Patents by Inventor Karl Scheller
Karl Scheller 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: 11961920Abstract: An integrated circuit package and method of fabrication are described. The integrated circuit package includes a lead frame having a first surface and a second opposing surface and a semiconductor die having a first, active surface in which circuitry is disposed and a second opposing surface attached to the first surface of the lead frame. A magnet attached to the second surface of the lead frame has a non-contiguous central region and at least one channel extending laterally from the central region. An overmold material forms an enclosure surrounding the magnet, semiconductor die, and a portion of the lead frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Ravi Vig, William P. Taylor, Paul A. David, P. Karl Scheller, Andreas P. Friedrich
-
Publication number: 20230261118Abstract: An integrated circuit package and method of fabrication are described. The integrated circuit package includes a lead frame having a first surface and a second opposing surface and a semiconductor die having a first, active surface in which circuitry is disposed and a second opposing surface attached to the first surface of the lead frame. A magnet attached to the second surface of the lead frame has a non-contiguous central region and at least one channel extending laterally from the central region. An overmold material forms an enclosure surrounding the magnet, semiconductor die, and a portion of the lead frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Ravi Vig, William P. Taylor, Paul A. David, P. Karl Scheller, Andreas P. Friedrich
-
Patent number: 11677032Abstract: A sensor includes a lead frame having a first surface, a second opposing surface, and a plurality of leads and a semiconductor die having a first surface attached to the first surface of the lead frame and a second, opposing surface. The sensor further includes a non-conductive mold material enclosing the die and at least a portion of the lead frame, a conductive coil secured to the non-conductive mold material, a mold material secured to the non-conductive mold material and enclosing the conductive coil, wherein the mold material has a central region and an element disposed in the central region of the mold material.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2022Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Ravi Vig, William P. Taylor, Paul A. David, P. Karl Scheller, Andreas P. Friedrich
-
Patent number: 11585868Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for magnetic field sensors with self-test include a detection circuit to detect speed and direction of a target. One or more circuits to test accuracy of the detected speed and direction may be included. One or more circuits to test accuracy of an oscillator may also be included. One or more circuits to test the accuracy of an analog-to-digital converter may also be included. Additionally, one or more IDDQ and/or built-in-self test (BIST) circuits may be included.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: P. Karl Scheller, James E. Burgess, Steven E. Snyder, Kristann L. Moody, Devon Fernandez, Andrea Foletto
-
Publication number: 20220310853Abstract: A sensor includes a lead frame having a first surface, a second opposing surface, and a plurality of leads and a semiconductor die having a first surface attached to the first surface of the lead frame and a second, opposing surface. The sensor further includes a non-conductive mold material enclosing the die and at least a portion of the lead frame, a conductive coil secured to the non-conductive mold material, a mold material secured to the non-conductive mold material and enclosing the conductive coil, wherein the mold material has a central region and an element disposed in the central region of the mold material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Ravi Vig, William P. Taylor, Paul A. David, P. Karl Scheller, Andreas P. Friedrich
-
Patent number: 11444209Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a lead frame, a semiconductor die, a conductive coil, a mandrel, and a non-conductive mold material. The lead frame has a first surface, a second opposing surface, at least one slot, and a plurality of leads. The semiconductor die has a first surface in which a magnetic field sensing element is disposed and a second opposing surface attached to the first surface of the lead frame. The conductive coil is secured to the second surface of the lead frame and configured to operate as a back bias magnet to provide a magnetic field used to detect movement of a target. The coil is would around the mandrel and the mandrel is comprised of a ferromagnetic material. The non-conductive mold material encloses the die, the conductive coil, the mandrel, and at least a portion of the lead frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Ravi Vig, William P. Taylor, Paul A. David, P. Karl Scheller, Andreas P. Friedrich
-
Patent number: 11243234Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Sam Tran, Jay M. Towne, P. Karl Scheller
-
Patent number: 11194004Abstract: A sensor includes a detector configured to sense a parameter, at least one test circuit configured to detect a respective fault condition of the sensor and generate a fault signal in response to detecting the fault condition, a checker configured to test the at least one test circuit to determine the operational status of the at least one test circuit, and an output signal generator, coupled to receive the sensed parameter, the fault signal, and the operational status of the at least one test circuit. The output signal generator is configured to generate an output signal of the sensor to communicate the sensed parameter and the operational status of the at least one test circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: P. Karl Scheller, Devon Fernandez
-
Publication number: 20210247478Abstract: A sensor includes a detector configured to sense a parameter, at least one test circuit configured to detect a respective fault condition of the sensor and generate a fault signal in response to detecting the fault condition, a checker configured to test the at least one test circuit to determine the operational status of the at least one test circuit, and an output signal generator, coupled to receive the sensed parameter, the fault signal, and the operational status of the at least one test circuit. The output signal generator is configured to generate an output signal of the sensor to communicate the sensed parameter and the operational status of the at least one test circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2020Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: P. Karl Scheller, Devon Fernandez
-
Publication number: 20210111284Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a lead frame, a semiconductor die having a first surface in which a magnetic field sensing element is disposed and a second surface attached to the lead frame, and a non-conductive mold material enclosing the die and at least a portion of the lead frame. The sensor may include a ferromagnetic mold material secured to a portion of the non-conductive mold material. Features include a multi-sloped taper to an inner surface of a non-contiguous central region of the ferromagnetic mold material, a separately formed element disposed in the non-contiguous central region, one or more slots in the lead frame, a molded ferromagnetic suppression device spaced from the non-conductive mold material and enclosing a portion of a lead, a passive device spaced from the non-conductive mold material and coupled to a plurality of leads, and a ferromagnetic bead coupled to a lead.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Ravi Vig, William P. Taylor, Paul A. David, P. Karl Scheller, Andreas P. Friedrich
-
Publication number: 20210048456Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2020Publication date: February 18, 2021Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Sam Tran, Jay M. Towne, P. Karl Scheller
-
Patent number: 10916665Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a lead frame, a semiconductor die having a first surface in which a magnetic field sensing element is disposed and a second surface attached to the lead frame, and a non-conductive mold material enclosing the die and at least a portion of the lead frame. The sensor may include a ferromagnetic mold material secured to a portion of the non-conductive mold material. Features include a multi-sloped taper to an inner surface of a non-contiguous central region of the ferromagnetic mold material, a separately formed element disposed in the non-contiguous central region, one or more slots in the lead frame, a molded ferromagnetic suppression device spaced from the non-conductive mold material and enclosing a portion of a lead, a passive device spaced from the non-conductive mold material and coupled to a plurality of leads, and a ferromagnetic bead coupled to a lead.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Ravi Vig, William P. Taylor, Paul A. David, P. Karl Scheller, Andreas P. Friedrich
-
Publication number: 20200379061Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for magnetic field sensors with self-test include a detection circuit to detect speed and direction of a target. One or more circuits to test accuracy of the detected speed and direction may be included. One or more circuits to test accuracy of an oscillator may also be included. One or more circuits to test the accuracy of an analog-to-digital converter may also be included. Additionally, one or more IDDQ and/or built-in-self test (BIST) circuits may be included.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: P. Karl Scheller, James E. Burgess, Steven E. Snyder, Kristann L. Moody, Devon Fernandez, Andrea Foletto
-
Patent number: 10837987Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 26, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Sam Tran, Jay M. Towne, P. Karl Scheller
-
Patent number: 10782363Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for magnetic field sensors with self-test include a detection circuit to detect speed and direction of a target. One or more circuits to test accuracy of the detected speed and direction may be included. One or more circuits to test accuracy of an oscillator may also be included. One or more circuits to test the accuracy of an analog-to-digital converter may also be included. Additionally, one or more IDDQ and/or built-in-self test (BIST) circuits may be included.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: P. Karl Scheller, James E. Burgess, Steven E. Snyder, Kristann L. Moody, Devon Fernandez, Andrea Foletto
-
Patent number: 10598514Abstract: In one aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a magnetic field sensor to detect speed and direction of angular rotation of a rotating magnetic structure. The magnetic field sensor includes at least two magnetic field sensing elements configured to sense changes in a magnetic field caused by rotation of the magnetic structure. The IC also includes an output port configured to provide an output signal of the magnetic field sensor. The output signal indicates the speed and one of the direction or a fault.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Gary T. Pepka, P. Karl Scheller
-
Patent number: 10571301Abstract: In one aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a magnetic field sensor to detect speed and direction of angular rotation of a rotating magnetic structure. The magnetic field sensor includes at least two magnetic field sensing elements configured to sense changes in a magnetic field caused by rotation of the magnetic structure. The IC also includes an output port configured to provide an output signal of the magnetic field sensor. The frequency of the output signal indicates the speed and the direction or indicates a fault.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Michael C. Doogue, P. Karl Scheller
-
Patent number: 10473486Abstract: In one aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a magnetic field sensor to detect speed and direction of angular rotation of a rotating magnetic structure. The magnetic field sensor includes at least two magnetic field sensing elements configured to sense changes in a magnetic field caused by rotation of the magnetic structure. The IC also includes an output port configured to provide an output signal of the magnetic field sensor. A duty cycle percentage of the output signal indicates the speed and the direction or indicates a fault.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Michael C. Doogue, P. Karl Scheller
-
Patent number: 10411498Abstract: A sensor integrated circuit includes an energy storage device having a first terminal coupled to a functional circuit and a blocking circuit coupled between a power supply pin and the first terminal of the energy storage device. The blocking circuit permits the energy storage device to store energy from an external power supply coupled to the power pin. The first terminal of the energy storage device is inaccessible from outside of the sensor IC. Additional features of the sensor IC can include a high regulator, a low regulator, and a low power circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2016Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Eric G. Shoemaker, P. Karl Scheller, Devon Fernandez
-
Publication number: 20190157465Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a lead frame, a semiconductor die having a first surface in which a magnetic field sensing element is disposed and a second surface attached to the lead frame, and a non-conductive mold material enclosing the die and at least a portion of the lead frame. The sensor may include a ferromagnetic mold material secured to a portion of the non-conductive mold material. Features include a multi-sloped taper to an inner surface of a non-contiguous central region of the ferromagnetic mold material, a separately formed element disposed in the non-contiguous central region, one or more slots in the lead frame, a molded ferromagnetic suppression device spaced from the non-conductive mold material and enclosing a portion of a lead, a passive device spaced from the non-conductive mold material and coupled to a plurality of leads, and a ferromagnetic bead coupled to a lead.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Applicant: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Ravi Vig, William P. Taylor, Paul A. David, P. Karl Scheller, Andreas P. Friedrich