Patents by Inventor Daniel J. Allen

Daniel J. Allen 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: 20170212721
    Abstract: A processing path may include a controller and a plurality of processing paths including a first processing path and a second processing path. The first path may be configured to generate a first digital signal based on an analog input signal and the second path may be configured to generate a second digital signal based on the analog input signal, wherein the first path has a lower gain and a higher noise floor than the second path. The controller may be configured to determine that a transition between the first path and the second path needs to occur based on the analog input signal crossing a threshold or a prediction that the input signal will cross the threshold and in response to determining the transition between the first path and the second path needs to occur, blend the transition during or near zero cross points of the analog input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Applicant: Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd.
    Inventors: Aniruddha Satoskar, Daniel J. Allen, Edmund Mark Schneider, Tejasvi Das, Ku He, John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20170047939
    Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) may include capability to sense and/or compensate for undesired effects when receiving input from a microphone. For example, a sense node may be provided between differential inputs, and that sense node separated from the differential inputs by two or more switches. The sense node may allow for a measurement of an average voltage of the differential inputs. The average voltage may be obtained activating the switches to sample the sampling capacitors coupled to the differential inputs. That average voltage may be used as common mode (CM) data. A controller may receive the CM data, along with differential mode (DM) data, and use the CM and DM data to determine undesired effects, such as DC or AC mismatch at the microphone interface. The controller may then generate a signal for applying compensation to the differential inputs to reduce or eliminate the undesired effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd.
    Inventors: Ramin Zanbaghi, Aaron Brennan, Daniel J. Allen, John L. Melanson
  • Patent number: 9525940
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a processing system may include multiple selectable processing paths for processing an analog signal in order to reduce noise and increase dynamic range. Techniques are employed to transition between processing paths and calibrate operational parameters of the two paths in order to reduce or eliminate artifacts caused by switching between processing paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund Mark Schneider, Aniruddha Satoskar, Daniel J. Allen, Seyedeh Maryam Mortazavi Zanjani
  • Publication number: 20160365081
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a processing system may include multiple selectable processing paths for processing an analog signal in order to reduce noise, increase dynamic range, and mask audio artifacts associated with a change in noise floor. Techniques are employed to transition between processing paths and calibrate operational parameters of the two paths in order to reduce or eliminate artifacts caused by switching between processing paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Aniruddha Satoskar, Daniel J. Allen, Edmund Mark Schneider
  • Patent number: 9148164
    Abstract: A processing system may include multiple selectable processing paths for processing an analog signal in order to reduce noise and increase dynamic range. Techniques are employed to transition between processing paths and calibrate operational parameters of the two paths in order to reduce or eliminate artifacts caused by switching between processing paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund Mark Schneider, Aniruddha Satoskar, Daniel J. Allen, Seyedeh Maryam Mortazavi Zanjani
  • Patent number: 9071268
    Abstract: A processing system may include multiple selectable processing paths for processing an analog signal in order to reduce noise and increase dynamic range. Techniques are employed to transition between processing paths and calibrate operational parameters of the two paths in order to reduce or eliminate artifacts caused by switching between processing paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund Mark Schneider, Aniruddha Satoskar, Daniel J. Allen, Seyedeh Maryam Mortazavi Zanjani
  • Patent number: 9071267
    Abstract: A processing system may include multiple selectable processing paths for processing an analog signal in order to reduce noise and increase dynamic range. Techniques are employed to transition between processing paths and calibrate operational parameters of the two paths in order to reduce or eliminate artifacts caused by switching between processing paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund Mark Schneider, Aniruddha Satoskar, Daniel J. Allen, Seyedeh Maryam Mortazavi Zanjani
  • Patent number: 8726057
    Abstract: A method and system for managing power consumption of a component that employs a clock processing circuit to produce a processed clock signal used by the component from a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit. A frequency of a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit is changed based on operating characteristics of a voltage regulator module (VRM) or power supply unit so as to maintain acceptable operating parameters of the power supply unit during a change in frequency of a clock signal. Data pertaining to operating characteristics of the VRM or power supply may be one or both of two forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel J. Allen
  • Publication number: 20130262897
    Abstract: A method and system for managing power consumption of a component that employs a clock processing circuit to produce a processed clock signal used by the component from a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit. A frequency of a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit is changed based on operating characteristics of a voltage regulator module (VRM) or power supply unit so as to maintain acceptable operating parameters of the power supply unit during a change in frequency of a cock signal. Data pertaining to operating characteristics of the VRM or power supply may be one or both of two forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ALTERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daniel J. Allen
  • Patent number: 8508148
    Abstract: A system for remote control of lights and small appliances utilizing miniature remote control units, and a method for easily and simply setting which remote controls control which item(s). Unlike conventional remote controls which are moved from place to place, these miniature remote controls are so small they may be removably mounted at each location needed, unobtrusively or even hidden. Receivers for the remote signal are described manufactured within a lamp socket assembly, a very short light bulb socket adapter, the light bulb itself, a wallswitch dimmer and an outlet adapter. One remote control can control multiple receivers, or vice versa, or any other combination, without conflict and with the combination set up or changed more intuitively than in completing systems. Appliances may be turned on or off and lights may be dimmed precisely or set flashing in unison to summon help.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: MagicLux, LLC
    Inventors: Adam L Carley, Anthony D D'Amelio, James Edward Mandry, Daniel J Allen
  • Patent number: 8479030
    Abstract: A method and system for managing power consumption of a component that employs a clock processing circuit to produce a processed clock signal used by the component from a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit. A frequency of a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit is changed based on operating characteristics of a voltage regulator module (VRM) or power supply unit so as to maintain acceptable operating parameters of the power supply unit during a change in frequency of a clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel J. Allen
  • Patent number: 8328582
    Abstract: A shortened adapter for a light bulb socket with highly overlapped male and female parts with an insulating hand-ring that extends only partially over the external surface of the adapter's female threading so it fits into the unthreaded collar of a light bulb socket, thereby significantly reducing the light bulb displacement. The shortened adapter can respond to an incoming signal and control the output of a light bulb. A reversible ring on the insulating hand-ring can change the adapter from being a dimmer to being an on-off control. A mechanism is disclosed to reversibly lock the adapter onto a light bulb. A miniature remote controller to work with the adapter is provided that has many advantages because of its very small size and compact shape. Further, one such controller can control several lights and several such controllers can control a single light in arbitrary combinations selected by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: MagicLux, LLC
    Inventors: Adam L Carley, Anthony D D'Amelio, James Edward Mandry, Daniel J Allen, Leonard R Weisberg
  • Publication number: 20120072756
    Abstract: A method and system for managing power consumption of a component that employs a clock processing circuit to produce a processed clock signal used by the component from a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit. A frequency of a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit is changed based on operating characteristics of a voltage regulator module (VRM) or power supply unit so as to maintain acceptable operating parameters of the power supply unit during a change in frequency of a clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ALTERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daniel J. Allen
  • Patent number: 8086891
    Abstract: A method and system for managing power consumption of a component that employs a clock processing circuit to produce a processed clock signal used by the component from a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit. A frequency of a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit is changed based on operating characteristics of a voltage regulator module (VRM) or power supply unit so as to maintain acceptable operating parameters of the power supply unit during a change in frequency of a clock signal. Data pertaining to operating characteristics of the VRM or power supply may be one or both of two forms. In one form, this data is determined a priori from simulations or experiments made on a particular VRM or power supply unit and used to generate and store parameters that are known to optimally (quickly and without degradation of VRM or power supply performance) change the frequency of the clock processing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel J. Allen
  • Patent number: 8008975
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an electronic system includes an amplifier having an on-chip charge pump to provide a gate boost voltage to boost a gate voltage of at least one on-chip field effect transistor (FET) of an output stage of an amplifier. In at least one embodiment, the gate boost voltage boosts the gate voltage higher than the supply voltage rail to increase an overdrive voltage of the on-chip FET. In at least one embodiment, the gate boost voltage boosts the DC bias of an input signal and, thus, generation of gate boost voltage by the on-chip charge pump is signal-independent, i.e. independent of the input signal. Increasing the overdrive voltage increases the efficiency of the amplifier by decreasing the difference between the maximum swing of the output voltage and the voltage supply rails of the at least one on-chip FET relative to conventional designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Allen, Eric J. Swanson, Scott A. Woodford
  • Patent number: 7941592
    Abstract: One or more multi-level NAND flash cells are operated so as to store only single-level data, and these operations achieve an increased level of charge separation between the data states of the single-level operation by requiring a write to both the upper and lower pages, even though only one bit of data is being stored. That is, the second write operation increases the difference in floating gate charge between the erased state and the programmed state of the first write operation without changing the data in the flash memory cell. In one embodiment, a controller instructs the flash memory to perform two write operations for storing a single bit of data in an MLC flash cell. In another embodiment, the flash memory recognizes that a single write operation is directed a high reliability memory area and internally generates the required plurality of programming steps to place at least a predetermined amount of charge on the specified floating gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventors: Randy M. Bonella, Daniel J. Allen, Thomas J. Holman, Chung W. Lam, Hiroyuki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7894502
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a clock signal having spread spectrum modulation. The method involves generating a clock signal by generating edge positions for edges of the clock signal from a digital representation of a timing for each edge to impart spread spectrum modulation to the clock signal. A programmable modulator is provided that generates digital values representing edge positions for edges of a clock signal based on at least one of a time-varying period value and a time-varying duty-cycle value. The programmable modulator may comprise a first circuit, called a period modulation circuit, that generates a time-varying digital period value, and a second circuit, called a duty-cycle modulation circuit, that generates a time-varying digital duty-cycle value. The time-varying period values and time-varying duty cycle values are processed to produce a digital edge position value that specifies an edge position for a clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Adam L. Carley, Daniel J. Allen
  • Publication number: 20100042772
    Abstract: One or more multi-level NAND flash cells are operated so as to store only single-level data, and these operations achieve an increased level of charge separation between the data states of the single-level operation by requiring a write to both the upper and lower pages, even though only one bit of data is being stored. That is, the second write operation increases the difference in floating gate charge between the erased state and the programmed state of the first write operation without changing the data in the flash memory cell. In one embodiment, a controller instructs the flash memory to perform two write operations for storing a single bit of data in an MLC flash cell. In another embodiment, the flash memory recognizes that a single write operation is directed a high reliability memory area and internally generates the required plurality of programming steps to place at least a predetermined amount of charge on the specified floating gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Randy M. Bonella, Daniel J. Allen, Thomas J. Holman, Chung W. Lam, Hiroyuki Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20090292938
    Abstract: A method and system for managing power consumption of a component that employs a clock processing circuit to produce a processed clock signal used by the component from a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit. A frequency of a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit is changed based on operating characteristics of a voltage regulator module (VRM) or power supply unit so as to maintain acceptable operating parameters of the power supply unit during a change in frequency of a clock signal. Data pertaining to operating characteristics of the VRM or power supply may be one or both of two forms. In one form, this data is determined a priori from simulations or experiments made on a particular VRM or power supply unit and used to generate and store parameters that are known to optimally (quickly and without degradation of VRM or power supply performance) change the frequency of the clock processing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: ALTERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daniel J. Allen
  • Patent number: RE41981
    Abstract: A waveform generator includes a plurality of delay elements such as in a delay line circuit of a free-running oscillator, phase locked loop (PLL) circuit or delay locked loop (DLL) circuit, an algebra module, a switching module and an output module. The oscillator includes a plurality of delay elements and a plurality of taps disposed between the delay elements, with each tap providing a uniquely phased, oscillating transition signal. The algebra module includes an algebra data input port, a clock input port and an algebra data output port. The algebra module generates a signal at the algebra data output port indicating a first rising edge of the arbitrary waveform in response to a signal received at the algebra data input port. The switching module includes a switch input port in electrical communication with the algebra data output port, a plurality of switch tap input ports in electrical communication oscillator taps and switch output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Adam L. Carley, Daniel J. Allen