Patents by Inventor Bernhard Schaffer

Bernhard Schaffer 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: 12535516
    Abstract: Example implementations of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle, a fault monitoring device for a vehicle and a semiconductor device for detecting an overvoltage and/or an overcurrent. The semiconductor device includes a first die and a second die, which is configured to detect an overvoltage and/or an overcurrent in the electrical supply and/or communication of the first die. The semiconductor device also includes an output for outputting a signal, which indicates the overvoltage and/or the overcurrent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2026
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Bernhard Schaffer
  • Patent number: 12163782
    Abstract: An angle sensor may include a first angle measurement path to determine an angular position based on sensor values from a first set of sensing elements. The angle sensor may include a second angle measurement path to determine the angular position based on sensor values from a second set of sensing elements. A type of the second set of sensing elements is different from a type of the first set of sensing elements. The angle sensor may include a safety path to perform a set of safety checks, the set of safety checks including a first vector length check associated with the first angle measurement path and a second vector length check associated with the second angle measurement path. The angle sensor may include an output component to provide an indication of a result of the set of safety checks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Wolfgang Granig, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Benjamin Kollmitzer, Bernhard Schaffer
  • Patent number: 12013259
    Abstract: A device may determine a sensor identifier corresponding to a sensor integrated circuit (IC) associated with a sensor system. The device may provide the sensor identifier corresponding to the sensor IC. The device may receive, based on providing the sensor identifier, compensation parameter information associated with the sensor IC. The device may cause a set of compensation parameters, associated with the compensation parameter information, to be stored on a controller associated with the sensor system. The set of compensation parameters may include one or more parameters associated with correcting a measurement performed by the sensor IC or a safety result provided by the sensor IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Benjamin Kollmitzer, Stephan Leisenheimer, Mario Motz, Bernhard Schaffer
  • Publication number: 20240175909
    Abstract: Example implementations of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle, a fault monitoring device for a vehicle and a semiconductor device for detecting an overvoltage and/or an overcurrent. The semiconductor device includes a first die and a second die, which is configured to detect an overvoltage and/or an overcurrent in the electrical supply and/or communication of the first die. The semiconductor device also includes an output for outputting a signal, which indicates the overvoltage and/or the overcurrent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2023
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Inventors: Friedrich RASBORNIG, Bernhard SCHAFFER
  • Patent number: 11855789
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a controller operable to transmit digital data messages to a receiver via a communication link having at least a first and a second transmission path, the controller comprising a first signal terminal the first transmission path and a second signal terminal for the second transmission path. The first signal terminal is operable to digitally transmit a first message to the receiver according to a first transmission technique and the second signal terminal is being operable to digitally transmit a second message to the receiver according to a second, different transmission technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Wolfgang Granig, Bernhard Schaffer, Wolfgang Scherr, Michael Strasser
  • Publication number: 20230305048
    Abstract: Some described techniques address issues of latency and lengthy processing times associated with conventional redundant sensor measurement systems that rely upon digital transmission protocols by implementing a diverse analog sensor interface architecture. Additional described techniques provide a redundant signaling solution to achieve signaling diversity using a combination of analog and digital sensor interface architectures. The described architectures may advantageously use a number of sensor measurement paths that may be independent of one another or share any suitable number of common components to provide varying levels of redundancy. When redundant analog sensor interface architectures are implemented, the analog interfaces may also provide signal diversity with respect to the use of different types of analog transmission protocols, which may include different signaling interfaces (e.g. differential versus single-ended), different transmission interfaces (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Bernhard Schaffer, Hans-Jörg Wagner
  • Patent number: 11689326
    Abstract: The described techniques address the issues of latency and lengthy processing times associated with conventional redundant sensor measurement systems that rely upon digital transmission protocols by implementing a diverse analog sensor interface architecture. The described architecture may advantageously use a number of sensor measurement paths that may be independent of one another or share any suitable number of common components to provide varying levels of redundancy. The analog interfaces may provide signal diversity with respect to the use of different types of analog transmission protocols, which may include different signaling interfaces (e.g. differential versus single-ended), different transmission interfaces (e.g. voltage versus current interfaces), and/or the use of different signalization schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Bernhard Schaffer, Hans-Joerg Wagner, Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Publication number: 20220373318
    Abstract: An angle sensor may include a first angle measurement path to determine an angular position based on sensor values from a first set of sensing elements. The angle sensor may include a second angle measurement path to determine the angular position based on sensor values from a second set of sensing elements. A type of the second set of sensing elements is different from a type of the first set of sensing elements. The angle sensor may include a safety path to perform a set of safety checks, the set of safety checks including a first vector length check associated with the first angle measurement path and a second vector length check associated with the second angle measurement path. The angle sensor may include an output component to provide an indication of a result of the set of safety checks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Friedrich RASBORNIG, Wolfgang GRANIG, Dirk HAMMERSCHMIDT, Benjamin KOLLMITZER, Bernhard SCHAFFER
  • Publication number: 20220038222
    Abstract: The described techniques address the issues of latency and lengthy processing times associated with conventional redundant sensor measurement systems that rely upon digital transmission protocols by implementing a diverse analog sensor interface architecture. The described architecture may advantageously use a number of sensor measurement paths that may be independent of one another or share any suitable number of common components to provide varying levels of redundancy. The analog interfaces may provide signal diversity with respect to the use of different types of analog transmission protocols, which may include different signaling interfaces (e.g. differential versus single-ended), different transmission interfaces (e.g. voltage versus current interfaces), and/or the use of different signalization schemes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Bernhard Schaffer, Hans-Joerg Wagner, Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Patent number: 10903865
    Abstract: A signal interface for a receiver includes a first receiver module configured to receive a first message related to a content. The first receiver module is configured to generate a first adapted message based on the first message and a first transformation protocol. The signal interface further includes a second receiver module configured to receive a second message related to the content. The second receiver module is configured to generate a second adapted message based on the second message and a second transformation protocol. The first transformation protocol associated with the first receiver module and the second transformation protocol associated with the second receiver module are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Robert Hermann, Wolfgang Granig, Bernhard Schaffer, Wolfgang Scherr, Michael Strasser
  • Publication number: 20200358565
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a controller operable to transmit digital data messages to a receiver via a communication link having at least a first and a second transmission path, the controller comprising a first signal terminal the first transmission path and a second signal terminal for the second transmission path. The first signal terminal is operable to digitally transmit a first message to the receiver according to a first transmission technique and the second signal terminal is being operable to digitally transmit a second message to the receiver according to a second, different transmission technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Wolfgang Granig, Bernhard Schaffer, Wolfgang Scherr, Michael Strasser
  • Patent number: 10756857
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a controller operable to transmit digital data messages to a receiver via a communication link having at least a first and a second transmission path, the controller comprising a first signal terminal the first transmission path and a second signal terminal for the second transmission path. The first signal terminal is operable to digitally transmit a first message to the receiver according to a first transmission technique and the second signal terminal is being operable to digitally transmit a second message to the receiver according to a second, different transmission technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Wolfgang Granig, Bernhard Schaffer, Wolfgang Scherr, Michael Strasser
  • Publication number: 20200096363
    Abstract: A device may determine a sensor identifier corresponding to a sensor integrated circuit (IC) associated with a sensor system. The device may provide the sensor identifier corresponding to the sensor IC. The device may receive, based on providing the sensor identifier, compensation parameter information associated with the sensor IC. The device may cause a set of compensation parameters, associated with the compensation parameter information, to be stored on a controller associated with the sensor system. The set of compensation parameters may include one or more parameters associated with correcting a measurement performed by the sensor IC or a safety result provided by the sensor IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin Kollmitzer, Stephan Leisenheimer, Mario Motz, Bernhard Schaffer
  • Patent number: 10571296
    Abstract: A circuit for obtaining information on a physical quantity according to an embodiment includes a sensor arrangement sensitive to the physical quantity, at least one further sensor element sensitive to the physical quantity and a supply circuit configured to provide the sensor arrangement with a supply signal comprising a supply voltage controlled by the supply circuit in a closed-loop configuration. The supply circuit is further configured to provide the at least one further sensor element with a further supply signal comprising a further supply current such that a magnitude of the further supply current fulfills a predetermined relationship with a magnitude of a supply current of the supply signal. As a consequence, it may be possible to improve a trade-off between an improved compensation of variations, simplifying an implementation, simplifying the manufacturing, simplifying the sensing and providing stable sensing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Alessandro Michelutti, Bernhard Schaffer, Wolfgang Horn, Simon Hainz
  • Patent number: 10514410
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for sensor self-diagnostics using multiple signal paths. In an embodiment, the sensors are magnetic field sensors, and the systems and/or methods are configured to meet or exceed relevant safety or other industry standards, such as SIL standards. For example, a monolithic integrated circuit sensor system implemented on a single semiconductor ship can include a first sensor device having a first signal path for a first sensor signal on a semiconductor chip; and a second sensor device having a second signal path for a second sensor signal on the semiconductor chip, the second signal path distinct from the first signal path, wherein a comparison of the first signal path signal and the second signal path signal provides a sensor system self-test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Mario Motz, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Ferdinand Gastinger, Bernhard Schaffer, Wolfgang Granig
  • Patent number: 10509107
    Abstract: A device for simulating at least one echo signal of a signal is described, said device comprising an input for receiving the signal, a signal manipulation unit and an output for transmitting the signal processed by said signal manipulation unit. Said signal manipulation unit is configured to add a delay to the signal, to change the frequency of the signal and/or to change the amplitude of the signal. Said device further comprises at least one bandwidth changing unit. Said bandwidth changing unit is configured to change the frequency bandwidth of the signal. In addition, a system and a method for simulating at least one echo signal of a signal are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Steffen Heuel, Sherif Ahmed, Bernhard Schaffer
  • Patent number: 10200031
    Abstract: An electronically switchable diplexer (200), especially an electronically switchable diplexer (200) with low video crosstalk, comprises a low-pass terminal (210), a terminal (220) for feeding in a first control signal, a common terminal (230), a high-pass terminal (240), and a terminal (250) for feeding in a second control signal, wherein the low-pass path of the diplexer (200) operates down to DC (direct current).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rudolf Forstmaier, Bernhard Schaffer
  • Patent number: 10187099
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a controller operable to transmit digital data messages to a receiver via a communication link having at least a first and a second transmission path, the controller comprising a first signal terminal the first transmission path and a second signal terminal for the second transmission path. The first signal terminal is operable to digitally transmit a first message to the receiver according to a first transmission technique and the second signal terminal is being operable to digitally transmit a second message to the receiver according to a second, different transmission technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Wolfgang Granig, Bernhard Schaffer, Wolfgang Scherr, Michael Strasser
  • Patent number: 10180444
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rotation speed sensor, including at least one sensor element to detect a magnetic input signal of the rotation speed sensor, a time watchdog with a programmable time constant and an output control circuit. The time watchdog generates a time-out event when no minimum or maximum or no output switching event of a magnetic input signal of the rotation speed sensor is detected within a time-interval equal to a programmed time constant of the time watchdog. Further, the output control circuit changes the output signal of the rotation speed sensor from a first value to a second value, when a minimum or a maximum or output switching event of the magnetic input signal is detected within the time interval and a change of the magnetic input signal is greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Bernhard Schaffer, Christoph Schroers
  • Patent number: 10145882
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for sensor self-diagnostics using multiple signal paths. In an embodiment, the sensors are magnetic field sensors, and the systems and/or methods are configured to meet or exceed relevant safety or other industry standards, such as SIL standards. For example, a monolithic integrated circuit sensor system implemented on a single semiconductor ship can include a first sensor device having a first signal path for a first sensor signal on a semiconductor chip; and a second sensor device having a second signal path for a second sensor signal on the semiconductor chip, the second signal path distinct from the first signal path, wherein a comparison of the first signal path signal and the second signal path signal provides a sensor system self-test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Mario Motz, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Ferdinand Gastinger, Bernhard Schaffer, Wolfgang Granig