Patents Assigned to Texas Instruments
  • Stationary bath for testing electronic components
    Patent number: 10481198
    Abstract: A system and method for stress-testing of electronic components are disclosed. The system and method include a stationary bath including a tub that defines an aperture in a plane, in which a plurality of slots are positionable and defined inside the tub and oriented orthogonally with respect to the plane. A dielectric fluid in the tub is heated by a heating element to a predetermined temperature value. A board is configured to be retrievably placed with one of the plurality of slots, the board having a plurality of sockets operable to receive corresponding electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David Wayne Kaase, Joseph Milton Yehle, James Henry McGee, Jr., Clemon Howell
  • Programmable load transient circuit
    Patent number: 10481193
    Abstract: A programmable load transient circuit includes a switchable power device for coupling a DUT output to its non-control node in series with a current sense device. A feedback loop is between the current sense device and the power device's control node that includes an integrator including an amplifier coupled to receive a signal that is a function of an average load current (IDavg) supplied by the DUT from the current sense device and to receive a reference voltage (Vref). The integrator provides an output drive voltage that is coupled to an input of a level shifter which receives a pulse signal or DC level at another of its inputs. The level shifter provides an output waveform or DC voltage to the power device's control node that is a function of IDavg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Daniel Alexander Katz, Michael James Munroe
  • Methods and apparatus for generating a high swing in an oscillator
    Patent number: 10483909
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to generate an oscillating output signal having a voltage swing greater than a voltage swing across nodes of active devices. An example oscillator includes a tank to generate an oscillating output signal in response receiving an edge of an enable signal; a feedback generator including a first gain stage forming a first feedback loop with the tank, the first feedback loop providing a first charge to maintain the oscillating output signal and a second gain stage forming a second feedback loop with the tank, the second feedback loop providing a second charge to maintain the oscillating output signal, the first and second charges combining with the oscillating output signal to generate a high voltage swing; and an attenuator connected between the tank and the feedback generator to isolate the tank from active components of the feedback generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Subhashish Mukherjee, Kumar Anurag Shrivastava, Madhulatha Bonu
  • Multi-bit successive-approximation register analog-to-digital converter
    Patent number: 10484001
    Abstract: A system for digitizing a sampled input value includes a digital-to-analog converter for generating an output signal as a function of (1) the sampled input value, (2) a reference value, and (3) digital codes, and a multi-bit analog-to-digital converter for determining the digital codes in first, intermediate, and subsequent cycles. Dither is dynamically added to the digital-to-analog converter in the intermediate cycle. The dither is corrected for in the subsequent cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Rishi Soundararajan, Visvesvaraya Pentakota, Anand Jerry George
  • Ring oscillator-based timer
    Patent number: 10483953
    Abstract: A circuit includes a ring oscillator and a state capture register to receive a multi-bit state of the ring oscillator captured upon occurrence of an edge of input periodic signal. The circuit also includes an edge-phase detector to assert an edge detect high signal in response to a first reference clock derived from the ring oscillator being high upon occurrence of the edge of the input periodic signal and to assert an edge detect low signal in response to the first reference clock derived from the ring oscillator being low upon occurrence of the edge of the input periodic signal. A first register receives data from the state capture register upon occurrence of one of a rising or falling edge of a second clock derived from the ring oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: George Reitsma
  • Power balancing between two power rails
    Patent number: 10476266
    Abstract: A power controller that includes first and second buck controllers and a power balancer. The first buck controller is configured to receive a first power rail at a first voltage and generate a first output signal. The second buck controller is configured to receive a second power rail at a second voltage and generate a second output signal. The power balancer is configured to receive an average current for the output signals and generate, based on the average current, a reference voltage to be received by the second buck controller. The output signals are combined to create a output power rail such that the first buck controller functions as a voltage source for the output power rail and the second buck controller controls, based on the reference voltage, an amount of current in the output power rail received from each of the buck controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Sanjay Gurlahosur, Rajdeep Mukhopadhyay
  • Structure to enable higher current density in integrated circuit resistor
    Patent number: 10475725
    Abstract: An integrated circuit has a substrate including semiconductor material and a resistor in an interconnect region, above a first level of interconnect lines. The integrated circuit further includes an electrically isolated thermal conduit having one or more interconnect lines in every interconnect level lower than the resistor. The interconnect lines of the thermal conduit are directly connected through one or more vertical interconnects, including contacts, and possibly vias, to a gate structure located on a dielectric material over the semiconductor material of the substrate. The thermal conduit is electrically isolated from the resistor, from all active components in the integrated circuit, and from the semiconductor material of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Dhishan Kande, Archana Venugopal
  • System and methods for depth imaging using conventional CCD image sensors
    Patent number: 10477118
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing depth imaging using a CCD image sensor. In a method for visual imaging and depth imaging, steps include providing a CCD image sensor device arranged to receive light from an optical lens and having an array of pixels and corresponding pixel charge storage elements; providing a light source for transmitting light pulses responsive to a pulse control signal; providing timing signals to configure the CCD image sensor to collect and store charge from the pixel storage elements; and performing a depth calculation using a background charge, a reflected charge, and a depth charge collected in three frame periods for each pixel in the CCD image sensor. A system including a CCD image sensor for use with the embodiments is disclosed. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ravishankar S. Ayyagari, Bharath Patil, Shantanu Prasad Prabhudesai
  • Packaged semiconductor device
    Patent number: 10475786
    Abstract: A packaged semiconductor device includes a molded interconnect substrate having a signal layer including a first channel and a second channel on a dielectric layer with vias, and a bottom metal layer for providing a ground return path. The signal layer includes contact pads, traces of the first and second channel include narrowed trace regions, and the bottom metal layer includes a patterned layer including ground cut regions. DC blocking capacitors are in series within the traces of the first and second channel for providing AC coupling that have one plate over one of the ground cuts. An integrated circuit (IC) includes a first and a second differential input channel coupled to receive an output from the DC blocking capacitors, with a bump array thereon flip chip mounted to the contact pads to provide first and second differential output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Yiqi Tang, Rajen Manicon Murugan, Makarand Ramkrishna Kulkarni
  • Packaged semiconductor device with a particle roughened surface
    Patent number: 10475729
    Abstract: A packaged semiconductor device with a particle roughened surface on a portion of the lead frame that improves adhesion between the molding compound and the lead frame. A packaged semiconductor device with a particle roughened surface on a portion of the lead frame that improves adhesion between the molding compound and the lead frame and with a reflow wall that surrounds a portion of the solder joint that couples the semiconductor device to the lead frame. A packaged semiconductor device with a reflow wall that surrounds a portion of a solder joint that couples a semiconductor device to a lead frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Vikas Gupta, Daniel Yong Lin
  • Multiple output integrated power factor correction
    Patent number: 10476375
    Abstract: A multiple-output integrated power factor correction system includes, for example, a processor that is formed in a substrate and is arranged to monitor each voltage output of two or more output stages of a power supply and in response to generate an individual voltage error signal for each monitored output stage. A combined output voltage error signal is generated in response to each of the individual voltage error signals. The voltage input to the power supply and the total inductor current of the power supply are monitored and used to generate a combined output voltage control signal in response to the monitored input voltage total inductor current as well as the combined output voltage error control signal. Each individual output voltage control signal for each monitored output stage is generated in response to each of the respective generated individual voltage error signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shamim Choudhury, Zhenyu Yu, Zhong Ye
  • Method and system for defining generic topologies for use in topology matching engines
    Patent number: 10474784
    Abstract: Circuit analysis software packages are a significant tool used today in the design of integrated circuits (ICs). Many of the conventional and commercially available simulation or analysis packages, however, are limited to performing static design “checks” using topology based search algorithms to find potential problems in a subject design. Here, a system is provided that allows a user to define parameters that comport with the subject design to generate a set of specific topologies from a set of generic topologies. These generated topologies can then be used to perform a more thorough analysis of the subject design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Minas Hambardzumyan, Michael J. Krasnicki, Ryan W. Eatmon
  • Total harmonic distortion (THD) controlled clip detector and automatic gain limiter (AGL)
    Patent number: 10476446
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include an audio amplifier system configured to provide a total harmonic distortion (THD) controlled clip detector and an automatic gain limiter (AGL) solution for a closed-loop amplifier. The audio amplifier system is capable of maintaining high power output without hard distortion (i.e., hard clipping) for providing better acoustics, while preventing damage to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shun Qian, Kim Nordtorp Madsen, Lucia Wan
  • Methods and apparatus for test insertion points
    Patent number: 10473717
    Abstract: Described examples include a method of providing K bits of test data to a combinatorial circuit. The method further includes generating N bits of test data using the combinatorial circuit, where N is greater than K. The method further includes providing the N bits of test data to a module under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Wilson Pradeep
  • Apparatus for spatially and spectrally adaptable dichromatic white light source using spatial light modulator
    Patent number: 10473284
    Abstract: In described examples of an automotive headlamp, a first illumination source outputs a first color light, and a second illumination source outputs a second color light different from the first color light. A digital micromirror device receives the first color light and the second color light and reflects the first color light and the second color light. A projection optics receives reflected light from the digital micromirror device and outputs a beam from the automotive headlamp having a color that is a combination of the first and second colors. A controller controls intensity and duration of the first illumination source and the second illumination source, controls a pattern on the digital micromirror device, and spectrally tunes the color of the output beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Vikrant R. Bhakta
  • Material-discerning proximity sensing
    Patent number: 10474307
    Abstract: A material-discerning proximity sensor is arranged to include an antenna that is arranged to radiate a radio-frequency signal. A capacitive sensor is arranged to detect a change in capacitance of the capacitive sensor and to receive the radio-frequency signal. An electrical quantity sensor is arranged to detect a change of the received radio-frequency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Alan Henry Leek
  • Continuous time linear capacitive digital step attenuator
    Patent number: 10476542
    Abstract: A digital step attenuator (DSA) includes a switch control circuit which receives the attenuated signal output by the DSA from a buffer and generates a tracked control signal for switches within the DSA. Some switch control circuits include a capacitor coupled to receive the buffered signal, a supply voltage, and a switch control logic sub-circuit for each switch. Each switch control logic sub-circuit receives a control signal, for either the gate or the bulk terminal of the switch, and generates the tracked control signal. In other embodiments, switch control circuits include a complementary MOSFET switching device coupled to receive a control signal, and a capacitor coupled to receive the buffered signal, both of which are connected to an output terminal for the tracked control signal. In those embodiments, the DSA includes a switch control circuit for each switch connected to the DSA output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Neeraj Shrivastava, Rajendrakumar Joish, Shagun Dusad, Visvesvaraya Pentakota
  • Dynamic learning of voltage source capabilities
    Patent number: 10476394
    Abstract: A system may include a power supply configurable to generate any of a plurality of output voltages on a power supply output node. The system also may include a voltage auto-detection power distribution (PD) controller coupled to the power supply. The voltage auto-detection PD controller is configured to monitor an input signal for detection of presence of a device coupled to the system via a cable and assert combinations of a plurality of control signals. For each combination of control signals, the voltage auto-detection PD controller measures a value of an output voltage from the power supply, stores the measured value, and generates a plurality of packets for transmission to the device. Each packet contains a parameter indicative of a measured output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Deric Wayne Waters
  • One-way key fob and vehicle pairing
    Patent number: 10477402
    Abstract: Key fob and vehicle control unit identifiers (IDs) are used for entity authentication or trust transfer to achieve a secured initial pairing. The key fob is capable of transmitting only (not receiving) and is paired with a control unit in a vehicle or with any other control device. Use of the key fob and control unit IDs prevents unauthorized pairing and access to the operation key (OpKey) that is later used for communications between the devices. Elliptical curve cryptography (ECC) is used for strong security and efficient implementation. In the pairing process, device IDs are used for entity authentication and public key cryptography is used for easy key management. Symmetric encryption is used for fast normal operation and to accommodate key fob addition or revocation after key fob loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Jin-Meng Ho
  • Processing device with nonvolatile logic array backup
    Patent number: 10468079
    Abstract: A processing device is operated using a plurality of volatile storage elements. N groups of M volatile storage elements of the plurality of volatile storage elements per group are connected to an N by M size non-volatile logic element array of a plurality of non-volatile logic element arrays using a multiplexer. The multiplexer connects one of the N groups to the N by M size non-volatile logic element array to store data from the M volatile storage elements into a row of the N by M size non-volatile logic element array at one time or to write data to the M volatile storage elements from a row of the N by M size non-volatile logic element array at one time. A corresponding non-volatile logic controller controls the multiplexer operation with respect to the connections between volatile storage elements and non-volatile storage elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna