Patents by Inventor Brad Sharpe-Geisler

Brad Sharpe-Geisler 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: 11206025
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing external bus protection for programmable logic devices (PLDs) are disclosed. An example system includes a programmable I/O bus configured to interface with a user device over an external bus interface coupled to a PLD; a bus protection circuit arrangement integrated with the programmable I/O interface and configured to provide I/O bus supply voltage protection for the programmable I/O interface; and a bus protection control signal generator. The bus protection control signal generator generates a default bus protection control signal for the bus protection circuit arrangement of the PLD prior to completion of a power ramp performed by the user device; an intermediate bus protection control signal for the PLD prior to completion of loading a PLD configuration into a PLD fabric of the PLD; and an operational bus protection control signal for the PLD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Chwei-Po Chew, Brad Sharpe-Geisler
  • Publication number: 20210288651
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing external bus protection for programmable logic devices (PLDs) are disclosed. An example system includes a programmable I/O bus configured to interface with a user device over an external bus interface coupled to a PLD; a bus protection circuit arrangement integrated with the programmable I/O interface and configured to provide I/O bus supply voltage protection for the programmable I/O interface; and a bus protection control signal generator. The bus protection control signal generator generates a default bus protection control signal for the bus protection circuit arrangement of the PLD prior to completion of a power ramp performed by the user device; an intermediate bus protection control signal for the PLD prior to completion of loading a PLD configuration into a PLD fabric of the PLD; and an operational bus protection control signal for the PLD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Chwei-Po CHEW, Brad SHARPE-GEISLER
  • Patent number: 10630269
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement user designs in programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a programmable logic device (PLD) includes a plurality of programmable logic blocks (PLBs) and at least first and second logic cells within at least one of the PLBs, where each logic cell includes a lookup table (LUT) and associated mode logic configured to receive a LUT output signal from the LUT. The associated mode logic is configured to use a single physical signal output to provide a logic cell output signal corresponding to a selected logic function operational mode, ripple arithmetic operational mode, or extended logic function operational mode for each logic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Senani Gunaratna, Ting Yew
  • Patent number: 10417078
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement deterministic read back and error detection for programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a PLD includes an array of memory cells arranged in rows and columns, where at least one row includes an enable bit. The PLD further includes an address logic circuit configured to selectively assert the columns of the array by respective address lines. The PLD further includes a register configured to store a value of the enable bit in response to an assertion of an address line corresponding to the enable bit. The PLD further includes a read back circuit configured to selectively provide, for each memory cell, a data bit value stored by the memory cell or a predetermined data bit value based at least on the stored value of the register. Additional systems and related methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Loren McLaury, Brad Sharpe-Geisler
  • Patent number: 10382021
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement user designs in programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a programmable logic device (PLD) includes a plurality of programmable logic blocks (PLBs) and a plurality of logic cells within at least one of the PLBs, where each logic cell includes a four input lookup table (4-LUT) configured to provide a 4-LUT output signal to associated carry logic. Each logic cell is configurable according to at least two selectable operational modes including a logic function output mode and a ripple arithmetic output mode, and at least three of the 4-LUT inputs are interchangeable when a selected operational mode comprises the ripple arithmetic output mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Senani Gunaratna, Ting Yew
  • Publication number: 20190158073
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement user designs in programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a programmable logic device (PLD) includes a plurality of programmable logic blocks (PLBs) and at least first and second logic cells within at least one of the PLBs, where each logic cell includes a lookup table (LUT) and associated mode logic configured to receive a LUT output signal from the LUT. The associated mode logic is configured to use a single physical signal output to provide a logic cell output signal corresponding to a selected logic function operational mode, ripple arithmetic operational mode, or extended logic function operational mode for each logic cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Senani Gunaratna, Ting Yew
  • Patent number: 10141917
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement user designs in programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a programmable logic device (PLD) includes a plurality of programmable logic blocks (PLBs) and at least first and second logic cells within at least one of the PLBs, where each logic cell includes a lookup table (LUT) and associated mode logic configured to receive a LUT output signal from the LUT. The associated mode logic is configured to use a single physical signal output to provide a logic cell output signal corresponding to a selected logic function operational mode, ripple arithmetic operational mode, or extended logic function operational mode for each logic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Senani Gunaratna, Ting Yew
  • Patent number: 10079054
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement selective power gating of routing resource configuration memory bits for programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a PLD includes a routing circuit configured to selectively route input nodes to an output node. The PLD further includes configuration memory cells configured to store configuration bit values to control the routing circuit. The PLD further includes a power circuit configured to power the configuration memory cells while storing the configuration bit values. The PLD further includes an enable bit memory cell configured to store an enable bit value to interrupt at least one connection of the power circuit to the configuration memory cells. The configuration memory cells are configured to provide, in response to an interruption of the connection, default configuration bit values to the routing circuit to prevent routing the input nodes to the output node. Additional systems and related methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Senani Gunaratna, Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Ting Yew, Ronald L. Cline
  • Publication number: 20170324400
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement user designs in programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a programmable logic device (PLD) includes a plurality of programmable logic blocks (PLBs) and a plurality of logic cells within at least one of the PLBs, where each logic cell includes a four input lookup table (4-LUT) configured to provide a 4-LUT output signal to associated carry logic. Each logic cell is configurable according to at least two selectable operational modes including a logic function output mode and a ripple arithmetic output mode, and at least three of the 4-LUT inputs are interchangeable when a selected operational mode comprises the ripple arithmetic output mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Senani Gunaratna, Ting Yew
  • Publication number: 20170324401
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement user designs in programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a programmable logic device (PLD) includes a plurality of programmable logic blocks (PLBs) and at least first and second logic cells within at least one of the PLBs, where each logic cell includes a lookup table (LUT) and associated mode logic configured to receive a LUT output signal from the LUT. The associated mode logic is configured to use a single physical signal output to provide a logic cell output signal corresponding to a selected logic function operational mode, ripple arithmetic operational mode, or extended logic function operational mode for each logic cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Senani Gunaratna, Ting Yew
  • Publication number: 20170293518
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement deterministic read back and error detection for programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a PLD includes an array of memory cells arranged in rows and columns, where at least one row includes an enable bit. The PLD further includes an address logic circuit configured to selectively assert the columns of the array by respective address lines. The PLD further includes a register configured to store a value of the enable bit in response to an assertion of an address line corresponding to the enable bit. The PLD further includes a read back circuit configured to selectively provide, for each memory cell, a data bit value stored by the memory cell or a predetermined data bit value based at least on the stored value of the register. Additional systems and related methods are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Loren McLaury, Brad Sharpe-Geisler
  • Patent number: 9735761
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement user designs in programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a programmable logic device (PLD) includes a plurality of programmable logic blocks (PLBs) and a plurality of logic cells within at least one of the PLBs, where each logic cell includes a four input lookup table (4-LUT) configured to provide a 4-LUT output signal to associated carry logic. Each logic cell is configurable according to at least two selectable operational modes including a logic function output mode and a ripple arithmetic output mode, and at least three of the 4-LUT inputs are interchangeable when a selected operational mode comprises the ripple arithmetic output mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Senani Gunaratna, Ting Yew
  • Patent number: 9716491
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement user designs in programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a programmable logic device (PLD) includes a plurality of programmable logic blocks (PLBs) and at least first and second logic cells within at least one of the PLBs, where each logic cell includes a lookup table (LUT) and associated mode logic configured to receive a LUT output signal from the LUT. The associated mode logic is configured to use a single physical signal output to provide a logic cell output signal corresponding to a selected logic function operational mode, ripple arithmetic operational mode, or extended logic function operational mode for each logic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Senani Gunaratna, Ting Yew
  • Patent number: 9543950
    Abstract: A programmable logic is provided that uses only NMOS pass transistors to pass a true output signal to an internal true node and to pass a complement output signal to an internal complement node. The internal true and complement nodes are cross-coupled through PMOS transistors so that the discharge of one of the internal true and complement nodes switches on a corresponding one of the cross-coupled PMOS transistors to charge a remaining one of the internal true and complement nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Senani Gunaratna, Ting Yew
  • Patent number: 9537308
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes multiple I/O banks, each bank having multiple I/O-ESD tiles, each tile having one or more I/O circuits and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuitry for the one or more I/O circuits in the tile. The ESD circuitry for one tile includes at least one RC-triggered clamp, whose resistance is provided by a resistor shared by one or more other RC-triggered clamps in one or more other tiles of the same bank and whose capacitance is provided by a combination of distributed capacitors, one for each of those two or more RC-triggered clamps. Each tile may have multiple instances of such RC-triggered clamps providing ESD protection for different (e.g., power supply and/or bus) nodes. The shared resistors are variable to allow different instances of the same ESD circuitry design to be implemented with the same time constant for different banks having different numbers of tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Truong, Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Ravi Lall
  • Patent number: 9515643
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit has hot-socket circuitry to protect I/O drivers during hot-socket events. The hot-socket circuitry has (i) N-well-to-pad switcher circuitry that ties driver PMOS N-wells to pads when the pad voltages are greater than the power-supply voltage and (ii) N-well-to-power-supply switcher circuitry that ties the driver PMOS N-wells to the power supply when the pad voltages are less than the power-supply voltage. The hot-socket circuitry also has a special PMOS device connected between the pad and a gate of at least one other PMOS device in the N-well-to-power-supply switcher circuitry to turn off the N-well-to-power-supply switcher circuitry quickly whenever the pad voltage is greater than the power-supply voltage. Applying a reduced power-supply voltage level to the gate of the special PMOS device enables the hot-socket circuitry to be implemented without having to use low Vt devices and without having to implement substantially large drive strengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keith Truong, Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Ravi Lall, Giap Tran
  • Patent number: 9287872
    Abstract: In one integrated circuit embodiment, a programmable pull-down output buffer is calibrated by sequentially configuring the buffer at different drive-strength levels and adjusting a source current applied to the buffer until the voltage at an input node of the buffer reaches a reference voltage level. A programmable pull-up output buffer is then calibrated by sequentially configuring a pull-down output buffer based on the pull-down buffer calibration results and adjusting the drive-strength level of the pull-up buffer until the voltage at a common node between the two buffers reaches a reference voltage level. Average calibration results are generated by averaging multiple calibration results for each setting. Output buffers are thereby calibrated to compensate for PVT variations without using any external resistors and without requiring any I/O pins of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: LATTICESEMICONDUCTORCORPORATION
    Inventors: Siak Chon Kee, Giap Tran, Brad Sharpe-Geisler
  • Patent number: 9252755
    Abstract: A control circuit is provided that enables a register to provide a synchronous initialization capability as well as an asynchronous capability despite the register having no asynchronous input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Ting Yew, Senani Gunaratna
  • Publication number: 20160028383
    Abstract: A control circuit is provided that enables a register to provide a synchronous initialization capability as well as an asynchronous capability despite the register having no asynchronous input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Ting Yew, Senani Gunaratna
  • Publication number: 20160028401
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement user designs in programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a programmable logic device (PLD) includes a plurality of programmable logic blocks (PLBs) and at least first and second logic cells within at least one of the PLBs, where each logic cell includes a lookup table (LUT) and associated mode logic configured to receive a LUT output signal from the LUT. The associated mode logic is configured to use a single physical signal output to provide a logic cell output signal corresponding to a selected logic function operational mode, ripple arithmetic operational mode, or extended logic function operational mode for each logic cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Brad Sharpe-Geisler, Senani Gunaratna, Ting Yew