Patents by Inventor John E. McGrath

John E. McGrath 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: 10969821
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tracking delay in signals sent from a first clock domain to a second clock domain are disclosed. For example, at a first time a common timing reference signal (SysRef) may be received at the first clock domain, and a latency marker may be input into a first-in first-out data structure (FIFO) coupling the first clock domain to the second clock domain. At a second time, the SysRef may be received at the second clock domain, and a timer may be started at the second clock domain. At a third time, the latency marker may be received from the FIFO at the second clock domain, and the counter may be stopped at a final count. A FIFO latency may be determined based on the final count and on a difference between the second time and the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Kinnerk, Bob W. Verbruggen, John E. McGrath
  • Patent number: 10917077
    Abstract: A device includes a plurality of phase accumulators, a multiplexer, and an oscillator. The plurality of phase accumulators is configured to receive a plurality of frequencies and generate a plurality of ramp signals. The multiplexer is configured to receive the plurality of ramp signals from the plurality of phase accumulators and to select one ramp signal from the plurality of ramp signals. The oscillator is configured to receive the one selected ramp signal and to generate one amplitude signal associated therewith. The plurality of phase accumulators continues generating their respective ramp signal. The multiplexer subsequent to selecting the one ramp signal is configured to select another ramp signal associated with another one phase accumulator of the plurality of phase accumulators. The oscillator is further configured to receive the selected another ramp signal and to generate another amplitude signal associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Ali Boumaalif, John E. McGrath
  • Patent number: 10826517
    Abstract: An integrated circuit is described. The integrated circuit comprises an analog-to-digital converter circuit configured to receive an input signal at an input and generate an output signal at an output; and a monitor circuit coupled to the output of the analog-to-digital converter circuit, the monitor circuit configured to receive the output signal and to generate integration coefficients for the analog-to-digital converter circuit; wherein the integration coefficients are dynamically generated based upon signal characteristics of the output signal generated by the analog-to-digital converter circuit. A method of receiving data in an integrated circuit is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Bruno Miguel Vaz, John E. McGrath, Conrado K. Mesadri, Woon C. Wong, Ali Boumaalif, Christopher Erdman, Brendan Farley
  • Publication number: 20200097038
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tracking delay in signals sent from a first clock domain to a second clock domain are disclosed. For example, at a first time a common timing reference signal (SysRef) may be received at the first clock domain, and a latency marker may be input into a first-in first-out data structure (FIFO) coupling the first clock domain to the second clock domain. At a second time, the SysRef may be received at the second clock domain, and a timer may be started at the second clock domain. At a third time, the latency marker may be received from the FIFO at the second clock domain, and the counter may be stopped at a final count. A FIFO latency may be determined based on the final count and on a difference between the second time and the first time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Applicant: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Kinnerk, Bob W. Verbruggen, John E. McGrath
  • Patent number: 10489609
    Abstract: Disclosed approaches for limiting use or a programmable IC involve a provider of programmable ICs generating, using one or more private keys of the provider, one or more signed configuration bitstreams from one or more circuit designs received from a customer. The provider changes the general purpose programmable IC into an application programmable IC that can only be programmed by the one or more signed configuration bitstreams. The application programmable IC and the one or more signed configuration bitstreams are provided from the provider to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: John E. McGrath, Brendan Farley, Anthony J. Collins, Matthew H. Klein
  • Patent number: 10476514
    Abstract: An integrated circuit is described. The integrated circuit comprises a first portion having programmable resources; a second portion having hardened circuits including an analog-to-digital converter circuit configured to receive an input signal and generate an output signal; and a monitor circuit configured to receive an output signal generated by the analog-to-digital converter circuit; wherein the monitor circuit is configurable to control a calibration of the analog-to-digital converter circuit based upon signal characteristics of the output signal generated by the analog-to-digital converter circuit. A method of receiving data in an integrated circuit is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Miguel Vaz, John E. McGrath, Conrado K. Mesadri, Woon C. Wong, Ali Boumaalif, Christophe Erdmann, Brendan Farley
  • Patent number: 10298248
    Abstract: An example apparatus for analog-to-digital conversion includes a plurality of channels each including an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a switch configured to couple a differential input to the ADC, a first offset calibration circuit coupled to an output of the ADC, a multiplier coupled to an output of the first offset calibration circuit, a second offset calibration circuit coupled to an output of the multiplier, and a pseudorandom bit sequence (PRBS) generator coupled to the switch and the multiplier. The apparatus further includes a gain calibration circuit coupled to an output of the second offset calibration circuit in each of the plurality of channels; and a time-skew calibration circuit coupled to an output of the gain calibration circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Bruno Miguel Vaz, Christophe Erdmann, Bob W. Verbruggen, John E. McGrath, Ali Boumaalif
  • Patent number: 10218372
    Abstract: A time-skew adjustment circuit includes an input to receive a series of samples of an input signal from a plurality of channels of an interleaved ADC. A first subtractor calculates distances between consecutive samples in the received series of samples, and a plurality of average circuit code and a plurality of memory banks to calculate a plurality of first average distance, each corresponding to an average of the distance between consecutive samples from a respective pair of channels of the interleaved ADC. Time-skew detection circuitry calculates respective time skews between each of the pairs of channels by comparing each of the first average distances with an average of the distances between consecutive samples from the plurality of channels. Divergence control circuitry determines an accuracy of the time skews based at least in part on the first average distances and a Nyquist zone associated with the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Brendan Farley, Christophe Erdmann, John E. McGrath, Bruno Miguel Vaz
  • Patent number: 9847802
    Abstract: An example transmitter includes first and second circuit stages and interface circuits. The first circuit stage is configured to generate modulated signals each having a different carrier frequency from baseband signals. The second circuit stage is configured to generate radio frequency (RF) energy to be radiated by antenna(s). The interface circuits are coupled between the first circuit stage and the second circuit stage. The second circuit stage and the interface circuits are configurable to provide a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the second circuit stage provides transmit paths and the interface circuits couple each of the modulated signals to a respective one of the transmit paths. In the second mode, the second circuit stage provides a first transmit path and the interface circuits couple a sum of at least two of the modulated signals to the first transmit path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Brendan Farley, John E. McGrath
  • Patent number: 9431812
    Abstract: A circuit includes a signal line formed of at least one conductive element and a shield at least partially encompassing the signal line. The circuit further includes a first dynamic capacitor located between the shield and the signal line. The first dynamic capacitor is configured to provide a first variable amount of capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventor: John E. McGrath
  • Patent number: 6193655
    Abstract: A consolidated monitoring cable arrangement allows multiple cables extending between a surgical gurney, or other type of patient support platform, and a peripheral monitoring stand to be consolidated into a single cable. The present use of multiple cables has the disadvantage that the region between a gurney and a monitoring stand is cluttered. This can present a hazard to medical personnel, particularly when an emergency situation requires that concentration be focused on the needs of the patient. In a primary form, the subject cable arrangement uses two boxes, one on the gurney and another on the monitoring stand; a detachable cable connects the two boxes. Shorter cables of uniform length are used to connect a patient on the gurney and equipment on the monitoring stand to a respective box. Besides the aforementioned safety advantage, this cable arrangement reduces the expense of frequent replacement of damaged cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: John E. McGrath
  • Patent number: 4694554
    Abstract: A device for clamping a tubular member such as the neck of a balloon in a clip having locking arms joined by a hinge comprising an open ended channel member for receiving a sequential chain of clips and a base member to which the channel member is secured, the base member being disposed to receive clips sequentially from the channel member and having a stop against which the lowermost clip in the chain is adapted to rest. Formed in the base member between said stop and the lower end of the channel member is a notch defined by cam surfaces leading to a narrow throat communicating with a larger opening. With a clip spanning the notch and resting against the stop, and the clip hinge facing the notch, a tubular member to be clamped is positioned in the interior portion of the hinge and forced downwardly with the clip through the throat of the notch, locking the arms of the clip with the tubular member clamped within the hinge, which may then be removed through the larger opening below the throat of the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventor: John E. McGrath
  • Patent number: 4648178
    Abstract: A device for clamping a tubular member such as the neck of a balloon in a clip having locking arms joined by a hinge comprising an open ended channel member for receiving a sequential chain of clips and a base member to which the channel member is secured, the base member being disposed to receive clips sequentially from the channel member and having a stop against which the lowermost clip in the chain is adapted to rest. Formed in the base member between said stop and the lower end of the channel member is a notch defined by cam surfaces leading to a narrow throat communicating with a larger opening. With a clip spanning the notch and resting against the stop, and the clip hinge facing the notch, a tubular member to be clamped is positioned in the interior portion of the hinge and forced downwardly with the clip through the throat of the notch, locking the arms of the clip with the tubular member clamped within the hinge, which may then be removed through the larger opening below the throat of the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventor: John E. McGrath
  • Patent number: 4380103
    Abstract: An improved clip of unitary construction for sealing an object, such as the valve of a balloon, flexible tubing and the like, is disclosed. The clip has first and second clamping arms connected by an integral hinge the interior of which defines an interior clamping area. The interior surface of the hinge has a series of fine ribs which aid in retaining the object within the clip and in creating an airtight seal. Both the first and second clamping arms have first and second C-shaped flanges at their extended ends, the flange of the second arm being larger than the flange of the first arm and having an inwardly directed lip which locks the first flange within the second flange, thus locking the clamping arms together and retaining and sealing the object within the ribbed interior clamping area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1983
    Inventors: John E. McGrath, Earl Wilson
  • Patent number: RE39233
    Abstract: A consolidated monitoring cable arrangement allows multiple cables extending between a surgical gurney, or other type of patient support platform, and a peripheral monitoring stand to be consolidated into a single cable. The present use of multiple cables has the disadvantage that the region between a gurney and a monitoring stand is cluttered. This can present a hazard to medical personnel, particularly when an emergency situation requires that concentration be focused on the needs of the patient. In a primary form, the subject cable arrangement uses two boxes, one on the gurney and another on the monitoring stand; a detachable cable connects the two boxes. Shorter cables of uniform length are used to connect a patient on the gurney and equipment on the monitoring stand to a respective box. Besides the aforementioned safety advantage, this cable arrangement reduces the expense of frequent replacement of damaged cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: John E. McGrath