Patents by Inventor Kerry Veenstra

Kerry 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).

  • Publication number: 20090282306
    Abstract: Error detection circuitry is provided on a programmable logic resource. Programmable logic resource configuration data is loaded into a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) module where a checksum calculation may be performed. In one embodiment, the checksum may be compared to an expected value, which is a precomputed checksum on data prior to being programmed into or while data is being programmed into a programmable logic resource. In another embodiment, the expected value may be included in the checksum calculation. An output indicating whether an error is detected may be generated depending on the relationship between the checksum and the expected value, or on the value of the checksum. This output may be sent to an output pin that is accessible by user logic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Ninh D. Ngo, Andy L. Lee, Kerry Veenstra
  • Patent number: 7593499
    Abstract: A signal routing apparatus comprises a register bank to store a set of data signals. A delay locked loop generates a set of phase displaced clock signals. A phase controlled read circuit sequentially routes the set of data signals from the register bank in response to the phase displaced clock signals. A Low Voltage Differential Signaling buffer connected to the phase controlled read circuit transmits the data signals in a Low Voltage Differential Signaling mode. The phase displaced clock signals operate in lieu of a higher clock rate in order to reduce power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry Veenstra, Krishna Rangasayee, Robert Bielby
  • Patent number: 7584456
    Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) is provided. The PLD includes a microprocessing unit (MPU) and a memory region functioning in a read only state. A Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) debug module in communication with the memory region is included in the PLD. The JTAG debug module is able to detect a breakpoint causing an interruption of a processing sequence executed by the MPU. Write control circuitry capable of issuing a signal enabling the memory region to transition from the read only state disallowing writes to a second state accepting write data from the MPU is included in the JTAG debug circuitry. In one embodiment, the write control circuitry issues the signal in response to a breakpoint induced either through hardware or software. A method of debugging a PLD is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry Veenstra, Tim Allen
  • Patent number: 7577055
    Abstract: Error detection circuitry is provided on a programmable logic resource. Programmable logic resource configuration data is loaded into a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) module where a checksum calculation may be performed. In one embodiment, the checksum may be compared to an expected value, which is a precomputed checksum on data prior to being programmed into or while data is being programmed into a programmable logic resource. In another embodiment, the expected value may be included in the checksum calculation. An output indicating whether an error is detected may be generated depending on the relationship between the checksum and the expected value, or on the value of the checksum. This output may be sent to an output pin that is accessible by user logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Ninh D. Ngo, Andy L. Lee, Kerry Veenstra
  • Patent number: 7574533
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement includes a programmable logic device. The programmable logic device includes configuration logic circuitry. The programmable logic device also includes configurable interconnects. The circuit arrangement further includes a storage device configured to provide data to the programmable logic device. The storage device communicates with the programmable logic device via a bi-directional interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Renxin Xia, Juju Chacko Joyce, Nitin Prasad, Kerry Veenstra, Keith Duwel
  • Patent number: 7512849
    Abstract: A programmable logic system includes a reconfigurable programmable logic device and configuration storage that stores at least two configurations. A default configuration loads first and then loads the desired user application configuration. If the user application configuration fails, the system saves data regarding the failure and then returns to the default configuration for recovery. The default configuration, after reading the failure data, causes an operator to be called to intervene, or loads a different (e.g., previous) configuration if one is available in configuration storage. The system is particularly useful where the user can update configurations remotely. In an alternative mode, the system stores only the user configuration (which is loaded first) and the default configuration. If a newly-loaded configuration fails, the default configuration is loaded and signals the operator or takes other action short of loading a different configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Tim Allen, Michael Fairman, Mario Guzman, Bryan Hoyer, Chris Lane, Kerry Veenstra, Keith Duwel, Andy L. Lee
  • Publication number: 20080157813
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement includes a programmable logic device. The programmable logic device includes configuration logic circuitry. The programmable logic device also includes configurable interconnects. The circuit arrangement further includes a storage device configured to provide data to the programmable logic device. The storage device communicates with the programmable logic device via a bi-directional interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Renxin Xia, Juju Chacko Joyce, Nitin Prasad, Kerry Veenstra, Keith Duwel
  • Patent number: 7395360
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for implementing a bus arbitration priority encoding scheme with fairness. Bus arbitration logic is connected to multiple primary components or devices. The multiple primary components send requests to bus arbitration logic. The bus arbitration logic uses a request vector and an arbitration vector to determine a grant vector. The grant vector indicates what primary component should be allowed bus access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Orion Pritchard, Kerry Veenstra, Aaron Ferrucci, Paul Metzgen
  • Publication number: 20080143378
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement includes a programmable logic device. The programmable logic device includes configuration logic circuitry. The programmable logic device also includes configurable interconnects. The circuit arrangement further includes a storage device configured to provide data to the programmable logic device. The storage device communicates with the programmable logic device via a bi-directional interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Renxin Xia, Juju Chacko Joyce, Nitin Prasad, Kerry Veenstra, Keith Duwel
  • Patent number: 7356620
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement includes a programmable logic device. The programmable logic device includes configuration logic circuitry. The programmable logic device also includes configurable interconnects. The circuit arrangement further includes a storage device configured to provide data to the programmable logic device. The storage device communicates with the programmable logic device via a bi-directional interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Renxin Xia, Juju Chacko Joyce, Nitin Prasad, Kerry Veenstra, Keith Duwel
  • Publication number: 20080052569
    Abstract: Error detection circuitry is provided on a programmable logic resource. Programmable logic resource configuration data is loaded into a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) module where a checksum calculation may be performed. In one embodiment, the checksum may be compared to an expected value, which is a precomputed checksum on data prior to being programmed into or while data is being programmed into a programmable logic resource. In another embodiment, the expected value may be included in the checksum calculation. An output indicating whether an error is detected may be generated depending on the relationship between the checksum and the expected value, or on the value of the checksum. This output may be sent to an output pin that is accessible by user logic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: ALTERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ninh Ngo, Andy Lee, Kerry Veenstra
  • Patent number: 7310757
    Abstract: Error detection circuitry is provided on a programmable logic resource. Programmable logic resource configuration data is loaded into a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) module where a checksum calculation may be performed. In one embodiment, the checksum may be compared to an expected value, which is a precomputed checksum on data prior to being programmed into or while data is being programmed into a programmable logic resource. In another embodiment, the expected value may be included in the checksum calculation. An output indicating whether an error is detected may be generated depending on the relationship between the checksum and the expected value, or on the value of the checksum. This output may be sent to an output pin that is accessible by user logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Ninh D. Ngo, Andy L. Lee, Kerry Veenstra
  • Patent number: 7148722
    Abstract: A programmable logic integrated circuit device has several features which help it perform according to the PCI Special Interest Group's Peripheral Component Interface (“PCI”) signaling protocol. Some of the registers on the device are closely coupled for data input and output to data signal input/output pins of the device. The clock signal input terminals of at least these registers are also closely coupled to the clock signal input pin of the device. Programmable input delay is provided between the data signal input/output pins and the data input terminals of the above-mentioned registers to help compensate for clock signal skew on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G Cliff, Francis B Heile, Joseph Huang, David W Mendel, Bruce B Pedersen, Chiakang Sung, Kerry Veenstra, Bonnie I Wang
  • Publication number: 20060038586
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement includes a programmable logic device. The programmable logic device includes configuration logic circuitry. The programmable logic device also includes configurable interconnects. The circuit arrangement further includes a storage device configured to provide data to the programmable logic device. The storage device communicates with the programmable logic device via a bi-directional interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Inventors: Renxin Xia, Juju Joyce, Nitin Prasad, Kerry Veenstra, Keith Duwel
  • Patent number: 7000161
    Abstract: A programmable logic system includes a reconfigurable programmable logic device and configuration storage that stores at least two configurations. A default configuration loads first and then loads the desired user application configuration. If the user application configuration fails, the system saves data regarding the failure and then returns to the default configuration for recovery. The default configuration, after reading the failure data, causes an operator to be called to intervene, or loads a different (e.g., previous) configuration if one is available in configuration storage. The system is particularly useful where the user can update configurations remotely. In an alternative mode, the system stores only the user configuration (which is loaded first) and the default configuration. If a newly-loaded configuration fails, the default configuration is loaded and signals the operator or takes other action short of loading a different configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Tim Allen, Michael Fairman, Mario Guzman, Bryan Hoyer, Chris Lane, Kerry Veenstra, Keith Duwel, Andy L. Lee
  • Patent number: 6956920
    Abstract: A signal routing apparatus comprises a register bank to store a set of data signals. A delay locked loop generates a set of phase displaced clock signals. A phase controlled read circuit sequentially routes the set of data signals from the register bank in response to the phase displaced clock signals. A Low Voltage Differential Signaling buffer connected to the phase controlled read circuit transmits the data signals in a Low Voltage Differential Signaling mode. The phase displaced clock signals operate in lieu of a higher clock rate in order to reduce power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry Veenstra, Krishna Rangasayee, Robert Bielby
  • Patent number: 6815981
    Abstract: A programmable logic array integrated circuit device includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of intersecting rows and columns. Interconnection conductors are associated with each row and column. The interconnection conductors associated with each row include some that extend continuously along the entire length of the row and some that extend continuously along only the left or right half of the row. To increase the flexibility with which the logic regions can be connected to the row and column conductors, adjacent regions are paired and circuitry is provided for allowing the outputs of each pair to be swapped for driving the row and column conductors. Registers in logic regions can still be used for other purposes when not being used to register the main combinatorial outputs of the logic regions. Many other enhanced features are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Cliff, Srinivas T. Reddy, David Edward Jefferson, Rina Raman, L. Todd Cope, Christopher F. Lane, Joseph Huang, Francis B. Heile, Bruce B. Pedersen, David Wolk Mendel, Craig Schilling Lytle, Robert Richard Noel Bielby, Kerry Veenstra
  • Patent number: 6759870
    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: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Cliff, Bahram Ahanin, Craig Schilling Lytle, Francis B. Heile, Bruce B. Pedersen, Kerry Veenstra
  • Patent number: 6704889
    Abstract: Embedding a logic analyzer in a programmable logic device allows signals to be captured both before and after a trigger condition (breakpoint). A logic analyzer embedded within a PLD captures and stores logic signals. It unloads these signals for viewing on a computer. Using an electronic design automation (EDA) software tool running on a computer system, an engineer specifies signals of the PLD to be monitored, a breakpoint, total number of samples to be stored, number of samples to be captured after the breakpoint occurs, and a system clock signal. The EDA tool automatically inserts the logic analyzer into the electronic design of the PLD which is compiled and downloaded to configure the PLD. Using an interface connected between the PLD and the computer, the EDA tool commands the embedded logic analyzer to run. Signals are stored continuously while running in a ring buffer RAM memory. Once the breakpoint occurs, more samples are captured if desired, in addition to those signals captured before breakpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry Veenstra, Krishna Rangasayee, Alan L. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 6646467
    Abstract: A programmable logic integrated circuit device has several features which help it perform according to the PCI Special Interest Group's Peripheral Component Interface (“PCI”) signaling protocol. Some of the registers on the device are closely coupled for data input and output to data signal input/output pins of the device. The clock signal input terminals of at least these registers are also closely coupled to the clock signal input pin of the device. Programmable input delay is provided between the data signal input/output pins and the data input terminals of the above-mentioned registers to help compensate for clock signal skew on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Cliff, Francis B. Heile, Joseph Huang, David W. Mendel, Bruce B. Pendersen, Chiakang Sung, Kerry Veenstra, Bonnie I. Wang