Patents Assigned to STMicroelectronics, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7366932
    Abstract: A coprocessor executing one among a set of candidate kernel loops within an application operates at the minimal clock frequency satisfying schedule constraints imposed by the compiler and data bandwidth constraints. The optimal clock frequency is statically determined by the compiler and enforced at runtime by software-controlled clock circuitry. Power dissipation savings and optimal resource usage are therefore achieved by the adaptation at runtime of the coprocessor clock rate for each of the various kernel loop implementations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Davide Rizzo, Osvaldo Colavin
  • Publication number: 20080096573
    Abstract: A first base station is adjacent to one or more second base stations, and the second base stations are adjacent to one or more third base stations. One or more frequency channels or subframes used by the third base stations are identified by the second base stations, which notify the first base station of the frequency channels or subframes used by the third base stations. The second base stations also notify the first base station of the frequency channels or subframes used by the second base stations. The first base station selects a working frequency channel or subframe based on this information. For example, the first base station may ignore any frequency channels or subframes used by the adjacent second base stations. The first base station may also give priority to the frequency channels or subframes used by the non-adjacent third base stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Liwen Chu
  • Publication number: 20080095059
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing an adaptive value of a TTL (Time to Live) count for broadcast/multicast messages in a wireless mesh network using a hybrid wireless mesh protocol. A mesh point controller is provided that adaptively selects the value of the TTL count and routes the broadcast/multicast message through the wireless mesh network based on the adaptively selected value of the TTL count. The adaptive selection of the TTL count in accordance with the principles of the invention significantly reduces the number of broadcast/multicast messages that must be transmitted (flooded) through the mesh network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Liwen Chu
  • Publication number: 20080096542
    Abstract: A first base station is associated with a first quiet period, and a second base station is associated with a second quiet period. The quiet periods are coordinated so that an amount of overlap between the quiet periods is acceptable. For example, the quiet periods could be coordinated so that no overlap exists between the quiet periods. During the first quiet period, the first base station and/or an associated device (such as a CPE served by the first base station) performs in-band sensing to detect wireless devices that use a first frequency or channel also used by the first base station. During the second quiet period, the first base station and/or a coordinate device (such as a CPE served by the first base station and assisting the second base station) performs out-band sensing to detect wireless devices that use a second frequency or channel also used by the second base station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Liwen Chu, Wendong Hu, George Vlantis
  • Patent number: 7362248
    Abstract: A sensing circuit determines whether an integrated circuit is currently exposed to one of a relatively low or a relatively high temperature. A selection circuit selects a measured voltage across the base-emitter of a bipolar transistor if the sensing circuit indicates that the circuit is exposed to the relatively low temperature or, alternatively, selects a measured delta voltage across the base-emitter of the bipolar transistor if the sensing circuit indicates that the circuit is exposed to the relatively high temperature. A comparator compares the selected measured voltage against a first reference voltage indicative of a too cold temperature condition or compares the selected measured delta voltage against a second reference voltage indicative of a too hot temperature condition. As a result of the comparison, detection may be made as to whether the integrated circuit is currently exposed to a too cold or too hot temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. McClure, Sooping Saw
  • Publication number: 20080089389
    Abstract: This invention relates to cognitive radio based wireless communications of dynamic spectrum access networks, and in particular to a method of addressing zero-delay frequency switching for cognitive dynamic frequency hopping. The method combines regular (periodic) channel maintenance with dynamic frequency hopping over a cluster of vacated channels that are initially setup such that the switching delays for channel setup and channel availability check are eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Wendong Hu
  • Publication number: 20080089306
    Abstract: This invention relates to cognitive radio based wireless communications of dynamic spectrum access networks, and more particularly to a method of addressing inter-systems (cells) communications for coexistence and spectrum sharing. A method, called Logical Control Connections, is described for reliable connection-based inter-system coordination and communications, which can be established and maintained either over the air or over the backhaul with very low incurred communications overhead in terms of spectrum bandwidth, messaging latency, and hardware/software complexities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Wendong Hu
  • Publication number: 20080089280
    Abstract: This invention relates to cognitive radio based wireless communications of dynamic spectrum access networks, and more particularly to a method of addressing messaging control for dynamic frequency selection. The method of the invention provides an efficient, reliable and flexible messaging mechanism for DFS decision-making that is critical for licensed incumbent protection and inter-system coexistence of dynamic spectrum access systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Wendong Hu
  • Publication number: 20080088637
    Abstract: An electronic system, an integrated circuit and a method for display are disclosed. The electronic system contains a first device, a memory and a video/audio compression/decompression device such as a decoder/encoder. The electronic system is configured to allow the first device and the video/audio compression/decompression device to share the memory. The electronic system may be included in a computer in which case the memory is a main memory. Memory access is accomplished by one or more memory interfaces, direct coupling of the memory to a bus, or direct coupling of the first device and decoder/encoder to a bus. An arbiter selectively provides access for the first device and/or the decoder/encoder to the memory. The arbiter may be monolithically integrated into a memory interface. The decoder may be a video decoder configured to comply with the MPEG-2 standard. The memory may store predicted images obtained from a preceding image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jefferson Owen, Raul Diaz, Osvaldo Colavin
  • Publication number: 20080090581
    Abstract: This invention relates to cognitive radio based wireless communications of dynamic spectrum access networks, and more particularly to a method of addressing radio frequency sensing control and dynamic frequency selection control. A method called Cognitive Dynamic Frequency Hopping that is based on the selective Simultaneous Sensing and Data Transmissions is described. The Cognitive Dynamic Frequency Hopping method is further facilitated by a collision avoidance technique. The described method satisfies both reliable and timely RF sensing for guaranteeing licensed user protection, and QoS satisfaction for services of the dynamic spectrum access systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Wendong Hu
  • Publication number: 20080089279
    Abstract: This invention relates to cognitive radio based wireless communications of dynamic spectrum access networks, and more particularly to a method of addressing inter-systems (cells) coexistence and spectrum sharing. The described method of spectrum sharing mechanism, called On-Demand Spectrum Contention, integrates Dynamic Frequency Selection and Transmission Power Control with iterative on-demand spectrum contentions and provides fairness, adaptability, and efficiency of spectrum access for dynamic spectrum access systems using active inter-system coordination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Wendong Hu, George A. Vlantis
  • Patent number: 7358628
    Abstract: A circuit and method are disclosed for monitoring the state of at least one switch. The circuit may include a first circuit, coupled to a switch, for detecting whether the switch is in one of a closed state and an open state and generating a signal having a value based upon the detection. The circuit may further include a second circuit, coupled to the first circuit, for configuring the first circuit to selectively detect the switch switching from a normally open state and to selectively detect the switch switching from a normally closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Rong Yin
  • Publication number: 20080084170
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp assembly includes a fluorescent lamp ballast capable of detecting at least one of a plurality of input signals and generating an output signal. The output signal is associated with a power level that is based on the at least one detected input signal. The fluorescent lamp assembly also includes a fluorescent lamp capable of receiving the output signal and generating light. An intensity of the light is based on the power level associated with the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Hopkins
  • Patent number: 7355303
    Abstract: Circuits and methods for supplying a temporary power supply at a predetermined voltage. A circuit includes a first DC/DC voltage converter that receives an input from a power supply at a first voltage level and generates an output at a second voltage level, higher than the first voltage level. The output is provided to charge a capacitor. A second DC/DC voltage converter has an input connected to the capacitor for drawing power from the capacitor at the second voltage level and generating an output voltage less than the second voltage level. The second DC/DC voltage converter further includes a feedback input that monitors the circuit's output voltage and activates the second DC/DC voltage converter when the output voltage falls below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Cal Swanson, Vincent Himpe
  • Patent number: 7353706
    Abstract: A released-beam sensor includes a semiconductor substrate having a layer formed thereon, and an aperture formed in the layer. A beam is mechanically coupled at a first end to the layer and suspended above the layer such that a second end forms a cantilever above the aperture. A boss is coupled to a second end of the beam and suspended at least partially within the aperture. The beam is configured to flex in response to acceleration of the substrate along a vector substantially perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. Parameters of the sensor, such as the dimensions of the beam, the mass of the boss, and the distance between the boss and a contact surface within the aperture, are selected to establish an acceleration threshold at which the boss will make contact with the contact surface. The sensor may be employed to deploy an airbag in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Colby McAlexander, III
  • Patent number: 7346836
    Abstract: An E2PR4 Viterbi detector receives a signal that represents a sequence of values, the sequence having a potential state. The detector includes a recovery circuit that recovers the sequence from the signal by identifying the surviving path to the potential state and simultaneously adding a modified branch metric to the path metric of the surviving path. By simultaneously identifying the surviving path and adding a modified branch metric to its path metric, such an E2PR4 Viterbi detector can operate faster than a conventional add-compare-select E2PR4 Viterbi detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Hakan Ozdemir
  • Publication number: 20080064208
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for increasing the strength of a bond made by a small diameter wire in ball bonding. In one embodiment of the invention a structure for receiving a ball bond comprises substrate material that has portions that form a substrate cavity and a wire bond pad that covers and fills the substrate cavity. The wire bond pad also has portions that form a wire bond cavity for receiving the ball bond. The ball is wirebonded to the sides and bottom of the wire bond cavity. The sides of the wire bond cavity provide additional strength to the bond to resist shear and tensile forces that may act on the wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Chiu
  • Patent number: 7339204
    Abstract: A contact is formed within an active region of a substrate at the edge of a die, preferably within the first metallization level in the active region of the substrate. An opening having sloped sidewalls is then etched into the back side of the substrate, exposing a portion of the active region contact. An interconnect is formed on the opening sidewall to connect the active region contact with a die contact pad on the backside surface of the substrate. The active region contact preferably spans a boundary between two die, with the opening preferably etched across the boundary to permit inter-connects on opposing sidewalls of the opening to each contact the active region contact within different die, connecting the active region contact to die contact pads on different dice. The dice are then separated along the boundary, through the active region contact which becomes two separate active region contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Danielle A. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080052518
    Abstract: An electronic component includes a processor and a memory. The electronic component has a secure platform capable of storing at least one dual key pair and a corresponding digital signature. There is also a system including a host machine and an electronic component capable of being operated by the host machine. The electronic component has a processor, a memory, and a secure platform capable of storing at least one dual key pair and a corresponding digital signature. Another aspect describes a method, which includes reading a public key from an electronic component by a host machine, verifying the public key against a stored key in the host machine, digitally signing data using a private key from the electronic component, verifying the signed data against the stored key, and using the electronic component by the host machine only if the signed data and the public key are verified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Newton, John Tran, David Tamagno
  • Patent number: RE40282
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure and method provides for an integrated circuit device to respond to an edge transition detection (ETD) pulse in one of two ways. First, in response to the ETD pulse, the integrated circuit device exits a test mode at least temporarily every cycle of the integrated circuit device. Second, a node of the integrated circuit device is re-initialized every cycle if it is not forced by a super voltage indicative of test mode entry. Both of these responses prevent accidental entry of the integrated circuit device into the test mode. If the integrated circuit device is supposed to be in the test mode, it stays in the test mode. If, however, the integrated circuit device is not intended to be in the test mode, the ETD pulse forces the integrated circuit device out of the test mode. Subsequent entry into the test mode of the device is permitted if conditions for entry into the test mode have otherwise been met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: David Charles McClure