Patents Assigned to Broadcom Corporation
  • Overvoltage protection circuit with digital control
    Patent number: 9543752
    Abstract: A device for digitally protecting against an overvoltage event may include a front-end circuit, an overvoltage protection circuit, and a protection switch. The protection switch may be coupled to the overvoltage protection circuit and may be configured to decouple the front-end circuit from an external medium, in response to a clamp signal. The overvoltage protection circuit may be configured to detect the overvoltage event at one or more nodes of a circuit. In response to the detection of the overvoltage event, the overvoltage protection circuit may generate the clamp signal to activate the protection switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Roelof Westra, Jan Mulder, Qiongna Zhang, Jeffrey Allan Riley, Davide Vecchi
  • Methods, devices, and computer program products improving mobile communication
    Patent number: 9544011
    Abstract: A system for use in a mobile device comprises: a switch unit configured to switch a common connection of a transmitter and a first receiver from a first antenna to a second antenna and a connection of a second receiver from the second antenna to the first antenna; and a processing system configured to receive at least two reception signals from the first and second receivers; in response to receiving the two reception signals, evaluate a communication link via the first and second antennae; based on the evaluation of the communication link, determine that the transmitter needs to transmit via the second antenna; obtain reception parameters used by said first and second receivers; cause the switch unit to switch the common connection of the transmitter and a first receiver so that the transmitter transmits via the second antenna; and exchange reception parameters between the at least two receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seppo Olavi Rousu, Samuel Vehkalahti
  • One Time Programmable Memory with a Twin Gate Structure
    Publication number: 20170005103
    Abstract: A one-time programmable memory (OTP) is provided that includes a combined word line programming line (WL-PL). The OTP includes a programmable transistor having a first threshold voltage and a first breakdown voltage, and a pass transistor having a second threshold voltage and a second breakdown voltage. The combined WL-PL is electrically connected to respective gate electrodes of both the programmable transistor and the pass transistor so that both receive the same control voltage. The second gate electrode has a work function that is greater than that of the first gate electrode, so that the second gate breakdown voltage is greater than the first gate breakdown voltage, which enables the use of the combined WL-PL.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Qintao ZHANG, Mei XUE, Wenwei YANG, Akira ITO
  • High Voltage Input Stage Using Low Voltage Transistors
    Publication number: 20170005656
    Abstract: A structure for high voltage input stage for deep submicron is provided that does not include native devices. This structure is able to maintain high speed functionality without jeopardizing device reliability or DC (direct current) power consumption. A circuit apparatus includes a first stage that receives an input signal having an input voltage range and generates a first intermediary output signal and a second intermediary output signal. The first stage includes an N-type field effect transistor (NFET) circuit that receives the input signal and generates the first intermediary output signal, where the first intermediary output signal substantially follows the input signal in a first region of the input voltage range and is substantially constant in a second region of the input voltage range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: John SCHULER
  • Semiconductor Device with Split Work Functions
    Publication number: 20170005093
    Abstract: A field effect transistor (FET) configuration is provided having a gate region with a split work function for the source-side and drain-side of the gate region. The work function of a material is defined as the minimum energy required to extract an electron from the surface of the material to free space. Accordingly, the source-side portion of the gate region has a first work function that less than a second work function of the drain-side portion, the result of which is increased breakdown voltage at the drain-gate interface, without significantly increasing the threshold voltage of the FET. The split work function is achieved by layering n-type gate material over p-type gate material in the drain-side portion of the gate region, while only the n-type gate material us used in the source-side portion of the gate region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Qintao ZHANG, Mei XUE, Wenwei YANG, Akira ITO
  • Apparatus and Method to Monitor Thermal Runaway in a Semiconductor Device
    Publication number: 20170003339
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided that more accurately detect the onset of thermal runaway in a device and timely control it. According to one embodiment, changes in stand-by current and temperature of a transistor device are measured and are used to be compared to some thresholds to trigger the device to respond before the onset thermal runaway. According to another embodiment, stand-by current is measured and is compared to some thresholds to trigger the device to respond before the onset thermal runaway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Sam Ziqun ZHAO
  • Method and system for extended reach copper transceiver
    Patent number: 9537781
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for an extended range copper transceiver are provided. Reducing the communication rate provided by multi-rate physical (PHY) layer operations in an Ethernet transceiver may extend the range of the Ethernet transceiver over twisted-pair copper cabling from a standard connection length. The Ethernet transceiver may support up to 1 Gbps or up to 10 Gbps transmission rate over copper cabling. The multi-rate PHY layer architecture in the Ethernet transceiver may support signal-processing operations, such as echo cancellation and/or equalization, which may be applied to the reduced communication rate to enable range extension. The reduced communication rate may be achieved by reducing the symbol rate provided by the multi-rate PHY layer operations. Reducing the communication rate may also enable utilizing greater insertion loss cabling for a standard connection length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Conway, Minshine Shih, Scott Powell, Ali Abaye, Seyed Hamidi
  • Reconfigurable antenna structure with reconfigurable antennas and applications thereof
    Patent number: 9537201
    Abstract: A reconfigurable antenna structure includes first and second reconfigurable antennas, a configuration module, and an antenna processing circuit. The first reconfigurable antenna is configured, in response to a first configuration signal, to have a first radiation pattern and to have a first frequency bandwidth and the second reconfigurable antenna is configured, in response to a second configuration signal, to have a second radiation pattern and to have a second frequency bandwidth. The configuration module is configured to generate the first and second configuration signals. The antenna processing circuit is configured to send one or more transmit signals to one or more of the first and second reconfigurable antennas for transmission via one or more of the channels of interest and receive one or more receive signals from the one or more of the first and second reconfigurable antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nicolaos Georgiou Alexopoulos, Seunghwan Yoon, Alfred Grau Besoli
  • Dual anti-fuse
    Patent number: 9536883
    Abstract: According to one exemplary implementation, a dual anti-fuse structure includes a first channel in a common semiconductor fin adjacent to a first programmable gate. The dual anti-fuse structure further includes a second channel in said common semiconductor fin adjacent to a second programmable gate. A first anti-fuse is formed between the first channel and the first programmable gate. Furthermore, a second anti-fuse is formed between the second channel and the second programmable gate. The first programmable gate can be on a first sidewall of the common semiconductor fin and can comprise a first gate dielectric and a first electrode. The second programmable gate can be on a second sidewall of the common semiconductor fin and can comprise a second gate dielectric and a second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank Hui, Neal Kistler
  • Data transmission across independent streams
    Patent number: 9538199
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for transmission of related data components across independent streams. In one embodiment, among others, a transmitting device may separate transmission data into related data components and transmit each related data component in an associated transport stream. Each related data component includes a synchronization tag associated with synchronization of the related data component within the transmission data. In another embodiment, a receiving device may receive related data components transmitted in separate transport streams and decode the related data components based at least in part upon a synchronization tag included in each related data component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wade Wan, Rajesh Mamidwar, Xuemin Chen, Marcus Kellerman, Brett Tischler
  • Adaptive transmit beamforming for frequency division duplexing systems
    Patent number: 9537684
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus for performing an adaptive transmission scheme in a frequency division duplexing communication system based on channel state information estimated using an open-loop mode are described herein. In one example, the method includes estimating an impulse response of a channel using a signal received over a first frequency band of the channel from a device, transforming the impulse response into a frequency response of the channel, and subsequently performing the adaptive transmission scheme using the frequency response to transmit a signal to the device over a second frequency band of the channel that is different from the first frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Erik Richard Stauffer, Kamlesh Rath, Ying Xia, Bertrand Hochwald
  • Devices having multiple threshold voltages and method of fabricating such devices
    Patent number: 9536880
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating devices (e.g., FDSOI devices) having multiple threshold voltages are described. One method includes providing a first fixed charge region proximate to an interface of an insulating (e.g., buried oxide (BOX) layer) and a semiconductor substrate for a first device. The first charge region has a first configuration of fixed charges. The method also includes providing a second fixed charge region proximate to the interface of the insulating layer and the semiconductor substrate for the second device. The second charge region has a second configuration of fixed charges that is different than the first configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Qintao Zhang, Aimin Xing
  • Flashless optical network unit
    Patent number: 9535680
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for a flashless optical network unit (ONU) in a Passive Optical Network (PON) are provided herein. The method includes the steps of synchronizing on a downstream signal of an optical line terminal (OLT), receiving a first software from the OLT for its operation on a reserved downstream channel of the OLT, and storing the received first software in a volatile memory. The ONU does not pre-store the first software in a non-volatile memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Eli Elmoalem, David Avishai, Assaf Koren
  • Beamforming feedback tone/sub-carrier location within wireless communications
    Publication number: 20160380729
    Abstract: A wireless communication device (alternatively, device, WDEV, etc.) includes at least one processing circuitry configured to support communications with other WDEV(s) and to generate and process signals for such communications. In some examples, the device includes a communication interface and a processing circuitry, among other possible circuitries, components, elements, etc. to support communications with other WDEV(s) and to generate and process signals for such communications. The WDEV receives a null data packet (NDP) announcement frame that specifies a sub-carrier (SC) or tone grouping factor, a communication channel bandwidth, and other WDEV(s) to respond with beamforming feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ron Porat, Sriram Venkateswaran
  • Frequency Multiplier for a Phase-Locked Loop
    Publication number: 20160380752
    Abstract: The problem with duty-cycle correction circuits used by conventional frequency doubters is that they are typically analog solutions, such as variable delay lines with long chains of inverters or buffers, that directly adjust the reference signal used by a phase-locked loop (PLL). These solutions can considerably increase the noise (e.g., thermal noise and supply noise) of the reference signal, as well as the overall power consumption and cost of the PLL. Rather than directly correct the duty-cycle of the reference signal, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for measuring the period error between adjacent cycles of a frequency doubled reference signal in terms of cycles of the output signal generated by the PLL (or some other higher frequency signal) and adjusting the division factor of the PLL frequency divider to compensate for the measured period error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Fazil AHMAD, Pin-En SU, William HUFF, Greg UNRUH
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR WIRED DATA COMMUNICATION
    Publication number: 20160380647
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a wired communication device having media access control (MAC) circuitry and physical layer (PHY) circuitry. The MAC circuitry frames one or more data packets in accordance with a wired communication standard or protocol to provide one or more data frames. The one or more data frames include one or more packets that are separated by interpacket gaps (IPGs). The MAC circuitry selectively choses a duration of the IPGs to maintain an average IPG duration. The PHY circuitry encodes the one or more data frames in accordance with a line coding scheme that is efficiently represents different possible combinations for types of characters present in the one or more data frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ankit Sajjan Kumar BANSAL, Eric A. Baden
  • Methods and apparatuses for switch power down
    Patent number: 9529419
    Abstract: The discussion makes reference to methods and apparatuses for message-driven switch power, power control, and central processing unit (CPU)-assisted full switch power-down. The link layer in computer networking can be used to save power in switching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Wilson Bailey
  • Sectorization for grouping terminals
    Patent number: 9531523
    Abstract: A geographic region in which an access point AP lies is divided into sectors, each sector associated with a group; and a station is assigned to a group based on location information of the station relative to the sectors. The station can assign itself to a group autonomously, after determining the number of groups from signalling received from the AP. Or the AP can do the group assignments, such as by assessing distance between adjacent stations. The AP can utilize the station's location information to test whether a first link between the station and a first node of a first group is sufficient. If the test indicates that the first link is sufficient the AP can assign the station to the first group, else it will utilize the location information to test whether a second link between the station and a second node of a second group is sufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anna Pantelidou, Jari Tapani Westman
  • Method and apparatus for offloading data
    Patent number: 9532269
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for enabling efficient allocation of discovery resources for device to device communications. An example method may comprise establishing a cellular network connection to an access point. The method may further comprise establishing a local area network connection to a user equipment. Additionally, the method may comprise either receiving offloaded data for the user equipment from the access point via the cellular network connection and relaying the offloaded data to the user equipment via the local area network connection, or receiving offloaded data for the access point from the user equipment via the local area network connection and relaying the offloaded data to the access point via the cellular network connection. Similar and related example methods, example apparatuses, and example computer program products are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wei Hong, Na Wei, Haiming Wang, Erlin Zeng, Wei Bai, Pengfei Sun
  • Relay architectures for mobile wireless networks
    Patent number: 9532396
    Abstract: A communication device configured to route communications between one or more out-of-coverage communication devices using one or more proximity services (ProSe). For example, the communication device can be configured as a mobile device-to network relay. The communication device can be configured to route communications associated with one more out-of-coverage communication devices that are serviced by the communication device. The communication device can be configured to utilize Layer 3 routing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Dutt Kalapatapu, Ahmad Rahmati, Florin Baboescu, Kamesh Medapalli