Patents by Inventor Colin Findlay Steele

Colin Findlay Steele 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: 10451667
    Abstract: A method of testing a capacitive transducer circuit, for example a MEMS capacitive transducer, by applying a test signal via one or more capacitors provided in the transducer circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Findlay Steele, John L. Pennock
  • Publication number: 20170160337
    Abstract: A method of testing a capacitive transducer circuit, for example a MEMS capacitive transducer, by applying a test signal via one or more capacitors provided in the transducer circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Colin Findlay Steele, John L. Pennock
  • Patent number: 9575116
    Abstract: A method of testing a capacitive transducer circuit, for example a MEMS capacitive transducer, by applying a test signal via one or more capacitors provided in the transducer circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Findlay Steele, John L. Pennock
  • Patent number: 8913762
    Abstract: A capacitive transducer circuit comprises a capacitive transducer having first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes are biased by respective first and second bias voltages. An amplifier is connected to receive a first analog signal on an input terminal, the first analog signal being generated by the capacitive transducer, and to generate a second analog signal on an output terminal. A digital feedback circuit is connected between the output terminal of the amplifier and the input terminal of the amplifier. The digital feedback circuit is configured to provide one of said first or second bias voltages. The output of a voltage source which provides the other bias voltage for the capacitive transducer may be filtered by a low pass filter. The low pass filter may comprise a switched capacitor filter circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Colin Findlay Steele, Goran Stojanovic, John Paul Lesso
  • Publication number: 20140132294
    Abstract: A method of testing a capacitive transducer circuit, for example a MEMS capacitive transducer, by applying a test signal via one or more capacitors provided in the transducer circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Wolfson Microelectronics pIc
    Inventors: Colin Findlay Steele, John L. Pennock
  • Patent number: 8699726
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a capacitive transducer, for example a MEMS microphone. A first voltage generator is connected to receive a first voltage (VDD*) and generate a second voltage (VCP) for biasing the capacitive transducer. A control circuit is adapted to, in use, control the first voltage (VDD*) based on a calibration value, wherein a different calibration value would lead to a different first voltage level and the calibration value is set such that an input signal of known amplitude produces an output signal of predetermined amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plc
    Inventors: Colin Findlay Steele, Douglas James Wallace MacFarlane
  • Patent number: 8643382
    Abstract: A method of testing a capacitive transducer circuit, for example a MEMS capacitive transducer, by applying a test signal via one or more capacitors provided in the transducer circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plc
    Inventors: Colin Findlay Steele, John Laurence Pennock
  • Publication number: 20100315272
    Abstract: A capacitive transducer circuit comprises a capacitive transducer having first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes are biased by respective first and second bias voltages. An amplifier is connected to receive a first analogue signal on an input terminal, the first analogue signal being generated by the capacitive transducer, and to generate a second analogue signal on an output terminal. A digital feedback circuit is connected between the output terminal of the amplifier and the input terminal of the amplifier. The digital feedback circuit is configured to provide one of said first or second bias voltages. The output of a voltage source which provides the other bias voltage for the capacitive transducer may be filtered by a low pass filter. The low pass filter may comprise a switched capacitor filter circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Colin Findlay Steele, Goran Stojanovic, John Paul Lesso
  • Publication number: 20100219839
    Abstract: A method of testing a capacitive transducer circuit, for example a MEMS capacitive transducer, by applying a test signal via one or more capacitors provided in the transducer circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Colin Findlay Steele, John Laurence Pennock
  • Publication number: 20100166228
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a capacitive transducer, for example a MEMS microphone. A first voltage generator is connected to receive a first voltage (VDD*) and generate a second voltage (VCP) for biasing the capacitive transducer. A control circuit is adapted to, in use, control the first voltage (VDD*) based on a calibration value, wherein a different calibration value would lead to a different first voltage level and the calibration value is set such that an input signal of known amplitude produces an output signal of predetermined amplitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Colin Findlay Steele, Douglas James Wallace MacFarlane
  • Publication number: 20100167430
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a test signal to a node of a signal path of an integrated circuit using a parasitic capacitance of the integrated circuit associated with the node. For example, a parasitic capacitance associated with a bond pad may be used to apply a test signal to a signal path. Alternatively, a parasitic capacitance associated with a shielding element may be used to apply a test signal to the signal path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Colin Findlay Steele, John Laurence Pennock