Patents Assigned to Austriamicrosystems AG
  • Publication number: 20110316488
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for supplying energy, comprising: a first input adapted to receive a first voltage from a first terminal of a control component, a second input adapted to receive a second voltage from a second terminal of the control component, a first output adapted to receive output a control signal to a control terminal of the control component for controlling an energy supply of an electrical load; and a power determining arrangement, comprising a switched-capacitor arrangement having an input coupled to the first and the second input of the circuit arrangement and an output coupled to the first output of the circuit arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Manfred Lueger
  • Publication number: 20110316499
    Abstract: A current source regulator for controlling an output device (Mp) of current source, the output device (Mp) providing an output current (Isrc) to a load. The current source regulator comprises a first feedback loop (1) and second feedback loop (2). The first feedback loop (1) includes a first sensing path to provide a first sensing signal (Is1) for comparison with a first reference to generate a first control signal. The second feedback loop (2) comprises a second sensing path to provide a second sensing signal (Is3, Is3?) for comparison with a second reference (Ib5) to generate a charging current signal (Icharge). The charging current signal (Icharge) is applied to the control signal during a transient state of the current source regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Pramod Singnurkar
  • Patent number: 8085092
    Abstract: An amplifier arrangement comprises a first transistor (18), a first bias transistor (13) and a first field-effect transistor (51). A first input signal (VN) is supplied for amplification to a control terminal of the first transistor (18). The first bias transistor (13) is coupled to the first transistor (18) via a first node (12). The first field-effect transistor (51) is coupled for clamping of a first node voltage (V1) provided at the first node (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Pramod Singnurkar
  • Publication number: 20110309803
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for switching an electrical load having at least one capacitive component and one inductive component in a bridge branch of a bridge circuit comprises a charging of the bridge branch to a first voltage (V1) in a forward switching phase (F), a discharging of the capacitive component of the electrical load in a first open switching phase (O1), a charging of the bridge branch to a second voltage (V2) in a reverse switching phase (R), with the second voltage (V2) being polarized inversely from the first voltage (V1), and a negative charging of the capacitive component of the electrical load in a second open switching phase (O2). A bridge circuit is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: AUSTRIAMICROSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Andreas FITZI, Stephan DOBRETSBERGER
  • Publication number: 20110298104
    Abstract: A semiconductor body comprises a protective structure. The protective structure (10) comprises a first and a second region (11, 12) which have a first conductivity type and a third region (13) that has a second conductivity type. The second conductivity type is opposite the first conductivity type. The first and the second region (11, 12) are arranged spaced apart in the third region (13), so that a current flow from the first region (11) to the second region (12) is made possible for the limiting of a voltage difference between the first and the second region (11, 12). The protective structure comprises an insulator (14) that is arranged on the semiconductor body (9) and an electrode (16) that is constructed with floating potential and is arranged on the insulator (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Hubert Enichlmair
  • Publication number: 20110293106
    Abstract: A signal-processing circuit for the generation of a loudspeaker signal comprises an input for the feeding of a digital input signal and a digital equalizer filter that is coupled with the input and has at least one first recursive filter that is defined by a first adjustable set of coefficients. An amplification device coupled with the equalizer filter is designed to generate the loudspeaker signal as a function of the filtered input signal and to output on an output terminal. A current measurement device is designed to output a digital measurement signal that represents a current of the loudspeaker signal. A digital filter block is designed to generate, through filtering, an estimate signal as a function of the measurement signal. For this purpose, the filter block has at least one second recursive filter that is defined by a second adjustable set of coefficients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventors: Mario MANNINGER, Franz Fuerbass
  • Publication number: 20110291633
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the current source arrangement comprises a current source (B), that has two output terminals (102, 103) and a control input (101) to be supplied with a control voltage (Vgs) and is set up to provide a current (I) as a function of a voltage (Vds) at the output terminals (102, 103) and the control voltage (Vgs), an operating point adjustment unit (E) that is supplied with an actual value (Vi) proportional to an actual value of the current (I) and is set up to provide the control voltage (Vgs) as a function of the actual value (Vi) and a predetermined target value (Iz) of the current (I), and a comparison unit (A) coupled to the control input (101) of the current source (B) for providing a monitoring signal (100), wherein the monitoring signal (100) is provided as a function of a predetermined limit voltage (VG) and the control voltage (Vgs). A method for operating a current source arrangement is also specified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventors: Gilbert PROMITZER, Peter Rust, Peter Boesmueller
  • Patent number: 8067974
    Abstract: A signal transformation arrangement comprises a first input tap (1) to receive a first input signal (IN_P), a first output terminal (3) to provide a first output signal (OUT_P) and a first coupling circuit (10) which couples the first input tap (1) to a first energy storing device (11) depending on a first clock signal (CLK—1) and which couples the first energy storing device (11) to the first output terminal (3) depending on a first inverted clock signal (XCLK—1). The signal transformation arrangement further comprises a second coupling circuit (20) which couples the first input tap (1) to a second energy storing device (21) depending on a second clock signal (CLK—2) and which couples the second energy storing device (21) to the first output terminal (3) depending on a second inverted clock signal (XCLK—2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventors: Herbert Lenhard, Josef Kriebernegg, Fabien Boitard
  • Patent number: 8063458
    Abstract: A micromechanical component that can be produced in an integrated thin-film method is disclosed, which component can be produced and patterned on the surface of a substrate as multilayer construction. At least two metal layers that are separated from the substrate and with respect to one another by interlayers are provided for the multilayer construction. Electrically conductive connecting structures provide for an electrical contact of the metal layers among one another and with a circuit arrangement arranged in the substrate. The freely vibrating membrane that can be used for an inertia sensor, a microphone or an electrostatic switch can be provided with matching and passivation layers on all surfaces in order to improve its mechanical properties, said layers being concomitantly deposited and patterned during the layer producing process or during the construction of the multilayer construction. Titanium nitride layers are advantageously used for this.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Loeffler, Franz Schrank
  • Patent number: 8063700
    Abstract: An amplifier arrangement has an amplifier (3) with a signal input (31), a feedback input (32) and a signal output (33). A first coupling path (FB1), which has a first impedance element (R1), connects the feedback input (32) to the signal output (33). A second coupling path (FB2) has a filter device (4), a buffer circuit (5) and a second impedance element (R2) connected in series, and connects the feedback input (32) to the signal output (33) or to the signal input (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventors: Thomas Fröhlich, Nicole Heule
  • Patent number: 8063689
    Abstract: An output stage includes a system input and a system output, a first transistor having a first control input and a first controlled path, and a second transistor having a second control input and a second controlled path. The second controlled path is in series with the first controlled path and the system output. A first current-controlled voltage source has an input that is electrically connected to the system input. The first current-controlled voltage source has an output that is electrically connected to the first control input of the first transistor. A second current-controlled voltage source has an input that is electrically connected to the system input. The second current-controlled voltage source has an output that is electrically connected to the second control input of the second transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Helmut Theiler
  • Patent number: 8063585
    Abstract: A current source arrangement, in which at least one branch, comprising a current source (1) and means (2) for the connection of an electrical load (3), is provided. A comparator (5) with transistor (7) connected downstream is connected to a voltage tapping node (4) of said branch. The transistor (7) is connected to a common signal line (8), which is in turn connected to a feedback input of a DC voltage regulator (10). The arrangement can be extended with any number of further branches given a common signal line (8). The current source arrangement proposed is suitable in particular for supplying a plurality of LED array segments for illumination applications and displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Peter Trattler
  • Publication number: 20110279173
    Abstract: A controlled charge pump comprises a clock operated charge pump having an output terminal to provide an output voltage. A first sub-circuit is coupled to the output terminal of the clocked operated charge pump and adapted to provide a first control signal in response to a comparison of the output voltage with a first reference signal. A second sub-circuit is coupled to the clocked operated charge pump and provides a second control signal in response to a comparison of a switch current within the clocked operated charge pump with a second reference signal. A clock skip controller is adapted to control the mode of operation of the clocked operated charge pump in response to that first and second control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Pramod Singnurkar
  • Patent number: 8059020
    Abstract: An adjustable analog-digital converter arrangement comprising: an input adapted for receiving an input signal; an analog-digital converter operating by successive approximation, having a signal input coupled with the input, wherein said converter is adapted for converting an analog signal at the signal input into a digital value; an attenuator with an output, wherein an input of said attenuator is coupled to the signal input and is adapted for an amplitude change of signals applied to its input, wherein the amplitude change is controllable by means of a control input, and wherein the attenuator comprises switchable capacitors and forms a part of a first stage of said analog-digital converter; a control circuit having an output coupled to the control input of the attenuator and adapted to initialize, as a function of a comparison of a signal output by the analog-digital converter with a threshold, an automatic adjustment of the attenuation by generating a control signal, and having an output for the output of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Gregor Schatzberger
  • Publication number: 20110273173
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement comprises at least one magnetic-field sensor (SM1). A signal-processing unit (PROC) is set up to determine a minimum signal (MIN) and a maximum signal (MAX) of the magnetic-field sensor (SM1) over the full scale range (FSR) of the sensor arrangement. An adjustment circuit (DSPL) is set up to generate a correction signal (COR) as a function of the minimum and maximum signals (MIN, MAX). A first combination means (ADD1) couples the first magnetic-field sensor (SM1) on the input side to the adjustment circuit (DSPL) and connects the magnetic-field sensor (SM1) on the output side to a signal output (OUT).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventors: Kurt RIEDMUELLER, Thomas OSWALD
  • Publication number: 20110273172
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement comprises at least a first magnetic-field sensor (SM1) and a second magnetic-field sensor (SM2). A signal-processing unit (PROC) is set up to determine a minimum signal (MIN) and a maximum signal (MAX) of the first or second magnetic-field sensor (SM1, SM2) in the full scale range (FSR) of the sensor arrangement The first or second magnetic-field sensor (SM1, SM2) can be selected by means of a selection means (MOV) depending on the minimum and maximum signal (MIN, MAX).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventors: Kurt RIEDMUELLER, Thomas OSWALD
  • Publication number: 20110260702
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a voltage converter comprises a step-down converter (DC), to which can be supplied, on the inlet side, an inlet voltage (VBat), to which is supplied, on the inlet side, a control voltage (Vs), and which has an outlet (11) to make available a first outlet voltage (V1), as a function of the inlet voltage (VBat) and the control voltage (Vs), a charge pump (CP), coupled with the step-down converter (DC) on its outlet (11), with an outlet (12) to make available a second outlet voltage (V2), as a function of the inlet voltage (VBat) and the first outlet voltage (V1), and a voltage regulator (Ctl), to which a first effective voltage (Vb), as a function of the first outlet voltage (V1), and a second effective voltage (Vr), as a function of the second outlet voltage (V2), are supplied, and which has an outlet to make available the control voltage (Vs), as a function of the first and the second effective voltages (Vb, Vr). Moreover, a method for voltage conversion is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Jan ENENKEL
  • Publication number: 20110260284
    Abstract: In the insulation layer (2) of an SOI substrate (1), a connection pad (7) is arranged. A contact hole opening (9) above the connection pad is provided on side walls and on the connection pad with a metallization (11) that is contacted on the top side with a top metal (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: AUSTRIAMICROSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Franz Schrank, Günther Koppitsch, Michael Beutl, Sara Carniello, Jochen Kraft
  • Patent number: 8044702
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method for providing a temperature-dependent signal. Several current sources (1, 2) are provided, which are switchably connected to one or more diodes (8). The conducting-state voltage of the diode is compared with a reference signal (Vr) in a comparator (10). A control circuit (12) controls the current sources (1, 2) so that for calibrating in each calibration step, only one of the current sources is activated and, in another calibration step, all of the current sources (1, 2) are activated. Therefore, error terms can be calculated, which allow a very exact provision of a temperature-dependent signal with respect to the matching of the current sources to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Mark Niederberger
  • Patent number: 8040160
    Abstract: A driver arrangement comprises a charge pump based oscillator (OSC) having a first charging element (CE1) with a first capacitance (C1) for generating an oscillator signal depending on a first capacitance (C1) and on a first charging current (I1). A controllable current source (CCS) is configured to generated a first and a second charging current (I1, I2) depending on a current control signal, wherein first and second charging currents (I1, I2) have a first predetermined scaling ratio (?). The current control signal is provided by a control unit (CTL). An output circuit (DRV) of the driver arrangement comprises a second charging element (CE2) having a second capacitance (C2). The output circuit (DRV) is configured to generate an output signal depending on a data signal (TXD), on the second charging current (I2) and on the second capacitance (C2). Herein, the second capacitance (C2) has a second predetermined scaling ratio (?) with respect to the first capacitance (C1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Krishna Kanth Gowri Avalur