Patents by Inventor Alexander Latham

Alexander Latham 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).

  • Patent number: 10557873
    Abstract: A current sensor for sensing a direct magnetic field generated by a current through a conductor includes at least one first magnetic field sensing element spaced from at least one second magnetic field sensing element, with the magnetic field sensing elements configured to sense the direct magnetic field at different magnitudes. The direct magnetic field has a first direct coupling factor with respect to the at least one first magnetic field sensing element and a second direct coupling factor with respect to the at least one second magnetic field sensing element. A feedback conductor configured to carry a feedback current generates a feedback magnetic field that has a first feedback coupling factor with respect to the at least one first magnetic field sensing element and a second feedback coupling factor with respect to the at least one second magnetic field sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventor: Alexander Latham
  • Publication number: 20200025804
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed towards differential current sensing a current sensor having two or more magnetic field sensing elements that are oriented to sense a magnetic field generated by a current through an external conductor in the same direction. The current sensor can be positioned such that at least one first magnetic field sensing element is vertically aligned with the external conductor and at least one second magnetic field sensing element is not vertically aligned with the external conductor. The magnetic field sensing elements may be spaced from each to measure a gradient field and can generate a magnetic field signal indicative of a distance between the respective magnetic field sensing element and the current carrying external conductor. A difference between the magnetic field signals can be determined that is indicative of the current through the external conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Wade Bussing, Alexander Latham, Shaun D. Milano, Christian Feucht
  • Publication number: 20200018780
    Abstract: A current sensor can indirectly measure a sensed current by directly measuring static perturbing AC magnetic fields with magnetoresistance elements, the perturbing magnetic fields generated by perturbing coils. The sensed current can be indirectly measured by modulating or changing sensitivities of the magnetoresistance elements in a way that is directly related to the sensed current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Cadugan, Rémy Lassalle-Balier, Alexander Latham, Paolo Campiglio, Noémie Belin
  • Publication number: 20190391185
    Abstract: A current sensor integrated circuit including a magnetic field sensing element, a current conductor, an insulation structure, and a power calculation circuit is configured to meet safety isolation requirements. The current sensor integrated circuit may include or be used with isolation resistors to allow for voltage from a high voltage side to be sensed at a low voltage side of the circuit. The insulation structure, current sensor package, and isolation resistors can achieve at least 500 Vrms isolation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Georges El Bacha, Evan Shorman, Cory Voisine, Alexander Latham, William P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10509058
    Abstract: A current sensor can indirectly measure a sensed current by directly measuring static perturbing AC magnetic fields with magnetoresistance elements, the perturbing magnetic fields generated by perturbing coils. The sensed current can be indirectly measured by modulating or changing sensitivities of the magnetoresistance elements in a way that is directly related to the sensed current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Cadugan, Rémy Lassalle-Balier, Alexander Latham, Paolo Campiglio, Noémie Belin
  • Patent number: 10481181
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed towards differential current sensing a current sensor having two or more magnetic field sensing elements that are oriented to sense a magnetic field generated by a current through an external conductor in the same direction. The current sensor can be positioned such that at least one first magnetic field sensing element is vertically aligned with the external conductor and at least one second magnetic field sensing element is not vertically aligned with the external conductor. The magnetic field sensing elements may be spaced from each to measure a gradient field and can generate a magnetic field signal indicative of a distance between the respective magnetic field sensing element and the current carrying external conductor. A difference between the magnetic field signals can be determined that is indicative of the current through the external conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Wade Bussing, Alexander Latham, Shaun D. Milano, Christian Feucht
  • Publication number: 20190285667
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed towards integrating a shield layer into a current sensor to shield a magnetic field sensing element and associated circuitry in the current sensor from electrical, voltage, or electrical transient noise. In an embodiment, a shield layer may be disposed along at least one surface of a die supporting a magnetic field sensing element. The shield layer may be disposed in various arrangements to shunt noise caused by a parasitic coupling between the magnetic field sensing element and the current carrying conductor away from the magnetic field sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Shaun D. Milano, Bryan Cadugan, Michael C. Doogue, Alexander Latham, William P. Taylor, Harianto Wong, Sundar Chetlur
  • Publication number: 20190265018
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a sensor with a main coil to direct a magnetic field at a rotating target for inducing eddy currents in an end of the target and a sensing element to detect a magnetic field reflected from the target, wherein the target end comprises a conductive surface. The reflected magnetic field can be processed to determine an angular position of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Latham, Maxim Klebanov
  • Publication number: 20190257909
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor comprises a first coil configured to generate a magnetic field having a first frequency and induce a reflected magnetic field from a target. A second coil configured to generate a diagnostic magnetic field having a second frequency is included. The diagnostic magnetic field is configured not to induce a reflected magnetic field from the target that is measurable by the magnetic field sensor. At least two magnetic field sensing elements detect the reflected magnetic field and the diagnostic magnetic field and generate a signal representing the reflected magnetic field and the diagnostic magnetic field. A processing circuit is coupled to the at least two magnetic field sensing elements and configured to receive the signal, extract a diagnostic magnetic field portion of the signal representing the diagnostic magnetic field, and generate an error signal if a fault is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Hernán D. Romero, Alexander Latham
  • Patent number: 10390229
    Abstract: Systems and methods for biometric subscriber account authentication are described. When a subscriber initially accesses subscriber account data maintained by the communication network, a first non-biometric authentication protocol is used. The subscriber may then be invited to set up biometric authentication, which includes generating a private key/public key pair. Subsequently, biometric authentication is performed at the user device to unlock the private key/public key pair, which is then used to support authentication of the subscriber to the communication network using a second authentication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Zoltan Homorodi, James Alexander Latham
  • Publication number: 20190250220
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first substrate and two coils supported by the first substrate and arranged next to each other, the coils configured to each generate a magnetic field which produces eddy currents in and a reflected magnetic field from a conductive target, the two coils arranged so their respectively generated magnetic fields substantially cancel each other in an area between the coils. One or more magnetic field sensing elements are positioned in the area between the coils and configured to detect the reflected magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Latham, Michael C. Doogue, Jason Boudreau
  • Publication number: 20190219616
    Abstract: A current sensor can indirectly measure a sensed current by directly measuring static perturbing AC magnetic fields with magnetoresistance elements, the perturbing magnetic fields generated by perturbing coils. The sensed current can be indirectly measured by modulating or changing sensitivities of the magnetoresistance elements in a way that is directly related to the sensed current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Cadugan, Rémy Lassalle-Balier, Alexander Latham, Paolo Campiglio, Noémie Belin
  • Publication number: 20190219643
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor can include a substrate, a first magnetoresistance element disposed over the substrate and including a first maximum response axis and a first bias layer structure configured to generate a first bias magnetic field with a first magnetic direction between ninety degrees and sixty degrees relative to the first maximum response axis. The magnetic field sensor can also include a second magnetoresistance element disposed over the substrate and including a second maximum response axis parallel to the first maximum response axis and a second bias layer structure configured to generate a second bias magnetic field with a second magnetic direction parallel to the first magnetic direction and opposed to the first magnetic direction. The first and second magnetoresistance elements can each have a pair of electrical contacts for coupling to circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Cadugan, Rémy Lassalle-Balier, Alexander Latham, Paolo Campiglio, Noémie Belin
  • Patent number: 10352969
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed towards integrating a shield layer into a current sensor to shield a magnetic field sensing element and associated circuitry in the current sensor from electrical, voltage, or electrical transient noise. In an embodiment, a shield layer may be disposed along at least one surface of a die supporting a magnetic field sensing element. The shield layer may be disposed in various arrangements to shunt noise caused by a parasitic coupling between the magnetic field sensing element and the current carrying conductor away from the magnetic field sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Shaun D. Milano, Bryan Cadugan, Michael C. Doogue, Alexander Latham, William P. Taylor, Harianto Wong, Sundar Chetlur
  • Publication number: 20190190962
    Abstract: A network-accessible service such as a web site may authenticate users through a login process. In order to detect possibly fraudulent login events, the service may implement a framework based on recorded login events. For example, attributes of multiple recorded login events may be analyzed to create a framework that can be applied to attributes of newly received login requests to predict whether the newly received login requests are fraudulent. The framework may comprise criteria, algorithms, rules, models, and/or techniques, and may be constructed using various means such as pattern recognition, machine learning, and/or cluster analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: James Alexander Latham, Zoltan Homorodi, Michael Engan
  • Patent number: 10324141
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises one or more substrates and one or more coils. At least one of the coils is configured to produce a first magnetic field that induces eddy currents in a conductive target, which generates a reflected magnetic field. One or more magnetic field sensing elements supported by the one or more substrates detect the reflected magnetic field. A conductive support structure supports the one or more substrates. The support structure includes a gap in an area adjacent to the one or more coils so that the support structure does not generate a reflected magnetic field in response to the first magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Latham, Michael C. Doogue, Jason Boudreau
  • Patent number: 10310028
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a chamber comprising a conductive portion and a deformable portion coupled to the conductive portion and susceptible to deformation in response to a pressure differential between an interior of the chamber and an exterior of the chamber; at least one coil responsive to an AC coil drive signal; at least one magnetic field sensing element disposed proximate to the at least one coil and to the conductive portion of the chamber and configured to generate a magnetic field signal in response to a reflected magnetic field generated by the at least one coil and reflected by the conductive portion; and a circuit coupled to the at least one magnetic field sensing element to generate an output signal of the pressure sensor indicative of the pressure differential between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the chamber in response to the magnetic field signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignees: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC, Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Alexander Latham, Michael C. Doogue, Claude Fermon, Xavier Du Hamel De Milly, Myriam Pannetier-Lecoeur
  • Patent number: 10290608
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a signal isolator having first and second dies separated by a voltage barrier region, wherein transmit and receive paths of the first and second dies provide bi-directional transfer of feedback and/or diagnostic signals between the first and second die. In embodiments, transmitter refresh signals and receiver refresh signals are exchanged to detect fault conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Latham, Joseph James Judkins, III
  • Patent number: 10234516
    Abstract: In one aspect, a magnetic field sensor includes a chopper stabilized amplifier and a plurality of Hall-type elements in parallel and connected to the chopper stabilized amplifier. In another aspect, a magnetic field sensor includes a chopper stabilized amplifier and a plurality of Hall quad elements in parallel and connected to the chopper stabilized amplifier. In a further aspect, a current sensor has a bandwidth of 1 MHz and includes a chopper stabilized amplifier and a plurality of Hall quad elements, fabricated in silicon, in parallel and connected to the chopper stabilized amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Haas, Michael Gaboury, Alexander Latham
  • Publication number: 20190049530
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor for sensing external magnetic fields on multiple axes comprises a coil structure and a gain equalization circuit. The coil structure generates reference fields on magnetic field sensing elements in each axis. The gain equalization circuit measures and compares reference fields to generate gain-equalized output signals responsive to the external magnetic fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Latham, Craig S. Petrie