Patents by Inventor Francesco Pulvirenti

Francesco Pulvirenti 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: 11929674
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a voltage multiplier comprises an input node, an output node, and first and second control nodes for receiving first and second clock signals defining two commutation states. An ordered sequence of intermediate nodes is coupled between the input and output nodes and includes two ordered sub-sequences. Capacitors are coupled: between each odd intermediate node in the first sub-sequence and the first control node; between each even intermediate node in the first sub-sequence and the second control node; between each odd intermediate node in the second sub-sequence and a corresponding odd intermediate node in the first sub-sequence; and between each even intermediate node in the second sub-sequence and a corresponding even intermediate node in the first sub-sequence. The circuit comprises selectively conductive electronic components coupled to the intermediate nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Francesco Pulvirenti
  • Patent number: 11881759
    Abstract: A circuit includes a current path and a negative bootstrap circuitry coupled to the current path. The current path is coupled between a floating voltage and a reference ground, and includes a current generator coupled through a resistor to the floating voltage at a first node of the current generator. The current generator is controlled by a pulse signal. The negative bootstrap circuitry includes a pump capacitor coupled to a second node of the current generator and to the reference ground. The pump capacitor is configured to provide a negative voltage at the second node of the current generator based on the pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Bognanni, Giovanni Caggegi, Giuseppe Cantone, Vincenzo Marano, Francesco Pulvirenti
  • Patent number: 11791815
    Abstract: A circuit comprises first and second input supply nodes configured to receive a supply voltage therebetween. The circuit comprises a high-side driver circuit configured to be coupled to a high-side switch and produce a first signal between first and second high-side output nodes. The circuit comprises a low-side driver circuit configured to be coupled to a low-side switch and produce a second signal between first and second low-side output nodes. The circuit comprises a floating node configured to receive a floating voltage applied between the floating node and the second high-side output node, a bootstrap diode between the first input supply node and an intermediate node, and a current limiter circuit between the intermediate node and the floating node and configured to sense the floating voltage and counter a current flow from the intermediate node to the floating node as a result of the floating voltage reaching a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco Giovanni Fontana, Marco Riva, Francesco Pulvirenti, Giuseppe Cantone
  • Publication number: 20230040189
    Abstract: A circuit comprises first and second input supply nodes configured to receive a supply voltage therebetween. The circuit comprises a high-side driver circuit configured to be coupled to a high-side switch and produce a first signal between first and second high-side output nodes. The circuit comprises a low-side driver circuit configured to be coupled to a low-side switch and produce a second signal between first and second low-side output nodes. The circuit comprises a floating node configured to receive a floating voltage applied between the floating node and the second high-side output node, a bootstrap diode between the first input supply node and an intermediate node, and a current limiter circuit between the intermediate node and the floating node and configured to sense the floating voltage and counter a current flow from the intermediate node to the floating node as a result of the floating voltage reaching a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco Giovanni Fontana, Marco Riva, Francesco Pulvirenti, Giuseppe Cantone
  • Publication number: 20220393579
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a voltage multiplier comprises an input node, an output node, and first and second control nodes for receiving first and second clock signals defining two commutation states. An ordered sequence of intermediate nodes is coupled between the input and output nodes and includes two ordered sub-sequences. Capacitors are coupled: between each odd intermediate node in the first sub-sequence and the first control node; between each even intermediate node in the first sub-sequence and the second control node; between each odd intermediate node in the second sub-sequence and a corresponding odd intermediate node in the first sub-sequence; and between each even intermediate node in the second sub-sequence and a corresponding even intermediate node in the first sub-sequence. The circuit comprises selectively conductive electronic components coupled to the intermediate nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventor: Francesco Pulvirenti
  • Publication number: 20220393567
    Abstract: A circuit includes a current path and a negative bootstrap circuitry coupled to the current path. The current path is coupled between a floating voltage and a reference ground, and includes a current generator coupled through a resistor to the floating voltage at a first node of the current generator. The current generator is controlled by a pulse signal. The negative bootstrap circuitry includes a pump capacitor coupled to a second node of the current generator and to the reference ground. The pump capacitor is configured to provide a negative voltage at the second node of the current generator based on the pulse signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.
    Inventors: Fabrizio BOGNANNI, Giovanni CAGGEGI, Giuseppe CANTONE, Vincenzo MARANO, Francesco PULVIRENTI
  • Patent number: 11476845
    Abstract: A circuit comprises first and second input supply nodes configured to receive a supply voltage therebetween. The circuit comprises a high-side driver circuit configured to be coupled to a high-side switch and produce a first signal between first and second high-side output nodes. The circuit comprises a low-side driver circuit configured to be coupled to a low-side switch and produce a second signal between first and second low-side output nodes. The circuit comprises a floating node configured to receive a floating voltage applied between the floating node and the second high-side output node, a bootstrap diode between the first input supply node and an intermediate node, and a current limiter circuit between the intermediate node and the floating node and configured to sense the floating voltage and counter a current flow from the intermediate node to the floating node as a result of the floating voltage reaching a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco Giovanni Fontana, Marco Riva, Francesco Pulvirenti, Giuseppe Cantone
  • Patent number: 11451130
    Abstract: A circuit includes a current path and a negative bootstrap circuitry coupled to the current path. The current path is coupled between a floating voltage and a reference ground, and includes a current generator coupled through a resistor to the floating voltage at a first node of the current generator. The current generator is controlled by a pulse signal. The negative bootstrap circuitry includes a pump capacitor coupled to a second node of the current generator and to the reference ground. The pump capacitor is configured to provide a negative voltage at the second node of the current generator based on the pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Bognanni, Giovanni Caggegi, Giuseppe Cantone, Vincenzo Marano, Francesco Pulvirenti
  • Publication number: 20220006450
    Abstract: A circuit comprises first and second input supply nodes configured to receive a supply voltage therebetween. The circuit comprises a high-side driver circuit configured to be coupled to a high-side switch and produce a first signal between first and second high-side output nodes. The circuit comprises a low-side driver circuit configured to be coupled to a low-side switch and produce a second signal between first and second low-side output nodes. The circuit comprises a floating node configured to receive a floating voltage applied between the floating node and the second high-side output node, a bootstrap diode between the first input supply node and an intermediate node, and a current limiter circuit between the intermediate node and the floating node and configured to sense the floating voltage and counter a current flow from the intermediate node to the floating node as a result of the floating voltage reaching a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Marco Giovanni Fontana, Marco Riva, Francesco Pulvirenti, Giuseppe Cantone
  • Publication number: 20210351686
    Abstract: A circuit includes a current path and a negative bootstrap circuitry coupled to the current path. The current path is coupled between a floating voltage and a reference ground, and includes a current generator coupled through a resistor to the floating voltage at a first node of the current generator. The current generator is controlled by a pulse signal. The negative bootstrap circuitry includes a pump capacitor coupled to a second node of the current generator and to the reference ground. The pump capacitor is configured to provide a negative voltage at the second node of the current generator based on the pulse signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.
    Inventors: Fabrizio BOGNANNI, Giovanni CAGGEGI, Giuseppe CANTONE, Vincenzo MARANO, Francesco PULVIRENTI
  • Patent number: 10720921
    Abstract: A dead-time circuit includes a signal propagation path from a first input node receiving a PWM modulated control signal to an output node, such signal propagation path switchable between a non-conductive state and a conductive state, such that the signal at the first input node is transferred to the output node when the signal propagation path is in the conductive state. The dead-time circuit further includes a differentiator circuit block coupled to a second input node and to the signal propagation path, the second input node configured to be coupled to an intermediate node of a half-bridge circuit. The differentiator circuit block switches the signal propagation path between the non-conductive state and the conductive state as a function of a time derivative of a signal at the second input node. At least one time-delay circuit component delays transfer of the signal at the first input node to the output node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Francesco Pulvirenti, Salvatore Cassata, Salvatore Giuseppe Privitera
  • Patent number: 10547171
    Abstract: A power transistor supplying power to a load is coupled to a current limiter circuit including a differential amplifier that operates to detect a difference between a sense voltage, indicative of a load current, and a voltage reference. A control terminal of the power transistor is driven by a first output of the differential amplifier as a function of the detected difference. A voltage clamp circuit coupled to an input terminal generates a floating ground. A short-circuit protection circuit coupled to the floating ground and interposed between a second output of the differential amplifier and the control terminal of the power transistor provides a short-circuit protection for the first output of the differential amplifier. A reaction time circuit is coupled between the first and second outputs of the differential amplifier and a source terminal of the power transistor to limit a short-circuit current at the source terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Ignazio Bruno Mirabella, Francesco Pulvirenti, Salvatore Pappalardo
  • Publication number: 20190319617
    Abstract: A dead-time circuit includes a signal propagation path from a first input node receiving a PWM modulated control signal to an output node, such signal propagation path switchable between a non-conductive state and a conductive state, such that the signal at the first input node is transferred to the output node when the signal propagation path is in the conductive state. The dead-time circuit further includes a differentiator circuit block coupled to a second input node and to the signal propagation path, the second input node configured to be coupled to an intermediate node of a half-bridge circuit. The differentiator circuit block switches the signal propagation path between the non-conductive state and the conductive state as a function of a time derivative of a signal at the second input node. At least one time-delay circuit component delays transfer of the signal at the first input node to the output node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Francesco Pulvirenti, Salvatore Cassata, Salvatore Giuseppe Privitera
  • Patent number: 10110399
    Abstract: A circuit with galvanic isolation includes a series of n cascaded transformers including a first transformer and a last transformer in the series. A transmitter is coupled to the primary winding of the first transformer in the series of cascaded transformers, the transmitter being configured for supplying to the primary winding a transmission signal as a function of an input signal. A receiver is coupled to the secondary winding of the last transformer of the series of cascaded transformers and is configured for receiving at the secondary winding a reception signal transmitted over the series of cascaded transformers. A predistortion module is configured for applying to the transmission signal a predistortion including an (n?1)-fold integration, where n is the number of cascaded transformers, of a transmission signal that would be supplied to the input of a sole transformer present in a single-transformer solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Alessandro Nizza, Roberto Aletti, Francesco Pulvirenti, Giuseppe Cantone
  • Patent number: 10084446
    Abstract: A circuit provides a high-voltage low-drop diode-like conductive path between a DC voltage supply terminal and a bootstrap terminal in charging a supply capacitor for driving a power switch with the capacitor set between the bootstrap terminal and an output terminal alternatively switchable between a low voltage and a high voltage DC voltage. In an embodiment, the circuit includes first and second transistors such as LDMOS depletion transistors with the first transistor set in a cascode arrangement between the bootstrap terminal and the DC voltage supply terminal and the second transistor coupled with a sense comparator for comparing the voltage at the bootstrap terminal with the voltage at said DC voltage supply terminal. The first and second transistors have common control terminals coupled with the DC voltage supply terminal and common coupling terminals to the bootstrap terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giovanni Caggegi, Francesco Pulvirenti, Giuseppe Cantone, Vincenzo Palumbo
  • Publication number: 20180159317
    Abstract: A power transistor supplying power to a load is coupled to a current limiter circuit including a differential amplifier that operates to detect a difference between a sense voltage, indicative of a load current, and a voltage reference. A control terminal of the power transistor is driven by a first output of the differential amplifier as a function of the detected difference. A voltage clamp circuit coupled to an input terminal generates a floating ground. A short-circuit protection circuit coupled to the floating ground and interposed between a second output of the differential amplifier and the control terminal of the power transistor provides a short-circuit protection for the first output of the differential amplifier. A reaction time circuit is coupled between the first and second outputs of the differential amplifier and a source terminal of the power transistor to limit a short-circuit current at the source terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Ignazio Bruno Mirabella, Francesco Pulvirenti, Salvatore Pappalardo
  • Publication number: 20180102922
    Abstract: A circuit with galvanic isolation includes a series of n cascaded transformers including a first transformer and a last transformer in the series. A transmitter is coupled to the primary winding of the first transformer in the series of cascaded transformers, the transmitter being configured for supplying to the primary winding a transmission signal as a function of an input signal. A receiver is coupled to the secondary winding of the last transformer of the series of cascaded transformers and is configured for receiving at the secondary winding a reception signal transmitted over the series of cascaded transformers. A predistortion module is configured for applying to the transmission signal a predistortion including an (n?1)-fold integration, where n is the number of cascaded transformers, of a transmission signal that would be supplied to the input of a sole transformer present in a single-transformer solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Alessandro Nizza, Roberto Aletti, Francesco Pulvirenti, Giuseppe Cantone
  • Publication number: 20170141775
    Abstract: A circuit provides a high-voltage low-drop diode-like conductive path between a DC voltage supply terminal and a bootstrap terminal in charging a supply capacitor for driving a power switch with the capacitor set between the bootstrap terminal and an output terminal alternatively switchable between a low voltage and a high voltage DC voltage. In an embodiment, the circuit includes first and second transistors such as LDMOS depletion transistors with the first transistor set in a cascode arrangement between the bootstrap terminal and the DC voltage supply terminal and the second transistor coupled with a sense comparator for comparing the voltage at the bootstrap terminal with the voltage at said DC voltage supply terminal. The first and second transistors have common control terminals coupled with the DC voltage supply terminal and common coupling terminals to the bootstrap terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Giovanni Caggegi, Francesco Pulvirenti, Giuseppe Cantone, Vincenzo Palumbo
  • Patent number: 9356587
    Abstract: A high voltage comparison circuit includes an input stage generating an intermediate signal as a result of a comparison between an input signal and a first voltage reference and an output stage configured to generate an output signal referenced to a second voltage reference (different from the first voltage reference) in response to the intermediate signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Ignazio Bruno Mirabella, Francesco Pulvirenti
  • Patent number: 9237039
    Abstract: A transceiver is connectable to a cable with at least three wires. The transceiver may include a controlled output stage including a high-side leg, having two P-type transistors coupled in series and having a common current terminal, coupled between an output pin and a positive supply pin. The P-type transistors have body regions coupled to the common current terminal of the high-side leg. A low-side leg, includes two N-type transistors coupled in series and having a common current terminal, coupled between the output pin and a negative supply pin. The N-type transistors have body regions coupled to the common current terminal of the low-side leg. The protection circuit also includes a voltage clamper coupled between the common current terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Salvatore Cassata, Francesco Pulvirenti, Salvatore Giuseppe Privitera