variable frequency, the frequency being chosen based on the nature of the data to be decoded. Data needing immediate decoding is processed with a high speed clock. Other data are processed with a lower speed clock to reduce power consumption. Also, control information that is demodulated when the subscriber station is in sleep mode is batch processed when the subscriber station becomes active again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: MARVELL WORLD TRADE LTD.
    Inventors: Raja Banerjea, Robert B. Ganton, Timothy J. Donovan, Bhaskar Chowdhuri
  • Publication number: 20140059374
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a generator. The generator, based on a summation signal, generates a clock signal having a frequency. Multiple devices generate respective requests. Each of the requests requests transfer of data on a bus. Each of the devices is configured to, based on the frequency of the clock signal, transfer the data for the corresponding request on the bus. A summer receives the requests and based on a number of the requests being in an asserted state during a first period of time, generates the summation signal. A first module, based on the summation signal, increases a second period of time that a first request is in an asserted state. The second period of time is increased to include or overlap the first period of time. The summer, as a result of the increase, generates the summation signal further based on the first request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy J. Donovan
  • Patent number: 8660617
    Abstract: Power consumption is managed in a subscriber station of a communication system. The subscriber station is engaged in a sleep mode, including reducing a frequency of a system clock of the subscriber station. When the subscriber station receives, while in the sleep mode, a message having downlink transmission parameters while, the frequency of the system clock of the subscriber station is increased to process the message. After processing the message, the frequency of the system clock is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Raja Banerjea, Robert B. Ganton, Timothy J. Donovan, Bhaskar Chowdhuri
  • Patent number: 8619739
    Abstract: A wireless network device comprises a first wireless communication device that includes a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver that generates a synchronization pulse and that transmits and receives data according to a first period. A second wireless communication device receives a signal indicative of the synchronization pulse and includes a second RF transceiver that transmits and receives data according to a second period. The second period is not equal to the first period and the second wireless communication device adjusts the second period according to the first period and the synchronization pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Donovan, Partho Mishra, Ken Kinwah Ho, Chia-Chun Chung
  • Publication number: 20130286915
    Abstract: A wireless network device in a wireless network that includes a plurality of wireless network devices comprises an RF transceiver that transmits and receives data packets and that periodically transmits or receives a beacon. A control module communicates with the RF transceiver, determines a group identifier and a station identifier based on the beacon, and selects one of a default IFS time and a second IFS time based on a data packet received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy J. Donovan
  • Patent number: 8572419
    Abstract: A dynamic clock frequency module includes a request evaluation module configured to generate a sum of requests to utilize a system bus from a plurality of modules. A frequency assignment module is configured to calculate a clock frequency for the system bus in response to the requests and adjust the clock frequency between at least two non-zero frequency values. A pulse stretch module is configured to increase a period of time that at least one of the requests is asserted in response to the sum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Donovan
  • Publication number: 20130242928
    Abstract: A system including a physical layer module and a control module. The physical layer module is configured to generate a first clear channel assessment for a first sub-channel of a communication channel and generate a second clear channel assessment for a second sub-channel of the communication channel. The first clear channel assessment indicates whether the first sub-channel is free or busy. The second clear channel assessment indicates whether the second sub-channel is free or busy. The control module is configured to, in response to the second sub-channel being busy, extend a duration of the second clear channel assessment by a predetermined period of time, and transmit data via (i) only the first sub-channel or (ii) both the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel based on (a) the first clear channel assessment, (b) the second clear channel assessment, and (c) the extended duration of the first clear channel assessment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: MARVELL WORLD TRADE LTD.
    Inventors: Sandesh Goel, Timothy J. Donovan, Ken Kinwah Ho, Yungping Hsu, Kedar Shirali, Atul Salhotra, Tam Tran, Chia-Chun Chung
  • Patent number: 8483190
    Abstract: A wireless network device in a wireless network that includes a plurality of wireless network devices comprises n RF transceiver that transmits and receives data packets and that periodically transmits or receives a beacon. A control module communicates with the RF transceiver, determines a group identifier and a station identifier based on the beacon, and selects one of a default IFS time and a second IFS time based on a data packet received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Donovan
  • Patent number: 8457088
    Abstract: An example embodiment includes an apparatus. The apparatus includes piconet logic for establishing a multi-level piconet hierarchy having a top level piconet and a lower level piconet(s). The top level piconet includes the apparatus and a master controller(s). The apparatus is a master device in the top level piconet. Master controllers are slave devices in the top level piconet. A lower level piconet includes a master controller and a sub-controller(s). Master controllers are masters in the lower level piconet. Sub-controllers are slave devices in the lower level piconet. The apparatus includes time division multiplexing logic to solicit and control aggregated communication with master controllers. The aggregated communication comprises data from the master controller and data from a sub-controller(s). The apparatus includes de-aggregation logic to receive the aggregated communication and to separate data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Sameer Bidichandani, Timothy J. Donovan, Deepak Jain, Li-Fu Jeng, Robert Mack, Neeta Srivastav, Shuangqing Yuan
  • Patent number: 8441967
    Abstract: A system includes a signal processing module and a control module. The signal processing module receives a first clear channel assessment (CCA) signal for a first sub-channel of a communication channel, increases a pulse width of the first CCA signal by a predetermined period of time, and generates a second CCA signal. The control module receives the second CCA signal and a third CCA signal for a second sub-channel of the communication channel. The control module transmits data via one of the second sub-channel and the communication channel based on the second and third CCA signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Sandesh Goel, Timothy J. Donovan, Ken Kinwah Ho, Yungping Hsu, Kedar Shirali, Atul Salhotra, Tam Tran, Chia-Chun Chung