Patents Assigned to STMicroelectronics Design and Application s.r.o.
  • Patent number: 12086008
    Abstract: A system includes a control unit configured to be electrically connected to an input of a memory via a communication interface. The control unit includes a first power supply sector configured to be powered when the control unit is in an operating mode and a second power supply sector configured to be powered when the control unit is in the operating mode and in a low consumption mode. In the first power supply sector, the control unit includes a first configuration circuit operating to configure a polarization value of the input of the memory via the communication interface for the operating mode. In the second power supply sector, the control unit includes a second configuration circuit operating to configure a polarization value of the input of the memory via the communication interface for the low consumption mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS, STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventors: Jerome Lacan, Remi Collette, Christophe Eva, Milan Komarek
  • Patent number: 12088429
    Abstract: A circuit includes a first and a second memory, a processor and a timer. The processor generates a sequence of bits encoding a CAN frame and processes the sequence of bits to detect a sequence of PWM periods. The processor stores values of a first parameter of the PWM periods into the first memory, and values of a second parameter of the PWM periods into the second memory. The timer comprises a first register which reads from the first memory a value of the first parameter of a current PWM period. The timer comprises a counter which increases a count number and resets the count number as a function of the value of the first register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O., STMicroelectronics Application GmbH
    Inventors: Fred Rennig, Vaclav Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20240125930
    Abstract: A method is for detecting one or more objects in a detection zone using a time-of-flight sensor. The method includes emitting optical radiation via the emission circuitry of the sensor and subsequently capturing the reflected optical radiation using the reception circuitry. This captured radiation is quantified in terms of photons, and measurement circuitry determines both the amount of these photons and the distance from the sensor to the object(s). An analysis of the photon count, combined with the calculated distance, is used to determine the presence or absence of objects within the detection zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicants: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS, STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O., STMicroelectronics (Alps) SAS
    Inventors: Robin VASSAL, Jiri ANDRLE, Peter CABAJ, Cyrille TROUILLEAU
  • Patent number: 11817791
    Abstract: A synchronous rectifier driver circuit is configured to drive a synchronous rectifier FET and includes a first terminal configured to be connected to a source terminal of the synchronous rectifier FET. A second terminal is configured to be connected to a drain terminal of the synchronous rectifier FET, and a third terminal is configured to be connected to a gate terminal of the synchronous rectifier FET. The synchronous rectifier driver circuit is configured to measure the voltage between the second terminal and the first terminal, and detect a switch-on instant in which the measured voltage reaches a first threshold value and a switch-off instant in which the measured voltage reaches a second threshold value. The synchronous rectifier driver circuit generates a drive signal between the third terminal and the first terminal as a function of the measured voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics S.r.l., STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventors: Alberto Iorio, Maurizio Foresta, Emilio Volpi, Jan Novotny
  • Patent number: 11652457
    Abstract: A MOSFET has a current conduction path between source and drain terminals. A gate terminal of the MOSFET receives an input signal to facilitate current conduction in the current conduction path as a result of a gate-to-source voltage reaching a threshold voltage. A body terminal of the MOSFET is coupled to body voltage control circuitry that is sensitive to the voltage at the gate terminal of the MOSFET. The body voltage control circuitry responds to a reduction in the voltage at the gate terminal of the MOSFET by increasing the body voltage of the MOSFET at the body terminal of the MOSFET. As a result, there is reduction in the threshold voltage. The circuit configuration is applicable to amplifier circuits, comparator circuits and current mirror circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventor: Sandor Petenyi
  • Publication number: 20230085493
    Abstract: A system includes a control unit configured to be electrically connected to an input of a memory via a communication interface. The control unit includes a first power supply sector configured to be powered when the control unit is in an operating mode and a second power supply sector configured to be powered when the control unit is in the operating mode and in a low consumption mode. In the first power supply sector, the control unit includes a first configuration circuit operating to configure a polarization value of the input of the memory via the communication interface for the operating mode. In the second power supply sector, the control unit includes a second configuration circuit operating to configure a polarization value of the input of the memory via the communication interface for the low consumption mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicants: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS, STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventors: Jerome LACAN, Remi COLLETTE, Christophe EVA, Milan KOMAREK
  • Patent number: 11483909
    Abstract: A control circuit for a voltage source generates a reference signal for a voltage source, wherein the reference signal indicates a requested output voltage to be generated by the voltage source. A digital feed-forward control circuit computes a digital feed-forward regulation value indicative of a requested output voltage by determining a maximum voltage drop at strings of solid-state light sources. A digital feed-back control circuit determines a minimum voltage drop for current regulators/limiters for the strings and determines a digital feed-back correction value as a function of the minimum voltage drop. The control circuit then sets the reference signal after a start-up as a function of the digital feed-forward regulation value and corrects the reference signal as a function of the digital feed-back correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics S.r.l., STMicroelectronics Application GmbH, STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventors: Donato Tagliavia, Vincenzo Polisi, Calogero Andrea Trecarichi, Francesco Nino Mammoliti, Jochen Barthel, Ludek Beran
  • Patent number: 11387679
    Abstract: A system and method for wireless charging a wireless earbud. The wireless earbud having a body that includes a passive magnetic shield and a coil. The coil is wound around a portion of the body comprising the passive magnetic shielding. The wireless earbud receiving wireless energy in response to the placement of the body within an electromagnetic field, which results in the charging of a battery of the wireless earbud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventor: Tomas Teply
  • Patent number: 11374579
    Abstract: A circuit includes a current controller oscillator generating a CCO output signal at a CCO output, a charge pump boosting a supply voltage based on the CCO output signal and producing a charge pump output voltage at an output, and a current sensing circuit sensing load current at the output and generating a feedback signal having a magnitude that varies with the sensed load current if a magnitude of the sensed load current is between lower and upper load current thresholds. A frequency of the CCO output signal is constant at a lower frequency threshold where the sensed load current is below the lower load current threshold, asymptomically rises to an upper frequency threshold where the sensed load current is above the upper load current threshold, and is proportional to the feedback signal where the sensed load current is between the lower and upper load current thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventor: Sandor Petenyi
  • Publication number: 20220159807
    Abstract: A control circuit for a voltage source generates a reference signal for a voltage source, wherein the reference signal indicates a requested output voltage to be generated by the voltage source. A digital feed-forward control circuit computes a digital feed-forward regulation value indicative of a requested output voltage by determining a maximum voltage drop at strings of solid-state light sources. A digital feed-back control circuit determines a minimum voltage drop for current regulators/limiters for the strings and determines a digital feed-back correction value as a function of the minimum voltage drop. The control circuit then sets the reference signal after a start-up as a function of the digital feed-forward regulation value and corrects the reference signal as a function of the digital feed-back correction value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicants: STMicroelectronics S.r.l., STMicroelectronics Application GmbH, STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventors: Donato TAGLIAVIA, Vincenzo POLISI, Calogero Andrea TRECARICHI, Francesco Nino MAMMOLITI, Jochen BARTHEL, Ludek BERAN
  • Publication number: 20220109375
    Abstract: A synchronous rectifier driver circuit is configured to drive a synchronous rectifier FET and includes a first terminal configured to be connected to a source terminal of the synchronous rectifier FET. A second terminal is configured to be connected to a drain terminal of the synchronous rectifier FET, and a third terminal is configured to be connected to a gate terminal of the synchronous rectifier FET. The synchronous rectifier driver circuit is configured to measure the voltage between the second terminal and the first terminal, and detect a switch-on instant in which the measured voltage reaches a first threshold value and a switch-off instant in which the measured voltage reaches a second threshold value. The synchronous rectifier driver circuit generates a drive signal between the third terminal and the first terminal as a function of the measured voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicants: STMicroelectronics S.r.l., STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventors: Alberto IORIO, Maurizio FORESTA, Emilio VOLPI, Jan NOVOTNY
  • Publication number: 20210328563
    Abstract: A MOSFET has a current conduction path between source and drain terminals. A gate terminal of the MOSFET receives an input signal to facilitate current conduction in the current conduction path as a result of a gate-to-source voltage reaching a threshold voltage. A body terminal of the MOSFET is coupled to body voltage control circuitry that is sensitive to the voltage at the gate terminal of the MOSFET. The body voltage control circuitry responds to a reduction in the voltage at the gate terminal of the MOSFET by increasing the body voltage of the MOSFET at the body terminal of the MOSFET. As a result, there is reduction in the threshold voltage. The circuit configuration is applicable to amplifier circuits, comparator circuits and current mirror circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventor: Sandor PETENYI
  • Patent number: 11082018
    Abstract: A MOSFET has a current conduction path between source and drain terminals. A gate terminal of the MOSFET receives an input signal to facilitate current conduction in the current conduction path as a result of a gate-to-source voltage reaching a threshold voltage. A body terminal of the MOSFET is coupled to body voltage control circuitry that is sensitive to the voltage at the gate terminal of the MOSFET. The body voltage control circuitry responds to a reduction in the voltage at the gate terminal of the MOSFET by increasing the body voltage of the MOSFET at the body terminal of the MOSFET. As a result, there is reduction in the threshold voltage. The circuit configuration is applicable to amplifier circuits, comparator circuits and current mirror circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventor: Sandor Petenyi
  • Publication number: 20210234546
    Abstract: A circuit includes a current controller oscillator generating a CCO output signal at a CCO output, a charge pump boosting a supply voltage based on the CCO output signal and producing a charge pump output voltage at an output, and a current sensing circuit sensing load current at the output and generating a feedback signal having a magnitude that varies with the sensed load current if a magnitude of the sensed load current is between lower and upper load current thresholds. A frequency of the CCO output signal is constant at a lower frequency threshold where the sensed load current is below the lower load current threshold, asymptomically rises to an upper frequency threshold where the sensed load current is above the upper load current threshold, and is proportional to the feedback signal where the sensed load current is between the lower and upper load current thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventor: Sandor PETENYI
  • Patent number: 11031672
    Abstract: An antenna includes two planar coils that are mechanically disposed face to face and electrically connected in series. The antenna is mounted to a disposable consumer product (for example, a cartridge for use with an electronic cigarette). The antenna is configured to support near field communications with a reader circuit for purposes of authenticating use of the disposable consumer product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O., STMicroelectronics Application GmbH
    Inventors: Petr Ourednik, Yvon Gourdou
  • Patent number: 11005483
    Abstract: A circuit includes a current controlled oscillator (CCO), and a charge pump circuit boosting a supply voltage to produce a charge pump output voltage at a charge pump output node in response to output from the CCO. A current sensing circuit includes a first resistor coupled between the charge pump output node and an output node, a first transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the charge pump output node through a second resistor, and a second conduction terminal coupled to an input of the CCO. A second transistor has a first conduction terminal coupled to the output node, a second conduction terminal coupled to a reference current source, and a control terminal coupled to the control terminal of the first transistor and to the second conduction terminal of the second transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventor: Sandor Petenyi
  • Publication number: 20200366296
    Abstract: A circuit includes a current controlled oscillator (CCO), and a charge pump circuit boosting a supply voltage to produce a charge pump output voltage at a charge pump output node in response to output from the CCO. A current sensing circuit includes a first resistor coupled between the charge pump output node and an output node, a first transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the charge pump output node through a second resistor, and a second conduction terminal coupled to an input of the CCO. A second transistor has a first conduction terminal coupled to the output node, a second conduction terminal coupled to a reference current source, and a control terminal coupled to the control terminal of the first transistor and to the second conduction terminal of the second transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventor: Sandor PETENYI
  • Patent number: 10788848
    Abstract: An amplifier stage of an LDO regulator circuit includes an amplifier stage that generates a drive signal in response to a first voltage difference an output voltage of the LDO regulator circuit and a reference voltage. A drive stage having a quiescent current consumption is configured to generate a control signal in response to the drive signal. The control signal is applied to the control terminal of a power transistor. A dropout detector senses whether the LDO regulator circuit is operating in closed loop regulation mode or in open loop dropout mode by sensing a second difference in voltage between the drive signal and the control signal. A quiescent current limiter circuit responds to the sensed second difference by controlling the quiescent current consumption of the drive stage, and in particular limiting current consumption when the LDO regulator circuit is operating in the open loop dropout mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventor: Sandor Petenyi
  • Patent number: 10784876
    Abstract: A charge pump circuit has load driven clock frequency management. The charge pump circuit includes a CCO generating a CCO output signal that has a frequency generally proportional to a feedback current, and a charge pump operated by the CCO output signal and boosting a supply voltage to produce a charge pump output voltage at an output coupled to a load. A current sensing circuit senses a load current drawn by the load and generates the feedback current as having a magnitude that varies as a function of the sensed load current if a magnitude of the load current is between a lower load current threshold and an upper load current threshold. The magnitude of the feedback current does not vary with the sensed load current if the magnitude of the sensed load current is not between the lower load current threshold and the upper load current threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventor: Sandor Petenyi
  • Publication number: 20200295767
    Abstract: A charge pump circuit has load driven clock frequency management. The charge pump circuit includes a CCO generating a CCO output signal that has a frequency generally proportional to a feedback current, and a charge pump operated by the CCO output signal and boosting a supply voltage to produce a charge pump output voltage at an output coupled to a load. A current sensing circuit senses a load current drawn by the load and generates the feedback current as having a magnitude that varies as a function of the sensed load current if a magnitude of the load current is between a lower load current threshold and an upper load current threshold. The magnitude of the feedback current does not vary with the sensed load current if the magnitude of the sensed load current is not between the lower load current threshold and the upper load current threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventor: Sandor PETENYI