Patents by Inventor Jay M. Towne

Jay M. Towne 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: 11275127
    Abstract: According to aspects of the disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed comprising: a controller; an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the controller, the ADC including an input terminal for receiving a sensor signal from a transducer; and a diagnostic circuit coupled to the input terminal of the ADC and to the controller, the diagnostic circuit being configured to: generate a diagnostic signal that indicates whether a voltage at the input terminal of the ADC meets a first threshold, and provide the diagnostic signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive a data sample from the ADC, detect whether the data sample meets a second threshold, and transition the apparatus into a safe state when: (i) the diagnostic signal indicates that the voltage at the input terminal does not meet the first threshold, and (ii) the data sample meets the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Jay M. Towne, Peter Tengstrand, Devon Fernandez
  • Patent number: 11243234
    Abstract: A monitor circuit for monitoring a level of a first and second regulated source may monitor a voltage level of regulated voltages or a current level of regulated currents. In an embodiment, the monitor circuit includes circuitry responsive to a first regulated current and to a second regulated current. A first circuit responsive to the first regulated current and to the second regulated current generates a first error signal indicative of at least one of an overcurrent condition of the first regulated current and an undercurrent condition of the second regulated current. A second circuit responsive to the first regulated current and to the second regulated current generates a second error signal indicative of at least one of an undercurrent condition of the first regulated current and an overcurrent condition of the second regulated current. A method for monitoring the levels of first and second regulated sources is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Tran, Jay M. Towne, P. Karl Scheller
  • Publication number: 20210181268
    Abstract: According to aspects of the disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed comprising: a controller; an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the controller, the ADC including an input terminal for receiving a sensor signal from a transducer; and a diagnostic circuit coupled to the input terminal of the ADC and to the controller, the diagnostic circuit being configured to: generate a diagnostic signal that indicates whether a voltage at the input terminal of the ADC meets a first threshold, and provide the diagnostic signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive a data sample from the ADC, detect whether the data sample meets a second threshold, and transition the apparatus into a safe state when: (i) the diagnostic signal indicates that the voltage at the input terminal does not meet the first threshold, and (ii) the data sample meets the second threshold
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Jay M. Towne, Peter Tengstrand, Devon Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20210048456
    Abstract: A monitor circuit for monitoring a level of a first and second regulated source may monitor a voltage level of regulated voltages or a current level of regulated currents. In an embodiment, the monitor circuit includes circuitry responsive to a first regulated current and to a second regulated current. A first circuit responsive to the first regulated current and to the second regulated current generates a first error signal indicative of at least one of an overcurrent condition of the first regulated current and an undercurrent condition of the second regulated current. A second circuit responsive to the first regulated current and to the second regulated current generates a second error signal indicative of at least one of an undercurrent condition of the first regulated current and an overcurrent condition of the second regulated current. A method for monitoring the levels of first and second regulated sources is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Tran, Jay M. Towne, P. Karl Scheller
  • Patent number: 10837987
    Abstract: A monitor circuit for monitoring a level of a first and second regulated source may monitor a voltage level of regulated voltages or a current level of regulated currents. In an embodiment, the monitor circuit includes circuitry responsive to a first regulated voltage and to a second regulated voltage. A first circuit responsive to the first regulated voltage and to the second regulated voltage generates a first error signal indicative of at least one of an overvoltage condition of the first regulated voltage and an undervoltage condition of the second regulated voltage. A second circuit responsive to the first regulated voltage and to the second regulated voltage generates a second error signal indicative of at least one of an undervoltage condition of the first regulated voltage and an overvoltage condition of the second regulated voltage. A method for monitoring the levels of first and second regulated sources is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Tran, Jay M. Towne, P. Karl Scheller
  • Patent number: 10797851
    Abstract: A method for synchronization of an input signal includes providing the input signal to a first signal path associated with a first clock and to a second signal path associated with a second clock, detecting an edge of the input signal by detecting values of the input signal along the first signal path at a first rising edge of the first clock and at a second rising edge of the first clock, detecting a value of the input signal along the second signal path at an edge of the second clock, and selecting the input signal from the first signal path or from the second signal path according to the detected value of the input signal along the second path when an edge of the input signal along the first path is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Jay M. Towne, Steven E. Snyder, Steven Ricco, Matthew Nealon
  • Patent number: 10712403
    Abstract: Electronic circuits used in magnetic field sensors use transistors for passing a current through the transistors and also through a magnetoresistance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Mathew Drouin, Devon Fernandez, Jay M. Towne, Alejandro Gabriel Milesi
  • Publication number: 20190334692
    Abstract: A method for synchronization of an input signal includes providing the input signal to a first signal path associated with a first clock and to a second signal path associated with a second clock, detecting an edge of the input signal by detecting values of the input signal along the first signal path at a first rising edge of the first clock and at a second rising edge of the first clock, detecting a value of the input signal along the second signal path at an edge of the second clock, and selecting the input signal from the first signal path or from the second signal path according to the detected value of the input signal along the second path when an edge of the input signal along the first path is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Jay M. Towne, Steven E. Snyder, Steven Ricco, Matthew Nealon
  • Publication number: 20190128930
    Abstract: A monitor circuit for monitoring a level of a first and second regulated source may monitor a voltage level of regulated voltages or a current level of regulated currents. In an embodiment, the monitor circuit includes circuitry responsive to a first regulated voltage and to a second regulated voltage. A first circuit responsive to the first regulated voltage and to the second regulated voltage generates a first error signal indicative of at least one of an overvoltage condition of the first regulated voltage and an undervoltage condition of the second regulated voltage. A second circuit responsive to the first regulated voltage and to the second regulated voltage generates a second error signal indicative of at least one of an undervoltage condition of the first regulated voltage and an overvoltage condition of the second regulated voltage. A method for monitoring the levels of first and second regulated sources is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Tran, Jay M. Towne, P. Karl Scheller
  • Patent number: 10209279
    Abstract: A monitor circuit for monitoring a level of a first and second regulated source may monitor a voltage level of regulated voltages or a current level of regulated currents. In an embodiment, the monitor circuit includes circuitry responsive to a first regulated voltage and to a second regulated voltage. A first circuit responsive to the first regulated voltage and to the second regulated voltage generates a first error signal indicative of at least one of an overvoltage condition of the first regulated voltage and an undervoltage condition of the second regulated voltage. A second circuit responsive to the first regulated voltage and to the second regulated voltage generates a second error signal indicative of at least one of an undervoltage condition of the first regulated voltage and an overvoltage condition of the second regulated voltage. A method for monitoring the levels of first and second regulated sources is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Tran, Jay M. Towne, P. Karl Scheller
  • Publication number: 20170285117
    Abstract: Electronic circuits used in magnetic field sensors use transistors for passing a current through the transistors and also through a magnetoresistance element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Mathew Drouin, Devon Fernandez, Jay M. Towne, Alejandro Gabriel Milesi
  • Patent number: 9720054
    Abstract: Electronic circuits used in magnetic field sensors use transistors for passing a current through the transistors and also through a magnetoresistance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Mathew Drouin, Devon Fernandez, Jay M. Towne, Alejandro G. Milesi
  • Patent number: 9664748
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor and associated method provide an output signal with first and second different pulses with first and second different pulse widths indicative of first and second different directions of rotation of a moving target. The magnetic field sensor also includes third pulses with an identifiable encoding to indicate when a signature region in the moving target proximate to the magnetic field sensor passes by the magnetic field sensor. The third pulses each comprise respective state transitions and each comprise respective pulse widths with respective fixed predetermined time durations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas P. Friedrich, Andrea Foletto, Jay M. Towne, Michael Morris, Eric Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20160377663
    Abstract: A monitor circuit for monitoring a level of a first and second regulated source may monitor a voltage level of regulated voltages or a current level of regulated currents. In an embodiment, the monitor circuit includes circuitry responsive to a first regulated voltage and to a second regulated voltage. A first circuit responsive to the first regulated voltage and to the second regulated voltage generates a first error signal indicative of at least one of an overvoltage condition of the first regulated voltage and an undervoltage condition of the second regulated voltage. A second circuit responsive to the first regulated voltage and to the second regulated voltage generates a second error signal indicative of at least one of an undervoltage condition of the first regulated voltage and an overvoltage condition of the second regulated voltage. A method for monitoring the levels of first and second regulated sources is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Jay M. Towne, Sam Tran, P. Karl Scheller
  • Patent number: 9523742
    Abstract: A circuit includes a current source having at least first terminal and a second, control terminal. The current source is configured to receive a current control signal at the control terminal and in response thereto generates a first current signal at the first terminal. The current control signal controls a current level of the first current signal. The circuit also includes at least one sensing element responsive to one or more sense parameters and having an input adapted to couple to the first terminal of said current source. The sensing element is configured to receive one or more current signals comprising at least the first current signal and in response thereto generates a sensed output signal at an output thereof. A corresponding method for operating the circuit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Jay M. Towne, P. Karl Scheller, Eric G. Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20160313407
    Abstract: A circuit includes a current source having at least first terminal and a second, control terminal. The current source is configured to receive a current control signal at the control terminal and in response thereto generates a first current signal at the first terminal. The current control signal controls a current level of the first current signal. The circuit also includes at least one sensing element responsive to one or more sense parameters and having an input adapted to couple to the first terminal of said current source. The sensing element is configured to receive one or more current signals comprising at least the first current signal and in response thereto generates a sensed output signal at an output thereof. A corresponding method for operating the circuit is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: Allegro Microsystems, LLC
    Inventors: Jay M. Towne, P. Karl Scheller, Eric G. Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20160124054
    Abstract: Electronic circuits used in magnetic field sensors use transistors for passing a current through the transistors and also through a magnetoresistance element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Mathew Drouin, Devon Fernandez, Jay M. Towne, Alejandro G. Milesi
  • Publication number: 20140375312
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor and associated method provide an output signal with an identifiable encoding to indicate when a signature region in a moving target proximate to the magnetic field sensor passes by the magnetic field sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas P. Friedrich, Andrea Foletto, Jay M. Towne, Michael Morris, Eric Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 7772838
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting vibration of an object adapted to rotate includes one or more vibration processors selected from: a direction-change processor adapted to detect changes in a direction of rotation of the object, a direction-agreement processor adapted to identify a direction of rotation of the object in at least two channels and identify an agreement or disagreement in direction of rotation identified by the at least two channels, a phase-overlap processor adapted to identify overlapping signal regions in signals associated with the rotation of the object, and a running mode processor adapted to identify an unresponsive output signal from at least one of the at least two channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Bailey, Michael C. Doogue, Jay M. Towne
  • Patent number: 7622914
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting vibration of an object adapted to rotate includes one or more vibration processors selected from: a direction-change processor adapted to detect changes in a direction of rotation of the object, a direction-agreement processor adapted to identify a direction of rotation of the object in at least two channels and identify an agreement or disagreement in direction of rotation identified by the at least two channels, a phase-overlap processor adapted to identify overlapping signal regions in signals associated with the rotation of the object, and a running mode processor adapted to identify an unresponsive output signal from at least one of the at least two channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Bailey, Michael C. Doogue, Jay M. Towne