Patents Assigned to Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
  • Patent number: 6804502
    Abstract: A novel RF switch circuit and method for switching RF signals is described. The RF switch circuit is fabricated in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. The RF switch includes pairs of switching and shunting transistor groupings used to alternatively couple RF input signals to a common RF node. The switching and shunting transistor grouping pairs are controlled by a switching control voltage (SW) and its inverse (SW_). The switching and shunting transistor groupings comprise one or more MOSFET transistors connected together in a “stacked” or serial configuration. The stacking of transistor grouping devices, and associated gate resistors, increase the breakdown voltage across the series connected switch transistors and operate to improve RF switch compression. A fully integrated RF switch is described including digital control logic and a negative voltage generator integrated together with the RF switch elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Burgener, James S. Cable
  • Patent number: 6737900
    Abstract: A novel dynamic DFF method and apparatus using CMOS is disclosed. The present invention does not use ratioed logic transistors in implementing a first stage of the DFF design. Thus, PMOS and NMOS transistors, used in the first stage of the DFF circuit, do not have severely disproportionate P-to-N transistor size ratios. These transistors therefore can have a transistor size ratio that increases the circuit's operating speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Chunshien Wu
  • Patent number: 6690056
    Abstract: A non-volatile storage cell manufactured in a standard CMOS process in silicon on insulator is described. The cell is manufactured in a standard single polysilicon layer CMOS process applied to silicon on insulator starting substrates. Two versions of the cell are described with distinct mechanisms for writing onto a floating polysilicon layer storage node. The basic cell comprises crossed N- and P- transistors which share a common channel region and a common floating gate over the channel. Current in the channel results in charge injection through the gate oxide and onto the polysilicon gate conductor where it is permanently stored. Since both N and P type transistors are available, charge of both polarities can be injected. Application of a voltage to either of the transistors results in a current or voltage which is used to perform the reading function. Multiple variations of the cell and its operation are also described along with unique applications of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Reedy, James S. Cable
  • Patent number: 6667506
    Abstract: Multiple variations of a variable capacitor or varactor 10 with built-in programmability; exhibiting high quality, Q, factors; manufactured in a standard CMOS process in silicon on insulator. The cell 10 is manufactured in a standard single polysilicon layer CMOS process applied to silicon on insulator 30 starting substrates. The variable capacitor cell 10 combined with a non-volatile mechanism for programming the tuning range of the varactor 10 results in a varactor 10 which can be tuned and adjusted in an on-chip and purely electronic fashion. The basic variable capacitor cell 10 comprises a floating gate MOS variable capacitor, CMOS, in series with a metal to floating gate fixed capacitor CM/FG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Reedy, James S. Cable
  • Patent number: 6653885
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) mixing device wherein RF core circuit elements requiring signal splitting are provided with one or more signal splitting element(s) (“balun(s)”) integrated on-chip with the core RF circuit elements. The RF mixing device comprises one or more RF circuit element(s) integrated on a common substrate with one or more balun(s), wherein the common substrate is an insulating substrate further provided with associated silicon-based CMOS circuitry formed in a thin, highly crystalline silicon layer formed on the insulating substrate. The insulating substrate is selected from transparent crystalline materials such as sapphire, spinel, etc. The common substrate is preferably ultrathin silicon-on-sapphire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Wu, Paul L. Rodgers, Jeff T. Mohr, David E. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6583445
    Abstract: An integrated electronic-optoelectronic module comprising: an ultrathin silicon-on-sapphire composite substrate; at least one electronic device fabricated in the ultrathin silicon; and at least one optoelectronic device bonded to the ultrathin silicon-on-sapphire composite substrate and in electrical communication with the at least one electronic device fabricated in the ultrathin silicon layer. For example, VCSELs and photodetectors are integrated with CMOS electronic circuitry to provide useful modules for electro-optical interconnects for computing and switching systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignees: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation, George Mason University, John Hopkins University, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ronald E. Reedy, Ravindra A. Athale, George J. Simonis, Andreas G. Andreou, Alyssa Apsel, Zaven Kalayjian, Philippe O. Pouliquen
  • Patent number: 6531739
    Abstract: A method for eliminating the radiation-induced off-state current in the P-channel ultrathin silicon-on-sapphire transistor, by providing a retrograde dopant concentration profile that has the effect of moving the Fermi level at the back of the device away from that part of the bandgap where the interface states are located. When the Fermi level does not swing through this area in any region of operation of the device, subthreshold stretchout of the I-V curves does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Cable, Eugene F. Lyons, Michael A. Stuber, Mark L. Burgener
  • Patent number: 6057555
    Abstract: A high-frequency wireless communication system on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip is presented. This system incorporates analog, digital (logic and memory) and high radio frequency circuits on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip. The devices are fabricated using conventional bulk silicon CMOS processing techniques. Advantages include single chip architecture, superior high frequency performance, low power consumption and cost effective fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Reedy, Mark L. Burgener
  • Patent number: 5973382
    Abstract: An integrated circuit is provided which comprises: an insulating substrate; a semiconductor layer formed on the insulating substrate; a MOSFET including a source, drain and channel formed in the silicon layer and a gate adjacent to the channel; a gate terminal; and a conductor interconnecting the source and drain so as to maintain them at a common potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Burgener, Ronald E. Reedy, John Y. Sung
  • Patent number: 5895957
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a silicon-on-sapphire wafer suited for fabrication of fully depleted field effect transistors. A fully depleted field effect transistor (FET) which has minimum parasitic charge in the conduction channel and a process to make same are described. The device is made in and relies on the silicon layer on sapphire which has minimal charge intentionally introduced into the conduction channel. Both N-type and P-type transistors are described. Methods for defining threshold voltage are also described. Specific examples of the devices are presented including specific materials selections for threshold voltage options.Manufacturing processes are described, including a preferred embodiment based on ultra thin silicon on sapphire. The devices can be fabricated using conventional silicon techniques; both silicided and non-silicided versions are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Reedy, Mark L. Burgener
  • Patent number: 5883396
    Abstract: A high-frequency wireless communication system on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip is presented. This system incorporates analog, digital (logic and memory) and high radio frequency circuits on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip. The devices are fabricated using conventional bulk silicon CMOS processing techniques. Advantages include single chip architecture, superior high frequency performance, low power consumption and cost effective fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Reedy, Mark L. Burgener
  • Patent number: 5863823
    Abstract: An improved process and structure for channel stop in silicon on insulator using LOCOS isolation are disclosed. Advantages include decreased ion dose requirements; reduced processing time; smaller .DELTA.W characteristics, thus, small transistor size and more precise process control over the edge of a MOSFET. The process also makes possible a wide range of transistor design capabilities and improved transistor operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Mark L. Burgener
  • Patent number: 5861336
    Abstract: A high-frequency wireless communication system on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip is presented. This system incorporates analog, digital (logic and memory) and high radio frequency circuits on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip. The devices are fabricated using conventional bulk silicon CMOS processing techniques. Advantages include single chip architecture, superior high frequency performance, low power consumption and cost effective fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Reedy, Mark L. Burgener
  • Patent number: 5663570
    Abstract: A high-frequency wireless communication system on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip is presented. This system incorporates analog, digital (logic and memory) and high radio frequency circuits on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip. The devices are fabricated using conventional bulk silicon CMOS processing techniques. Advantages include single chip architecture, superior high frequency performance, low power consumption and cost effective fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Reedy, Mark L. Burgener
  • Patent number: 5600169
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a silicon-on-sapphire wafer suited for fabrication of fully depleted field effect transistors. A fully depleted field effect transistor (FET) which has minimum parasitic charge in the conduction channel and a process to make same are described. The device is made in and relies on the silicon layer on sapphire which has minimal charge intentionally introduced into the conduction channel. Both N-type and P-type transistors are described. Methods for defining threshold voltage are also described. Specific examples of the devices are presented including specific materials selections for threshold voltage options.Manufacturing processes are described, including a preferred embodiment based on ultra thin silicon on sapphire. The devices can be fabricated using conventional silicon techniques; both silicided and non-silicided versions are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Burgener, Ronald E. Reedy
  • Patent number: 5596205
    Abstract: A high-frequency wireless communication system on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip is presented. This system incorporates analog, digital (logic and memory) and high radio frequency circuits on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip. The devices are fabricated using conventional bulk silicon CMOS processing techniques. Advantages include single chip architecture, superior high frequency performance, low power consumption and cost effective fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Reedy, Mark L. Burgener
  • Patent number: 5572040
    Abstract: A high-frequency wireless communication system on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip is presented. This system incorporates analog, digital (logic and memory) and high radio frequency circuits on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip. The devices are fabricated using conventional bulk silicon CMOS processing techniques. Advantages include single chip architecture, superior high frequency performance, low power consumption and cost effective fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Reedy, Mark L. Burgener
  • Patent number: 5492857
    Abstract: A high-frequency wireless communication system on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip is presented. This system incorporates analog, digital (logic and memory) and high radio frequency circuits on a single ultrathin silicon on sapphire chip. The devices are fabricated using conventional bulk silicon CMOS processing techniques. Advantages include single chip architecture, superior high frequency performance, low power consumption and cost effective fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Reedy, Mark L. Burgener
  • Patent number: 5416043
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a silicon-on-sapphire wafer suited for fabrication of fully depleted field effect transistors. A fully depleted field effect transistor (FET) which has minimum parasitic charge in the conduction channel and a process to make same are described. The device is made in and relies on the silicon layer on sapphire which has minimal charge intentionally introduced into the conduction channel. Both N-type and P-type transistors are described. Methods for defining threshold voltage are also described. Specific examples of the devices are presented including specific materials selections for threshold voltage options.Manufacturing processes are described, including a preferred embodiment based on ultra thin silicon on sapphire. The devices can be fabricated using conventional silicon techniques; both silicided and non-silicided versions are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Burgener, Ronald E. Reedy