Patents by Inventor James M. Little

James M. Little 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: 8947992
    Abstract: Combined echo and crosstalk cancellation is provided. Frequency domain adaptive filters are used to remove or reduce the effects of echo and crosstalk for a multi-channel and full-duplex communications system. Data from each transmit channel is buffered and converted to the frequency domain. The frequency domain data is multiplied by crosstalk coefficients to obtain a frequency domain correction signal for each channel. Adaptation of the crosstalk coefficients is based on correlations between the error signals and the data from each of the transmit channels. A single frequency domain transform engine, such as a Fast Fourier Transform engine, is employed for all calculations to save power and area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Vintomie Networks B.V., LLC
    Inventors: James M. Little, Marwan Hassoun, David Tetzlaff, Chang-Chi Liu
  • Publication number: 20140010066
    Abstract: Combined echo and crosstalk cancellation is provided. Frequency domain adaptive filters are used to remove or reduce the effects of echo and crosstalk for a multi-channel and full-duplex communications system. Data from each transmit channel is buffered and converted to the frequency domain. The frequency domain data is multiplied by crosstalk coefficients to obtain a frequency domain correction signal for each channel. Adaptation of the crosstalk coefficients is based on correlations between the error signals and the data from each of the transmit channels. A single frequency domain transform engine, such as a Fast Fourier Transform engine, is employed for all calculations to save power and area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: James M. Little, Marwan Hassoun, David Tetzlaff, Chang-Chi Liu
  • Patent number: 8488438
    Abstract: Combined echo and crosstalk cancellation is provided. Frequency domain adaptive filters are used to remove or reduce the effects of echo and crosstalk for a multi-channel and full-duplex communications system. Data from each transmit channel is buffered and converted to the frequency domain. The frequency domain data is multiplied by crosstalk coefficients to obtain a frequency domain correction signal for each channel. Adaptation of the crosstalk coefficients is based on correlations between the error signals and the data from each of the transmit channels. A single frequency domain transform engine, such as a Fast Fourier Transform engine, is employed for all calculations to save power and area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Vintomie Networks B.V., LLC
    Inventors: James M. Little, Marwan Hassoun, David Tetzlaff, Chang-Chi Liu
  • Patent number: 8107581
    Abstract: A method of digitally controlling a timing recovery loop to control jitter and reduce word-length in a recovered clock is provided. A timing error detector provides an output identifying the error sign. First and second randomizing digital attenuators provide first and second estimates of the phase error in a timing signal. A controller receives the first estimate and provides a signal to an NCO. An output from the NCO provides feedback to the error detector to complete a first order feedback loop, providing a first estimate phase error compensation. An integrator receives the second estimate and provides an output estimate for frequency offset of the timing signal that is received by the controller and the sign and magnitude of the integrated phase error are calibrated to provide a frequency offset. The controller determines a number of additional updates to the NCO required to minimize jitter and reduce word-length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Vintomie Networks B.V., LLC
    Inventors: James M. Little, Hiroshi Takatori
  • Patent number: 7983373
    Abstract: A 10GBASE-T clocking method that limits EMI and increases SNR, while reducing power and conserving chip space is provided. The method includes simultaneous clocking of transmitters in an analog front end of a 10 gigabit Ethernet. The method includes providing at least two channels to a 10GBase-T analog front end, where the channel has at least a transmitter port and a receiver port, and providing at least two phase interpreters to the analog front end, where each phase interpreter is dedicated to one receiver port. A central clock generator is disposed to distribute a transmit clock to the phase interpreters and to the transmitter ports, where the transmit clock is further provided to the receiver ports from the phase interpreters. Any clock delay between the clock generator and each channel is balanced and clock phases between the channels are matched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Vintomie Networks B.V., LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Dyer, James M. Little
  • Publication number: 20110141875
    Abstract: Combined echo and crosstalk cancellation is provided. Frequency domain adaptive filters are used to remove or reduce the effects of echo and crosstalk for a multi-channel and full-duplex communications system. Data from each transmit channel is buffered and converted to the frequency domain. The frequency domain data is multiplied by crosstalk coefficients to obtain a frequency domain correction signal for each channel. Adaptation of the crosstalk coefficients is based on correlations between the error signals and the data from each of the transmit channels. A single frequency domain transform engine, such as a Fast Fourier Transform engine, is employed for all calculations to save power and area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Vintomie Networks B.V., LLC
    Inventors: James M. Little, Marwan Hassoun, David Tetzlaff, Chang-Chi Liu
  • Patent number: 7936223
    Abstract: A low spur phase-locked loop (PLL) architecture is provided. A frequency-synthesizing PLL that includes a differential Kvco gain linearization circuit with adjustable DC offset is used to reduce clock jitter. The free-running oscillation frequency of the VCO of the PLL is centered near the desired frequency using programmable loads to minimize the required control voltage range. The PLL uses a differential architecture that includes a charge pump that compensates for variations in Kvco and a LC tank oscillator with differential controlled varactor. The differential PLL architecture demonstrates that the reference spur can be well controlled to below ?80 dBc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Vintomie Networks B.V., LLC
    Inventors: James M. Little, Perry Leigh Heedley, David Vieira, Maoyou Sun
  • Patent number: 7920461
    Abstract: Combined echo and crosstalk cancellation is provided. Frequency domain adaptive filters are used to remove or reduce the effects of echo and crosstalk for a multi-channel and full-duplex communications system. Data from each transmit channel is buffered and converted to the frequency domain. The frequency domain data is multiplied by crosstalk coefficients to obtain a frequency domain correction signal for each channel. Adaptation of the crosstalk coefficients is based on correlations between the error signals and the data from each of the transmit channels. A single frequency domain transform engine, such as a Fast Fourier Transform engine, is employed for all calculations to save power and area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Vintomie Networks B.V., LLC
    Inventors: James M. Little, Marwan Hassoun, David Tetzlaff, Chang-Chi Liu
  • Publication number: 20090231046
    Abstract: A low spur phase-locked loop (PLL) architecture is provided. A frequency-synthesizing PLL that includes a differential Kvco gain linearization circuit with adjustable DC offset is used to reduce clock jitter. The free-running oscillation frequency of the VCO of the PLL is centered near the desired frequency using programmable loads to minimize the required control voltage range. The PLL uses a differential architecture that includes a charge pump that compensates for variations in Kvco and a LC tank oscillator with differential controlled varactor. The differential PLL architecture demonstrates that the reference spur can be well controlled to below ?80 dBc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: James M. Little, Perry Leigh Heedley, David Vieira, Maoyou Sun
  • Publication number: 20090196161
    Abstract: Combined echo and crosstalk cancellation is provided. Frequency domain adaptive filters are used to remove or reduce the effects of echo and crosstalk for a multi-channel and full-duplex communications system. Data from each transmit channel is buffered and converted to the frequency domain. The frequency domain data is multiplied by crosstalk coefficients to obtain a frequency domain correction signal for each channel. Adaptation of the crosstalk coefficients is based on correlations between the error signals and the data from each of the transmit channels. A single frequency domain transform engine, such as a Fast Fourier Transform engine, is employed for all calculations to save power and area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: James M. Little, Marwan Hassoun, David Tetzlaff, Chang-Chi Liu
  • Publication number: 20090003504
    Abstract: A method of digitally controlling a timing recovery loop to control jitter and reduce word-length in a recovered clock is provided. A timing error detector provides an output identifying the error sign. First and second randomizing digital attenuators provide first and second estimates of the phase error in a timing signal. A controller receives the first estimate and provides a signal to an NCO. An output from the NCO provides feedback to the error detector to complete a first order feedback loop, providing a first estimate phase error compensation. An integrator receives the second estimate and provides an output estimate for frequency offset of the timing signal that is received by the controller and the sign and magnitude of the integrated phase error are calibrated to provide a frequency offset. The controller determines a number of additional updates to the NCO required to minimize jitter and reduce word-length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: James M. Little, Hiroshi Takatori
  • Publication number: 20080247497
    Abstract: A 10GBASE-T clocking method that limits EMI and increases SNR, while reducing power and conserving chip space is provided. The method includes simultaneous clocking of transmitters in an analog front end of a 10 gigabit Ethernet. The method includes providing at least two channels to a 10GBase-T analog front end, where the channel has at least a transmitter port and a receiver port, and providing at least two phase interpreters to the analog front end, where each phase interpreter is dedicated to one receiver port. A central clock generator is disposed to distribute a transmit clock to the phase interpreters and to the transmitter ports, where the transmit clock is further provided to the receiver ports from the phase interpreters. Any clock delay between the clock generator and each channel is balanced and clock phases between the channels are matched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Dyer, James M. Little
  • Patent number: 7154979
    Abstract: A timing recovery system includes a phase locked loop with a variable bandwidth loop filter, several data dependent gain units, and three proportional paths with non-linear control. The system provides excellent jitter tolerance with a wide variation in data density and large amplitude jitter with a wide frequency range. The gain of both an included loop filter and a phase detector may be varied with both frequency and data density. Direct, unfiltered adjustments may be made to phase based on a received data pattern and phase error magnitude to reduce loop latency and provide temporary and immediate boost in the loop gain of the phase locked loop. Direct, unfiltered adjustments may also be made to phase based on the sign of the first differential of an accumulator output during long strings of zeros to help maintain tracking even with a very low data density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takatori, James M Little, Scott Chiu
  • Patent number: 7072463
    Abstract: A line interface capable of connecting to a variety of transport mediums, each having a different impedance. The line interface comprises a programmable resistor. The programmable resistor along with an external resistor provide a range of resistor values which are used to substantially match the impedance requirements of the various transport mediums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Russell Byrd, James M. Little
  • Patent number: 7061995
    Abstract: An adaptive slicer threshold generation system includes a first moving average filter to determine a first average value of a first binary signal. A second moving average filter is included to determine a second average value of a second binary signal. A combiner combines the first average value of the first binary signal and the second average value of the second binary signal to generate a combined output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Little
  • Patent number: 7035365
    Abstract: A receiver involved in high-speed data transmission includes a decision system. The decision system calculates a value of an input signal and holds the value as a tentative value. The decision system calculates an error value, amplifies the error value, and holds the amplified error value as a corrected value. The decision system determines whether the amplified error value is within a marginal range. The decision system also determines whether adjacent values to the value indicate the input signal was in transition from a positive to negative state, or a negative to positive state. If the amplified error values is within a marginal range and the input signal was in transition from a positive to negative state, or a negative to positive state, then the decision system overrides the tentative value with the corrected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takatori, James M. Little, Scott Chiu
  • Patent number: 6640194
    Abstract: A frequency detector includes a slicer to receive and slice a phase error against a compare threshold value. The slicer generates a symbol based on the phase error sliced against the compare threshold value. A symbol counter is provided to increment a symbol count if the symbol generated is the same as a last symbol. A logic circuit compares the symbol count with a symbol count limit if the symbol is different from the last symbol. The logic circuit increments a high counter and clears a low counter if the symbol count is less than the symbol count limit. The logic circuit increments the low counter and clears the high counter if the symbol count is greater than the symbol count limit. A combinational logic circuit is provided to generate a high frequency jitter true signal or a high frequency jitter false signal based on at least one of the symbol count, the high counter, and the low counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Little, Hiroshi Takatori, Scott Chiu
  • Publication number: 20030169835
    Abstract: A receiver involved in high-speed data transmission includes a decision system. The decision system calculates a value of an input signal and holds the value as a tentative value. The decision system calculates an error value, amplifies the error value, and holds the amplified error value as a corrected value. The decision system determines whether the amplified error value is within a marginal range. The decision system also determines whether adjacent values to the value indicate the input signal was in transition from a positive to negative state, or a negative to positive state. If the amplified error values is within a marginal range and the input signal was in transition from a positive to negative state, or a negative to positive state, then the decision system overrides the tentative value with the corrected value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takatori, James M. Little, Scott Chiu
  • Publication number: 20030169837
    Abstract: A timing recovery system includes a phase locked loop with a variable bandwidth loop filter, several data dependent gain units, and three proportional paths with non-linear control. The system provides excellent jitter tolerance with a wide variation in data density and large amplitude jitter with a wide frequency range. The gain of both an included loop filter and a phase detector may be varied with both frequency and data density. Direct, unfiltered adjustments may be made to phase based on a received data pattern and phase error magnitude to reduce loop latency and provide temporary and immediate boost in the loop gain of the phase locked loop. Direct, unfiltered adjustments may also be made to phase based on the sign of the first differential of an accumulator output during long strings of zeros to help maintain tracking even with a very low data density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takatori, James M. Little, Scott Chiu
  • Publication number: 20030083834
    Abstract: A frequency detector includes a slicer to receive and slice a phase error against a compare threshold value. The slicer generates a symbol based on the phase error sliced against the compare threshold value. A symbol counter is provided to increment a symbol count if the symbol generated is the same as a last symbol. A logic circuit compares the symbol count with a symbol count limit if the symbol is different from the last symbol. The logic circuit increments a high counter and clears a low counter if the symbol count is less than the symbol count limit. The logic circuit increments the low counter and clears the high counter if the symbol count is greater than the symbol count limit. A combinational logic circuit is provided to generate a high frequency jitter true signal or a high frequency jitter false signal based on at least one of the symbol count, the high counter, and the low counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: James M. Little, Hiroshi Takatori, Scott Chiu