Patents by Inventor Frederic Boutaud

Frederic Boutaud 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: 20050278512
    Abstract: A data processing device includes an electronic processor responsive to a context signal and operable in alternative processing contexts identified by the context signal. First and second registers are connected to the electronic processor to participate in one processing context while retaining information from another processing context until a return thereto. A context switching circuit is connected to the first and second registers and operates to selectively control input and output operations of the registers to and from the electronic processor depending on the processing context. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Inventors: Peter Ehlig, Frederic Boutaud, James Hollander
  • Publication number: 20050251638
    Abstract: A data processing device includes a circuit having status conditions wherein a particular set of the status conditions can occur in operation of the circuit. An instruction register operates to hold a branch instruction conditional on a particular set of the status conditions. A decoder is connected to the instruction register and the circuit. A program counter is coupled to the decoder wherein the decoder is operable to enter a branch address into the program counter in response to the branch instruction when the particular set of the status conditions of the circuit are present. Other data processing devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Peter Ehlig
  • Patent number: 6918025
    Abstract: A data processing device is used with peripheral devices having addressees and differing communication response periods. The data processing device includes a digital processor adapted for selecting different ones of the peripheral devices by asserting addresses of each selected peripheral device. Addressable programmable registers hold wait state values representative of distinct numbers of wait states corresponding to different address ranges. Circuitry responsive to an asserted address to the peripheral devices asserted by the digital processor generates the number of wait states represented by the value held in one of the addressable programmable registers corresponding to the one of the address ranges in which the asserted address occurs, thereby accommodating the differing communication response periods of the peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Peter N. Ehlig
  • Patent number: 6907538
    Abstract: Described is a system and method for centralized synchronization for the transportation of data between devices in different clock domains. In a preferred embodiment, synchronization logic synchronizes read data from an asynchronous peripheral to a bus clock. Rather than being located on each peripheral, the synchronization logic is located in the bus interface logic. When there is an indication that synchronization is needed for a peripheral, the synchronization logic samples the data bus twice or more and compares the values of consecutive data samples. If the data samples are equal, this data is returned to the bus master. If they are different, the data in the next cycle is returned to the bus master.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Boutaud
  • Publication number: 20050108505
    Abstract: A method and architecture accesses a unified memory in a micro-processing system having a two-phase clock. The unified memory is accessed during a first instruction cycle. When a program code discontinuity is encountered, the unified memory is accessed a first time during an instruction cycle with a dummy access. The unified memory is accessed a second time during the instruction cycle when a program code discontinuity is encountered with either a data access, as in the case of a last instruction of a loop, or an instruction access, as in the case of a jump instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: Frederic Boutaud
  • Publication number: 20040204003
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus which may be used to help prevent electronic devices such as, for example, cell phones from operating with software copied from (and only authorized for use by) another device. The present invention is also directed to devices such as, for example, cell phones, that employ any of such methods and apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Joern Soerensen, Palle Birk, Frederic Boutaud
  • Patent number: 6732235
    Abstract: A digital signal processing system includes multiple processors, and one or more shared peripherals such as memory. The architecture includes plural bus masters, each connected to its own bus. There are also plural bus slaves, each connected to its own bus. A bus arbitration module selectively interconnects the buses, so that when the plural bus masters each access a different bus slave, no blocking occurs, and when the plural bus masters each access a same bus slave, bandwidth starvation is avoided. The architecture is supported by a bus arbitration method including hierarchical application of an interrupt-based method, an assigned slot rotation method and a round-robin method, which avoids both bandwidth starvation and lockout during extended periods of bus contention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Krivacek, Jørn Sørensen, Frederic Boutaud
  • Publication number: 20030226002
    Abstract: A data processing device includes a circuit having status conditions wherein a particular set of the status conditions can occur in operation of the circuit. An instruction register operates to hold a branch instruction conditional on a particular set of the status conditions. A decoder is connected to the instruction register and the circuit. A program counter is coupled to the decoder wherein the decoder is operable to enter a branch address into the program counter in response to the branch instruction when the particular set of the status conditions of the circuit are present. Other data processing devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Peter N. Ehlig
  • Patent number: 6624678
    Abstract: Described is a Schmitt trigger cell that can be disabled under conditions of unknown gate voltages (e.g., floating or toggling input) such that the core is isolated from the Schmitt trigger input. This is accomplished by circuitry that disables current flow through those transistors whose gate voltages are unknown during such conditions and that forces a known output onto the output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Sean M. FitzPatrick, Paul D. Krivacek
  • Patent number: 6624682
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus and a method for pulling an integrated circuit I/O pad to a known state and providing a current path between the pad and a source of potential during periods when an I/O voltage is likely to be floating. At least one I/O transistor coupled between the I/O pad and a source of potential is provided. Also provided is a combinatorial circuit connected to the I/O transistor to turn on the I/O transistor during periods that the I/O voltage is likely to be floating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Sean M. FitzPatrick, Paul D. Krivacek
  • Patent number: 6600345
    Abstract: A clock selection circuit for selecting one of a plurality of clocks as an output clock. When the selection circuit switches between two of the plurality of clocks for output, the currently output clock is removed from the output. The removal of the currently output clock is performed synchronously to the currently selected clock. The newly selected clock is then coupled to the output. Coupling of the newly selected clock is performed synchronously to the newly selected clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Boutaud
  • Patent number: 6438720
    Abstract: A circuit for interfacing a processor with a host processor is provided that has a memory associated with the processor that is selectively accessible by either both the processors or by the host processor, a plurality of storage devices selectively interconnectable with the memory and host processor, and a logic circuit interconnected with the storage devices and processors for interconnecting at least a portion of the storage devices to the memory in response to signals from the processors. An integrated circuit is provided that has a microprocessor, a memory associated with said processor that is selectively accessible by said microprocessor or a host processor, a plurality of storage devices selectively interconnectable with said memory and said host processor, and a logic circuit interconnected with said storage devices and interconnectable with said processors for interconnecting at least a portion of said storage devices to said memory in response to signals from said processors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Jason Jones, Marc Couvrat, Oliver Mougenot, Mansoor A. Chishtie
  • Patent number: 6334181
    Abstract: A data processing device is used with peripheral devices having addressees and differing communication response periods. The data processing device includes a digital processor adapted for selecting different ones of the peripheral devices by asserting addresses of each selected peripheral device. Addressable programmable registers hold wait state values representative of distinct numbers of wait states corresponding to different address ranges. Circuitry responsive to an asserted address to the peripheral devices asserted by the digital processor generates the number of wait states represented by the value held in one of the addressable programmable registers corresponding to the one of the address ranges in which the asserted address occurs, thereby accommodating the differing communication response periods of the peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Peter N. Ehlig
  • Patent number: 6311264
    Abstract: A data processing device is used with peripheral devices having addressees and differing communication response periods. The data processing device includes a digital processor adapted for selecting different ones of the peripheral devices by asserting addresses of each selected peripheral device. Addressable programmable registers hold wait state values representative of distinct numbers of wait states corresponding to different address ranges. Circuitry responsive to an asserted address to the peripheral devices asserted by the digital processor generates the number of wait states represented by the value held in one of the addressable programmable registers corresponding to the one of the address ranges in which the asserted address occurs, thereby accommodating the differing communication response periods of the peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Peter N. Ehlig
  • Patent number: 6263419
    Abstract: A data processing device is used with peripheral devices having addressees and differing communication response periods. The data processing device includes a digital processor adapted for selecting different ones of the peripheral devices by asserting addresses of each selected peripheral device. Addressable programmable registers hold wait state values representative of distinct numbers of wait states corresponding to different address ranges. Circuitry responsive to an asserted address to the peripheral devices asserted by the digital processor generates the number of wait states represented by the value held in one of the addressable programmable registers corresponding to the one of the address ranges in which the asserted address occurs, thereby accommodating the differing communication response periods of the peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Peter N. Ehlig
  • Patent number: 6263418
    Abstract: A data processing device is used with peripheral devices having addresses and differing communication response periods. The data processing device includes a digital processor adapted for selecting different ones of the peripheral devices by asserting addresses of each selected peripheral device. Addressable programmable registers hold wait state values representative of distinct numbers of wait states corresponding to different address ranges. Circuitry responsive to an asserted address to the peripheral devices asserted by the digital processor generates the number of wait states represented by the value held in one of the addressable programmable registers corresponding to the one of the address ranges in which the asserted address occurs, thereby accommodating the differing communication response periods of the peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Peter N. Ehlig
  • Patent number: 6253307
    Abstract: A data processing device includes a circuit having status conditions wherein a particular set of the status conditions can occur in operation of the circuit. An instruction register operates to hold a branch instruction conditional on a particular set of the status conditions. A decoder is connected to the instruction register and the circuit. A program counter is coupled to the decoder wherein the decoder is operable to enter a branch address into the program counter in response to the branch instruction when the particular set of the status conditions of the circuit are present. Other data processing devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Peter N. Ehlig
  • Patent number: 6249860
    Abstract: A data processing device is used with peripheral devices having addressees and differing communication response periods. The data processing device includes a digital processor adapted for selecting different ones of the peripheral devices by asserting addresses of each selected peripheral device. Addressable programmable registers hold wait state values representative of distinct numbers of wait states corresponding to different address ranges. Circuitry responsive to an asserted address to the peripheral devices asserted by the digital processor generates the number of wait states represented by the value held in one of the addressable programmable registers corresponding to the one of the address ranges in which the asserted address occurs, thereby accommodating the differing communication response periods of the peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Peter N. Ehlig
  • Patent number: 6249859
    Abstract: A data processing device is used with peripheral devices having addressees and differing communication response periods. The data processing device includes a digital processor adapted for selecting different ones of the peripheral devices by asserting addresses of each selected peripheral device. Addressable programmable registers hold wait state values representative of distinct numbers of wait states corresponding to different address ranges. Circuitry responsive to an asserted address to the peripheral devices asserted by the digital processor generates the number of wait states represented by the value held in one of the addressable programmable registers corresponding to the one of the address ranges in which the asserted address occurs, thereby accommodating the differing communication response periods of the peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Peter N. Ehlig
  • Patent number: 6247111
    Abstract: A data processing device is used with peripheral devices having addressees and differing communication response periods. The data processing device includes a digital processor adapted for selecting different ones of the peripheral devices by asserting addresses of each selected peripheral device. Addressable programmable registers hold wait state values representative of distinct numbers of wait states corresponding to different address ranges. Circuitry responsive to an asserted address to the peripheral devices asserted by the digital processor generates the number of wait states represented by the value held in one of the addressable programmable registers corresponding to the one of the address ranges in which the asserted address occurs, thereby accommodating the differing communication response periods of the peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic Boutaud, Peter N. Ehlig