Patents by Inventor Edmund H. Spittles

Edmund H. Spittles 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: 8299503
    Abstract: A memory cell for reducing the cost and complexity of modifying a revision identifier (ID) or default register values associated with an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and a method for manufacturing the same. The cell, which may be termed a “Meta-Memory Cell” (MMCEL), is implemented on metal layers only and utilizes a dual parallel metal ladder structure that traverses and covers each metal and via layer from the bottom to the top of the metal layer structure of the chip. One of the metal ladders is connected to a power supply at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 1, and another metal ladder is connected to ground at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 0. The output of the MMCEL can thus be inverted at any metal or via layer and can be inverted as often as required. Significant cost savings are achieved because a revision ID or default register bits may be modified by altering only those metal layers where design changes are necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito M. Catalasan, Vafa J. Rakshani, Edmund H. Spittles, Tim Sippel, Richard Unda
  • Patent number: 7768037
    Abstract: A memory cell for reducing the cost and complexity of modifying a revision identifier (ID) or default register values associated with an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and a method for manufacturing the same. The cell, which may be termed a “Meta-Memory Cell” (MMCEL), is implemented on metal layers only and utilizes a dual parallel metal ladder structure that traverses and covers each metal and via layer from the bottom to the top of the metal layer structure of the chip. One of the metal ladders is connected to a power supply at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 1, and another metal ladder is connected to ground at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 0. The output of the MMCEL can thus be inverted at any metal or via layer and can be inverted as often as required. Significant cost savings are achieved because a revision ID or default register bits may be modified by altering only those metal layers where design changes are necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito M. Catalasan, Vafa J. Rakshani, Edmund H. Spittles, Tim Sippel, Richard Unda
  • Publication number: 20100187574
    Abstract: A memory cell for reducing the cost and complexity of modifying a revision identifier (ID) or default register values associated with an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and a method for manufacturing the same. The cell, which may be termed a “Meta-Memory Cell” (MMCEL), is implemented on metal layers only and utilizes a dual parallel metal ladder structure that traverses and covers each metal and via layer from the bottom to the top of the metal layer structure of the chip. One of the metal ladders is connected to a power supply at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 1, and another metal ladder is connected to ground at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 0. The output of the MMCEL can thus be inverted at any metal or via layer and can be inverted as often as required. Significant cost savings are achieved because a revision ID or default register bits may be modified by altering only those metal layers where design changes are necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito M. Catalasan, Vafa J. Rakshani, Edmund H. Spittles, Tim Sippel, Richard Unda
  • Patent number: 7341891
    Abstract: A method for making a memory cell for reducing the cost and complexity of modifying a revision identifier (ID) or default register values associated with an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and a method for manufacturing the same. The cell, which may be termed a “Meta-Memory Cell” (MMCEL), is implemented on metal layers only and utilizes a dual parallel metal ladder structure which traverses and covers each metal and via layer from the bottom to the top of the metal layer structure of the chip. One of the metal ladders is connected to a power supply at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 1, and another metal ladder is connected to ground at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 0. The output of the MMCEL can thus be inverted at any metal or via layer and can be inverted as often as required. Significant cost savings are achieved because a revision ID or default register bits may be modified by altering only those metal layers where design changes are necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito M Catalasan, Vafa J Rakshani, Edmund H Spittles, Tim Sippel, Richard Unda
  • Patent number: 7078936
    Abstract: A modifiable circuit for coupling at least two adjacent logic blocks in an integrated circuit chip is disclosed. The chip includes a plurality of metal layers and first and second power supply potentials. The circuit comprises a first and second metal interconnect structures, and an interconnect. The first metal interconnect structure traverses the plurality of metal layers using a first plurality of vias, wherein the first metal interconnect structure is located at a boundary of the at least two adjacent logic blocks. The second metal interconnect structure traverses the plurality of metal layers using a second plurality of vias, wherein the second metal interconnect structure is located at the boundary of the at least two adjacent logic blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito M. Catalasan, Vafa J. Rakshani, Edmund H. Spittles, Tim Sippel, Richard Unda
  • Patent number: 6933547
    Abstract: A memory cell circuit for modification of a default register value in an integrated circuit chip, which includes a plurality of metal layers and first and second supply potentials. The circuit comprises a memory cell, a register and a control circuit. The memory cell has a first metal interconnect structure that traverses the plurality of metal layers using a first plurality of vias, wherein the first metal interconnect structure is coupled to one of the first and second supply potentials, a second metal interconnect structure that traverses the plurality of metal layers using a second plurality of vias, wherein the second metal interconnect structure is coupled to the other one of the first and second supply potentials, and an output, wherein a state of the output is programmable by altering any one of the plurality of metal layers or any one of a plurality of via layers. The register has a data input, a data output and control inputs. The control circuit is coupled to the control inputs of the register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito M. Catalasan, Vafa J. Rakshani, Edmund H. Spittles, Tim Sippel, Richard Unda
  • Publication number: 20040251501
    Abstract: A modifiable circuit for coupling at least two adjacent logic blocks in an integrated circuit chip is disclosed. The chip includes a plurality of metal layers and first and second power supply potentials. The circuit comprises a first and second metal interconnect structures, and an interconnect. The first metal interconnect structure traverses the plurality of metal layers using a first plurality of vias, wherein the first metal interconnect structure is located at a boundary of the at least two adjacent logic blocks. The second metal interconnect structure traverses the plurality of metal layers using a second plurality of vias, wherein the second metal interconnect structure is located at the boundary of the at least two adjacent logic blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito M. Catalasan, Vafa J. Rakshani, Edmund H. Spittles, Tim Sippel, Richard Unda
  • Publication number: 20040251472
    Abstract: A memory cell for reducing the cost and complexity of modifying a revision identifier (ID) or default register values associated with an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and a method for manufacturing the same. The cell, which may be termed a “Meta-Memory Cell” (MMCEL), is implemented on metal layers only and utilizes a dual parallel metal ladder structure that traverses and covers each metal and via layer from the bottom to the top of the metal layer structure of the chip. One of the metal ladders is connected to a power supply at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 1, and another metal ladder is connected to ground at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 0. The output of the MMCEL can thus be inverted at any metal or via layer and can be inverted as often as required. Significant cost savings are achieved because a revision ID or default register bits may be modified by altering only those metal layers where design changes are necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito M. Catalasan, Vafa J. Rakshani, Edmund H. Spittles, Tim Sippel, Richard Unda
  • Publication number: 20040253778
    Abstract: A method for making a memory cell for reducing the cost and complexity of modifying a revision identifier (ID) or default register values associated with an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and a method for manufacturing the same. The cell, which may be termed a “Meta-Memory Cell” (MMCEL), is implemented on metal layers only and utilizes a dual parallel metal ladder structure which traverses and covers each metal and via layer from the bottom to the top of the metal layer structure of the chip. One of the metal ladders is connected to a power supply at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 1, and another metal ladder is connected to ground at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 0. The output of the MMCEL can thus be inverted at any metal or via layer and can be inverted as often as required. Significant cost savings are achieved because a revision ID or default register bits may be modified by altering only those metal layers where design changes are necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito M. Catalasan, Vafa J. Rakshani, Edmund H. Spittles, Tim Sippel, Richard Unda
  • Publication number: 20040251470
    Abstract: A memory cell circuit for modification of a default register value in an integrated circuit chip, which includes a plurality of metal layers and first and second supply potentials. The circuit comprises a memory cell, a register and a control circuit. The memory cell has a first metal interconnect structure that traverses the plurality of metal layers using a first plurality of vias, wherein the first metal interconnect structure is coupled to one of the first and second supply potentials, a second metal interconnect structure that traverses the plurality of metal layers using a second plurality of vias, wherein the second metal interconnect structure is coupled to the other one of the first and second supply potentials, and an output, wherein a state of the output is programmable by altering any one of the plurality of metal layers or any one of a plurality of via layers. The register has a data input, a data output and control inputs. The control circuit is coupled to the control inputs of the register.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito M. Catalasan, Vafa J. Rakshani, Edmund H. Spittles, Tim Sippel, Richard Unda