Patents Assigned to Freescale Semiconductor
  • Patent number: 9445050
    Abstract: A teleconferencing environment is provided in which both audio and visual cues are used to identify active participants and presenters. Embodiments provide an artificial environment, configurable by each participant in a teleconference, that directs the attention of a user to an identifier of an active participant or presenter. This direction is provided, in part, by stereo-enhanced audio that is associated with a position of a visual identifier of an active participant or presenter that has been placed on a window of a computer screen. The direction is also provided, in part, by promotion and demotion of attendees between attendee, active participant, and current presenter and automatic placement of an image related to an attendee on the screen in response to such promotion and demotion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward O. Travis, Douglas M. Reber
  • Patent number: 9443845
    Abstract: An integrated circuit comprises a transistor body control circuit for controlling a body of a bidirectional power transistor. The transistor body control circuit comprises switches connected between a body terminal and a first current terminal, with a control terminal for controlling the current flowing through the switch. The control terminal of the switch is connected to alternating current, AC capacitive voltage divider. The AC capacitive voltage dividers are connected to the control terminals and arranged to control the switches to switch the voltage of the body terminal as a function of the voltage between the first current terminal and the second current terminal. The integrated circuit further comprises a bi-directional power transistor connected to the transistor body control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Evgueniy Stafanov, Edouard Denis De Fresart, Hubert Michel Grandry
  • Patent number: 9442501
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including a voltage regulator is disclosed. The voltage regulator may include a multipath amplifier stage, a driver stage coupled to the multipath amplifier stage, a dynamic compensation circuit coupled to the multipath amplifier stage, and a current compensation circuit. The dynamic compensation circuit may be operable to provide a varying level of compensation to the multipath amplifier stage, where the varying level of compensation proportional to a current level associated with the load; and the current compensation circuit may be operable to allow a minimum current level at the driver stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefano Pietri, Chris C. Dao, Andre Luis Vilas Boas
  • Patent number: 9444048
    Abstract: A method of forming a circuitry includes providing a substrate comprising a plurality of die. Each die includes a plurality of resistive random access memory (RRAM) storage cells. The method further includes concurrently initializing substantially all of the RRAM storage cells on the same wafer. Initializing can include applying a voltage potential across the RRAM storage cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc
    Inventors: Peter J. Kuhn, Feng Zhou
  • Patent number: 9442508
    Abstract: A reference voltage source comprises a bandgap voltage reference circuit having a first node and an output node, the output node being arranged for providing a reference voltage. A curvature correction circuit has an input node connected to the output node and/or to a base of a first bipolar device of the bandgap voltage reference circuit and/or to a base of a second bipolar device of the bandgap voltage reference circuit. The curvature correction circuit has an output node connected to the first node of the bandgap voltage reference circuit. The curvature correction circuit comprises a current source for providing a current having a different temperature dependency than a temperature dependency of a first current through the first bipolar device of the bandgap voltage reference circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Victorovich Kochkin, Sergey Sergeevich Ryabchenkov
  • Patent number: 9443782
    Abstract: A method for protecting terminal elements on a wafer during wafer level fabrication processes entails applying a protective coating to the terminal elements prior to further processing operations. These processing operations may include back side grinding of the wafer and/or saw-to-reveal operations to expose the terminal elements from a cap wafer of a wafer structure. The protective coating can protect the terminal elements from potentially damaging contaminants, such as debris from the grinding or saw-to-reveal operations. Furthermore, the protective coating can protect the bond pads from coming into contact with a rapidly oxidizing environment when exposed to water. The protective coating may be a hot-water soluble thermoplastic material the melts from a solid form to a liquid form at a relatively low temperature to enable application of the protective coating in liquid form onto the terminal elements and clean removal of the protective coating from the terminal elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Steimle, Dwight L. Daniels, Veera M. Gunturu
  • Patent number: 9442819
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing trace data within a processing system. The method includes configuring at least one Error Correction Code, ECC, component within the processing system to operate in a trace data storage operating mode, generating trace data at a debug module of the processing system, and conveying the trace data from the debug module to the at least one ECC component for storing in an area of memory used for ECC information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Peter Broderick, Dirk Heisswolf, Andreas Ralph Pachl
  • Patent number: 9443041
    Abstract: A simulation system for testing a simulation of a device against one or more violation rules is described. The simulation system comprises a device simulator for executing the simulation of the device using a device design, a device model and a simulation scenario; and one or more violation monitor for each violation rule. At least one of the violation monitors comprises a violation information detector and a threshold controller. The violation information detector is arranged to detect one or more violations of the respective violation rule of the one or more violation rules during the executing the simulation of the device and, for each violation, determine information representing the respective violation, wherein the detecting the one or more violations comprises comparing a simulated parameter against a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehul Shroff, Peter Abramowitz, Xavier Hours
  • Patent number: 9444471
    Abstract: A phase detector for generating a phase difference signal indicative of a phase difference between a first bi-level signal of frequency F1 and a second bi-level signal of frequency F2 is proposed. The phase detector may include first and second detector inputs, first and second flip-flops, a NAND gate, and a first and second overphase detection units. An output of the first overphase detection unit may be connected to a direct input of the second flip-flop and may be arranged to output the level “1” in response to F1?F2 and the level “0” in response to F1>F2. An output of the second overphase detection unit may be connected to a direct input of the first flip-flop and may be arranged to output the level “1” in response to F2?F1 and the level “0” in response to F2>F1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Gennady Mihaylovich Vydolob
  • Patent number: 9444661
    Abstract: A receiver system includes a DC (direct current) offset estimation block configured to capture a plurality of sample pairs, each sample pair including a first sample of a first signal and a second sample of a second signal. The first and second signals are passed through one or more gain elements. The DC offset estimation block is also configured to apply a modified circle-fit algorithm to the plurality of sample pairs to estimate a first DC offset exhibited by the first signal and a second DC offset exhibited by the second signal, the first and second DC offsets generated by the gain elements, the modified circle-fit algorithm includes a magnitude approximation term used to iteratively estimate the first and second DC offsets. The receiver system also includes a DC offset correction block configured to calculate one or more correction control signals based on the first and second DC offsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Khurram Waheed, Kevin B. Traylor
  • Patent number: 9444135
    Abstract: An integrated circuit package has a first side and an opposite second side. The integrated circuit package comprises: a stack of layers comprising at least a first and second electrically isolating layers, a dielectric material arranged on the stack of layers at the second side for encapsulating the integrated circuit package, a first integrated antenna structure for transmitting and/or receiving a first radio frequency signal, and a first array of electrically conductive vias extending through at least the first electrically isolating layer and the dielectric material. The first integrated antenna structure is arranged between the first and second electrically isolating layers and is surrounded by the electrically conductive vias which are electrically connected to respective first metal patches arranged on the dielectric material at the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ziqiang Tong, Ralf Reuter
  • Patent number: 9438030
    Abstract: A trigger circuit detects a transient voltage increase on an integrated circuit. The trigger circuit controls a conductivity state of a clamping device to limit the transient voltage increase. The trigger circuit comprises a common capacitive element having a capacitive value, wherein a first time value and a second time value are dependent upon the capacitive value of the common capacitive element, the first time value applicable to an unpowered state of the integrated circuit and the second time value applicable to a powered state of the integrated circuit. The first time value and the second time value control a trigger circuit parameter which may include a detection range within which a rate of transient voltage increase causes the trigger circuit to become active or an “on” time upon which an active duration of control of the conductivity state of the clamping device depends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Stockinger
  • Patent number: 9437277
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes enable circuitry coupled to receive transmit data and configured to set a clock enable to a first logic state when a data value of the transmit data changes to a different logic state. The circuit also includes clock control circuitry coupled to receive the clock enable and a data rate clock and configured to provide a filtered data rate clock, wherein the data rate clock is provided as the filtered data rate clock while the clock enable is the first logic state. The circuit also includes a flip flop having a clock input coupled to receive the filtered data rate clock, a data output coupled to provide final transmit data in response to the filtered data rate clock, and an inverting data input coupled to the data output, wherein the final transmit data corresponds to a first delayed version of the transmit data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Welker, Joshua Siegel
  • Patent number: 9435277
    Abstract: The present application provides a calibration device for calibrating a crank angle of a calibrateable combustion engine, the calibrateable combustion engine and a method for calibrating. The calibration device is provided to determine a trigger wheel angle offset from a combustionless driving of the combustion engine in that an in-cylinder pressure profile is recorded, on the basis of which a trigger wheel angle offset is determined and stored at an offset memory of the combustion engine. The combustion engine is configured to determine a crank angle on the basis of a measured trigger wheel angle and the stored trigger wheel angle offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Robert Garrard, William E. Edwards, Alistair Paul Robertson
  • Patent number: 9438358
    Abstract: A receiver unit comprising a mixer, a test signal unit, a multiplexer unit, an amplifier unit, a signal strength unit, and a digital control unit is described. The mixer may be arranged to downconvert a received radio-frequency signal to an intermediate frequency, thereby generating a reception signal having the intermediate frequency. The multiplexer unit may be connected to the mixer and to the test signal unit and arranged to select, among the reception signal and a test signal, a multiplexer output signal in dependence on an operating signal. The amplifier unit may be connected to the multiplexer unit and arranged to amplify the multiplexer output signal, thereby generating an amplified signal. The signal strength unit may be connected to the amplifier unit and arranged to generate a signal strength indicator indicative of a signal strength of the amplified signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominique Delbecq, Fares Jaoude
  • Patent number: 9435833
    Abstract: An IC driver includes a resistor detector to detect whether at least a threshold resistance is present between a pin of the IC driver and the gate of an IGBT. The resistor detector can include a comparator that compares a voltage at the collector of the IGBT to a threshold reference voltage (e.g., ground). In response to drive signals of the IC driver being switched off, a parasitic inductance causes a voltage drop at the emitter of the IGBT, and a commensurate voltage drop at the IGBT collector. If the resistance between the IC driver pin and the IGBT gate is lower than a specified level, the voltage drop at the IGBT collector will be such that the collector voltage falls below the threshold reference voltage. In response, the comparator asserts a signal indicating a fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ibrahim S. Kandah, Kim R. Gauen
  • Patent number: 9437701
    Abstract: Integrated circuit devices with counter-doped conductive gates. The devices have a semiconductor substrate that has a substrate surface. The devices also have a first well of a first conductivity type, a source of a second conductivity type, and a drain of the second conductivity type. A channel extends between the source and the drain. A conductive gate extends across the channel. The conductive gate includes a first gate region and a second gate region of the second conductivity type and a third gate region of the first conductivity type. The third gate region extends between the first and second gate regions. The devices further include a gate dielectric that extends between the conductive gate and the substrate and also include a silicide region in electrical communication with the first, second, and third gate regions. The methods include methods of manufacturing the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Weize Chen, Richard J. de Souza, Md M. Hoque, Patrice M. Parris
  • Patent number: 9438537
    Abstract: An electronic device communicates according to a network protocol that defines data packets, for example EtherCAT. The device has a processor for performing input control on incoming data packets and performing output control on outgoing data packets, and a shared FIFO buffer comprising a multiuser memory. An input unit receives input data, detects the start of a respective data packet, subdivides the data packet into consecutive segments, one segment having a predetermined number of data bytes, and transfers the segment to the FIFO buffer before the next segment has been completely received. The processor accesses, in the input control, the multiuser memory for processing the segment, and, in the output control, initiates outputting the output packet before the corresponding input data packet has been completely received. An output unit transfers the segment from the FIFO buffer, and transmits the segment to the communication medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham Edmiston, Hezi Rahamim, Amir Yosha
  • Patent number: 9436543
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising a clock unit and a processing unit connected to the clock unit is described. The clock unit may deliver an output clock signal for operating the processing unit in accordance with the output clock signal. The clock unit may have: a normal mode in which the output clock signal has a low amount of jitter and a normal clock rate to enable normal use of the electronic device, and a failure analysis mode in which the output clock signal has a high amount of jitter or a reduced clock rate, or a high amount of jitter combined with a reduced clock rate, to impede the normal use. The clock unit may be protected against unauthorized re-activation of the normal mode. A method of protecting an electronic device against unauthorized use is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Marshall, Joseph Circello, Norbert Huemmer
  • Patent number: 9437299
    Abstract: A data processing system includes a content addressable memory (CAM). Each entry of the CAM corresponds to a task and is configured to store a current scope of each task. A random access memory (RAM) is configured to shadow information of the CAM. Transition position storage circuitry is configured to store transition age positions for tasks. Control circuitry is configured to, in response to a command to transition a selected task to a destination scope, access the RAM to determine the current scope for the selected task, use the current scope to perform a match determination with the CAM to determine if any entries corresponding to tasks other than the selected task match the current scope; and for any matching entries, updating a transition age position in the transition position storage circuitry for the corresponding task within the current scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Tommi M. Jokinen, John F. Pillar