Patents Assigned to STMicroelectronics
  • CAPACITIVE SENSING ANALOG FRONT END
    Publication number: 20110242048
    Abstract: A capacitive sensing analog front end for a touchscreen system having an improved signal-to-noise ratio includes a capacitance-to-voltage converter having an input for coupling to an external sampling capacitor, a summer having a first input coupled to an output of the capacitance-to-voltage converter, a low pass filter having an input coupled to an output of the summer and an output for providing an output signal; and a sample-and-hold circuit having an input coupled to the output of the low pass filter and an output coupled to a second input of the summer. The signal-to-noise ratio of the touchscreen system is improved by extracting the DC shift of a touch signal during a monitoring period and then subtracting the DC shift before integrating the touch signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yannick GUEDON, Kien Beng Tan, Kusuma Adi Ningrat, Dianbo Guo
  • MULTIPLE TOUCH LOCATION IN A THREE DIMENSIONAL TOUCH SCREEN SENSOR
    Publication number: 20110242052
    Abstract: A touch screen capable of correctly identifying multiple touches employs multiple active line arrays oriented to provide multi-dimensional data. Three arrays of capacitance based active lines are each distinctly oriented to form a plurality of intersections. A first and second array are generally oriented perpendicularly while a third array is oriented to bisect the resulting matrix such that the active lines of the third array also intersect the existing vertices. As a result of a touch each active line array identifies the location of the touch from three distinct directions. Ambiguity from dual touch scenarios existing in dual array systems is removed by providing an additional reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
    Inventor: Kusuma Adi Ningrat
  • SCRAMBLING OF A CALCULATION PERFORMED ACCORDING TO AN RSA-CRT ALGORITHM
    Publication number: 20110243321
    Abstract: A method and a circuit for scrambling an RSA-CRT algorithm calculation by an electronic circuit, in which a result is obtained from two modular exponentiation calculations, each providing a partial result, and from a recombination step, and in which a first step adds a digital quantity to at least one first partial result before said recombination step; and a second step cancels the effects of this quantity after the recombination step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre-Yvan Liardet, Yannick Teglia
  • Microsystem comprising a bending beam and process of manufacture
    Patent number: 8030805
    Abstract: A mechanical micro system comprising a flexible bending beam extending along a direction, and at least one magnetic element for creating a magnetic field. The flexible beam includes: a first circuit having a first topology for generating, in response to one current flowing through the first circuit, a force having an effect on the beam at one particular place so as to cause a first vibratory mode; a second circuit having a second topology for generating, in response to one current flowing through the second circuit, a force having an effect on the beam at one particular second position so as to cause a second vibratory mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventor: Nicolas Abele
  • Read/write transducer for a ferroelectric storage medium, and corresponding storage device and method
    Patent number: 8031579
    Abstract: A transducer for a storage medium has a supporting element positioned over the storage medium with a first head configured to interact with the storage medium and a second head operatively connected to the first head to interact with the storage medium. The second head is carried by the supporting element in a position adjacent to the first head, and the first head and the second head are aligned in a scanning direction. The first head performs the reading of a data item stored in a portion of the storage medium, the reading entailing the deletion of the data item, and the second head performs the rewriting of the data item in the same portion of the storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giacomino Bollati, Alessandro Bosi, Giovanni Antonio Cesura
  • Forming phase change memories with a breakdown layer sandwiched by phase change memory material
    Patent number: 8030734
    Abstract: A phase change memory cell may be formed with a pair of chalcogenide phase change layers that are separated by a breakdown layer. The breakdown layer may be broken down prior to use of the memory so that a conductive breakdown point is defined within the breakdown layer. In some cases, the breakdown point may be well isolated from the surrounding atmosphere, reducing heat losses and decreasing current consumption. In addition, in some cases, the breakdown point may be well isolated from overlying and underlying electrodes, reducing issues related to contamination. The breakdown point may be placed between a pair of chalcogenide layers with the electrodes outbound of the two chalcogenide layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Charles H. Dennison, George A. Gordon, John Peters
  • Method for generating multiple incremental output voltages using a single charge pump chain
    Patent number: 8030988
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating multiple voltage level outputs from a single series of charge pump stages. The apparatus includes a plurality of voltage output circuits electrically connected in series. A selected number of the voltage output circuits include voltage output nodes that are available to be connected to loads. A control component in each voltage output circuit regulates operation of the charge pump stages within that circuit to provide a voltage level at the voltage output node regulated independently of other voltage output circuits in the series. The method and apparatus has the advantage of reducing the number of charge pump stages required to achieve a plurality of different voltage output levels. In another embodiment, the method and apparatus recycles charge within the apparatus by transferring charge between voltage output circuits through a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS
    Inventors: Swee Kiat Yap, Olivier Le-Briz, Sze-Kwang Tan
  • Process for manufacturing a large-scale integration MOS device and corresponding MOS device
    Patent number: 8030192
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a MOS device and the MOS device manufactured thereby are disclosed. The process includes in a semiconductor layer forming a gate structure above the semiconductor layer; forming a first doped region within a first surface portion of the semiconductor layer; and irradiating the first doped region with electromagnetic radiation, to carry out annealing thereof. Prior to the irradiating step, a dielectric mirror is formed above a second surface portion of the semiconductor layer. The dielectric mirror, which may be of the Bragg-reflector type, reflects at least in part the electromagnetic radiation, and protects underlying regions from the electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics S.R.L., Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche
    Inventors: Dario Salinas, Guglielmo Fortunato, Angelo Magri′, Luigi Mariucci, Massimo Cuscuna′, Cateno Marco Camalleri
  • Methods of RF sensing control and dynamic frequency selection control for cognitive radio based dynamic spectrum access network systems-cognitive dynamic frequency hopping
    Patent number: 8031618
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Wendong Hu
  • Imaging assembly
    Patent number: 8031407
    Abstract: An imaging assembly for an image sensor may include a lens, a transparent substrate and two aspherical optical coatings on each side of the substrate. The imaging assembly can also incorporate an opaque coating with an opening in-line with the lens to form an aperture, an anti-reflection coating, and an infrared filter coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz, Ewan Findlay
  • Biometric sensor apparatus and method
    Patent number: 8031912
    Abstract: A biometric sensor apparatus uses an infra red light source and a CMOS image sensor. A platen receives a body part and the image sensor receives light transmitted through the body part. A processor determines from the detected through-transmitted light whether the body part is live or is a spoof body part. This determination is based upon a detected variation of the opacity of the body part due to blood flow through the body part. Digital processing of the collected image signal data is performed, such as by smoothing. The sensor may further function as a pattern (such as a fingerprint) sensor for detecting surface patterns on the presented body part and identifying an individual from those sensed patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventors: Carl Dennis, Khodor Fawaz
  • Imaging device equipped with a last copper and aluminum based interconnection level
    Patent number: 8030774
    Abstract: A microelectronic device may include a substrate, a plurality of components on the substrate, an insulating layer adjacent the substrate, and a plurality of metallic interconnection levels within the insulating layer and for the plurality of components. The plurality of metallic interconnection levels may include at least one given metallic level including a plurality of conductive lines of a first metallic material, and at least one other metallic level adjacent the at least one given metallic level. The at least one other metallic level may include at least one conductive zone of the first metallic material and coupled to at least one of the plurality of conductive lines of the at least one given metallic level, and at least one other conductive zone of a second metallic material and coupled to at least one other of the plurality of conductive lines of the at least one given metallic level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventor: François Roy
  • Communication between overlapping WRAN cells working in different channels
    Patent number: 8031681
    Abstract: A common control channel for base station (“BS”)/consumer premise equipment (“CPE”) communication in areas of overlapping coverage by wireless regional area network (“WRAN”) cells operating on different working channels is disclosed. A common control channel is selected from among the various working channels sensed in each of a plurality of overlapping WRAN cells so as to enable BS/CPE and BS/BS communication. Once chosen, each CPE within the overlapping area communicates with the controlling BS via an enhanced coexistence beacon protocol messages. These messages include timing and other synchronization information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Liwen Chu, Wendong Hu, George A. Vlantis
  • Method for manufacturing high-stability resistors, such as high ohmic poly resistors, integrated on a semiconductor substrate
    Patent number: 8030712
    Abstract: A method for protecting a circuit component on a semiconductor substrate from a plasma etching or other removal process includes forming a screening layer over an auxiliary layer to conceal at least an area of the auxiliary layer that overlays at least a portion of the circuit component, such as for example a high-ohmic poly resistor. The method transfers a pattern defined by a mask onto the screening layer by selectively removing portions of the screening layer in accordance with the pattern. Portions of the auxiliary layer that are not protected by the screening layer are removed using a plasma gas selective to the auxiliary layer material, without removing the area of the auxiliary layer that overlays the portion of the circuit component, thereby protecting the circuit component from the plasma gas via the screening layer and auxiliary layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics, Inc., STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventors: Olivier Le Neel, Olivier Girard, Fabio Ferrari
  • Configuration terminal for integrated devices and method for configuring an integrated device
    Patent number: 8030765
    Abstract: A configuration terminal for integrated devices includes a first and a second portion structurally independent and connected to respective first and second terminals and it has at least one contact terminal suitable to be selectively connected to such first and second terminals. Also a method configures an integrated device that includes a plurality of address pads and respective supply pins. The method includes: realizing at least one configuration terminal having a first and a second portion structurally independent and connected to at least one contact terminal; providing the contact of such first and second portions with respective terminals; and configuring the device by a short-circuiting of the contact terminal with at least one of said terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Luigi Pascucci
  • System and method for acquisition of signals
    Patent number: 8031815
    Abstract: A system for processing a received signal having at least one code applied thereto, the received signal having a frequency, the system comprising: first correlator circuitry arranged to correlate the received signal with a first code to provide an output; second correlator circuitry arranged to correlate the received signal with a second code to provide an output, wherein the first code and the second code are different; and processor for processing together the outputs of the first and second correlator circuitry to cancel the frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventor: Philip Mattos
  • SAMPLE AND HOLD CAPACITANCE TO DIGITAL CONVERTER
    Publication number: 20110234528
    Abstract: A circuit for converting charge measured from a touch screen into a digital signal can include a sample and hold circuit. The sample and hold circuit can sample and integrate a charge from a capacitive sense matrix, and hold a voltage signal representing the measured charge. A sigma delta converter can convert the voltage into a digital value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Yannick Guedon, Kien Beng Tan
  • OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICES
    Publication number: 20110234541
    Abstract: An imaging device may have an imaging surface and a sensor. The imaging surface may be illuminated by a first source and reflect at least some of the illumination to the sensor to detect an image. The imaging device may have a predetermined width and an optical path passing therethrough. The imaging device may be illuminated by a second source, and the illumination of the second source may be directed to one or more predetermined regions on or near the imaging surface to produce an optical effect associated with the imaging surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventor: Mathieu REIGNEAU
  • Second-Order Low-Pass Filter
    Publication number: 20110234310
    Abstract: A low-pass filter, including: between a first terminal and a second terminal, a series association of a first resistor, of a second resistor, and of a first amplifier; in parallel with the second resistor, a series association of a second amplifier and of a first capacitor; a second capacitor between an input of the first amplifier and a third terminal of application of a reference voltage; and a third capacitor between the second terminal and the third terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Blanc
  • AUTOMATIC METHOD TO DETECT SHORT AND OPEN CONDITIONS ON THE OUTPUTS OF A LED DRIVER DEVICE
    Publication number: 20110234105
    Abstract: Driving a light-emitting element by a driver capable of testing at least an open or short condition of the light-emitting element. In particular, a driving signal is generated to drive the light-emitting element. It is evaluated based on the value of the driving signal whether a predetermined condition is reached. If so, a latch signal is output indicating that the testing has finished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.
    Inventors: Sergio Castiglia, Roberto La Rosa