Patents by Inventor James L. Vorhaus

James L. Vorhaus 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: 9536871
    Abstract: Various aspects of the technology include an integrated circuit device comprising a compound semiconductor layer and a plurality of input, switch, and ground ohmic metal fingers fabricated on the compound semiconductor layer in a repeating sequence. A control gate may be disposed between each input finger and adjacent switch finger, and a sync gate may be disposed between each ground finger and adjacent switch finger. A sync gate and a control gate may be disposed adjacent each switch finger. The device further includes a plurality of control gate pads, each control gate pad at an end of two control gates, and a control gate pad at opposite ends of each control gate, and a plurality of sync gate pads, each sync gate pad at an end of two sync gates, and a sync gate pad at opposite ends of each sync gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Publication number: 20160086937
    Abstract: Various aspects of the technology include an integrated circuit device comprising a compound semiconductor layer and a plurality of input, switch, and ground ohmic metal fingers fabricated on the compound semiconductor layer in a repeating sequence. A control gate may be disposed between each input finger and adjacent switch finger, and a sync gate may be disposed between each ground finger and adjacent switch finger. A sync gate and a control gate may be disposed adjacent each switch finger. The device further includes a plurality of control gate pads, each control gate pad at an end of two control gates, and a control gate pad at opposite ends of each control gate, and a plurality of sync gate pads, each sync gate pad at an end of two sync gates, and a sync gate pad at opposite ends of each sync gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 9252143
    Abstract: Radio frequency and microwave devices and methods of use are provided herein. According to some embodiments, the present technology may comprise an ohmic layer for use in a field effect transistor that includes a plurality of strips disposed on a substrate, the plurality of strips comprising alternating source strips and drain strips, with adjacent strips being spaced apart from one another to form a series of channels, a gate finger segment disposed in each of the series of channels, and a plurality of gate finger pads disposed in an alternating pattern around a periphery of the plurality of strips such that each gate finger segment is associated with two gate finger pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 9236378
    Abstract: Various aspects of the technology include an integrated circuit device comprising a compound semiconductor layer and a plurality of input, switch, and ground ohmic metal fingers fabricated on the compound semiconductor layer in a repeating sequence. A control gate may be disposed between each input finger and adjacent switch finger, and a sync gate may be disposed between each ground finger and adjacent switch finger. A sync gate and a control gate may be disposed adjacent each switch finger. The device further includes a plurality of control gate pads, each control gate pad at an end of two control gates, and a control gate pad at opposite ends of each control gate, and a plurality of sync gate pads, each sync gate pad at an end of two sync gates, and a sync gate pad at opposite ends of each sync gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Publication number: 20150357323
    Abstract: Radio frequency and microwave devices and methods of use are provided herein. According to some embodiments, the present technology may comprise an ohmic layer for use in a field effect transistor that includes a plurality of strips disposed on a substrate, the plurality of strips comprising alternating source strips and drain strips, with adjacent strips being spaced apart from one another to form a series of channels, a gate finger segment disposed in each of the series of channels, and a plurality of gate finger pads disposed in an alternating pattern around a periphery of the plurality of strips such that each gate finger segment is associated with two gate finger pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 9136265
    Abstract: Radio frequency and microwave devices and methods of use are provided herein. According to some embodiments, the present technology may comprise an ohmic layer for use in a field effect transistor that includes a plurality of strips disposed on a substrate, the plurality of strips comprising alternating source strips and drain strips, with adjacent strips being spaced apart from one another to form a series of channels, a gate finger segment disposed in each of the series of channels, and a plurality of gate finger pads disposed in an alternating pattern around a periphery of the plurality of strips such that each gate finger segment is associated with two gate finger pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Publication number: 20150171080
    Abstract: Radio frequency and microwave devices and methods of use are provided herein. According to some embodiments, the present technology may comprise an ohmic layer for use in a field effect transistor that includes a plurality of strips disposed on a substrate, the plurality of strips comprising alternating source strips and drain strips, with adjacent strips being spaced apart from one another to form a series of channels, a gate finger segment disposed in each of the series of channels, and a plurality of gate finger pads disposed in an alternating pattern around a periphery of the plurality of strips such that each gate finger segment is associated with two gate finger pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 9006799
    Abstract: Radio frequency and microwave devices and methods of use are provided herein. According to some embodiments, the present technology may comprise an ohmic layer for use in a field effect transistor that includes a plurality of strips disposed on a substrate, the plurality of strips comprising alternating source strips and drain strips, with adjacent strips being spaced apart from one another to form a series of channels, a gate finger segment disposed in each of the series of channels, and a plurality of gate finger pads disposed in an alternating pattern around a periphery of the plurality of strips such that each gate finger segment is associated with two gate finger pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Publication number: 20150054091
    Abstract: Radio frequency and microwave devices and methods of use are provided herein. According to some embodiments, the present technology may comprise an ohmic layer for use in a field effect transistor that includes a plurality of strips disposed on a substrate, the plurality of strips comprising alternating source strips and drain strips, with adjacent strips being spaced apart from one another to form a series of channels, a gate finger segment disposed in each of the series of channels, and a plurality of gate finger pads disposed in an alternating pattern around a periphery of the plurality of strips such that each gate finger segment is associated with two gate finger pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 8896034
    Abstract: Radio frequency and microwave devices and methods of use are provided herein. According to some embodiments, the present technology may comprise an ohmic layer for use in a field effect transistor that includes a plurality of strips disposed on a substrate, the plurality of strips comprising alternating source strips and drain strips, with adjacent strips being spaced apart from one another to form a series of channels, a gate finger segment disposed in each of the series of channels, and a plurality of gate finger pads disposed in an alternating pattern around a periphery of the plurality of strips such that each gate finger segment is associated with two gate finger pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 8835239
    Abstract: Various aspects of the technology include a quad semiconductor power and/or switching FET comprising a pair of control/sync FET devices. Current may be distributed in parallel along source and drain fingers. Gate fingers and pads may be arranged in a serpentine configuration for applying gate signals to both ends of gate fingers. A single continuous ohmic metal finger includes both source and drain regions and functions as a source-drain node. A set of electrodes for distributing the current may be arrayed along the width of the source and/or drain fingers and oriented to cross the fingers along the length of the source and drain fingers. Current may be conducted from the electrodes to the source and drain fingers through vias disposed along the surface of the fingers. Heat developed in the source, drain, and gate fingers may be conducted through the vias to the electrodes and out of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Publication number: 20140191305
    Abstract: Various aspects of the technology include an integrated circuit device comprising a compound semiconductor layer and a plurality of input, switch, and ground ohmic metal fingers fabricated on the compound semiconductor layer in a repeating sequence. A control gate may be disposed between each input finger and adjacent switch finger, and a sync gate may be disposed between each ground finger and adjacent switch finger. A sync gate and a control gate may be disposed adjacent each switch finger. The device further includes a plurality of control gate pads, each control gate pad at an end of two control gates, and a control gate pad at opposite ends of each control gate, and a plurality of sync gate pads, each sync gate pad at an end of two sync gates, and a sync gate pad at opposite ends of each sync gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 8759924
    Abstract: Various aspects of the technology provide a dual semiconductor power and/or switching FET device to replace two or more discrete FET devices. Portions of the current may be distributed in parallel to sections of the source and drain fingers to maintain a low current density and reduce the size while increasing the overall current handling capabilities of the dual FET. Application of the gate signal to both ends of gate fingers, for example, using a serpentine arrangement of the gate fingers and gate pads, simplifies layout of the dual FET device. A single integral ohmic metal finger including both source functions and drain functions reduces conductors and contacts for connecting the two devices at a source-drain node. Heat developed in the source, drain, and gate fingers may be conducted through the vias to the electrodes and out of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 8653565
    Abstract: Various aspects of the technology includes a quad semiconductor power and/or switching FET comprising a pair of control/sync FET devices. Current may be distributed in parallel along source and drain fingers. Gate fingers and pads may be arranged in a serpentine configuration for applying gate signals to both ends of gate fingers. A single continuous ohmic metal finger includes both source and drain regions and functions as a source-drain node. A set of electrodes for distributing the current may be arrayed along the width of the source and/or drain fingers and oriented to cross the fingers along the length of the source and drain fingers. Current may be conducted from the electrodes to the source and drain fingers through vias disposed along the surface of the fingers. Heat developed in the source, drain, and gate fingers may be conducted through the vias to the electrodes and out of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 8637909
    Abstract: Various aspects of the technology provide for a converter circuit such as a dc-dc voltage converter or buck converter. The circuit includes a enhancement mode control Field Effect Transistor (FET) fabricated using gallium arsenide and an depletion mode sync FET fabricated using gallium arsenide. A drain of the sync FET may be coupled to a source of the control FET and an inductor may be coupled to the source of the control FET and the drain of the sync FET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 8575621
    Abstract: Circuits and systems comprising one or more switches are provided. A circuit includes a first switch formed on a substrate; and a second switch formed on the substrate, the second switch including a first terminal coupled to a third terminal of the first switch. A system includes a supply; a first switch formed on a substrate, the first switch coupled to the supply; a second switch formed on the substrate, the second switch coupled to the first switch; a third switch formed on the substrate, the third switch coupled to the supply; a fourth switch formed on the substrate, the fourth switch coupled to the third switch; and a driver coupled to respective second terminals of the first, second, third, and fourth switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 8569811
    Abstract: Various aspects of the technology provide for clamping a transient from a transient generator in a circuit using a Field Effect Transistor (FET) including a compound semiconductor layer forming a drain coupled to the transient voltage generator, a source, and a gate. The gate and the drain may be configured to clamp voltage transients in the circuit from the transient voltage generator independent of a clamping diode between the source and the drain. The FET may be a depletion mode type fabricated using germanium or a compound semiconductor such as gallium arsenide (GaAs) or gallium nitride (GaN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Vorhaus, Anthony G. P. Marini
  • Patent number: 8541271
    Abstract: Various aspects of the technology provide a dual semiconductor power and/or switching FET device to replace two or more discrete FET devices. Portions of the current may be distributed in parallel to sections of the source and drain fingers to maintain a low current density and reduce the size while increasing the overall current handling capabilities of the dual FET. Application of the gate signal to both ends of gate fingers, for example, using a serpentine arrangement of the gate fingers and gate pads, simplifies layout of the dual FET device. A single integral ohmic metal finger including both source functions and drain functions reduces conductors and contacts for connecting the two devices at a source-drain node. Heat developed in the source, drain, and gate fingers may be conducted through the vias to the electrodes and out of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 8519916
    Abstract: Circuits and systems comprising one or more switches are provided. A circuit includes a first switch formed on a substrate; and a second switch formed on the substrate, the second switch including a first terminal coupled to a third terminal of the first switch. A system includes a supply; a first switch formed on a substrate, the first switch coupled to the supply; a second switch formed on the substrate, the second switch coupled to the first switch; a third switch formed on the substrate, the third switch coupled to the supply; a fourth switch formed on the substrate, the fourth switch coupled to the third switch; and a driver coupled to respective second terminals of the first, second, third, and fourth switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus
  • Patent number: 8274121
    Abstract: Aspects provide for reducing the size and cost of a compound semiconductor power FET device while increasing yield and maintaining current handling capabilities of the FET by distributing portions of the current in parallel to sections the source and drain fingers to maintain a low current density, and applying the gate signal to both ends of the gate fingers to increase yield. The current to be handled by the FET may be divided among a set of electrodes arrayed along the width of the source or drain fingers and oriented to cross the fingers along the length of the source and drain fingers. The current may be conducted from the electrodes to the source and drain fingers through vias disposed along the surface of the fingers. Heat developed in the source, drain, and gate fingers may be conducted through the vias to the electrodes and out of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sarda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Vorhaus