Patents by Inventor Florent Garcia

Florent Garcia 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: 8471636
    Abstract: A bias current is generated for an unbalanced differential pair that is proportional to the transconductance gain of the differential pair. When the transconductance gain varies (e.g., due to temperature variations), the bias current varies in proportion thereby maintaining a constant offset voltage. In some implementations, a voltage to current converter circuit generates the bias current from a constant reference voltage that is independent of temperature and voltage supply variations (e.g., a bandgap reference voltage).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Atmel Rousset S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jimmy Fort, Thierry Soude, Michel Cuenca, Florent Garcia, Franck Strazzieri
  • Patent number: 8439590
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device (1) for a knuckle joint (21) e.g. for the steering and/or suspension of a vehicle, which comprises an annular flange (2) for securing a thermal screen (3) to the knuckle joint, said screen extending lengthwise substantially perpendicular to the flange (2) and widthwise substantially along the annular periphery of the flange. The screen and the flange are formed as a single part in a metal sheet that is folded in a linking area between the screen and the flange, the screen further including a surface portion in the form of a side tab (6) extending along the annular periphery of the flange, said side tab being separated from the flange by a notch (12) in the metal sheet, in the form of a slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Florent Garcia
  • Publication number: 20120161873
    Abstract: A bias current is generated for an unbalanced differential pair that is proportional to the transconductance gain of the differential pair. When the transconductance gain varies (e.g., due to temperature variations), the bias current varies in proportion thereby maintaining a constant offset voltage. In some implementations, a voltage to current converter circuit generates the bias current from a constant reference voltage that is independent of temperature and voltage supply variations (e.g., a bandgap reference voltage).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: ATMEL ROUSSET S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jimmy Fort, Thierry Soude, Michel Cuenca, Florent Garcia, Franck Strazzieri
  • Patent number: 8183922
    Abstract: A bias current is generated for an unbalanced differential pair that is proportional to the transconductance gain of the differential pair. When the transconductance gain varies (e.g., due to temperature variations), the bias current varies in proportion thereby maintaining a constant offset voltage. In some implementations, a voltage to current converter circuit generates the bias current from a constant reference voltage that is independent of temperature and voltage supply variations (e.g., a bandgap reference voltage).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Atmei Rousset S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jimmy Fort, Thierry Soude, Michel Cuenca, Florent Garcia, Franck Strazzieri
  • Patent number: 8169241
    Abstract: Embodiments of a proportional phase comparator and method for aligning digital signals are generally described herein. In some embodiments, circuitry to align digital signals comprises a proportional phase comparator that generates triangular-shaped pulses for application to a charge pump. The triangular-shaped pulses may reduce an amount of charge injection in the charge pump close to convergence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Atmel Rousset S.A.S.
    Inventors: Franck Strazzieri, Florent Garcia
  • Publication number: 20110262211
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device (1) for a knuckle joint (21) e.g. for the steering and/or suspension of a vehicle, which comprises an annular flange (2) for securing a thermal screen (3) to the knuckle joint, said screen extending lengthwise substantially perpendicular to the flange (2) and widthwise substantially along the, annular periphery of the flange. The screen and the flange are formed as a single part in a metal sheet that is folded in a linking area between the screen and the flange, the screen further including a surface portion in the form of a side tab (6) extending along the annular periphery of the flange, said side tab being separated from the flange by a notch (12) in the metal sheet, in the form of a slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventor: Florent Garcia
  • Publication number: 20110115560
    Abstract: A bias current is generated for an unbalanced differential pair that is proportional to the transconductance gain of the differential pair. When the transconductance gain varies (e.g., due to temperature variations), the bias current varies in proportion thereby maintaining a constant offset voltage. In some implementations, a voltage to current converter circuit generates the bias current from a constant reference voltage that is independent of temperature and voltage supply variations (e.g., a bandgap reference voltage).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: ATMEL ROUSSET SAS
    Inventors: Jimmy Fort, Thierry Soude, Michel Cuenca, Florent Garcia, Franck Strazzieri
  • Publication number: 20100085091
    Abstract: Embodiments of a proportional phase comparator and method for aligning digital signals are generally described herein. In some embodiments, circuitry to align digital signals comprises a proportional phase comparator that generates triangular-shaped pulses for application to a charge pump. The triangular-shaped pulses may reduce an amount of charge injection in the charge pump close to convergence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Franck Strazzieri, Florent Garcia
  • Patent number: 7692453
    Abstract: A differential threshold voltage level detection circuit receives a differential voltage pair as an input, applying each component of the differential pair to an individual voltage shifting circuit. Each voltage shifting circuit is configured with a regulated current producing a shifted and a non-shifted version in-phase. For a shifted set of output differential voltages, the shift magnitude is proportional to the current entering a shifting circuit and is configured to be less than a peak-to-peak magnitude of the differential voltage to be detected. A current mirror within the detector contains a current reference configured to produce a current to be passed through a voltage generator. The current magnitude is sufficient to generate a regulated voltage output to the two current regulating devices that supply the voltage shifting circuits. An overlap detector receiving both differential voltage pairs produces a signal indicating an input is at a detection threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Sami Ajram, Franck Strazzieri, Florent Garcia
  • Patent number: 7606058
    Abstract: An autonomous antifuse cell providing protection against intruders includes an antifuse, sense circuitry, feedback circuitry, program circuitry, and blocking circuitry. The blocking circuitry blocks access of any programming voltage input signals to the antifuse device if the antifuse is previously blown and when power is applied to the cell. In an exemplary embodiment, the antifuse cell uses only a single external access pin. Once the antifuse device is blown and during subsequent power-up operations, intrusion is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Gosmain, Florent Garcia
  • Publication number: 20080043511
    Abstract: An autonomous antifuse cell providing protection against intruders includes an antifuse, sense circuitry, feedback circuitry, program circuitry, and blocking circuitry. The blocking circuitry blocks access of any programming voltage input signals to the antifuse device if the antifuse is previously blown and when power is applied to the cell. In an exemplary embodiment, the antifuse cell uses only a single external access pin. Once the antifuse device is blown and during subsequent power-up operations, intrusion is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: ATMEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vincent Gosmain, Florent Garcia
  • Patent number: 7304878
    Abstract: An autonomous antifuse cell providing protection against intruders includes an antifuse, sense circuitry, feedback circuitry, program circuitry, and blocking circuitry. The blocking circuitry blocks access of any programming voltage input signals to the antifuse device if the antifuse is previously blown and when power is applied to the cell. In an exemplary embodiment, the antifuse cell uses only a single external access pin. Once the antifuse device is blown and during subsequent power-up operations, intrusion is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Gosmain, Florent Garcia
  • Publication number: 20070200599
    Abstract: A differential threshold voltage level detection circuit receives a differential voltage pair as an input, applying each component of the differential pair to an individual voltage shifting circuit. Each voltage shifting circuit is configured with a regulated current producing a shifted and a non-shifted version in-phase. For a shifted set of output differential voltages, the shift magnitude is proportional to the current entering a shifting circuit and is configured to be less than a peak-to-peak magnitude of the differential voltage to be detected. A current mirror within the detector contains a current reference configured to produce a current to be passed through a voltage generator. The current magnitude is sufficient to generate a regulated voltage output to the two current regulating devices that supply the voltage shifting circuits. An overlap detector receiving both differential voltage pairs produces a signal indicating an input is at a detection threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: ATMEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sami Ajram, Franck Strazzieri, Florent Garcia
  • Publication number: 20070127283
    Abstract: An autonomous antifuse cell providing protection against intruders includes an antifuse, sense circuitry, feedback circuitry, program circuitry, and blocking circuitry. The blocking circuitry blocks access of any programming voltage input signals to the antifuse device if the antifuse is previously blown and when power is applied to the cell. In an exemplary embodiment, the antifuse cell uses only a single external access pin. Once the antifuse device is blown and during subsequent power-up operations, intrusion is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Vincent Gosmain, Florent Garcia
  • Patent number: 7227399
    Abstract: A differential threshold voltage level detection circuit receives a differential voltage pair as an input, applying each component of the differential pair to an individual voltage shifting circuit. Each voltage shifting circuit is configured with a regulated current producing a shifted and a non-shifted version in-phase. For a shifted set of output differential voltages, the shift magnitude is proportional to the current entering a shifting circuit and is configured to be less than a peak-to-peak magnitude of the differential voltage to be detected. A current mirror within the detector contains a current reference configured to produce a current to be passed through a voltage generator. The current magnitude is sufficient to generate a regulated voltage output to the two current regulating devices that supply the voltage shifting circuits. An overlap detector receiving both differential voltage pairs produces a signal indicating an input is at a detection threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Sami Ajram, Franck Strazzieri, Florent Garcia
  • Publication number: 20050218958
    Abstract: A differential threshold voltage level detection circuit receives a differential voltage pair as an input, applying each component of the differential pair to an individual voltage shifting circuit. Each voltage shifting circuit is configured with a regulated current producing a shifted and a non-shifted version in-phase. For a shifted set of output differential voltages, the shift magnitude is proportional to the current entering a shifting circuit and is configured to be less than a peak-to-peak magnitude of the differential voltage to be detected. A current mirror within the detector contains a current reference configured to produce a current to be passed through a voltage generator. The current magnitude is sufficient to generate a regulated voltage output to the two current regulating devices that supply the voltage shifting circuits. An overlap detector receiving both differential voltage pairs produces a signal indicating an input is at a detection threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventors: Sami Ajram, Franck Strazzieri, Florent Garcia
  • Patent number: 5949259
    Abstract: An output buffer in accordance with the present invention exhibits a fixed output signal slew rate. The output signal behavior is independent of the capacitive load seen by the buffer. The circuit includes a capacitive feedback path from the output node to circuitry which drives the output transistors. In one embodiment, the feedback path comprises two capacitive elements, one which comes into play during a rising edge transition and the other which affects a falling edge transition. In a second embodiment, a single capacitive element is coupled to a switching circuit for use during either a falling transition or a rising transition. The second embodiment provides precharging of the output transistor gates, and so improves response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventor: Florent Garcia