Patents by Inventor Kar Keng Chua

Kar Keng Chua 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: 9225335
    Abstract: Clock distribution circuitry for a structured ASIC device includes a deterministic portion and configurable portions. The deterministic portion employs a predetermined arrangement of conductor segments and buffers for distributing a clock signal to a plurality of predetermined locations on the device. From each predetermined location, an associated configurable portion of the clock distribution circuitry distributes the clock signal to any clock utilization circuitry needing that clock signal in a predetermined area of the structured ASIC that is served from that predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: ALTERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chooi Pei Lim, Joo Ming Too, Yew Fatt Kok, Kar Keng Chua
  • Patent number: 8863061
    Abstract: Providing ASIC equivalents of FPGAs is facilitated and made more efficient and economical by using an ASIC architecture including a plurality of so-called hybrid logic elements (“HLEs”), each of which can provide a portion of the full functionality of an FPGA logic element (“LE”). The functionality of each FPGA LE implementing a user's logic design can be mapped to one or more HLEs without re-synthesis of the user's logic. Only as many HLEs as are necessary are used to perform the functions of each LE. The one-for-one equivalence between each LE and either (1) one HLE or (2) a group of HLEs facilitates mapping (without re-synthesis) in either direction between FPGA and ASIC designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kar Keng Chua, Sammy Cheung, Hee Kong Phoon, Kim Pin Tan, Wei Lian Goay
  • Patent number: 8786308
    Abstract: Integrated circuit packages with a signal routing control through a given direction are disclosed. A disclosed integrated circuit package includes a plurality of interconnects. A first logic circuitry of a first integrated circuit may produce a first signal that may be transmitted to a second integrated circuit. The integrated circuit package further includes interconnect circuitry disposed between the first and second integrated circuits. Multiplexing circuitry may select the first signal from second logic circuitry when the first logic circuitry is defective and may direct the signal as output signal to the second integrated circuit through a given interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Siang Poh Loh, Chooi Pei Lim, Yee Liang Tan, Kar Keng Chua
  • Patent number: 8694944
    Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are disclosed associated with calculating a routability metric for a second IC design using inputs from the compilation to a first IC design. The first and second IC designs are alternative implementation options for a user circuit design, such as FPGA and structured ASIC options. Information about user design demands on routing resources of one IC design are considered along with information about the projected supply of routing resources in another IC design, to produce a routing metric. The routing metric may be mapped to a degree of difficulty indicator, and either may be used to condition a compile of the user circuit to the second IC design or be used in other ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Sze Huey Soo, Thow Pang Chong, Boon Jin Ang, Kar Keng Chua
  • Publication number: 20140077839
    Abstract: Clock, distribution circuitry for a structured ASIC device includes a deterministic portion, and configurable portions. The deterministic portion employs a predetermined arrangement of conductor segments and buffers for distributing a clock signal to a plurality of predetermined locations on the device. From each predetermined location, an associated configurable portion of the clock distribution circuitry distributes the clock signal to any clock utilization circuitry needing that clock signal in a predetermined area of the structured ASIC that is served, from that predetermined, location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ALTERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chooi Pei Lim, Joo Ming Too, Yew Fatt Kok, Kar Keng Chua
  • Publication number: 20130314122
    Abstract: Providing ASIC equivalents of FPGAs is facilitated and made more efficient and economical by using an ASIC architecture including a plurality of so-called hybrid logic elements (“HLEs”), each of which can provide a portion of the full functionality of an FPGA logic element (“LE”). The functionality of each FPGA LE implementing a user's logic design can be mapped to one or more HLEs without re-synthesis of the user's logic. Only as many HLEs as are necessary are used to perform the functions of each LE. The one-for-one equivalence between each LE and either (1) one HLE or (2) a group of HLEs facilitates mapping (without re-synthesis) in either direction between FPGA and ASIC designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kar Keng Chua, Sammy Cheung, Hee Kong Phoon, Kim Pin Tan, Wei Lian Goay
  • Patent number: 8595658
    Abstract: Clock distribution circuitry for a structured ASIC device includes a deterministic portion and configurable portions. The deterministic portion employs a predetermined arrangement of conductor segments and buffers for distributing a clock signal to a plurality of predetermined locations on the device. From each predetermined location, an associated configurable portion of the clock distribution circuitry distributes the clock signal to any clock utilization circuitry needing that clock signal in a predetermined area of the structured ASIC that is served from that predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Chooi Pei Lim, Joo Ming Too, Yew Fatt Kok, Kar Keng Chua
  • Patent number: 8533250
    Abstract: Circuits for a multiplier with a built-in accumulator and a method of performing multiplication with accumulation are disclosed. An embodiment of the disclosed circuits includes a logic circuit coupled to receive two inputs. The logic circuit is capable of generating a plurality of value bits from the inputs received. In one embodiment, the logic circuit includes a Booth recoder circuit that generates a plurality of partial products. A block of adders is coupled to logic circuit to receive and sum up the value bits. An adder adds the summation result from the block of adders to a previous accumulated value to generate intermediate sum and carry values. An accumulator, coupled to the adder, receives and stores the intermediate values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kok Yoong Foo, Yan Jiong Boo, Geok Sun Chong, Boon Jin Ang, Kar Keng Chua
  • Patent number: 8504963
    Abstract: Providing ASIC equivalents of FPGAs is facilitated and made more efficient and economical by using an ASIC architecture including a plurality of so-called hybrid logic elements (“HLEs”), each of which can provide a portion of the full functionality of an FPGA logic element (“LE”). The functionality of each FPGA LE implementing a user's logic design can be mapped to one or more HLEs without re-synthesis of the user's logic. Only as many HLEs as are necessary are used to perform the functions of each LE. The one-for-one equivalence between each LE and either (1) one HLE or (2) a group of HLEs facilitates mapping (without re-synthesis) in either direction between FPGA and ASIC designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kar Keng Chua, Sammy Cheung, Hee Kong Phoon, Kim Pin Tan, Wei Lian Goay
  • Patent number: 8352899
    Abstract: A method to modify a first IC design into a second IC design, the first and second IC designs specifying a common interconnection layer with a plurality of interconnections, is disclosed. The method includes identifying an interconnection from plurality of interconnections within the common interconnection layer. The interconnection is unused for routing signals in the first IC design. The metal layer that is coupled with the identified interconnection is removed from the first IC design to generate a modified design. The identified interconnection of the first IC design is placed into one of an invisible state or a temporarily removed state in the modified design. The metal layer in the modified design is routed for a specific logic gate design. The modified design is then stored as the second IC design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kian Chin Yap, Phooi Choong Loh, Kar Keng Chua
  • Publication number: 20130002295
    Abstract: Providing ASIC equivalents of FPGAs is facilitated and made more efficient and economical by using an ASIC architecture including a plurality of so-called hybrid logic elements (“HLEs”), each of which can provide a portion of the full functionality of an FPGA logic element (“LE”). The functionality of each FPGA LE implementing a user's logic design can be mapped to one or more HLEs without re-synthesis of the user's logic. Only as many HLEs as are necessary are used to perform the functions of each LE. The one-for-one equivalence between each LE and either (1) one HLE or (2) a group of HLEs facilitates mapping (without re-synthesis) in either direction between FPGA and ASIC designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ALTERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kar Keng Chua, Sammy Cheung, Hee Kong Phoon, Kim Pin Tan, Wei Lian Goay
  • Patent number: 8327199
    Abstract: Integrated circuits (ICs) with configurable test pins and a method of testing an IC are disclosed. An IC has input/output (I/O) pins that can be configured either as a test input pin, a test output pin or a user I/O pin. Selector circuits are used to selectively route and couple the I/O pins to various logic blocks and test circuitry on the IC. Selector circuits are also used to selectively couple either a user output or a test output to different I/O pins on the IC. Switches are used to configure the selector circuits and route test signals within the IC. Different configurations of the switches determine how the signals are routed. Test input signals from an I/O pin may be routed to any test circuitry within the IC and test output signals from a test circuit may be routed to any I/O pin on the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Jayabrata Ghosh Dastidar, Chiew Khiang Kuit, Siew Ling Yeoh, Jun Pin Tan, Kok Sun Chia, Yee Liang Tan, Kar Keng Chua
  • Patent number: 8291355
    Abstract: Providing ASIC equivalents of FPGAs is facilitated and made more efficient and economical by using an ASIC architecture including a plurality of so-called hybrid logic elements (“HLEs”), each of which can provide a portion of the full functionality of an FPGA logic element (“LE”). The functionality of each FPGA LE implementing a user's logic design can be mapped to one or more HLEs without re-synthesis of the user's logic. Only as many HLEs as are necessary are used to perform the functions of each LE. The one-for-one equivalence between each LE and either (1) one HLE or (2) a group of HLEs facilitates mapping (without re-synthesis) in either direction between FPGA and ASIC designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kar Keng Chua, Sammy Cheung, Hee Kong Phoon, Kim Pin Tan, Wei Lian Goay
  • Patent number: 8261141
    Abstract: Memory performance in programmable logic is significantly increased by adjusting circuitry operation to adjust for variations in process, voltage, or temperature. A calibration circuit adjusts control signal timing, dynamically and automatically, to compensate real time to process, voltage, and temperature variation. A feedback system using a control block and a dummy mimicking concept are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kok Heng Choe, Edwin Yew Fatt Kok, Kar Keng Chua
  • Patent number: 8189362
    Abstract: Techniques for encoding and decoding fuse data to reduce sense current are disclosed. An embodiment to encode fuse sense data includes inverting each of the bits of the fuse data and using an individual fuse as a flag bit to record the data inversion. The states of the respective fuses may represent different logic states. A fuse may be blown to indicate a logic one and likewise, an unblown fuse may indicate a logic zero. A blown fuse and an unblown fuse may have different current consumption. An unblown fuse may consume more sensing current compared to a blown fuse. Another embodiment to decode the encoded fuse data includes embedded logic circuits and a separate fuse as a flag bit. Encoding and decoding fuse data may reduce fuse sensing current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Pin Tan, Tze Swan Tan, Chuan Khye Chai, Boon Jin Ang, Kar Keng Chua
  • Patent number: 8151224
    Abstract: A method of designing at IC is described. In one embodiment, the method includes providing an option to select a mask layer set from a plurality of mask layer sets, the plurality of mask layer sets including a first mask layer set and a second mask layer set, where the second mask layer set is an alternative mask layer option to the first mask layer set. In one embodiment, the method further includes receiving a selection from a user choosing a mask layer set from the plurality of mask layer sets. In one embodiment, the receiving occurs after design of the IC and prior to fabrication of the IC. Also, in one embodiment, the plurality of mask layer sets are predetermined mask layer sets. In one embodiment, the first mask layer set is a standard threshold voltage (SVT) mask layer set and the second mask layer set is a high threshold voltage (HVT) mask layer set. In one embodiment, core devices of the SVT mask layer set are SVT devices and some periphery devices of the SVT mask layer set are HVT devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Boon Jin Ang, Kar Keng Chua, Choong Kit Wong, Kok Yoong Foo, Thow Pang Chong
  • Publication number: 20110292711
    Abstract: Techniques for encoding and decoding fuse data to reduce sense current are disclosed. An embodiment to encode fuse sense data includes inverting each of the bits of the fuse data and using an individual fuse as a flag bit to record the data inversion. The states of the respective fuses may represent different logic states. A fuse may be blown to indicate a logic one and likewise, an unblown fuse may indicate a logic zero. A blown fuse and an unblown fuse may have different current consumption. An unblown fuse may consume more sensing current compared to a blown fuse. Another embodiment to decode the encoded fuse data includes embedded logic circuits and a separate fuse as a flag bit. Encoding and decoding fuse data may reduce fuse sensing current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Jun Pin Tan, Tze Swan Tan, Chuan Khye Chai, Boon Jin Ang, Kar Keng Chua
  • Patent number: 8037377
    Abstract: A circuit includes a receiver channel and a built-in self-test circuit. The receiver channel has a serializer and a deserializer. The built-in self-test circuit generates test signals that are transmitted in parallel to the serializer during a test of the receiver channel. The serializer converts the test signals into serial test signals. The deserializer converts the serial test signals into parallel test signals that are transmitted to the built-in self-test circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Ie Chen Chia, Eng Huat Lee, Thow Pang Chong, Boon Jin Ang, Kar Keng Chua
  • Patent number: 7978493
    Abstract: Techniques for encoding and decoding fuse data to reduce sense current are disclosed. An embodiment to encode fuse sense data includes inverting each of the bits of the fuse data and using an individual fuse as a flag bit to record the data inversion. The states of the respective fuses may represent different logic states. A fuse may be blown to indicate a logic one and likewise, an unblown fuse may indicate a logic zero. A blown fuse and an unblown fuse may have different current consumption. An unblown fuse may consume more sensing current compared to a blown fuse. Another embodiment to decode the encoded fuse data includes embedded logic circuits and a separate fuse as a flag bit. Encoding and decoding fuse data may reduce fuse sensing current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Pin Tan, Tze Swan Tan, Chuan Khye Chai, Boon Jin Ang, Kar Keng Chua
  • Publication number: 20110084727
    Abstract: Providing ASIC equivalents of FPGAs is facilitated and made more efficient and economical by using an ASIC architecture including a plurality of so-called hybrid logic elements (“HLEs”), each of which can provide a portion of the full functionality of an FPGA logic element (“LE”). The functionality of each FPGA LE implementing a user's logic design can be mapped to one or more HLEs without re-synthesis of the user's logic. Only as many HLEs as are necessary are used to perform the functions of each LE. The one-for-one equivalence between each LE and either (1) one HLE or (2) a group of HLEs facilitates mapping (without re-synthesis) in either direction between FPGA and ASIC designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Kar Keng Chua, Sammy Cheung, Hee Kong Phoon, Kim Pin Tan, Wei Lian Goay