Patents Assigned to Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7872541
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference comprising an LC oscillator with a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency. Such stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the oscillator or to one or more control voltages. The controlled reactance modules may include fixed or variable capacitances or inductances, and may be binary weighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba
  • Patent number: 7786812
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency of a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference. Such stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor adapted to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the resonator or to one or more control voltages. The controlled reactance modules may include fixed or variable capacitances or inductances, and may be binary weighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba
  • Patent number: 7679463
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a reference harmonic oscillator integrated circuit having three or more terminals, with systems and methods for calibrating the harmonic oscillator to a selected first frequency using a limited number of terminals. An exemplary apparatus comprises: a reference harmonic oscillator, a first terminal to receive a supply voltage, a second terminal to receive a ground potential, a third terminal to provide an output signal having an output frequency, and may also include a fourth terminal. One of the first, second, third or fourth terminals is further adapted for input of a calibration of the first frequency. The exemplary apparatus may enter calibration and testing modes in response to various commands such as a calibration mode signal, and may also be configured through one of the terminals for output frequency selection, spread-spectrum output, and output voltage levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Michael Pernia, Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Sundus Kubba, Justin O'Day, Gordon Carichner, Eric David Marsman
  • Patent number: 7656243
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference, with multiple operating modes, such power conservation, clock, reference, and pulsed modes. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Amar Sarbbasesh Basu
  • Patent number: 7656244
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a discrete clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference using an LC-oscillator topology, having a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency, which may then be provided to other, second circuitry such as a processor or controller. Frequency stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor adapted to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the resonator or to one or more control voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba, Justin O'Day, Gordon Carichner
  • Patent number: 7656245
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference using an LC-oscillator topology, having a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency, which is integrated with other, second circuitry such as a processor or controller. Frequency stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor adapted to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the resonator or to one or more control voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba, Justin O'Day, Gordon Carichner
  • Patent number: 7548125
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and apparatus for frequency calibration of a free-running, reference harmonic oscillator. An exemplary system comprises the harmonic oscillator, a frequency divider, a comparator, and a reactance modulator. The reference harmonic oscillator includes a plurality of switchable reactance modules controlled by corresponding coefficients, and provides an oscillation signal having an oscillation frequency, which is divided or multiplied by the frequency divider to provide an output signal having an output frequency. The comparator compares the output frequency to an externally supplied reference frequency using first and second predetermined levels of discrimination, and provides first or second comparison signals when the output frequency is higher or lower than the reference frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Carichner, Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba
  • Patent number: 7548132
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference, with multiple operating modes, such power conservation, clock, reference, and pulsed modes. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Amar Sarbbasesh Basu
  • Patent number: 7545231
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a frequency controller and a temperature compensator for frequency control and selection in a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia
  • Patent number: 7545227
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for low-latency start-up of a free-running harmonic oscillator. The exemplary apparatus embodiment comprises a first and second current sources to generate first and second currents; a bias current monitor adapted to detect a magnitude of the second current and to provide a control signal when the magnitude of the second current is equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude; and a bias controller adapted to switch the first current from the oscillator and to switch the second current to the oscillator in response to the control signal. a reference voltage generator, a comparator, and a bias controller. Exemplary embodiments include reference voltage generator, a comparator, and a bias controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, inc.
    Inventors: Scott Michael Pernia, Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Sundus Kubba
  • Patent number: 7504899
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference comprising an LC oscillator with a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency. Such stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor adapted to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the oscillator or to one or more control voltages. The controlled reactance modules may include fixed or variable capacitances or inductances, and may be binary weighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba
  • Patent number: 7456699
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency of a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference. Such stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor adapted to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the resonator or to one or more control voltages. The controlled reactance modules may include fixed or variable capacitances or inductances, and may be binary weighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba
  • Patent number: 7365614
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference using an LC-oscillator topology, having a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency, which is integrated with other, second circuitry such as a processor or controller. Frequency stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor adapted to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the resonator or to one or more control voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba, Justin O'Day, Gordon Carichner
  • Patent number: 7358826
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a discrete clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference using an LC-oscillator topology, having a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency, which may then be provided to other, second circuitry such as a processor or controller. Frequency stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor adapted to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the resonator or to one or more control voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba, Justin O'Day, Gordon Carichner
  • Publication number: 20080018407
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference, with multiple operating modes, such power conservation, clock, reference, and pulsed modes. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Amar Sarbbasesh Basu
  • Patent number: 7307486
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for low-latency start-up of a free-running harmonic oscillator. The exemplary apparatus embodiment comprises a first and second current sources to generate first and second currents; a bias current monitor adapted to detect a magnitude of the second current and to provide a control signal when the magnitude of the second current is equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude; and a bias controller adapted to switch the first current from the oscillator and to switch the second current to the oscillator in response to the control signal. a reference voltage generator, a comparator, and a bias controller. Exemplary embodiments include reference voltage generator, a comparator, and a bias controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Michael Pernia, Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Sundus Kubba
  • Publication number: 20070222528
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a reference harmonic oscillator integrated circuit having three or more terminals, with systems and methods for calibrating the harmonic oscillator to a selected first frequency using a limited number of terminals. An exemplary apparatus comprises: a reference harmonic oscillator, a first terminal to receive a supply voltage, a second terminal to receive a ground potential, a third terminal to provide an output signal having an output frequency, and may also include a fourth terminal. One of the first, second, third or fourth terminals is further adapted for input of a calibration of the first frequency. The exemplary apparatus may enter calibration and testing modes in response to various commands such as a calibration mode signal, and may also be configured through one of the terminals for output frequency selection, spread-spectrum output, and output voltage levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Pernia, Michael McCorquodale, Sundus Kubba, Justin O'Day, Gordon Carichner, Eric Marsman
  • Publication number: 20070222529
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and apparatus for frequency calibration of a free-running, reference harmonic oscillator. An exemplary system comprises the harmonic oscillator, a frequency divider, a comparator, and a reactance modulator. The reference harmonic oscillator includes a plurality of switchable reactance modules controlled by corresponding coefficients, and provides an oscillation signal having an oscillation frequency, which is divided or multiplied by the frequency divider to provide an output signal having an output frequency. The comparator compares the output frequency to an externally supplied reference frequency using first and second predetermined levels of discrimination, and provides first or second comparison signals when the output frequency is higher or lower than the reference frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Carichner, Michael McCorquodale, Scott Pernia, Sundus Kubba
  • Publication number: 20070205837
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference, with multiple operating modes, such power conservation, clock, reference, and pulsed modes. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McCorquodale, Scott Pernia, Amar Basu
  • Publication number: 20070205842
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a frequency controller and a temperature compensator for frequency control and selection in a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McCorquodale, Scott Pernia