Patents by Inventor Jean-Frederic Chiron

Jean-Frederic Chiron 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: 20180076793
    Abstract: Disclosed in one embodiment is filter circuitry having first and second paths extending between first and second nodes. The first path has a first inductor and a second inductor coupled in series between the first node and the second node, wherein the first inductor and the second inductor are positively coupled with one another, and a first common node is provided between the first inductor and the second inductor. First shunt acoustic resonators are coupled between the first common node and a fixed voltage node. The second path includes a third inductor and a fourth inductor coupled in series between the first node and the second node. The third inductor and the fourth inductor are negatively coupled with one another, and a second common node is provided between the third inductor and the fourth inductor. Second acoustic resonators are coupled between the second common node and a fixed voltage node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Nadim Khlat, Jean-Frederic Chiron
  • Publication number: 20180013465
    Abstract: Circuitry includes a first RF power amplifier, a second RF power amplifier, a third RF power amplifier, a first bias signal generator, and a second bias signal generator. The first RF power amplifier and the second RF power amplifier are each configured to amplify RF signals for transmission in a first carrier network. The third RF power amplifier is configured to amplify RF signals for transmission in a second carrier network. In a first mode, the first bias signal generator provides a bias signal to the first RF power amplifier and the second bias signal generator provides a bias signal to the second RF power amplifier. In a second mode, the first bias signal generator and the second bias signal generator each provide a portion of a bias signal to the third RF power amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Jean-Frederic Chiron, Nadim Khlat
  • Patent number: 9698756
    Abstract: RF circuitry, which includes a first acoustic RF resonator (ARFR), a first compensating ARFR, and a second compensating ARFR, is disclosed. The first compensating ARFR is coupled between a first inductive element and a first end of the first ARFR. The second compensating ARFR is coupled between a second inductive element and a second end of the first ARFR. The first inductive element and the second inductive element are negatively coupled to one another. The first compensating ARFR, the second compensating ARFR, the first inductive element, and the second inductive element at least partially compensate for a parallel capacitance of the first ARFR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.
    Inventors: Nadim Khlat, Jean-Frederic Chiron, Marcus Granger-Jones, Andrew F. Folkmann, Robert Aigner
  • Publication number: 20160191016
    Abstract: RF circuitry, which includes a first acoustic RF resonator (ARFR), a first compensating ARFR, and a second compensating ARFR, is disclosed. The first compensating ARFR is coupled between a first inductive element and a first end of the first ARFR. The second compensating ARFR is coupled between a second inductive element and a second end of the first ARFR. The first inductive element and the second inductive element are negatively coupled to one another. The first compensating ARFR, the second compensating ARFR, the first inductive element, and the second inductive element at least partially compensate for a parallel capacitance of the first ARFR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Nadim Khlat, Jean-Frederic Chiron, Marcus Granger-Jones, Andrew F. Folkmann, Robert Aigner
  • Publication number: 20160191014
    Abstract: RF circuitry, which includes a first acoustic RF resonator (ARFR) and a first compensating ARFR, is disclosed. A first inductive element is coupled between the first compensating ARFR and a first end of the first ARFR. A second inductive element is coupled between the first compensating ARFR and a second end of the first ARFR. The first compensating ARFR, the first inductive element, and the second inductive element at least partially compensate for a parallel capacitance of the first ARFR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Nadim Khlat, Jean-Frederic Chiron, Marcus Granger-Jones, Andrew F. Folkmann, Robert Aigner
  • Patent number: 9298198
    Abstract: A direct current (DC)-DC converter, which includes a parallel amplifier, a radio frequency (RF) trap, and a switching supply, is disclosed. The switching supply includes switching circuitry and a first inductive element. The parallel amplifier has a feedback input and a parallel amplifier output. The switching circuitry has a switching circuitry output. The first inductive element is coupled between the switching circuitry output and the feedback input. The RF trap is coupled between the parallel amplifier output and a ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Kay, Philippe Gorisse, Nadim Khlat, Andrew F. Folkmann, Manbir Singh Nag, Jean-Frederic Chiron
  • Patent number: 9263996
    Abstract: A method of defining a quasi iso-gain supply voltage function for an envelope tracking system is disclosed. The method includes a step of capturing iso-gain supply voltage values versus power values for a device under test (DUT). Other steps involve locating a minimum iso-gain supply voltage value, and then replacing the iso-gain supply voltage values with the minimum iso-gain supply voltage value for corresponding output power values that are less than an output power value corresponding to the minimum iso-gain supply voltage value. The method further includes a step of generating a look-up table (LUT) of iso-gain supply voltage values as a function of input power for the DUT after the step of replacing the iso-gain supply voltage values with the minimum iso-gain supply voltage value for corresponding output power values that are less than an output power value corresponding to the minimum iso-gain supply voltage value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Folkmann, James M. Retz, Nadim Khlat, Jean-Frederic Chiron
  • Patent number: 9203353
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) and an envelope tracking power supply are disclosed. The RF PA receives and amplifies an RF input signal to provide an RF transmit signal using an envelope power supply voltage. The envelope tracking power supply provides the envelope power supply voltage based on a setpoint, which has been constrained so as to limit a noise conversion gain (NCG) of the RF PA to not exceed a target NCG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Frederic Chiron
  • Patent number: 9197162
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) system includes an RF power amplifier (PA), which uses an envelope tracking power supply voltage to provide an RF transmit signal, which has an RF envelope; and further includes an envelope tracking power supply, which provides the envelope tracking power supply voltage based on a setpoint. RF transceiver circuitry, which includes envelope control circuitry and an RF modulator is disclosed. The envelope control circuitry provides the setpoint, such that the envelope tracking power supply voltage is clipped to form clipped regions and substantially tracks the RF envelope between the clipped regions, wherein a dynamic range of the envelope tracking power supply voltage is limited. The RF modulator provides an RF input signal to the RF PA, which receives and amplifies the RF input signal to provide the RF transmit signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Frederic Chiron, Nadim Khlat
  • Patent number: 9178627
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a complex gain of a transmit path are disclosed. During a test mode, an IQ to radio frequency modulator modulates a quadrature RF carrier signal using a quadrature test signal. An RF to IQ down-converter down-converts a down-converter RF input signal to provide a quadrature down-converter output signal using the quadrature RF carrier signal. The down-converter RF input signal is based on the quadrature test signal and the gain of the transmit path. A digital frequency converter frequency converts the quadrature down-converter output signal, providing an averaged frequency converter output signal, which is a quadrature direct current signal representative of an amplitude of the quadrature test signal and the gain of the transmit path. Therefore, a measured gain of the transmit path is based on the amplitude of the quadrature test signal and averaged frequency converter output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Frederic Chiron
  • Patent number: 8952710
    Abstract: A method for pulsed behavior modeling of a device under test (DUT) using steady state conditions is disclosed. The method includes providing an automated test system (ATS) programmed to capture at least one behavior of the DUT. The ATS then generates a DUT input power pulse that transitions from a predetermined steady state level to a predetermined pulse level and back to the predetermined steady state level. At least one behavior of the DUT is then captured by the ATS while the input power is at the predetermined pulse level. The ATS then steps the predetermined pulse level to a different predetermined pulse level, and the above steps are repeated until a range of predetermined pulse levels is swept. The ATS then steps the predetermined steady state level to a different steady state level, and the above steps are repeated until a range of predetermined steady state levels is swept.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Retz, Andrew F. Folkmann, Jean-Frederic Chiron
  • Publication number: 20140266428
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) system includes an RF power amplifier (PA), which uses an envelope tracking power supply voltage to provide an RF transmit signal, which has an RF envelope; and further includes an envelope tracking power supply, which provides the envelope tracking power supply voltage based on a setpoint. RF transceiver circuitry, which includes envelope control circuitry and an RF modulator is disclosed. The envelope control circuitry provides the setpoint, such that the envelope tracking power supply voltage is clipped to form clipped regions and substantially tracks the RF envelope between the clipped regions, wherein a dynamic range of the envelope tracking power supply voltage is limited. The RF modulator provides an RF input signal to the RF PA, which receives and amplifies the RF input signal to provide the RF transmit signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Frederic Chiron, Nadim Khlat
  • Publication number: 20140266427
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) and an envelope tracking power supply are disclosed. The RF PA receives and amplifies an RF input signal to provide an RF transmit signal using an envelope power supply voltage. The envelope tracking power supply provides the envelope power supply voltage based on a setpoint, which has been constrained so as to limit a noise conversion gain (NCG) of the RF PA to not exceed a target NCG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Frederic Chiron
  • Publication number: 20140099907
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a complex gain of a transmit path are disclosed. During a test mode, an IQ to radio frequency modulator modulates a quadrature RF carrier signal using a quadrature test signal. An RF to IQ down-converter down-converts a down-converter RF input signal to provide a quadrature down-converter output signal using the quadrature RF carrier signal. The down-converter RF input signal is based on the quadrature test signal and the gain of the transmit path. A digital frequency converter frequency converts the quadrature down-converter output signal, providing an averaged frequency converter output signal, which is a quadrature direct current signal representative of an amplitude of the quadrature test signal and the gain of the transmit path. Therefore, a measured gain of the transmit path is based on the amplitude of the quadrature test signal and averaged frequency converter output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Jean-Frederic Chiron
  • Patent number: 8611402
    Abstract: Disclosed is a transceiver for an envelope following system that includes a power amplifier (PA) having a signal input, a signal output, and a power input that receives power from a power management system that modulates a supply voltage provided to the PA in response to an envelope signal. The transceiver includes a calibration subsystem that is adapted to provide a first test signal to the signal input of the PA and to provide a second test signal to the power management system in place of the envelope signal. The calibration subsystem is programmed with calibration methods that sweep the first test signal through a first range and to sweep the second test signal through a second range in order to derive values that make up a pseudo-envelope look-up table (LUT) that is usable by the transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Frederic Chiron
  • Publication number: 20130181730
    Abstract: A method for pulsed behavior modeling of a device under test (DUT) using steady state conditions is disclosed. The method includes providing an automated test system (ATS) programmed to capture at least one behavior of the DUT. The ATS then generates a DUT input power pulse that transitions from a predetermined steady state level to a predetermined pulse level and back to the predetermined steady state level. At least one behavior of the DUT is then captured by the ATS while the input power is at the predetermined pulse level. The ATS then steps the predetermined pulse level to a different predetermined pulse level, and the above steps are repeated until a range of predetermined pulse levels is swept. The ATS then steps the predetermined steady state level to a different steady state level, and the above steps are repeated until a range of predetermined steady state levels is swept.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: James M. Retz, Andrew F. Folkmann, Jean-Frederic Chiron
  • Patent number: 8401500
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an RF power amplifier (PA) power supply that includes a series pass circuit coupled across a direct current (DC)-to-DC converter to receive a power supply input signal, such as provided from a battery, to provide a power supply output signal to at least a first RF PA based on an output setpoint. Control circuitry selects between a switching supply operating mode and a non-switching supply operating mode based on the output setpoint. During the switching supply operating mode, the DC-to-DC converter provides the power supply output signal and during the non-switching supply operating mode, the series pass circuit provides the power supply output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruediger Bauder, Nadim Khlat, Edward T. Spears, Jean-Frederic Chiron, Philippe Gorisse
  • Publication number: 20130024142
    Abstract: A method of defining a quasi iso-gain supply voltage function for an envelope tracking system is disclosed. The method includes a step of capturing iso-gain supply voltage values versus power values for a device under test (DUT). Other steps involve locating a minimum iso-gain supply voltage value, and then replacing the iso-gain supply voltage values with the minimum iso-gain supply voltage value for corresponding output power values that are less than an output power value corresponding to the minimum iso-gain supply voltage value. The method further includes a step of generating a look-up table (LUT) of iso-gain supply voltage values as a function of input power for the DUT after the step of replacing the iso-gain supply voltage values with the minimum iso-gain supply voltage value for corresponding output power values that are less than an output power value corresponding to the minimum iso-gain supply voltage value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Folkmann, James M. Retz, Nadim Khlat, Jean-Frederic Chiron
  • Publication number: 20120195352
    Abstract: Disclosed is a transceiver for an envelope following system that includes a power amplifier (PA) having a signal input, a signal output, and a power input that receives power from a power management system that modulates a supply voltage provided to the PA in response to an envelope signal. The transceiver includes a calibration subsystem that is adapted to provide a first test signal to the signal input of the PA and to provide a second test signal to the power management system in place of the envelope signal. The calibration subsystem is programmed with calibration methods that sweep the first test signal through a first range and to sweep the second test signal through a second range in order to derive values that make up a pseudo-envelope look-up table (LUT) that is usable by the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Jean-Frederic Chiron