Patents by Inventor Eric Pihet

Eric Pihet 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: 20250016027
    Abstract: The present application relates to a method for generating a bus transmission signal, which transitions between a dominant state, a suppressive state and a recessive state, and a corresponding circuit. The method comprises receiving a transmission control signal, which transitions between the dominant state and the recessive state, detecting a first state transition of the transmission control signal which is one of a dominant-to-recessive state transition and a recessive-to-dominant state transition and consecutively generating a plurality of transmitter control signals based on the transmission control signal, the first state transition and a plurality of delays and controlling a transmitter to transmit the bus transmission signal based on the plurality of transmitter control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: Dieter Metzner, Eric Pihet, Stefan Vögele
  • Publication number: 20240332954
    Abstract: An ESD protection circuit includes a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) including a first conduction path between a first node and a second node and a clamp circuit coupled to a control terminal of the SCR. The clamp circuit is part of a second conduction path between the first node and the second node. During an ESD event, the clamp circuit conduct an ESD current until a threshold IV point is reached. The clamp circuit triggers the SCR, which then acts as a snapback device to conduct the ESD current at a lower voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Cornelius Russ, Gabriel-Dumitru Cretu, Filippo Magrini, Bernhard Stein, Eric Pihet
  • Patent number: 12009943
    Abstract: A transmitter circuit for a field bus driver includes a first bus terminal and a second bus terminal for connecting a first bus line and, respectively, a second bus line. The transmitter circuit further includes a first supply terminal for receiving a supply voltage and second supply terminal for receiving a reference voltage, a first switching circuit coupled between the first supply terminal and the first bus terminal, and a second switching circuit coupled between the second bus terminal and the second supply terminal. The first switching circuit includes a first transistor and a second transistor, and the second switching circuit includes a third transistor and a fourth transistor. Further, the transmitter circuit comprises control circuitry configured to generate first drive signals for the first transistor and the third transistor and second drive signals for the second transistor and the fourth transistor based on a transmit signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Jens Repp, Thorsten Hinderer, Maximilian Mangst, Eric Pihet
  • Patent number: 11567892
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an integrated driver circuit includes: a first connection and a second connection configured to be connected to a control chip; at least one bus connection configured to be connected to a bus line; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode; to output a reception signal at the second connection in the second mode, where the reception signal represents a bus signal received at the bus connection; to assume a state of low power consumption in the first mode; to change from the first mode to the second mode when a first command is detected at the first connection or at the second connection; and to change from the second mode to the first mode when the bus signal does not indicate any data for a predefined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Tobias Islinger, Magnus-Maria Hell, Maximilian Mangst, Eric Pihet, Jens Repp
  • Patent number: 11374758
    Abstract: A transceiver is disclosed including a transmitter designed to output a first signal according to a physical communication protocol, and to output a second signal comprising at least one cryptographic datum. The first and the second signal may be overlaid onto one another as an overlay signal at the output of the transceiver, and may comply with the physical communication protocol. The overlay signal may be received and processed by a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Alexander Zeh, Vivin Richards Allimuthu Elavarasu, Eric Pihet
  • Publication number: 20220123958
    Abstract: A transmitter circuit for a field bus driver includes a first bus terminal and a second bus terminal for connecting a first bus line and, respectively, a second bus line. The transmitter circuit further includes a first supply terminal for receiving a supply voltage and second supply terminal for receiving a reference voltage, a first switching circuit coupled between the first supply terminal and the first bus terminal, and a second switching circuit coupled between the second bus terminal and the second supply terminal. The first switching circuit includes a first transistor and a second transistor, and the second switching circuit includes a third transistor and a fourth transistor. Further, the transmitter circuit comprises control circuitry configured to generate first drive signals for the first transistor and the third transistor and second drive signals for the second transistor and the fourth transistor based on a transmit signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Jens Repp, Thorsten Hinderer, Maximilian Mangst, Eric Pihet
  • Publication number: 20210334232
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an integrated driver circuit includes: a first connection and a second connection configured to be connected to a control chip; at least one bus connection configured to be connected to a bus line; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode; to output a reception signal at the second connection in the second mode, where the reception signal represents a bus signal received at the bus connection; to assume a state of low power consumption in the first mode; to change from the first mode to the second mode when a first command is detected at the first connection or at the second connection; and to change from the second mode to the first mode when the bus signal does not indicate any data for a predefined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Tobias Islinger, Magnus-Maria Hell, Maximilian Mangst, Eric Pihet, Jens Repp
  • Patent number: 10728064
    Abstract: A method for a bus interface circuit is described. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises coding a first data stream by assigning first symbols to falling and rising edges of the first data stream, and coding a further data stream by assigning second symbols to the edges or levels of said further data stream. A symbol sequence is constructed from the first symbols and second symbols, wherein said symbol sequence is constructed in such a manner that the first symbols are always delayed by the same value relative to the associated edges of the first data stream. The method also comprises transmitting the symbol sequence via a galvanically isolating component, and decoding the symbol sequence transmitted via the galvanically isolating component in order to reconstruct the first data stream and the further data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Maximilian Mangst, Eric Pihet, Thorsten Hinderer
  • Patent number: 10592456
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and techniques for bus receivers operable to provide a data output corresponding to a voltage differential provided on a two-conductor data bus. In one example, a bus receiver comprises a four-quadrant input circuit and a gain stage coupled to the four-quadrant input circuit. In various examples, the four-quadrant input circuit is operable to provide common mode current compensation based on a common mode voltage present on the two-conductor data bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Hinderer, David Astrom, Eric Pihet
  • Publication number: 20190334720
    Abstract: A transceiver is disclosed including a transmitter designed to output a first signal according to a physical communication protocol, and to output a second signal comprising at least one cryptographic datum. The first and the second signal may be overlaid onto one another as an overlay signal at the output of the transceiver, and may comply with the physical communication protocol. The overlay signal may be received and processed by a receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Alexander Zeh, Vivin Richards Allimuthu Elavarasu, Eric Pihet
  • Publication number: 20190288886
    Abstract: A method for a bus interface circuit is described. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises coding a first data stream by assigning first symbols to falling and rising edges of the first data stream, and coding a further data stream by assigning second symbols to the edges or levels of said further data stream. A symbol sequence is constructed from the first symbols and second symbols, wherein said symbol sequence is constructed in such a manner that the first symbols are always delayed by the same value relative to the associated edges of the first data stream. The method also comprises transmitting the symbol sequence via a galvanically isolating component, and decoding the symbol sequence transmitted via the galvanically isolating component in order to reconstruct the first data stream and the further data stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Maximilian Mangst, Eric Pihet, Thorsten Hinderer
  • Publication number: 20180341615
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and techniques for bus receivers operable to provide a data output corresponding to a voltage differential provided on a two-conductor data bus. In one example, a bus receiver comprises a four-quadrant input circuit and a gain stage coupled to the four-quadrant input circuit. In various examples, the four-quadrant input circuit is operable to provide common mode current compensation based on a common mode voltage present on the two-conductor data bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Thorsten Hinderer, David Astrom, Eric Pihet
  • Patent number: 10120434
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is described herein. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment the semiconductor device includes a chip package, which includes at least one semiconductor chip, a dedicated ground pin, a first supply pin for receiving a first supply voltage, a second supply pin for receiving a second supply voltage, and a first input pin. The semiconductor device further includes a first circuit integrated in the semiconductor chip, wherein the first circuit is coupled to the first supply pin and to the ground pin, and a second circuit integrated in the semiconductor chip, wherein the second circuit is coupled to the first supply pin and to a virtual ground node. An electronic switch is configured to connect the virtual ground node with the first input pin dependent on the level of a first input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Eric Pihet
  • Patent number: 10042807
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and techniques for bus receivers operable to provide a data output corresponding to a voltage differential provided on a two-conductor data bus. In one example, a bus receiver comprises a four-quadrant input circuit and a gain stage coupled to the four-quadrant input circuit. In various examples, the four-quadrant input circuit is operable to provide common mode current compensation based on a common mode voltage present on the two-conductor data bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Hinderer, David Astrom, Eric Pihet
  • Patent number: 9965426
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method of operating a two-wire digital bus includes applying a bias voltage to the two-wire digital bus at a first interface node, measuring a common mode voltage of the two-wire digital bus at the first interface node, and adjusting the bias voltage at the first interface node based on the measured common mode voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventor: Eric Pihet
  • Publication number: 20170329388
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is described herein. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment the semiconductor device includes a chip package, which includes at least one semiconductor chip, a dedicated ground pin, a first supply pin for receiving a first supply voltage, a second supply pin for receiving a second supply voltage, and a first input pin. The semiconductor device further includes a first circuit integrated in the semiconductor chip, wherein the first circuit is coupled to the first supply pin and to the ground pin, and a second circuit integrated in the semiconductor chip, wherein the second circuit is coupled to the first supply pin and to a virtual ground node. An electronic switch is configured to connect the virtual ground node with the first input pin dependent on the level of a first input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventor: Eric Pihet
  • Publication number: 20170286347
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and techniques are disclosed for bus receivers operable to provide a data output corresponding to a voltage differential provided on a two-conductor data bus. In one example, a bus receiver comprises a four-quadrant input circuit and a gain stage coupled to the four-quadrant input circuit. In various examples, the four-quadrant input circuit is operable to provide common mode current compensation based on a common mode voltage present on the two-conductor data bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Thorsten Hinderer, David Astrom, Eric Pihet
  • Publication number: 20160196230
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method of operating a two-wire digital bus includes applying a bias voltage to the two-wire digital bus at a first interface node, measuring a common mode voltage of the two-wire digital bus at the first interface node, and adjusting the bias voltage at the first interface node based on the measured common mode voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventor: Eric Pihet
  • Patent number: 7888969
    Abstract: A driver circuit and method for generating two complementary output currents from a two-state logic input signal at two outputs for connecting a two-wire conductor provide the following actions: generating from the input signal, an output signal at each output, the amperage of one of the output currents being adjustable by a control signal; analyzing each voltage materializing at the outputs; generating an error signal as a function of the output voltages within each of at least two time slots subsequent to a change in state of the input signal; caching the error signals or signals derived therefrom and adjusting, as a function of cached error signals or of the cached signals as a function thereof, the output current in corresponding time slots subsequent to a resulting change in state of the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Dieter Metzner, Eric Pihet
  • Publication number: 20100201399
    Abstract: A driver circuit and method for generating two complementary output currents from a two-state logic input signal at two outputs for connecting a two-wire conductor provide the following actions: generating from the input signal, an output signal at each output, the amperage of one of the output currents being adjustable by a control signal; analyzing each voltage materializing at the outputs; generating an error signal as a function of the output voltages within each of at least two time slots subsequent to a change in state of the input signal; caching the error signals or signals derived therefrom and adjusting, as a function of cached error signals or of the cached signals as a function thereof, the output current in corresponding time slots subsequent to a resulting change in state of the input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Dieter Metzner, Eric Pihet