Patents by Inventor Agatino Antonino Alessandro
Agatino Antonino Alessandro has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10715143Abstract: Disclosed herein is a circuit including first and second input circuits. The first input circuit is configured to receive first and second logic signals and to source current to first and second control nodes if at least one of the first and second logic signals is at a logic low. The second input circuit is configured to receive the first and second logic signals and to sink current from the first and second control nodes if at least one of the first and second logic signals is at a logic high. A first output circuit is configured to source current to an output node when current is sunk from the first control node. A second output circuit is configured to sink current from the output node when current is sourced to the second control node. A latch is coupled to the output node.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Carmelo Ardizzone
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Patent number: 10447268Abstract: A level-shifter circuit operates to shift an input signal referenced to a first set supply voltages to generate an output signal referenced to a second set of supply voltages. The output signal from the level-shifter circuit is latched by a latching circuit. A logic gate has a first input configured to receive the input signal, a second input configured to receive a feedback signal and an output coupled to a input of the level shifting circuit. A feedback circuit has a first input configured to receive the output signal, a second input configured to receive the input signal and an output configured to generate the feedback signal. The feedback circuit operates to sense an uncontrolled switching event of the output signal occurring in the absence of a switching of the input signal and apply, in response thereto, the feedback signal to cancel the uncontrolled switching event.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Ignazio Bruno Mirabella
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Patent number: 10374600Abstract: First and second comparators receive input signals of opposed polarities and drive operation of a switch in response thereto. A first current generator supplies a first current to the switch which, in response to the control of the first and second comparators, applies the first current, alternatively, to a first node or a second node. A second current generator sinks a second current from the first node and a third current generator sinks a third current from the second node. A logic circuit has inputs coupled to the first node and the second node, respectively, receives respective switching signals having fast switching wavefronts and delayed switching wavefronts. The output of logic circuit is configured for switching between a first state and a second state with switching between the first state and the second state triggered by the fast switching wavefronts of the respective switching signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Ignazio Bruno Mirabella, Agatino Antonino Alessandro
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Publication number: 20190074830Abstract: First and second comparators receive input signals of opposed polarities and drive operation of a switch in response thereto. A first current generator supplies a first current to the switch which, in response to the control of the first and second comparators, applies the first current, alternatively, to a first node or a second node. A second current generator sinks a second current from the first node and a third current generator sinks a third current from the second node. A logic circuit has inputs coupled to the first node and the second node, respectively, receives respective switching signals having fast switching wavefronts and delayed switching wavefronts. The output of logic circuit is configured for switching between a first state and a second state with switching between the first state and the second state triggered by the fast switching wavefronts of the respective switching signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2018Publication date: March 7, 2019Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Ignazio Bruno MIRABELLA, Agatino Antonino ALESSANDRO
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Publication number: 20190068194Abstract: A level-shifter circuit operates to shift an input signal referenced to a first set supply voltages to generate an output signal referenced to a second set of supply voltages. The output signal from the level-shifter circuit is latched by a latching circuit. A logic gate has a first input configured to receive the input signal, a second input configured to receive a feedback signal and an output coupled to a input of the level shifting circuit. A feedback circuit has a first input configured to receive the output signal, a second input configured to receive the input signal and an output configured to generate the feedback signal. The feedback circuit operates to sense an uncontrolled switching event of the output signal occurring in the absence of a switching of the input signal and apply, in response thereto, the feedback signal to cancel the uncontrolled switching event.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Agatino Antonino ALESSANDRO, Ignazio Bruno MIRABELLA
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Patent number: 9979289Abstract: A switching converter includes a first electronic switch and a second electronic switch and respective drive circuits for switching on and switching off alternatively the first and second electronic switches. The drive circuits have a supply line for supplying to them a supply voltage. At least one of the drive circuits has, coupled to it, a capacitor for storing the supply voltage. An electronic-switching circuit is provided for selectively disconnecting the drive circuit from the supply line when the electronic switch driven thereby is switched off. In this mode, the drive circuit is supplied by the voltage stored on the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Carmelo Alberto Santagati
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Patent number: 9923400Abstract: A battery charger operates in a current regulation mode and a voltage regulation mode. A value of the voltage on the battery being charged is sensed and compared against a target voltage value. The current regulation mode is active during charging while the sensed voltage is less than the target voltage value. When the sensed voltage reaches the target voltage value, the voltage regulation mode is enabled and the current regulation mode is inhibited.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Giuliana De-Milato, Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Roberto Salvatore Peluso
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Patent number: 9735599Abstract: A battery charger includes an input supply terminal configured to receive a supply signal and a battery terminal configured to be connected to a battery. A supply switching circuit is arranged between the battery terminal and the input supply terminal. A control device generates a control signal to control operation of the supply switching circuit. A fuel gauge device provide a digital estimation of a voltage signal across the battery. A correction device modifies the control signal in response to the digital estimation of the voltage signal across the battery if that digital estimation is outside of a value range between two thresholds.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.Inventors: Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Carmelo Alberto Santagati, Liliana Arcidiacono, Francesco Pirozzi
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Publication number: 20170019094Abstract: A switching converter includes a first electronic switch and a second electronic switch and respective drive circuits for switching on and switching off alternatively the first and second electronic switches. The drive circuits have a supply line for supplying to them a supply voltage. At least one of the drive circuits has, coupled to it, a capacitor for storing the supply voltage. An electronic-switching circuit is provided for selectively disconnecting the drive circuit from the supply line when the electronic switch driven thereby is switched off. In this mode, the drive circuit is supplied by the voltage stored on the capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Carmelo Alberto Santagati
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Publication number: 20150380966Abstract: A battery charger includes an input supply terminal configured to receive a supply signal and a battery terminal configured to be connected to a battery. A supply switching circuit is arranged between the battery terminal and the input supply terminal. A control device generates a control signal to control operation of the supply switching circuit. A fuel gauge device provide a digital estimation of a voltage signal across the battery. A correction device modifies the control signal in response to the digital estimation of the voltage signal across the battery if that digital estimation is outside of a value range between two thresholds.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.Inventors: Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Carmelo Alberto Santagati, Liliana Arcidiacono, Francesco Pirozzi
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Publication number: 20150364934Abstract: A battery charger operates in a current regulation mode and a voltage regulation mode. A value of the voltage on the battery being charged is sensed and compared against a target voltage value. The current regulation mode is active during charging while the sensed voltage is less than the target voltage value. When the sensed voltage reaches the target voltage value, the voltage regulation mode is enabled and the current regulation mode is inhibited.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Giuliana De-Milato, Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Roberto Salvatore Peluso
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Patent number: 9184606Abstract: A battery charger which includes an input supply terminal configured to receive a supply signal, a battery terminal configured to be connected to a battery, at least one output terminal and an electrical path between the battery terminal and the output terminal, at least one device for the detection of one alarm condition of the battery or the battery charger. The battery charger includes circuitry configured to enable the at least one detection device at timing intervals when the battery supplies the at least one output terminal.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventors: Giuliana Demilato, Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Santi Carlo Adamo, Liliana Arcidiacono
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Patent number: 9160186Abstract: A battery charger includes an input supply terminal configured to receive a supply signal, a battery terminal configured to be connected to a battery and at least one output terminal, a switch arranged in the electrical path between the battery terminal and at least one output terminal, an element configured to store an information representative of an alarm condition of the battery and to open the switch when the alarm condition occurs, with the supply signal being absent and the battery supplying the at least one output terminal, and to close the switch when the supply signal is received at the input supply terminal.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventors: Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Giuliana Demilato, Liliana Arcidiacono, Santi Carlo Adamo
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Patent number: 8816749Abstract: A level shifter includes a first terminal configured to receive a first supply voltage, a second terminal configured to receive a second supply voltage, an input terminal configured to receive an input signal and an output terminal. The level shifter is configured to shift the input signal from the level of the first supply voltage to the level of the second supply voltage in outputting the output signal. The level shifter includes a storage circuit for storing the output signal value and configured, when the first supply voltage is no longer available, to force the output terminal to assume the last output voltage value stored by the storage circuit when the first supply voltage was available and before the first supply voltage was not available.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventor: Agatino Antonino Alessandro
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Publication number: 20140197872Abstract: A level shifter includes a first terminal configured to receive a first supply voltage, a second terminal configured to receive a second supply voltage, an input terminal configured to receive an input signal and an output terminal. The level shifter is configured to shift the input signal from the level of the first supply voltage to the level of the second supply voltage in outputting the output signal. The level shifter includes a storage circuit for storing the output signal value and configured, when the first supply voltage is no longer available, to force the output terminal to assume the last output voltage value stored by the storage circuit when the first supply voltage was available and before the first supply voltage was not available.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventor: Agatino Antonino Alessandro
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Publication number: 20130229145Abstract: A battery charger includes an input supply terminal configured to receive a supply signal, a battery terminal configured to be connected to a battery and at least one output terminal, a switch arranged in the electrical path between the battery terminal and at least one output terminal, an element configured to store an information representative of an alarm condition of the battery and to open the switch when the alarm condition occurs, with the supply signal being absent and the battery supplying the at least one output terminal, and to close the switch when the supply signal is received at the input supply terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.Inventors: Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Giuliana Demilato, Liliana Arcidiacono, Santi Carlo Adamo
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Publication number: 20130229146Abstract: A battery charger which includes an input supply terminal configured to receive a supply signal, a battery terminal configured to be connected to a battery, at least one output terminal and an electrical path between the battery terminal and the output terminal, at least one device for the detection of one alarm condition of the battery or the battery charger. The battery charger includes circuitry configured to enable the at least one detection device at timing intervals when the battery supplies the at least one output terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Giuliana Demilato, Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Santi Carlo Adamo, Liliana Arcidiacono
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Patent number: 7868596Abstract: A method of controlling a DC-DC step-up converter including at least one power switch and an energy storage inductor may include comparing a converter output voltage to a first threshold and generating a first comparison flag based on the converter output voltage comparison. The method may also include comparing a voltage across the energy storage inductor to a second threshold and generating a second comparison flag based on the second energy storage inductor voltage comparison. The method may further include controlling the at least one power switch as a function of a logic state of the first comparison flag and the second comparison flag, and stepwise adjusting the second threshold as a function of the first comparison flag and the second comparison flag to limit a ripple on the converter output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.Inventors: Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Calogero Ribellino
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Publication number: 20090015230Abstract: A method of controlling a DC-DC step-up converter including at least one power switch and an energy storage inductor may include comparing a converter output voltage to a first threshold and generating a first comparison flag based on the converter output voltage comparison. The method may also include comparing a voltage across the energy storage inductor to a second threshold and generating a second comparison flag based on the second energy storage inductor voltage comparison. The method may further include controlling the at least one power switch as a function of a logic state of the first comparison flag and the second comparison flag, and stepwise adjusting the second threshold as a function of the first comparison flag and the second comparison flag to limit a ripple on the converter output voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Agatino Antonino Alessandro, Calogero Ribellino