Patents Assigned to Broadcom
  • Publication number: 20120169390
    Abstract: An integrated circuit supports auto-sense of voltage for drive strength adjustment. The method may comprise detecting an input voltage received at an auto-sense pad integrated on a mobile multimedia processing (MMP) chip. The input voltage may be a power supply voltage of the peripheral device received during power-up of the MMP chip, power-up of the peripheral circuitry, and/or dynamically while the MMP is powered-up. The auto-sense pad may adjust drive strength of at least one other pad, which may be an output pad or a bidirectional pad, integrated on the MMP chip may be configured to operate using the determined output voltage. A rise time and/or fall time of signals output by the MMP chip may be varied by the adjustment of the drive strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Barlow, Martin Whitfield, Timothy J. Ramsdale
  • Patent number: 8213862
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enable energy transfer via short-range RF communication between a main device and an associated device, thereby allowing the main device to energy charge the associated device. Accordingly, the need for a separate charger for the associated device can be eliminated. Embodiments of the present invention are suitable for applications in which the main device and the associated device operate in close proximity to each other. Further, embodiments of the present invention are suitable for applications in which the associated device is more energy-constrained than the main device. According to embodiments, energy transfer applications can be supported using near field communication (NFC). In an embodiment, energy transfer via NFC is enabled between a Bluetooth enabled cellular phone and a Bluetooth headset. In another embodiment, energy transfer via NFC is enabled between a Bluetooth enabled digital camera and a Bluetooth enabled digital frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: James Michael Muth
  • Patent number: 8212933
    Abstract: Noise-reduced pixels may be generated using outputs of filtering via a first filter and/or a second filter, and/or a blend of both outputs. Blending a current pixel and an output of filtering of current pixel via the first filter may generate a first blended current pixel. Filtering via the first filter may be based on the current pixel, a previous collocated pixel, and a next collocated pixel. Blending the current pixel and an output of filtering of current pixel via the second filter may generate a second blended current pixel. Filtering via the second filter may be based on the current pixel and a collocated pixel of the previous second blended video image or of the previous filtered output video image. Blending the first blended current pixel and the second blended current pixel using an adaptive blending factor may dynamically generate a filtered output pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Sheng Zhong
  • Patent number: 8213774
    Abstract: Spotlighting and other special effects are applied by processing circuitry in real time to received video streams. Effects tracking may be applied to fixed regions or moving regions or objects of interest. Viewers interact via conventional remote controls and other user interfaces to set effect parameters. Other special effects employed include zooming, masking, etc. and can be used to enhance one or more spotlight effects. Televisions, set top boxes and media players house the underlying circuitry. Effects are applied to layered and non-layered video streams to form layered and combined video stream output. Video outputs also deliver effect parameters such as region of interest location along with a video stream. Such effect parameters assist in the downstream application of dynamic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Sandeep Kumar Relan, Brajabandhu Mishra, Rajendra Kumar Khare
  • Patent number: 8213611
    Abstract: A two-stage block synchronization and scrambling module includes a synchronization PRNG module, a scramble PRNG module, a summing module, and a storage module. The synchronization PRNG module is clocked once per N+1 bit PCS frame (N arbitrary) to produce a synchronization bit and a pseudo-random starting state for the scramble PRNG. The scramble PRNG module is clocked N times per PCS frame to produce a cipher stream starting with a pseudo-random state from the synchronization PRNG. The summing module is operably coupled to sum the cipher stream and a PCS frame payload to produce scrambled payload. The storage module is operably coupled to store the scrambled payload with the synchronization bit. Synchronization bits from successive frames are a running bit-serial representation of the synchronization PRNG state and are used by the receiver to synchronize with the transmit scrambler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Gottfried Ungerboeck, Scott Richard Powell, Ba-Zhong Shen
  • Patent number: 8213447
    Abstract: The present invention enables the coupling and decoupling of multiple processing devices to a network without disrupting the network. In an embodiment, the invention provides a switch having a network port and several initiator ports each configured for coupling to a processing device. The switch is configured to route data from the network port to the initiator ports and from the initiator ports to the network port. A management agent facilitates operation of the switch by processing port initializations, replying to device registration requests, and processing predetermined unsolicited discovery commands. During operation, the management agent enables configuration changes caused, for example, by the coupling and/or decoupling of processing device to initiator ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Kean P. Hurley, Bhavi Saklecha, Alfonso Y. Ip
  • Patent number: 8213937
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for dynamic adjustment of power, antenna direction and frequencies in a femtocell network are provided. In this regard, a communication system may comprise a plurality of femtocells, one or more base stations, and a femtocell management entity that coordinates operation of the plurality of femtocells. One or more parameters may be communicated from one of the plurality of femtocells and/or one or more base stations to the femtocell management entity. The femtocell management entity may be enabled to utilize the one or more parameters to determine configuration information for one of the plurality of femtocells and/or for one or more remaining ones of the plurality of femtocells. One of the plurality of femtocells may be enabled to receive the determined configuration information from the femtocell management entity. One of the plurality of femtocells may be configured utilizing the received determined configuration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Vinko Erceg, Charles Abraham, Xuemin Chen, Wael William Diab, Victor T Hou, Jeyhan Karaoguz, Mark Kent
  • Patent number: 8214851
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for constructing dispatch tables match application program interface service routines. The invention includes reading a header file of the application program interface. The invention further includes generating a corresponding dispatch table for at least one device indicated in the header file, wherein the corresponding dispatch tables are generated based on information read from the header file. The invention further includes verifying that the information contained in the dispatch tables is consistent with current requirements of the application program interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Talayco, Brian Baird
  • Patent number: 8212392
    Abstract: Methods and systems for supplying power to multiple voltage islands using a single supply source are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include providing power to a first of a plurality of voltage islands, and individually controlling providing of power to each of a remaining portion of the plurality of voltage islands. For example, when an electronic system is first powered on, a low current voltage source may be used to supply power to a primary voltage island. As a higher current voltage source becomes available, power derived from the higher current voltage source may be provided to the primary voltage island and to secondary voltage islands. Power to each of the secondary voltage islands may be, for example, individually controlled via a power MOS transistor. The power MOS transistor may also be configured to allow a faster blocking time than unblocking time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ariel Pickholz, Long Nguyen, Shay Mizrachi
  • Patent number: 8213864
    Abstract: A Bluetooth host in a normal mode is enabled to monitor activities at USB endpoints. A Bluetooth USB radio has one or more active Bluetooth connections with peer Bluetooth radios. When each of the Bluetooth connections is in sniff mode, the Bluetooth host enables cancellation of normal USB activities at USB endpoints to enter a low power mode. The Bluetooth connections are still alive while the Bluetooth host is in the low power mode. In the low power mode, the Bluetooth host is enabled not to poll the bulk endpoint and to poll a USB interrupt endpoint in extended intervals for Bluetooth data received from the Bluetooth USB radio. The Bluetooth host is enabled to switch from the low power mode to the normal mode to process the received Bluetooth data over the bulk endpoint when a specific HCI event is received over the interrupt endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Victor Zhodzishsky, Shawn Shiliang Ding
  • Patent number: 8213582
    Abstract: A system and method for processing a communication signal from a wireline is provided. The system comprises a coupling unit and signal processing circuitry. The coupling unit comprises at least one transformer and is configured to receive the communication signal from the wireline. The coupling unit is also configured to generate a first signal based on amplifying the communication signal according to a first winding ratio of the at least one transformer and a second signal based on attenuating the communication signal according to a second winding ratio of the transformer. The signal processing circuitry is configured to process the first signal and the second signal. The wireline is optionally a powerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Europe Limited
    Inventor: Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 8214893
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for communication of information in a mobile communication device (WMCD) configured to network connection may include discovering via a wireless mobile communication device, available communication resources based on acquired biometric data for a user of the WMCD, and communicating multimedia information between the WMCD and one or more of the discovered available resources. The acquired biometric data may include physical and behavioral biometric data to be authenticated and validated by a pattern recognition database. A connection between the WMCD and one or more discovered available resources may be established through linking the acquired biometric data to resources in available local or remote network. The established connection may enable the WMCD to consume or redirect media from the available resources and may be dynamically adjusted and updated based on dynamic sensing of the acquired biometric data in the available network or available resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Quigley, Alexander MacInnis, Arya Behzad, Jeyhan Karaoguz, John Walley, Mark Buer
  • Patent number: 8213602
    Abstract: There is provided a method for encrypting a data stream using multiple algorithms. In one embodiment, a first portion of the data stream is encrypted with a first algorithm utilizing a first key to generate a first encrypted portion. The first algorithm can be, for example, a Triple Data Encryption Algorithm (TDEA). Data indicating the first algorithm and the first key is then transmitted. Then, the first encrypted portion of the data stream is transmitted. Thereafter, a second portion of the data stream is encrypted with a second algorithm utilizing a second key to generate a second encrypted portion. The second algorithm can be, for example, a Single Data Encryption Algorithm (SDEA). Next, data indicating the second algorithm and the second key is transmitted. Thereafter, the first encrypted portion of the data stream is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Rajesh Mamidwar
  • Patent number: 8212149
    Abstract: Magnetic field distribution and mutual capacitance control for transmission lines are provided. A first circuit board is fabricated by attaching a reference plane layer to a dielectric material layer, and attaching a first trace to the second surface of the dielectric material. A surface profile of the reference plane layer is modified to decrease a resistance of a return current signal path through the reference plane layer, to reduce a magnetic field coupling between the first trace and a second trace. A second circuit board is fabricated by attaching a reference plane layer to a dielectric material layer, attaching a trace to the dielectric material, and forming a solder mask layer on the dielectric material layer over the trace. An effective dielectric constant of the solder mask layer is modified to reduce or increase a mutual capacitance between the first trace and a second trace on the dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Sampath Komarapalayam Velayudham Karikalan, Rezaur Rahman Khan
  • Patent number: 8213769
    Abstract: One or more methods and systems of efficiently indexing a digitized video stream is presented. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a coded video stream containing non-scrambled frame location indicators and scrambled video data, filtering the non-scrambled frame location indicators, and generating a database used for indexing frames. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor such as a hardware and/or software capable of generating a database used for improving video playback functionality by way of filtering non-scrambled indicators that define the start of frames in a digitized video stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Jiang Fu, Sherman (Xuemin) Chen
  • Patent number: 8213309
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing reservation request overhead in a communications network in which devices are connected via a coax network are provided. A method for managing transmission of data over a MoCA network according to the invention may include monitoring data transmission requirements at a node on the network; generating statistics of the data transmission requirements; predicting transmission requirements from the statistics; and reserving future transmission opportunities in view of the predicted transmission requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Avraham Kliger, Philippe Klein, Yitshak Ohana
  • Patent number: 8214206
    Abstract: A technique is described herein for reducing audible artifacts in an audio output signal generated by decoding a received frame in a series of frames representing an encoded audio signal in a predictive coding system. In accordance with the technique, it is determined if the received frame is one of a predefined number of received frames that follow a lost frame in the series of the frames. Responsive to determining that the received frame is one of the predefined number of received frames, at least one parameter or signal associated with the decoding of the received frame is altered from a state associated with normal decoding. The received frame is then decoded in accordance with the at least one parameter or signal to generate a decoded audio signal. The audio output signal is then generated based on the decoded audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Jes Thyssen, Juin-Hwey Chen, Robert W. Zopf
  • Patent number: 8213180
    Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly is provided that includes a PCB, an integrated circuit package, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield ring, and a heat sink lid. A first surface of the package is mounted to a first surface of the PCB. The EMI shield ring is mounted to the first surface of the PCB in a ring around the package. A first surface of the heat sink lid includes a recessed region and first and second supporting portions separated by the recessed region. The heat sink lid is mated with the EMI shield ring such that the package is positioned in an enclosure formed by the EMI shield ring and the recessed region of the heat sink lid. A second surface of the package may interface with a surface of the recessed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Sam Ziqun Zhao, Calvin Wong
  • Patent number: 8213141
    Abstract: A Power over Ethernet electrostatic discharge protection circuit has a first diode with an anode coupled to a positive power port and a cathode coupled to an ESD protection port. A second diode has an anode coupled to ground and a cathode coupled to the positive power port. A third diode has an anode coupled to a negative power port and a cathode coupled to the ESD protection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Agnes Woo
  • Patent number: 8213895
    Abstract: A powerline communications device comprises a powerline communications interface and at least one other communications interface configured to communicate over a computing network. The powerline communications interface is further configured to receive electrical power. The computing network may comprise mediums including powerlines, telephone lines, and/or coaxial cables. In some embodiments, the powerline communications interface may communicate with a network apparatus, such as a personal computer, via an Ethernet interface. The powerline interface, the telephone line interface, and/or the coaxial cable interface may all be associated with the same media access control (MAC) address. The powerline communications device may receive a message via a first medium and repeat the message via a second medium based on a quality of service (QoS) metric. In some embodiments, the powerline communications device may communicate using multiple frequency bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Europe Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz, Juan Carlos Riveiro, David Ruiz