Patents by Inventor John W. Kesterson

John W. Kesterson 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: 9625505
    Abstract: A line frequency detector receives an input signal representing a power source and detects a line frequency of the power source based on the input signal. The line frequency detector includes a first band pass filter having a pass band centered at an upper end of an expected frequency range of the power source and a second band pass filter having a pass band centered at a lower end of the expected frequency range. The input signal is filtered by the first and second band pass filters, generating a first characteristic signal and a second characteristic signal. The line frequency detector determines a characteristic ratio between the first characteristic signal and the second characteristic signal, and maps the characteristic ratio to the line frequency of the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kesterson
  • Patent number: 9451664
    Abstract: An adaptive switch mode LED driver provides an intelligent approach to driving multiple strings of LEDs. The LED driver determines an optimal current level for each LED channel from a limited set of allowed currents. The LDO driver then determines a PWM duty cycle for driving the LEDs in each LED channel to provide precise brightness control over the LED channels. Beneficially, the LED driver minimizes the power dissipation in the LDO circuits driving each LED string, while also ensuring that the currents in each LED string are maintained within a limited range. A sample and hold LDO allows PWM control over extreme duty cycles with very fast dynamic response. Furthermore, fault protection circuitry ensures fault-free startup and operation of the LED driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Xuecheng Jin, Yu Cheng Chang, Yang Li, Maofeng Lan, John W. Kesterson, Xiaoyan Wang, Chenghung Pan
  • Patent number: 9084325
    Abstract: An LED lamp is provided in which the output light intensity of the LEDs in the LED lamp is adjusted based on the input voltage to the LED lamp. A dimmer control unit detects a type of dimmer switch during a configuration process. Using the detected dimmer type, the dimmer control unit generates control signals appropriate for the detected dimmer type to provide regulated current to the LEDs and to achieve the desired dimming effect. The LED lamp can be a direct replacement of conventional incandescent lamps in typical wiring configurations found in residential and commercial building lighting applications that use conventional dimmer switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Junjie Zheng, John W. Kesterson, Richard M. Myers, Baorong Chen, Gordon Chen
  • Publication number: 20150163879
    Abstract: An LED lamp is provided in which the output light intensity of the LEDs in the LED lamp is adjusted based on the input voltage to the LED lamp. A dimmer control unit detects a type of dimmer switch during a configuration process. Using the detected dimmer type, the dimmer control unit generates control signals appropriate for the detected dimmer type to provide regulated current to the LEDs and to achieve the desired dimming effect. The LED lamp can be a direct replacement of conventional incandescent lamps in typical wiring configurations found in residential and commercial building lighting applications that use conventional dimmer switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Junjie Zheng, John W. Kesterson, Richard M. Myers, Baorong Chen, Gordon Chen
  • Patent number: 8970135
    Abstract: An LED lamp is provided in which the output light intensity of the LEDs in the LED lamp is adjusted based on the input voltage to the LED lamp. A dimmer control unit detects a type of dimmer switch during a configuration process. Using the detected dimmer type, the dimmer control unit generates control signals appropriate for the detected dimmer type to provide regulated current to the LEDs and to achieve the desired dimming effect. The LED lamp can be a direct replacement of conventional incandescent lamps in typical wiring configurations found in residential and commercial building lighting applications that use conventional dimmer switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Junjie Zheng, John W. Kesterson, Richard M. Myers, Baorong Chen, Gordon Chen
  • Publication number: 20140239938
    Abstract: A line frequency detector receives an input signal representing a power source and detects a line frequency of the power source based on the input signal. The line frequency detector includes a first band pass filter having a pass band centered at an upper end of an expected frequency range of the power source and a second band pass filter having a pass band centered at a lower end of the expected frequency range. The input signal is filtered by the first and second band pass filters, generating a first characteristic signal and a second characteristic signal. The line frequency detector determines a characteristic ratio between the first characteristic signal and the second characteristic signal, and maps the characteristic ratio to the line frequency of the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Dialog Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kesterson
  • Publication number: 20140103838
    Abstract: An LED lamp is provided in which the output light intensity of the LEDs in the LED lamp is adjusted based on the input voltage to the LED lamp. A dimmer control unit detects a type of dimmer switch during a configuration process. Using the detected dimmer type, the dimmer control unit generates control signals appropriate for the detected dimmer type to provide regulated current to the LEDs and to achieve the desired dimming effect. The LED lamp can be a direct replacement of conventional incandescent lamps in typical wiring configurations found in residential and commercial building lighting applications that use conventional dimmer switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: iWatt Inc.
    Inventors: Junjie Zheng, John W. Kesterson, Richard M. Myers, Baorong Chen, Gordon Chen
  • Patent number: 8643303
    Abstract: An LED lamp is provided in which the output light intensity of the LEDs in the LED lamp is adjusted based on the input voltage to the LED lamp. A dimmer control unit detects a type of dimmer switch during a configuration process. Using the detected dimmer type, the dimmer control unit generates control signals appropriate for the detected dimmer type to provide regulated current to the LEDs and to achieve the desired dimming effect. The LED lamp can be a direct replacement of conventional incandescent lamps in typical wiring configurations found in residential and commercial building lighting applications that use conventional dimmer switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: iWatt Inc.
    Inventors: Junjie Zheng, John W. Kesterson, Richard M. Myers, Baorong Chen, Gordon Chen
  • Publication number: 20130127344
    Abstract: An adaptive switch mode LED driver provides an intelligent approach to driving multiple strings of LEDs. The LED driver determines an optimal current level for each LED channel from a limited set of allowed currents. The LDO driver then determines a PWM duty cycle for driving the LEDs in each LED channel to provide precise brightness control over the LED channels. Beneficially, the LED driver minimizes the power dissipation in the LDO circuits driving each LED string, while also ensuring that the currents in each LED string are maintained within a limited range. A sample and hold LDO allows PWM control over extreme duty cycles with very fast dynamic response. Furthermore, fault protection circuitry ensures fault-free startup and operation of the LED driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Xuecheng Jin, Yu Chong Chang, Yang Li, Maofeng Lan, John W. Kesterson, Xiaoyan Wang, Chenghung Pan
  • Patent number: 8334662
    Abstract: An adaptive switch mode LED driver provides an intelligent approach to driving multiple strings of LEDs. The LED driver determines an optimal current level for each LED channel from a limited set of allowed currents. The LDO driver then determines a PWM duty cycle for driving the LEDs in each LED channel to provide precise brightness control over the LED channels. Beneficially, the LED driver minimizes the power dissipation in the LDO circuits driving each LED string, while also ensuring that the currents in each LED string are maintained within a limited range. A sample and hold LDO allows PWM control over extreme duty cycles with very fast dynamic response. Furthermore, fault protection circuitry ensures fault-free startup and operation of the LED driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: iWatt Inc.
    Inventors: Xuecheng Jin, Yu Cheng Chang, Yang Li, Maofeng Lan, John W. Kesterson, Xiaoyan Wang, Chenghung Pan
  • Publication number: 20120274227
    Abstract: An LED lamp is provided in which the output light intensity of the LEDs in the LED lamp is adjusted based on the input voltage to the LED lamp. A dimmer control unit detects a type of dimmer switch during a configuration process. Using the detected dimmer type, the dimmer control unit generates control signals appropriate for the detected dimmer type to provide regulated current to the LEDs and to achieve the desired dimming effect. The LED lamp can be a direct replacement of conventional incandescent lamps in typical wiring configurations found in residential and commercial building lighting applications that use conventional dimmer switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: IWATT INC.
    Inventors: Junjie Zheng, John W. Kesterson, Richard M. Myers, Baorong Chen, Gordon Chen
  • Patent number: 8222832
    Abstract: An LED lamp is provided in which the output light intensity of the LEDs in the LED lamp is adjusted based on the input voltage to the LED lamp. A dimmer control unit detects a type of dimmer switch during a configuration process. Using the detected dimmer type, the dimmer control unit generates control signals appropriate for the detected dimmer type to provide regulated current to the LEDs and to achieve the desired dimming effect. The LED lamp can be a direct replacement of conventional incandescent lamps in typical wiring configurations found in residential and commercial building lighting applications that use conventional dimmer switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: iWatt Inc.
    Inventors: Junjie Zheng, John W. Kesterson, Richard M. Myers, Baorong Chen, Gordon Chen
  • Patent number: 8184762
    Abstract: A digital phase lock loop circuit provides an output with reduced jitter. The digital phase lock loop circuit includes a phase frequency detector that determines a phase difference between a feedback signal and a reference frequency signal to generate an error signal indicative of the phase difference. A numerically controlled oscillator generates a first oscillator output signal with a frequency proportional to the error signal and a second oscillator output signal indicative of jitter of the first oscillator output signal in reference to the reference frequency signal. A phase accuracy extender determines a delay amount from the second oscillator output signal and delays the first oscillator output signal by the delay amount to generate a phase-enhanced output signal with edges aligned with one of a plurality of reference clock signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: iWatt, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kesterson, Carrie Seim, Selcuk Sen, Xuecheng Jin
  • Patent number: 8049481
    Abstract: Adaptive multi-mode digital control schemes that improve the light-load efficiency (and thus the overall average efficiency) in switch-mode power converters without causing performance issues such as audible noises or excessive voltage ripples. Embodiments include a switch-mode power converter that reduces current in the power converter using a second pulse-width-modulation (PWM) mode before reaching switching frequencies that generate audible noises. As the load across the output of the power converter is reduced, the power converter transitions from a first PWM mode in high load conditions to a first pulse-frequency-modulation (PFM) mode, then to a second PWM mode, and finally to a second PFM mode. During the second PFM mode, the switching frequency is dropped to audible frequency levels. Current in the power converter, however, is reduced in the second PWM mode before transitioning to the second PFM mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: iWatt Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Li, Carrie Seim, Junjie Zheng, John W. Kesterson, Liang Yan, Clarita Poon, Fuqiang Shi
  • Patent number: 7974109
    Abstract: A system and a method that uses primary side sensing to regulate the output voltage at a cable end without any remote sensing of cable connections back from the load. This is accomplished by approximating the current from the control voltage in the control loop through the relationship that defines the Ton time in terms of the control voltage Vc. Once the approximation of the output current is known, it is multiplied by a known fixed cable resistance, and this value is subtracted from the feedback sensor output before it is subtracted from the digital reference. This forces the regulator to raise the output voltage by the amount of drop across the cable, causing the output of the cable to be maintained at the targeted regulation point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: iWatt Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kesterson, Mark R. Muegge, Mark D. Eason
  • Publication number: 20110062872
    Abstract: An adaptive switch mode LED driver provides an intelligent approach to driving multiple strings of LEDs. The LED driver determines an optimal current level for each LED channel from a limited set of allowed currents. The LDO driver then determines a PWM duty cycle for driving the LEDs in each LED channel to provide precise brightness control over the LED channels. Beneficially, the LED driver minimizes the power dissipation in the LDO circuits driving each LED string, while also ensuring that the currents in each LED string are maintained within a limited range. A sample and hold LDO allows PWM control over extreme duty cycles with very fast dynamic response. Furthermore, fault protection circuitry ensures fault-free startup and operation of the LED driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Xuecheng Jin, Yu Cheng Chang, Yang Li, Maofeng Lan, John W. Kesterson, Xiaoyan Wang, Chenghung Pan
  • Publication number: 20110012530
    Abstract: An LED lamp is provided in which the output light intensity of the LEDs in the LED lamp is adjusted based on the input voltage to the LED lamp. A dimmer control unit detects a type of dimmer switch during a configuration process. Using the detected dimmer type, the dimmer control unit generates control signals appropriate for the detected dimmer type to provide regulated current to the LEDs and to achieve the desired dimming effect. The LED lamp can be a direct replacement of conventional incandescent lamps in typical wiring configurations found in residential and commercial building lighting applications that use conventional dimmer switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: IWATT INC.
    Inventors: Junjie Zheng, John W. Kesterson, Richard M. Myers, Baorong Chen, Gordon Chen
  • Publication number: 20100207655
    Abstract: A method and system of system-on-chip design that provides the benefits of reduced design time, a smaller die size, lower power consumption, and reduced costs in chip design and production. The process seeks to remove the worst performance and worst power case scenarios from the design and application phases. This is accomplished by planning the power supply voltage in the design phase along with its tolerance with process corner and temperature combinations. The established plan is then applied with communications between power supply integrated circuits and load system-on-chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: IWATT INC.
    Inventors: Xuecheng Jin, Andrey B. Malinin, John W. Kesterson
  • Publication number: 20100164455
    Abstract: Adaptive multi-mode digital control schemes that improve the light-load efficiency (and thus the overall average efficiency) in switch-mode power converters without causing performance issues such as audible noises or excessive voltage ripples. Embodiments include a switch-mode power converter that reduces current in the power converter using a second pulse-width-modulation (PWM) mode before reaching switching frequencies that generate audible noises. As the load across the output of the power converter is reduced, the power converter transitions from a first PWM mode in high load conditions to a first pulse-frequency-modulation (PFM) mode, then to a second PWM mode, and finally to a second PFM mode. During the second PFM mode, the switching frequency is dropped to audible frequency levels. Current in the power converter, however, is reduced in the second PWM mode before transitioning to the second PFM mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: IWATT INC.
    Inventors: Yong Li, Carrie Seim, Junjie Zheng, John W. Kesterson, Liang Yan, Clarita Poon, Fuqiang Shi
  • Patent number: 7739626
    Abstract: A method and system of system-on-chip design that provides the benefits of reduced design time, a smaller die size, lower power consumption, and reduced costs in chip design and production. The process seeks to remove the worst performance and worst power case scenarios from the design and application phases. This is accomplished by planning the power supply voltage in the design phase along with its tolerance with process corner and temperature combinations. The established plan is then applied with communications between power supply integrated circuits and load system-on-chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: iWatt Inc.
    Inventors: Xuecheng Jin, Andrey B Malinin, John W. Kesterson