Patents by Inventor Kerry S. Veenstra

Kerry S. Veenstra 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: 7472369
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for embedding identification information on a programmable chip. Parameterizable components are selected for implementation on a programmable chip. Information relating to the parameterizable components is embedded on the programmable chip by storing the information using mechanisms such as look up tables associated with logic elements. Information can be used to identify types of components, versions of components, parameter sets, and other data associated with components implemented on the programmable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Bain, Kerry S. Veenstra, Timothy P. Allen, Aaron Ferrucci
  • Patent number: 6605960
    Abstract: A programmable logic configuration device is disclosed having a configuration memory accessible by a controller of the configuration device and by a second device. Arbitration circuitry is provided for arbitrating access to the configuration memory between the configuration controller and the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry S. Veenstra, Boon-Jin Ang
  • Publication number: 20030122577
    Abstract: A programmable logic configuration device is disclosed having a configuration memory accessible by a controller of the configuration device and by a second device. Arbitration circuitry is provided for arbitrating access to the configuration memory between the configuration controller and the second device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Kerry S. Veenstra, Boon-Jin Ang
  • Patent number: 6525678
    Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) can be configured using configuration data stored on a memory. The configuration data is compressed using a compression algorithm before being stored on the memory. When the PLD is to be configured, the compressed configuration data is read from the memory, decompressed, then loaded onto the PLD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry S. Veenstra, Boon Jin Ang
  • Patent number: 6492834
    Abstract: A programmable logic device architecture with a highly routable programmable interconnect structure. The arrangement of the logic array blocks (LABs), programmable interconnect structure, and other logical elements forms a Clos network. After specific constraints have been met, the architecture is guaranteed to route. The architecture is provably routable when there is no fan-out in the middle stage. A LAB (200) comprises an input multiplexer region (504), logic elements (300), input-output pins (516), and output multiplexer region (508).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Craig S. Lytle, Kerry S. Veenstra
  • Patent number: 6294928
    Abstract: A programmable logic device architecture with a highly routable programmable interconnect structure. The arrangement of the logic array blocks (LABs), programmable interconnect structure, and other logical elements forms a Clos network. After specific constraints have been met, the architecture is guaranteed to route. The architecture is provably routable when there is no fan-out in the middle stage. A LAB (A-200) comprises an input multiplexer region (A-504), logic elements (A-300), input-output pins (A-516), and output multiplexer region (A-508). Furthermore, a logic device and a method of operating a logic device. The device includes logic elements (B-240) that perform desired logic functions and routing functions. The logic elements (B-240) are arranged in larger logic blocks known as logic array blocks (B-230) that have local interconnection systems. The logic array blocks (B-230) are configured to provide global interconnections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Craig S. Lytle, Kerry S. Veenstra, Francis B. Heile
  • Patent number: 6242946
    Abstract: An programmable logic device has an enhanced embedded array block for the efficient implementation of logic functions including a random access memory and a first-in, first-out memory. A read address register and a write address register are implemented within the embedded array block. The address registers are coupled with a memory array in the embedded array block without using a resources from a programmable interconnect scheme. The first-in, first-out memory may operate as a dual-port FIFO, without cycle-sharing on the interconnect lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Kerry S. Veenstra
  • Patent number: 6181162
    Abstract: A programmable logic device architecture with a highly routable programmable interconnect structure. The arrangement of the logic array blocks (LABs), programmable interconnect structure, and other logical elements forms a Clos network. After specific constraints have been met, the architecture is guaranteed to route. The architecture is provably routable when there is no fan-out in the middle stage. A LAB (200) comprises an input multiplexer region (504), logic elements (300), input-output pins (516), and output multiplexer region (508).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Craig S. Lytle, Kerry S. Veenstra
  • Patent number: 5977791
    Abstract: An programmable logic device has an enhanced embedded array block for the efficient implementation of logic functions including a random access memory and a first-in, first-out memory. A read address register and a write address register are implemented within the embedded array block. The address registers are coupled with a memory array in the embedded array block without using a resources from a programmable interconnect scheme. The first-in, first-out memory may operate as a dual-port FIFO, without cycle-sharing on the interconnect lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Kerry S. Veenstra
  • Patent number: 5485103
    Abstract: A programmable logic array integrated circuit has a plurality of programmable logic elements grouped into a plurality of mutually exclusive groups. Each group includes signal conductors uniquely associated with that group for conveying signals between the programmable logic elements in that group. Other signal conductors are provided for conveying signals between the groups. Multiplexers can be used in various ways to reduce the number of programmable interconnections required between signal conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce B. Pedersen, Richard G. Cliff, Bahram Ahanin, Craig S. Lytle, Francis B. Heile, Kerry S. Veenstra
  • Patent number: 5436575
    Abstract: A programmable logic array integrated circuit has a number of programmable logic modules which are grouped together in a plurality of logic array blocks ("LABs"). The LABs are arranged on the circuit in a two dimensional array. A conductor network is provided for interconnecting any logic module with any other logic module. In addition, adjacent or nearby logic modules are connectable to one another for such special purposes as providing a carry chain between logic modules and/or for connecting two or more modules together to provide more complex logic functions without having to make use of the general interconnection network. Another network of so-called fast or universal conductors is provided for distributing widely used logic signals such as clock and clear signals throughout the circuit. Multiplexers can be used in various ways to reduce the number of programmable interconnections required between signal conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce B. Pedersen, Richard G. Cliff, Bahram Ahanin, Craig S. Lytle, Francis B. Heile, Kerry S. Veenstra
  • Patent number: 5436574
    Abstract: A universal logic module for use in a programmable logic device, capable of generating all logical functions of three variables or less. The universal logic module also implements a full adder with carry propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Kerry S. Veenstra
  • Patent number: 5376844
    Abstract: A programmable logic array integrated circuit has a plurality of programmable logic elements grouped into a plurality of mutually exclusive groups. Each group includes signal conductors uniquely associated with that group for conveying signals between the programmable logic elements in that group. Other signal conductors are provided for conveying signals between the groups. Multiplexers can be used in various ways to reduce the number of programmable interconnections required between signal conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce B. Pedersen, Richard G. Cliff, Bahram Ahanin, Craig S. Lytle, Francis B. Heile, Kerry S. Veenstra
  • Patent number: 5260610
    Abstract: A programmable logic array integrated circuit has a plurality of programmable logic elements grouped into a plurality of mutually exclusive groups. Each group includes signal conductors uniquely associated with that group for conveying signals between the programmable logic elements in that group. Other signal conductors are provided for conveying signals between the groups. Multiplexers can be used in various ways to reduce the number of programmable interconnections required between signal conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce B. Pedersen, Richard G. Cliff, Bahram Ahanin, Craig S. Lytle, Francis B. Heile, Kerry S. Veenstra
  • Patent number: 4864161
    Abstract: A flip-flop-type circuit capable of operating either as a conventional D flip-flop or as a device which merely passes through the data applied to it (so-called "flow-through mode"). In the flow-through mode, the circuit has the additional capability of being able to latch in the data flowing through it at any time. Thus the circuit can also operate as a level-sensitive latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. Norman, Hock-Chuen So, Kerry S. Veenstra, Sau-Ching Wong
  • Patent number: 4677318
    Abstract: A storage element for use in a logic array including a flip-flop device and a complex logic circuit interconnected in such a way that the output of the complex logic circuit is an input to the flip-flop. A Toggle Flip-Flop Control (TFFC) signal, an invert control (INV) signal, and a clock (CLK) signal are also inputs to the complex logic circuit. The output of the flip-flop connects to an output pad, an internal direct feedback line which is one of the means by which the flip-flop is connected to the comples logic circuit, and an external feedback bus which leads back to an associated AND-OR array. The inptu to the complex logic circuit is generated by the standard AND-OR array which is programmable to some degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Kerry S. Veenstra
  • Patent number: RE38451
    Abstract: A universal logic module for use in a programmable logic device, capable of generating all logical functions of three variables or less. The universal logic module also implements a full adder with carry propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Kerry S. Veenstra