Patents Examined by Christopher Lo
  • Patent number: 7928766
    Abstract: In a method and system for translating voltage levels to interface electronic devices, a voltage translator is operable to perform the translation of voltage levels of the bi-directional signals exchanged between the electronic devices in accordance with an open-drain mode of operation and in accordance with a push-pull mode of operation. The voltage translator includes edge-rate accelerators to detect signal transitions and includes configurable resistors to provide a direct current (DC) drive current and a DC bias to hold desired voltage levels. The voltage translator is operable in the open-drain mode to detect a presence of an electronic device, and is operable in the push-pull mode upon the detection of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark Benjamin Welty
  • Patent number: 7924595
    Abstract: A high-density semiconductor device includes a first input/output line connected among a plurality of banks on a core area storing data, so that it transmits data, a second input/output line connected to a data pad capable of performing data input/output operations at a Peri-area, so that it transmits data, a first repeater connected between the first input/output line and the second input/output line, for transmitting data of the first input/output line to the second input/output line in response to a read enable signal enabled by a read command, and a second repeater connected between the first input/output line and the second input/output line, for transmitting data of the second input/output line to the first input/output line in response to a write enable signal enabled by a write command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Kie Bong Koo
  • Patent number: 7924049
    Abstract: Provided is a method and system to transmit data to a configurable integrated circuit that features delaying a capture edge of a clock signal at a data latch to synchronize the receipt of data at the data latch that was transmitted in response to a storage device receiving a launch edge of the clock signal. The method includes transmitting the clock signal having the launch edge and the capture edge to the storage device. The data is launched from the storage device to the integrated circuit in response to the storage device sensing the launch edge. Receipt of the capture edge at the data latch is delayed for a predetermined time to compensate for a delay between transmitting the launch edge and launching the data to ensure the data is latched by the data latch. Also disclosed is a system that carries out the function of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Duwel, Balaji Margabandu, Dirk A. Reese, Leo Min Maung
  • Patent number: 7915924
    Abstract: A system and method to operate an electronic device, such as a memory chip, with an output driver circuit that is configured to include an ODT (On-Die Termination) mode detector detects whether there is sufficient internal clocking available to operate the ODT portion in the output driver in the synchronous mode of operation or to switch the operation to the asynchronous mode. The clock-sufficiency based determination of internal ODT mode of operation (synchronous vs. asynchronous) avoids utilization of complex and inflexible clock processing logic in an ODT control unit in the output driver. This enables the actual clocking to the ODT circuitry to be changed during various device operational modes (e.g., active, power down, etc.) without re-designing the ODT control logic for each of those modes. The simplicity and flexibility of the ODT mode detector design allows for efficient use of chip real estate without affecting the signal transfer speed of the output driver in the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Waldrop
  • Patent number: 7911223
    Abstract: A calibration circuit of an on-die termination device includes a code generating unit configured to receive a voltage of a calibration node connected to an external resistor and a reference voltage to generate pull-up calibration codes. The calibration circuit also includes a pull-up calibration resistor unit configured to pull up the calibration node in response to the pull-up calibration codes. The pull-up calibration resistor unit is calibrated such that its resistance becomes higher as a power supply voltage increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Ki-Ho Kim, Sang-Jin Byeon
  • Patent number: 7906986
    Abstract: A data output driving circuit for a semiconductor apparatus includes a code converter that varies an input on-die termination code according to a control signal and outputs the code, and a driver block having impedance which can be modified according to the code generated by the code converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Dong Uk Lee
  • Patent number: 7906984
    Abstract: A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) circuit capable of operating through at least one fault. The FPGA circuit includes a configuration memory and an embedded microprocessor. The embedded microprocessor having access to the configuration memory, static modules, at least one relocatable module, and at least one spare module. The relocatable module being relocatable from a first target area to a second target area. The relocatable module being relocatable by manipulating a partial bitstream with the embedded microprocessor. The microprocessor calculating a plurality of bitstream changes, to relocate the at least one relocatable module using at least triple modular redundancy (TMR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: David P. Montminy, Rusty O. Baldwin, Paul D. Williams
  • Patent number: 7902863
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for configuring a programmable integrated circuit are described. In one example, a configuration stream having first data for programming first locations in a configuration memory and an instruction for referencing circuitry in the programmable integrated circuit is received. Second data is obtained from the circuitry based on the instruction. Second locations in the configuration memory are programmed in response to the second data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Tetzlaff, Daniel J. Ferris, III, Steven P. Young
  • Patent number: 7898298
    Abstract: An inverter driver integrated circuit (IC) includes a control signal generator generating a first control signal and a second control signal by use of a pulse width modulation oscillator signal, a comparator comparing a half-wave rectified signal of a lamp feedback signal fed back from a lamp with a preset reference signal to output a lamp state signal, a first sensor receiving the lamp state signal and the second control signal to output a first sensing signal, and a second sensor receiving the first sensing signal and the first control signal to output a second sensing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo Hyun Hwang, Byoung Own Min, Jeong In Cheon, Yun Jin Jang, Seung Kon Kong, Sang Cheol Shin
  • Patent number: 7893716
    Abstract: Hotsocket detection circuitry is provided for detecting hotsocket conditions in integrated circuits such as programmable logic device integrated circuits. Power-on-reset circuitry may provide a power-on-reset signal that is indicative of when power supply voltages are ready to power circuitry on the integrated circuit for normal operation. A delay circuit that is powered by a power supply voltage may receive the power-on-reset signal and may generate a corresponding delayed version of the power-on-reset signal. The delayed version of the power-on-reset signal may be provided to the hotsocket detection circuitry to ensure that the hotsocket detection circuitry produces a hotsocket signal that transitions after a transition in the power-on-reset signal. The delay circuit may include one or more inverter stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Chui, Toan D. Do, Kok Siong Tee
  • Patent number: 7884642
    Abstract: A system LSI includes an input/output section and a logic circuit section. The input/output section includes an I/O power source cell having a supply voltage higher than a power source for the logic circuit section and a plurality of I/O cells in each of which an I/O power source line is provided for supplying source power from the I/O power source cell. The logic circuit section includes an I/O power consuming circuit which uses the I/O power source cell as a power source. The I/O power consuming circuit is connected to a line leading from an I/O power source line in at least one of the plurality of I/O cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Agata, Toshiaki Kawasaki, Masanori Shirahama, Ryuji Nishihara, Shinichi Sumi, Yasue Yamamoto, Hirohito Kikukawa
  • Patent number: 7884774
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless transmit/receive unit, comprising a feeding connecting line, a first radiating line, a second radiating line, a third radiating line and a fourth radiating line, wherein the third radiating line is longer than the first radiating line and the first radiating line is longer than the second radiating line that provides different current paths for getting a broader bandwidth. The first, second and third radiating lines are connected parallel for enhancing an antenna pattern being perpendicular thereto, and form a series capacity between the first and the third radiating lines. The fourth radiating line vertically connects between the third radiating line and a grounding line for forming a grounding capacity. The printed antenna can be reduced in size by the effect of the two capacities. The wireless transmit/receive unit can provide a better isolation with others by the direction enforced pattern and the reduced size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Delta Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-Cheng Huang, Chia-Bin Yang
  • Patent number: 7884637
    Abstract: A calibration circuit is capable of correcting an error of a calibration operation by adjusting a calibration code generated thereby. The calibration circuit of a semiconductor memory device includes a code generator, a calibration resistor unit, and a variable resistor unit. The code generator is configured to generate a calibration code for determining a termination resistance in response to a voltage of a first node and a reference voltage. The calibration resistor unit, which has internal resistors turned on/off in response to the calibration code, is connected to the first node. The variable resistor unit is connected in parallel with the calibration resistor unit and has a resistance that varies with a setting value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Seok Jeong
  • Patent number: 7868660
    Abstract: A dual-wire communications bus circuit, compatible with existing two-wire bus protocols, includes a first and second part of the communications bus circuit to couple to a communications bus. The bus has a first line for carrying data signals from a master device to one or more slave devices and a second line to carry a clock signal between the devices. A pullup resistor is located in each part of the communications bus circuit; the pullup resistor in the first part couples to the first line of the communications bus and the pullup resistor in the second part couples to the second line of the communications bus. To improve data throughput and reduce noise, an active pullup device, working in conjunction with the pullup resistor, is located in each part of the communications bus circuit, providing a high logic level on at least one of the communications bus lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Philip S. Ng, Jinshu Son
  • Patent number: 7863933
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tri-state I/O port. The tri-state I/O port comprises a tri-state logic block, a weak buffer and a delay block. The input terminals of the tri-state logic block are connected to data and OE (output enable) signals. When OE signal is enabled, the output terminal of the tri-state I/O block is pulled high when the data is high while the output terminal is pulled low when the data is low. The input terminal and the output terminal of the weak buffer are connected to the output terminal of the tri-state logic block. And the input terminal of the delay block is connected to the output terminal of the tri-state logic block while the output terminal of the delay block is fed back to the tri-state logic block. When the output terminal of the tri-state logic block is low to high/high to low, the weak buffer is active and maintains the output terminal of the tri-state logic block weak high/low while the delay block turns off the pull high/low function of the tri-state logic block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: RDC Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Jen Chuang
  • Patent number: 7834652
    Abstract: In embodiment of the invention, a programmable logic device includes configuration memory adapted to be programmed with configuration data and a plurality of programmable fuses adapted to store a security key for use with configuration data. The security key includes a plurality of data bit values, wherein each data bit value of the security key is associated with a subset of a least three fuses each storing a bit. Each of a plurality of decoders is adapted to retrieve a data bit value of the security key by providing the bit value stored by a majority of the fuses of the associated subset as the data bit value of the security key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Howard Tang, Ju Shen, San-Ta Kow
  • Patent number: 7834658
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for communication of data is described. More particularly, generation of an interface for coupling to an auxiliary processor unit for communication of data in an integrated circuit is described. Programmable logic is programmed to provide a hardware interface for communicating the data between memory and a user-defined circuit. The data is communicated at least in part via an auxiliary processor unit coupled to the hardware interface. The programming includes configuring the programmable logic to use the auxiliary processor unit to respond to coded instructions executed by a central processing unit through the provided hardware interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Neuendorffer, Paul M. Hartke, Paul R. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 7834661
    Abstract: A level shifter increase a voltage level of an output signal with relatively lower power consumption by adopting current-starved configuration. The level shifter includes an input unit and a driving unit. The input unit includes a current-starved inverter configured to generate a control signal in response to an input signal and a bias voltage. The input unit is powered by a first power supply voltage. The driving unit generates an output signal in response to the control signal. The output signal has a voltage level higher than the input signal, and the driving unit is powered by a second power supply voltage higher than the first power supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ja-Nam Ku, Cheong-Worl Kim, Young-Hoon Min, Dong-Hyun Lee, Il-Jong Song
  • Patent number: 7830172
    Abstract: Access is provided to user registers of a user design implemented on an integrated circuit (IC). A memory of the IC is initialized with instructions, and a portion of the programmable logic and interconnect resources of the IC is configured to implement an access interface, multiplexer logic, and the user design. A processor is coupled to the programmable logic and interconnect resources and executes the instructions from the memory. The processor receives from an external user interface, via the access interface, an access command. For a read command, the processor reads a value from an identified user register and transmits the value to the external user interface. For a write command, the processor writes a write value specified by the access command to the specified user register via the multiplexer logic. The processor and the user design are both coupled to write to the user registers via the multiplexer logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Baxter
  • Patent number: 7825684
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a configurable integrated circuit (“IC”). The IC includes several non-configurable memories for storing and outputting data. The IC also includes several configurable logic circuits that each can configurably perform a set of functions, and several configurable interconnect circuits that each can configurably perform a set of connection operations. The IC further includes several multiplexers, each multiplexer having input, output, and select terminal sets. During the operation of the IC, at least a first multiplexer's input terminal set receives the output of a first memory from a set of configurable interconnect circuits, while the select terminal set receives a set of select signals from at least one configurable logic circuit that direct the multiplexer to output a sub-set of the first memory's output data along the first multiplexer's output terminal set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Tabula, Inc.
    Inventor: Brad Hutchings