Patents Assigned to Atmel Automotive GmbH
  • Patent number: 7817768
    Abstract: A PLL frequency generator is disclosed for generating an output signal with a settable target frequency, comprising a) a voltage-controlled oscillator for generating the output signal, b) a switchable frequency divider, which is connected to the voltage-controlled oscillator and is designed to derive from the output signal a frequency-divided signal whose instantaneous frequency depends on a value of an adjustable divisor, c) a switchable delay unit, which is connected to the frequency divider and is designed to generate a delayed signal in that the frequency-divided signal is delayed by delay times that depend on a control word, and d) a controller connected to the switchable delay unit controller and designed to determine the control words. According to the invention, the controller has a sigma-delta modulator and is designed to determine the control words depending on at least one signal provided by the sigma-delta modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Sascha Beyer, Ralf Jaehne
  • Patent number: 7816758
    Abstract: An integrated circuit is disclosed that includes a first layer made of active semiconductor material and extending along a first side of a buried layer, and trench structures, which cut through the layer made of active semiconductor material and have dielectric wall regions, whereby the dielectric wall regions isolate electrically subregions of the layer, made of active semiconductor material in the lateral direction, and whereby the trench structures, furthermore, have first inner regions, which are filled with electrically conductive material and contact the buried layer in an electrically conductive manner. The integrated circuit is notable in that the first wall regions of the trench structures completely cut through the buried layer and the second wall regions of the trench structures extend into the buried layer, without cutting it completely. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such an integrated circuit is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Dudek
  • Patent number: 7809348
    Abstract: A compensating circuit for a mixer stage is provided, wherein the mixer stage has an input stage to which an input signal for mixing can be applied and has, following the input stage, a switching stage for mixing a differential input signal—obtained from the input stage as a function of the input signal—with an oscillator signal, wherein the input of the compensating circuit can be connected to an input signal terminal of the input stage and the output of the compensating circuit can be connected to an input signal terminal of the switching circuit at which the differential input signal obtained by means of the input stage is present, and wherein a compensating signal obtained by means of a compensating stage of the compensating circuit, in particular for compensating intermodulation products, can be produced by the compensating circuit at its output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Amann, Thorsten Fahlbusch, Leo Friesen, Andreas Leistner, Juergen Schnabel
  • Patent number: 7796707
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for converting a complex-valued bandpass signal into a digital baseband signal having: a) an analog filter unit to filter the complex-valued bandpass signal to produce only the real component from the filtered signal, and to provide a real-valued bandpass signal, b) one analog-to-digital converter that is connected to the analog filter unit and that is designed to convert the real-valued bandpass signal into a digital signal with sampled values with a width of one bit, c) a digital filter unit embodied as a lookup table, to provide a complex-valued filtered signal such that signal components outside of the useful band are suppressed, d) a sampling rate reduction unit to reduce the sampling rate of the complex-valued filtered signal and provide a reduced-rate signal, and e) a mixer unit to convert the reduced-rate signal into the digital baseband signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Haentzschel, Thomas Hanusch, Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7796965
    Abstract: Method and Circuit Arrangement for Field Strength Determination and Integrated Circuit is provided. In the method of the invention for determining the field strength of a carrier signal at an antenna of an antenna circuit of an electronic key, whereby the antenna circuit generates an output value, which is a function of the field strength and a function of characteristic parameters of the antenna circuit, comprises the steps: generation of a reference input value, supplying the antenna circuit with the reference input value, measurement of the characteristic parameters, while the antenna circuit is supplied with the reference input value, storage of the characteristic parameters, measurement of a first output value of the antenna circuit, and determination of the field strength from the first output value and the characteristic parameters, whereby an effect of the characteristic parameters on the field strength is compensated. Use, for example, in motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Moser, Helmut Moser
  • Patent number: 7793185
    Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated circuit for a data transmission system comprising a) a plurality of functional units, b) a TAP controller, according to IEEE 1149, having a JTAG interface, and c) a test unit for testing the functionality of the functional units, whereby the test unit has at least two operating modes and at least one gate terminal for switching between the operating modes and is designed to connect circuit points, assigned to a specific operating mode, of the functional units to terminals of the integrated circuit, when the test unit is operated in the specific operating mode. According to the invention, the at least one gate terminal of the test unit is connected to the TAP controller and the integrated circuit is designed to switch between the operating modes depending on the internal states of the TAP controller. The invention relates furthermore to a receiving device of a data transmission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Geissler
  • Patent number: 7786789
    Abstract: A monolithic integrated circuit is provided that includes a semiconductor switch, a constant current source, a capacitor, and a load circuit, which has a load capacitance. An output of the semiconductor switch is connected to the load circuit to turn on and off a supply voltage of the load circuit. The capacitor is connected to the output of the semiconductor switch and to a control input of the semiconductor switch. The constant current source can be or is connected to the control input of the semiconductor switch. Also, a use of a semiconductor switch is provided to reduce the leakage current of a load circuit of a monolithic integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Dathe, Henry Drescher
  • Patent number: 7768948
    Abstract: A method for transmitting data between a base station and at least one remote unit is provided. Conventional approaches to communication based on a predefined uniform transmission protocol do not function especially in open RFID systems with at least one base station and tags of a different (and variable) type and number, in which different customers are provided with one and the same tag solution. Primarily if several customers each wish to use a customer-specific solution, this can no longer be represented by a single uniform code. The method of the present invention makes it possible to introduce new, protocol-extending instruction sequences (protocol extensions) and to recognize these reliably as such, whereby these are not in conflict with the existing protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Friedrich
  • Patent number: 7746231
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for load regulation of circuit components is arranged in a receive path of a transponder, having an input path through which a first voltage signal can be tapped, having a voltage sensor arranged in the input path for measuring the first voltage signal, having at least one output path through which a discharge current signal can be tapped, having at least one controllable auxiliary current source arranged between the input path and the output path to provide the at least one discharge current signal, the control side of the auxiliary current source being connected to an output of the voltage sensor such that the value of the discharge current signal increases exponentially with increasing voltage of the first voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Fischer
  • Patent number: 7746216
    Abstract: An RF transponder includes an input circuit, a read/memory circuit, and a circuit arrangement for holding a control state. The circuit arrangement includes a first storage device (e.g. a D-flip-flop) for storing the control state dependent on received control signals, and a second storage device (e.g. a capacitor and a transistor) for holding the control state during a period of inadequate energy supply to the circuit arrangement, e.g. while the transponder is in a field gap of the electromagnetic field emitted by a base station with which the transponder communicates. In an operating method, the control state is held by the second storage device during a period of inadequate energy supply. Then, when adequate energy is again supplied, the transponder resumes the control state that was held by the second storage device. The transponder continues to operate properly according to an anti-collision procedure in a system of several transponders communicating individually with a base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Ziebertz
  • Patent number: 7747790
    Abstract: An integrated driver circuit is provided for a LIN bus comprises a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal, which is to be connected to a bus line of the LIN bus and at which an output data signal, dependent on an input data signal, is output, whereby the output data signal is output according to a first or according to at least one second LIN bus specification depending on whether the input data signal is applied at the first input terminal or the at least second input terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Axel Pannwitz
  • Patent number: 7740465
    Abstract: A method and a casting mold for producing an optical semiconductor module is provided, wherein a semiconductor body having at least one optically active element on its top is introduced into a leadframe. Then conductive connections are established between the semiconductor body and the leadframe, and then the leadframe and semiconductor body are encapsulated in a casting mold. Wherein provided in the part of the casting mold that faces the top of the semiconductor body are masking bodies, which extend from the top inner wall of the casting mold towards the optically active elements and cover the elements with their respective end face in a way that seals out casting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Mutz, Hans-Peter Waible
  • Patent number: 7737713
    Abstract: An apparatus for hot-probing integrated semiconductor circuits on wafers is disclosed that includes a support device for accommodating the wafer, a measurement card with electronic circuitry for functional verification of the integrated semiconductor circuits on the wafers, and a test head with contact needles which establishes an electrical contact between the measurement card and the integrated semiconductor circuits, wherein a detachable and coolable shield plate is provided between the measurement card and wafer in order to protect the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Stadler
  • Patent number: 7733217
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting data in a radio frequency identification system, which includes a reader and at least one transponder, is provided. The reader transmits data sequences to the transponder including at least command data, associated check data, and a subsequent return link header data. Upon receiving unrecognized command data and/or unsupported parameter and address data the transponder notifies the reader of this condition. The notification takes place at times when the reader transmits end signals indicating an end of a data sequence, transmits an optional parameter and address data, or transmits the return link header data. Thus, communication between the reader and other transponders is not disrupted when a transponder cannot execute a command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Friedrich
  • Patent number: 7728717
    Abstract: A switching regulator for controlling transmit antennas of variable impedance, particularly transmit antennas of a keyless access authorization system in or for a vehicle, having an input terminal into which an antenna potential applied or appliable at the transmit antenna may be coupled, and having a control circuit designed to generate a compensation signal as a controlled variable for adapting the antenna potential to an actual output impedance and to establish a slope of the compensation signal depending on the actual antenna potential. The invention relates furthermore to a transceiver circuit with such a switching regulator and to a keyless access control system in or for a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Rebholz-Goldmann
  • Patent number: 7723198
    Abstract: An integrated semiconductor cascode circuit is provided that comprises an emitter layer, a first base area, a second base area, an intermediate area and a collector area. The first base area is arranged between the emitter layer and the intermediate area, and the second base area is arranged between the intermediate area and the collector area. A dielectric layer that is provided with a central opening is arranged between the first base area and the second base area. The invention also relates to a method for the production of said semiconductor cascode circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Brandl
  • Patent number: 7710213
    Abstract: A circuit for voltage limitation is provided in a transponder with a resonant circuit, which comprises at least one inductor, a capacitor, a depletion layer component with an input, output, and a control input, a first resonant circuit terminal, which is connected to the input of the depletion layer element, and a second resonant circuit terminal, which is connected to the output of the depletion layer element, whereby there is a connection between the control input of the depletion layer component and the first resonant circuit terminal and the second resonant circuit terminal. A method for voltage limitation in a transponder is provided, whereby for voltage limitation in the transmitting and receiving resonant circuit, the control terminal of the depletion layer element is driven by the voltage of the first and second resonant circuit terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Berhorst, Alexander Kurz, Peter Schneider
  • Patent number: 7705420
    Abstract: A component having at least one conductor path on a substrate, and a production method for fabricating such a component is provided. The component is made by providing at least one conductor path on a predefined area of the substrate. Then a dielectric insulating layer is formed over the at least one conductor path, and a an area of the substrate is completely back etched below the at least one conductor path beginning on the bottom side of the substrate in such a way that the at least one conductor path is supported across the completely back-etched area of the substrate by adhesion to the second insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Mojtaba Joodaki
  • Patent number: 7702488
    Abstract: A measuring device is disclosed for capacitive pressure and/or temperature measurement, particularly for tire pressure control systems, having at least one sensor, which has a capacitive measuring element to detect a state value, which is applied at an output-side measuring node of the measuring element, with at least one A/D converter operating according to the dual-slope method, with a charging/discharging circuit, for mutual charging and discharging of the measuring element and for generating a sawtooth-shaped measuring potential at the measuring node as a measure for the capacitance of the measuring element, with a period counter, which determines the periods of the measuring potential, and with a clock counter, which determines the cycles of a clock signal, which lie within the duration of at least one period of the measuring potential. The invention relates to a measuring method for capacitive pressure and/or temperature measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Moser, Thomas Saile
  • Patent number: RE41843
    Abstract: A method detects relaying of a contactless data communication by a radio amplifier for intercepting and manipulating the communication to achieve an unauthorized authentication. The method involves transmitting an electromagnetic field successively from at least two spatially separated antennas of a transmitting unit, receiving the transmitted fields in a receiving unit, determining field strength vectors of the received fields allocated to each antenna, and comparing actual values of the vectors with prescribed nominal values stored in a nominal value field that maps the true field strength distribution in multi-dimensional space around the transmitting unit. The actual field strength magnitude and the reception angle between the transmitting antennas can be determined from the vectors and compared with stored nominal values in this manner. When the determined actual values match prescribed nominal values of the nominal value field, the occurrence of a relaying of the signal can be reliably excluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Blatz, Helmut Moser