Patents by Inventor Chao-Chieh Li

Chao-Chieh Li 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).

  • Publication number: 20240022255
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), two charge-sharing capacitors, two charge-sharing switches, two pre-charge switches, and two DACs. The DCO has a first inverter and a second inverter. A first charge-sharing capacitor has a first terminal coupled to an input terminal of the first inverter through a first charge-sharing switch. A first DAC has an output terminal coupled to the first terminal of the first charge-sharing capacitor through a first pre-charge switch. A second charge-sharing capacitor has a first terminal coupled to an input terminal or an output terminal of the second inverter through a second charge-sharing switch. A second DAC has an output terminal coupled to the first terminal of the second charge-sharing capacitor through a second pre-charge switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Min-Shueh YUAN, Chao-Chieh LI, Chia-Chun LIAO, Yu-Tso LIN, Wen-Yuan TSAI, Chih-Hsien CHANG
  • Publication number: 20230384373
    Abstract: An electronic circuit and a method of error correction are provided. The electronic circuit includes a time-to-digital converter (TDC) and an error cancelation circuit. The TDC is configured to generate a first signal. The error cancelation circuit is configured to evaluate a majority of bit values of at least a portion of the first signal to generate a second signal. The number of transitions within the second signal is less than the number of transitions within the first signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: CHIA-CHUN LIAO, CHAO CHIEH LI, YU-TSO LIN, MIN-SHUEH YUAN
  • Patent number: 11749710
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The integrated circuit device include at least one inductor having at least one turn, a magnetic coupling ring positioned adjacent to the at least one inductor, the magnetic coupling ring comprising at least two magnetic coupling turns, the at least two magnetic coupling turns are disposed adjacent to the at least one turn to enable magnetic coupling between the at least two magnetic coupling turns and the at least one turn The integrated circuit device also includes a power electrode and a ground electrode, wherein the power electrode and the ground electrode are coupled to the at least one inductor and the magnetic coupling ring to provide a first current in the at least one inductor having a direction opposite to a second current in the magnetic coupling ring to cancel at least a portion of a magnetic field generated by the at least one inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao Chieh Li, Hao-chieh Chan
  • Patent number: 11742865
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), two charge-sharing capacitors, two charge-sharing switches, two pre-charge switches, and two DACs. The DCO has a first inverter and a second inverter. A first charge-sharing capacitor has a first terminal coupled to an input terminal of the first inverter through a first charge-sharing switch. A first DAC has an output terminal coupled to the first terminal of the first charge-sharing capacitor through a first pre-charge switch. A second charge-sharing capacitor has a first terminal coupled to an input terminal or an output terminal of the second inverter through a second charge-sharing switch. A second DAC has an output terminal coupled to the first terminal of the second charge-sharing capacitor through a second pre-charge switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Min-Shueh Yuan, Chao-Chieh Li, Chia-Chun Liao, Yu-Tso Lin, Wen-Yuan Tsai, Chih-Hsien Chang
  • Publication number: 20230118223
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a time-to-digital converter (TDC), and an evaluation circuit coupled to the TDC and a phase-locked loop (PLL) external to the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: CHAO CHIEH LI, CHIA-CHUN LIAO, MIN-SHUEH YUAN, CHIH-HSIEN CHANG
  • Publication number: 20230052899
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), two charge-sharing capacitors, two charge-sharing switches, two pre-charge switches, and two DACs. The DCO has a first inverter and a second inverter. A first charge-sharing capacitor has a first terminal coupled to an input terminal of the first inverter through a first charge-sharing switch. A first DAC has an output terminal coupled to the first terminal of the first charge-sharing capacitor through a first pre-charge switch. A second charge-sharing capacitor has a first terminal coupled to an input terminal or an output terminal of the second inverter through a second charge-sharing switch. A second DAC has an output terminal coupled to the first terminal of the second charge-sharing capacitor through a second pre-charge switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Min-Shueh YUAN, Chao-Chieh LI, Chia-Chun LIAO, Yu-Tso LIN, Wen-Yuan TSAI, Chih-Hsien CHANG
  • Patent number: 11533056
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a time-to-digital converter (TDC), and an evaluation circuit coupled to the TDC and a phase-locked loop (PLL) external to the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chao Chieh Li, Chia-Chun Liao, Min-Shueh Yuan, Chih-Hsien Chang
  • Publication number: 20220294456
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hopping a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) among a plurality of channels, wherein a gain of the DCO KDCO is a nonlinear function of frequency. A first normalized tuning word (NTW) corresponding to a first channel of the plurality of channels is generated. A first normalizing gain multiplier X is generated based on the nonlinear function of frequency, on an estimate of the nonlinear function of frequency, at a first frequency corresponding to the first channel. The first NTW is multiplied by the first X to obtain a first oscillator tuning word (OTW). The first OTW is input to the DCO to cause the DCO to hop to the first channel. A system for hopping among a plurality of channels at a plurality of respective frequencies comprises a phase-locked loop (PLL), a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), a multiplexer, and an arithmetic module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Chao Chieh Li, Min-Shueh Yuan, Robert Bogdan Staszewski, Chia-Chun Liao
  • Patent number: 11356108
    Abstract: A frequency generator is disclosed. The frequency generator is for generating an oscillator clock according to a reference clock, and the frequency generator is used in a frequency hopping system that switches a carrier frequency among a plurality of channels, and the carrier frequency further carries a modulation frequency for data transmission. The frequency generator includes: a frequency hopping and modulation control unit, arranged for generating a current channel according to a channel hopping sequence and a frequency command word (FCW) based on the reference clock, a digital-controlled oscillator (DCO), arranged for to generating the oscillator clock according to an oscillator tuning word (OTW) obtained according to the estimated DCO normalization value. An associated method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Chun Liao, Min-Shueh Yuan, Chao-Chieh Li, Robert Bogdan Staszewski
  • Patent number: 11349484
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hopping a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) among a plurality of channels, wherein a gain of the DCO KDCO is a nonlinear function of frequency. A first normalized tuning word (NTW) corresponding to a first channel of the plurality of channels is generated. A first normalizing gain multiplier X is generated based on the nonlinear function of frequency, on an estimate of the nonlinear function of frequency, at a first frequency corresponding to the first channel. The first NTW is multiplied by the first X to obtain a first oscillator tuning word (OTW). The first OTW is input to the DCO to cause the DCO to hop to the first channel. A system for hopping among a plurality of channels at a plurality of respective frequencies comprises a phase-locked loop (PLL), a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), a multiplexer, and an arithmetic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chieh Li, Min-Shueh Yuan, Robert Bogdan Staszewski, Chia-Chun Liao
  • Patent number: 11139778
    Abstract: Apparatus, circuits and methods for clock generation are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a first transistor pair electrically coupled to a pair of output nodes; a second transistor pair electrically coupled to the pair of output nodes; and an inductive unit electrically coupled between the output nodes and electrically coupled between gates of the first transistor pair. The inductive unit comprises: a first inductive element electrically coupled to one gate of the first transistor pair; and a second inductive element electrically coupled to one of the output nodes. The first inductive element and the second inductive element are configured to be magnetically coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Chieh Li, Robert Bogdan Staszewski
  • Publication number: 20210305940
    Abstract: Apparatus, circuits and methods for clock generation are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a first transistor pair electrically coupled to a pair of output nodes; a second transistor pair electrically coupled to the pair of output nodes; and an inductive unit electrically coupled between the output nodes and electrically coupled between gates of the first transistor pair. The inductive unit comprises: a first inductive element electrically coupled to one gate of the first transistor pair; and a second inductive element electrically coupled to one of the output nodes. The first inductive element and the second inductive element are configured to be magnetically coupled to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Chao-Chieh LI, Robert Bogdan STASZEWSKI
  • Publication number: 20210242873
    Abstract: A frequency generator is disclosed. The frequency generator is for generating an oscillator clock according to a reference clock, and the frequency generator is used in a frequency hopping system that switches a carrier frequency among a plurality of channels, and the carrier frequency further carries a modulation frequency for data transmission. The frequency generator includes: a frequency hopping and modulation control unit, arranged for generating a current channel according to a channel hopping sequence and a frequency command word (FCW) based on the reference clock, a digital-controlled oscillator (DCO), arranged for to generating the oscillator clock according to an oscillator tuning word (OTW) obtained according to the estimated DCO normalization value. An associated method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: CHIA-CHUN LIAO, MIN-SHUEH YUAN, CHAO-CHIEH LI, ROBERT BOGDAN STASZEWSKI
  • Publication number: 20210225999
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The integrated circuit device include at least one inductor having at least one turn, a magnetic coupling ring positioned adjacent to the at least one inductor, the magnetic coupling ring comprising at least two magnetic coupling turns, the at least two magnetic coupling turns are disposed adjacent to the at least one turn to enable magnetic coupling between the at least two magnetic coupling turns and the at least one turn The integrated circuit device also includes a power electrode and a ground electrode, wherein the power electrode and the ground electrode are coupled to the at least one inductor and the magnetic coupling ring to provide a first current in the at least one inductor having a direction opposite to a second current in the magnetic coupling ring to cancel at least a portion of a magnetic field generated by the at least one inductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao Chieh Li, Hao-chieh Chan
  • Publication number: 20210184681
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hopping a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) among a plurality of channels, wherein a gain of the DCO KDCO is a nonlinear function of frequency. A first normalized tuning word (NTW) corresponding to a first channel of the plurality of channels is generated. A first normalizing gain multiplier X is generated based on the nonlinear function of frequency, on an estimate of the nonlinear function of frequency, at a first frequency corresponding to the first channel. The first NTW is multiplied by the first X to obtain a first oscillator tuning word (OTW). The first OTW is input to the DCO to cause the DCO to hop to the first channel. A system for hopping among a plurality of channels at a plurality of respective frequencies comprises a phase-locked loop (PLL), a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), a multiplexer, and an arithmetic module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Chao Chieh Li, Min-Shueh Yuan, Robert Bogdan Staszewski, Chia-Chun Liao
  • Patent number: 11031942
    Abstract: A frequency generator is disclosed. The frequency generator is for generating an oscillator clock according to a reference clock, and the frequency generator is used in a frequency hopping system that switches a carrier frequency among a plurality of channels, and the carrier frequency further carries a modulation frequency for data transmission. The frequency generator includes: a frequency hopping and modulation control unit, arranged for generating a current channel according to a channel hopping sequence and a frequency command word (FCW) based on the reference clock, a digital-controlled oscillator (DCO), arranged for to generating the oscillator clock according to an oscillator tuning word (OTW) Obtained according to the estimated DCO normalization value. An associated method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Chun Liao, Min-Shueh Yuan, Chao-Chieh Li, Robert Bogdan Staszewski
  • Patent number: 10971577
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The integrated circuit device include at least one inductor having at least one turn, a magnetic coupling ring positioned adjacent to the at least one inductor, the magnetic coupling ring comprising at least two magnetic coupling turns, the at least two magnetic coupling turns are disposed adjacent to the at least one turn to enable magnetic coupling between the at least two magnetic coupling turns and the at least one turn. The integrated circuit device also includes a power electrode and a ground electrode, wherein the power electrode and the ground electrode are coupled to the at least one inductor and the magnetic coupling ring to provide a first current in the at least one inductor having a direction opposite to a second current in the magnetic coupling ring to cancel at least a portion of a magnetic field generated by the at least one inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao Chieh Li, Hao-chieh Chan
  • Publication number: 20210080503
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a time-to-digital converter (TDC), and an evaluation circuit coupled to the TDC and a phase-locked loop (PLL) external to the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: CHAO CHIEH LI, CHIA-CHUN LIAO, MIN-SHUEH YUAN, CHIH-HSIEN CHANG
  • Patent number: 10931285
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hopping a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) among a plurality of channels, wherein a gain of the DCO KDCO is a nonlinear function of frequency. A first normalized tuning word (NTW) corresponding to a first channel of the plurality of channels is generated. A first normalizing gain multiplier X is generated based on the nonlinear function of frequency, on an estimate of the nonlinear function of frequency, at a first frequency corresponding to the first channel. The first NTW is multiplied by the first X to obtain a first oscillator tuning word (OTW). The first OTW is input to the DCO to cause the DCO to hop to the first channel. A system for hopping among a plurality of channels at a plurality of respective frequencies comprises a phase-locked loop (PLL), a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), a multiplexer, and an arithmetic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chieh Li, Min-Shueh Yuan, Robert Bogdan Staszewski, Chia-Chun Liao
  • Patent number: 10868542
    Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating a non-linearity of a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) are presented. Data comprising a plurality of silicon measurements is received. Each silicon measurement in the plurality of silicon measurements is compared to an ideal value. Based on the comparing, a plurality of compensation vectors is generated. Each compensation vector comprises at least one silicon measurement. At least one frequency is adjusted based on a compensation vector in the plurality of compensation vectors. A digitally-controlled oscillator frequency is generated based on the adjusted at least one frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chieh Li, Chia-Chun Liao, Min-Shueh Yuan, Robert Bogdan Staszewski