Patents Assigned to Microtune (Texas), L.P.
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Patent number: 7127541Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for automatically establishing a wireless connection between adapters includes a master adapter coupleable to a peripheral device. The master adapter can automatically enter an inquiry mode in response to the occurrence of a first event. In the inquiry mode, the master adapter automatically establishes one or more wireless connections between the master adapter and one or more slave adapters that are coupled to one or more computer systems. The master adapter can also automatically enter an operational mode in response to the occurrence of a second event. In the operational mode, the master adapter enables communication between the peripheral device and the one or more computer systems via the one or more wireless connections using a wireless protocol.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: Sarath Babu Govindarajulu, Yashodhara Devadiga
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Patent number: 7119834Abstract: Systems and methods which implement calibration for signal errors in a communication network, such as non-uniform frequency response, are disclosed. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a calibration signal is communicated through the network and a receiver at a subscriber premises operates to calibrate the received signal for any tilt introduced in the signal path between the source of the signal and the subscriber premises. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for monitoring of the performance of signal correction components, such as by providing a feedback path from the receiver. Monitoring of calibration performance may be utilized according to preferred embodiments for developing a more full understanding of the operation of the network, identify sources of network problems, and even predict system degradation and take appropriate action before service interruption results.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Microtune (Texas) L.P.Inventor: Martin H. Englmeier
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Publication number: 20060221256Abstract: A broadband integrated receiver for receiving input signals and outputting composite video and audio signals is disclosed. The receiver employs an up-conversion mixer and a down-conversion mixer in series to produce an intermediate signal. An intermediate filter between the mixers performs coarse channel selection. The down-conversion mixer may be an image rejection mixer to provide additional filtering.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2006Publication date: October 5, 2006Applicant: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: S. Birleson, Robert Rotzoll, Albert Taddiken, Kenneth Clayton
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Patent number: 7079195Abstract: A broadband integrated receiver for receiving input signals and outputting composite video and audio signals is disclosed. The receiver employs an up-conversion mixer and a down-conversion mixer in series to produce an intermediate signal. An intermediate filter between the mixers performs coarse channel selection. The down-conversion mixer may be an image rejection mixer to provide additional filtering.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: Vincent Birleson, Albert Taddiken, Ken Clayton
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Patent number: 7078960Abstract: A method for storing a result of a tuning process includes generating a first characteristic signal using a signal generator. The method also includes generating a second characteristic signal using a master circuit, wherein the master circuit generates the second characteristic signal in response to a current signal. The method further includes determining an adjustment to the current signal based at least in part upon the first and second characteristic signals, and storing a digital value representing the adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventor: R. William Ezell
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Publication number: 20060116099Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method of reducing frequency interference in a circuit when the harmonics of at least two frequencies could cause interference when such harmonics interact with each other. In one embodiment, a determination is made as to which harmonic could possibly support such interference, and based upon the determined harmonic, determining which combination within said determined harmonic is likely to cause the interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2006Publication date: June 1, 2006Applicant: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: David Dessert, John Schneider
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Patent number: 7039062Abstract: A cable receiver system and method which utilizes the combination of time-division multiplexing (“TDM”) and a fast-acquisition-time tuner to enable on/off pulsing of the tuner, thereby resulting in substantially reduced power consumption by the tuner. The tuner may be pulsed on during the allocated time slot to receive the allocated portion of the signal, and then pulsed off the remainder of the time. The tuner generally requires a fast signal acquisition time compared to the received signal's frame rate so that the tuner does not use up an excess amount of the frame outside of the proper time slot when locking in the received signal. The TDM technique permits more efficient use of the high bandwidth network by multiplexing the relatively low bandwidth voice signals. In addition, the implementation of a fast-acquisition-time tuner in the NIU of a cable system permits the tuner to be pulsed off for a substantial amount of the time between the allocated time slots.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Microtune (Texas) L.P.Inventor: Albert H. Taddiken
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Patent number: 7035614Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method of reducing frequency interference in a circuit when the harmonics of at least two frequencies could cause interference when such harmonics interact with each other. In one embodiment, a determination is made as to which harmonic could possibly support such interference, and based upon the determined harmonic, determining which combination within said determined harmonic is likely to cause the interference.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: David Dessert, John Schneider
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Publication number: 20060068708Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of eliminating or reducing interference resulting from harmonics of local oscillator frequencies of mixers. In one embodiment, a determination is made as to a zone or zones in which harmonics result in undesired spur generation. Inter-tuner spurs and intra-tuner spurs may be identified such that frequency information of the identified spurs may be utilized to define a plurality of exclusion zones. LO frequencies may subsequently be efficiently selected in view of the exclusion zone information. Embodiments may also determine a score for identified spurs which may be used to optimally select from within a set of spur-generating local oscillator frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2004Publication date: March 30, 2006Applicant: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: David Dessert, John Schneider
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Patent number: 6993310Abstract: A filter circuit includes a polyphase filter coupled to a first circuit component and a second circuit component. The first circuit component propagates four input current signals to the polyphase filter. The third and fourth input current signals are substantially one-hundred-eighty degrees out of phase with the first and second input current signals. The polyphase filter receives the input current signals and generates four output current signals that are out of phase with each other. The second circuit component generates first and second output signals using the four output current signals. The first and second output signals are ninety degrees out of phase with each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: Timothy M. Magnusen, Kim E. Beumer
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Patent number: 6973288Abstract: Linearizer circuitry is disclosed for providing control signal outputs to operate a controllable attenuator throughout a relatively large dynamic range while maintaining a relatively consistent return loss. Preferred embodiment linearizer circuitry provides a series control current and a shunt control current for coupling to a PIN diode attenuator, such as may be configured in a ? network or a T network. Preferably, differential pairs are utilized in providing each of the control current outputs.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: Tom L. Davis, Kim E. Beumer, Carey Ritchey
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Patent number: 6963478Abstract: An input section of an RF interface is shown in conjunction with a tuner circuit. The input, in one embodiment, is constructed using co-planner wave guide techniques and serves to provide low return loss, low insertion loss, high voltage protection, all within a single housing without causing RF interference problems.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Microtune (Texas) L.P.Inventors: Joel Stephen Michon, Kevin John Lynaugh, Hans Habermeier
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Patent number: 6922556Abstract: A circuit for establishing a bias current includes a mixer, an amplifier, a bias resistor, a comparator, and a drive circuit. The mixer receives a drive voltage and at least a portion of a bias current. The amplifier is coupled to the mixer and receives at least a portion of the bias current. A bias resistor is coupled to the amplifier at a node and a bias voltage exists at the node. The comparator is coupled to the node and compares the bias voltage with a reference voltage. The comparator further generates an output signal based at least in part upon the comparison. The drive circuit generates the drive voltage in response to the output signal such that the bias voltage substantially equals the reference voltage thereby establishing the bias current.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventor: Kim E. Beumer
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Patent number: 6919774Abstract: Diode network configurations are disclosed in which cathode bias voltage is held substantially constant to provide an attenuator circuit in which return loss is optimized throughout a broad dynamic attenuation range. Preferred embodiments include PIN diodes arranged in a ? network having two attenuation control signals provided thereto. Alternative embodiments include PIN diodes arranged in a T network having two attenuation control signals provided thereto.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: Carey Ritchey, Tom L. Davis
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Patent number: 6920182Abstract: The invention discloses a system and method for improving the out-of-band noise response of a multi-order delta-sigma modulator. The system and method includes programmable delta-sigma modulators which may be programmed to vary the reference signals at each modulator stage subsequent to the first stage relative to the reference signal of the first modulator stage. The resulting signal output will then typically exhibit the enhanced noise suppression characteristics of a dithered signal without the added circuitry and power required of a dithering apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventor: Jerry Thomas Bolton, Jr.
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Patent number: 6909886Abstract: A filter circuit includes a polyphase filter coupled to a first circuit component and a second circuit component. The first circuit component propagates four input current signals to the polyphase filter. The third and fourth input current signals are substantially one-hundred-eighty degrees out of phase with the first and second input current signals. The polyphase filter receives the input current signals and generates four output current signals that are out of phase with each other. The second circuit component generates first and second output signals using the four output current signals. The first and second output signals are ninety degrees out of phase with each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Microtune ( Texas), L.P.Inventors: Timothy M. Magnusen, Kim E. Beumer
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Patent number: 6906594Abstract: A method for extending the linear range of operation of an amplifier includes monitoring a transistor voltage of a transistor of an amplifier. The transistor is coupled to a variable current source applying a bias current to the transistor. The method continues by monitoring an output voltage of the amplifier and by determining whether the transistor voltage is within a predetermined range of the output voltage. If the transistor voltage is not within a predetermined range of the output voltage, the method continues by decreasing the bias current applied to the transistor. If the transistor voltage is within a predetermined range of the output voltage and if the bias current has not previously been decreased, the method continues by increasing the bias current applied to the transistor.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventor: Michael D. Womac
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Patent number: 6891435Abstract: System and methods for reducing the effects of imbalance between input signals in a gain controlled differential amplifier are shown. Distortion in the amplifier is reduced by modulating the gain control input based upon detected differences between the signal levels of the differential input signal source.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: Girish Patel, James M. Douglass
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Patent number: 6888406Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide very linear amplification of signals using a linearized transconductance circuit. A transconductance amplifier configuration is shown which provides highly linearized operation utilizing a Darlington pair feedback circuit. Also shown are gain control configurations in which current steering circuitry is adapted to operate in its most linear region.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: Kirk B. Ashby, Oliver I. Werther
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Patent number: 6864746Abstract: A dual gain amplification low noise amplifier that includes an amplification circuit to a provide dual gain amplification—high gain amplification for a weak data signal and low gain amplification for a strong data signal. Also included is a control circuit to maintain approximately the same P1dB point for the weak signal during high gain amplification as for the strong signal during low gain amplification.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: Jonathon Cheah, Eng Chuan Low