Patents by Inventor Mark McCloy-Stevens
Mark McCloy-Stevens 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).
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Patent number: 11705900Abstract: Circuitry for controlling current between a load and a power supply, the circuitry comprising: an output stage comprising: an input node configured to be coupled to the power supply; and an output node configured to be coupled to the load; and one or more control nodes for controlling a conduction path between the input node and the output node; and protection circuitry coupled to the one or more control nodes, the protection circuitry configured to break the conduction path between the input node and the output node when a load voltage at the output node exceeds a supply voltage at the input node, wherein the protection circuitry comprises: an active protection circuit configured to break the conduction path when the supply voltage exceeds an operational threshold of the active protection circuit; and a passive protection circuit configured to break the conduction path when the supply voltage is below an operation threshold of the active protection circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Buist, Mark McCloy-Stevens, Dave Smith, Gordon Russell, Huy Binh Le
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Patent number: 11536767Abstract: The present disclosure relates to self-test circuitry for a system that includes one or more current control subsystems, each current control subsystem having a load terminal for coupling the current control subsystem to a load. The self-test circuitry comprises: a signal path associated with each current control subsystem, each signal path configured to selectively couple a measurement node to the load terminal of the current control subsystem, wherein the measurement node is common to all of the signal paths; voltage detection circuitry; and test voltage source circuitry configured to provide a test voltage to the measurement node. The voltage detection circuitry is operable to output a signal indicative of a fault condition if a voltage detected at the measurement node differs from the test voltage when the measurement node is coupled to the load terminal.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: James Wells, Saurabh Singh, Huy Binh Le, Gavin Wilson, Niall McGurnaghan, Simon R. Foster, Mark McCloy-Stevens
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Publication number: 20210242865Abstract: Circuitry for controlling current between a load and a power supply, the circuitry comprising: an output stage comprising: an input node configured to be coupled to the power supply; and an output node configured to be coupled to the load; and one or more control nodes for controlling a conduction path between the input node and the output node; and protection circuitry coupled to the one or more control nodes, the protection circuitry configured to break the conduction path between the input node and the output node when a load voltage at the output node exceeds a supply voltage at the input node, wherein the protection circuitry comprises: an active protection circuit configured to break the conduction path when the supply voltage exceeds an operational threshold of the active protection circuit; and a passive protection circuit configured to break the conduction path when the supply voltage is below an operation threshold of the active protection circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicant: Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd.Inventors: Andrew BUIST, Mark MCCLOY-STEVENS, Dave SMITH, Gordon RUSSELL, Huy Binh LE
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Publication number: 20210148968Abstract: The present disclosure relates to self-test circuitry for a system that includes one or more current control subsystems, each current control subsystem having a load terminal for coupling the current control subsystem to a load. The self-test circuitry comprises: a signal path associated with each current control subsystem, each signal path configured to selectively couple a measurement node to the load terminal of the current control subsystem, wherein the measurement node is common to all of the signal paths; voltage detection circuitry; and test voltage source circuitry configured to provide a test voltage to the measurement node. The voltage detection circuitry is operable to output a signal indicative of a fault condition if a voltage detected at the measurement node differs from the test voltage when the measurement node is coupled to the load terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2020Publication date: May 20, 2021Applicant: Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd.Inventors: James WELLS, Saurabh SINGH, Huy Binh LE, Gavin WILSON, Niall MCGURNAGHAN, Simon R. FOSTER, Mark MCCLOY-STEVENS
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Patent number: 10649732Abstract: This application relates to apparatus and methods for the multiplication of signals. A multiplication circuit (100) has first and second time-encoding modulators (103a, 103b) configured to receive first and second combined signals (SC1, SC2) respectively, and generate respective first and second PWM signals (SPWM1, SPWM2), each with a cycle frequency that depends substantially on the square of the value of the input combined signal. The first combined signal (SC1) corresponds to a sum of a first and second input signals (S1, S2) and the second combined signal (SC2) corresponds to the difference between the first and second input signals (S1, S2). First and second time-decoding converters (104a, 104b) receive the first and second PWM signals and provide respective first and count values (D1, D2) based on a parameter related to the frequency of the respective first or second PWM signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: John Paul Lesso, Mark McCloy-Stevens
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Publication number: 20200042288Abstract: This application relates to apparatus and methods for the multiplication of signals. A multiplication circuit (100) has first and second time-encoding modulators (103a, 103b) configured to receive first and second combined signals (SC1, SC2) respectively, and generate respective first and second PWM signals (SPWM1, SPWM2), each with a cycle frequency that depends substantially on the square of the value of the input combined signal. The first combined signal (SC1) corresponds to a sum of a first and second input signals (S1, S2) and the second combined signal (SC2) corresponds to the difference between the first and second input signals (S1, S2). First and second time-decoding converters (104a, 104b) receive the first and second PWM signals and provide respective first and count values (D1, D2) based on a parameter related to the frequency of the respective first or second PWM signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2018Publication date: February 6, 2020Applicant: Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd.Inventors: John Paul LESSO, Mark MCCLOY-STEVENS
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Patent number: 9300212Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of DC-DC converters, especially in valley current mode. The DC-DC converter is operable so that a low side supply switch may be turned off, before the high side supply switch is turned on. During the period when both switches are off the current loop control remains active and the change in inductor (L) current is emulated. One embodiment uses a current sensor for lossless current sensing and emulates the change in inductor current by holding the value of the output of the current sensor (ISNS) at the time that the low side switch turns off and adding an emulated ramp signal (VISLP) until the inductor current reaches zero. Embodiment employing a pulse-skip mode of operation based on a minimum conduction time are also disclosed. The invention enables a seamless transition from Continuous Conduction Mode the Discontinuous Conduction Mode and Pulse Skipping and provide converters that are efficient at low current loads.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd.Inventors: Andrew Notman, Mark McCloy-Stevens, Douglas James Wallace MacFarlane, Holger Haiplik
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Patent number: 8729880Abstract: A regulator circuit comprising an input for receiving an input voltage; an output stage, configured to switch between said input voltage and a reference voltage to generate an output voltage, in dependence on a modulated signal; a controller, configured to receive an error signal (VERROR) on a control input and to provide the modulated signal to said output stage; an error amplifier, for providing the error signal to the controller in dependence on the output voltage; and presetting circuitry, configured to estimate the error signal in dependence on at least the input voltage, and for presetting the control input with the estimated error signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plcInventors: Mark McCloy-Stevens, Andrew Notman
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Patent number: 8638155Abstract: A level-shift circuit, comprising: an input, for receiving a first voltage; an output, for outputting a second voltage; a resistor array comprising one or more resistors connected in series to the input; a current sink for providing a current that is independent of the first voltage; a switch arrangement comprising a plurality of switch connections for establishing a selected one from a plurality of force paths between the current sink and the input, the selected force path comprising a selected number of the one or more resistors of said resistor array; and at least one connection between the output and the resistor array that provides a sense path between the resistor array and the output that does not comprise any of the switch connections used to establish each of the plurality of force paths.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plcInventors: Andrew Notman, Mark McCloy-Stevens
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Publication number: 20130314062Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of DC-DC converters, especially in valley current mode. The DC-DC converter is operable so that a low side supply switch may be turned off, before the high side supply switch is turned on. During the period when both switches are off the current loop control remains active and the change in inductor (L) current is emulated. One embodiment uses a current sensor for lossless current sensing and emulates the change in inductor current by holding the value of the output of the current sensor (ISNS) at the time that the low side switch turns off and adding an emulated ramp signal (VISLP) until the inductor current reaches zero. Embodiment employing a pulse-skip mode of operation based on a minimum conduction time are also disclosed. The invention enables a seamless transition from Continuous Conduction Mode the Discontinuous Conduction Mode and Pulse Skipping and provide converters that are efficient at low current loads.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Wolfson Microelectronics plcInventors: Andrew Notman, Mark McCloy-Stevens, Dauglas James Wallace MacFarlane, Holger Haiplik
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Patent number: 8541993Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of DC-DC converters, especially in valley current mode. The DC-DC converter is operable so that a low side supply switch may be turned off, before the high side supply switch is turned on. During the period when both switches are off the current loop control remains active and the change in inductor (L) current is emulated. One embodiment uses a current sensor for lossless current sensing and emulates the change in inductor current by holding the value of the output of the current sensor (ISNS) at the time that the low side switch turns off and adding an emulated ramp signal (VISLP) until the inductor current reaches zero. Embodiment employing a pulse-skip mode of operation based on a minimum conduction time are also disclosed. The invention enables a seamless transition from Continuous Conduction Mode the Discontinuous Conduction Mode and Pulse Skipping and provide converters that are efficient at low current loads.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plcInventors: Andrew Notman, Mark McCloy-Stevens, Douglas James Wallace MacFarlane, Holger Haiplik
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Patent number: 8519691Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing current limiting in a DC-DC converter and especially to methods and apparatus suitable for a start-up mode of operation. The invention monitors the inductor (L) current when the high side supply switch is on against a peak current limit threshold. If the inductor current reaches the peak current limit threshold the high side switch is turned off. The inductor current when the low side switch is off is monitored against a valley current threshold. As long as the inductor current is above the valley current threshold turn on of the low side switch is inhibited. In this way current limiting is provided and the problems of stair-stepping are avoided. Embodiments employing lossless current sensing are described. The invention may be implemented in a start-up mode of operation wherein the converter is controlled purely by the peak current limit and valley current threshold which are increased over time.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plcInventor: Mark McCloy-Stevens
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Patent number: 8513933Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of DC-DC converters. The DC-DC converter is operable so that the low side supply switch may be inhibited from turning on in a cycle following the high side supply switch turning off. Turn on of the low side switch is inhibited if the time between turn off of the high side switch and the inductor (L) current reaching zero is less than a predetermined duration. Inhibiting the low side switch from turning on can prevent the inductor current from going negative, which would reduce the efficiency of the converter. When turn on of the low side switch is inhibited the inductor current flows through a parallel path, such as a parasitic body diode associated with the low side switch, which allows current flow in one direction only.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plcInventors: Andrew Notman, Mark McCloy-Stevens
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Publication number: 20110050185Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of DC-DC converters, especially in valley current mode. The DC-DC converter is operable so that a low side supply switch may be turned off, before the high side supply switch is turned on. During the period when both switches are off the current loop control remains active and the change in inductor (L) current is emulated. One embodiment uses a current sensor for lossless current sensing and emulates the change in inductor current by holding the value of the output of the current sensor (ISNS) at the time that the low side switch turns off and adding an emulated ramp signal (VISLP) until the inductor current reaches zero. Embodiment employing a pulse-skip mode of operation based on a minimum conduction time are also disclosed. The invention enables a seamless transition from Continuous Conduction Mode the Discontinuous Conduction Mode and Pulse Skipping and provide converters that are efficient at low current loads.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Andrew Notman, Mark McCloy-Stevens, Douglas James Wallace MacFarlane, Holger Haiplik
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Publication number: 20110018515Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing current limiting in a DC-DC converter and especially to methods and apparatus suitable for a start-up mode of operation. The invention monitors the inductor (L) current when the high side supply switch is on against a peak current limit threshold. If the inductor current reaches the peak current limit threshold the high side switch is turned off. The inductor current when the low side switch is off is monitored against a valley current threshold. As long as the inductor current is above the valley current threshold turn on of the low side switch is inhibited. In this way current limiting is provided and the problems of stair-stepping are avoided. Embodiments employing lossless current sensing are described. The invention may be implemented in a start-up mode of operation wherein the converter is controlled purely by the peak current limit and valley current threshold which are increased over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventor: Mark McCloy-Stevens
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Publication number: 20110018588Abstract: A level-shift circuit, comprising: an input, for receiving a first voltage; an output, for outputting a second voltage; a resistor array comprising one or more resistors connected in series to the input; a current sink for providing a current that is independent of the first voltage; a switch arrangement comprising a plurality of switch connections for establishing a selected one from a plurality of force paths between the current sink and the input, the selected force path comprising a selected number of the one or more resistors of said resistor array; and at least one connection between the output and the resistor array that provides a sense path between the resistor array and the output that does not comprise any of the switch connections used to establish each of the plurality of force paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Andrew Notman, Mark McCloy-Stevens
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Publication number: 20110018516Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of DC-DC converters. The DC-DC converter is operable so that the low side supply switch may be inhibited from turning on in a cycle following the high side supply switch turning off. Turn on of the low side switch is inhibited if the time between turn off of the high side switch and the inductor (L) current reaching zero is less than a predetermined duration. Inhibiting the low side switch from turning on can prevent the inductor current from going negative, which would reduce the efficiency of the converter. When turn on of the low side switch is inhibited the inductor current flows through a parallel path, such as a parasitic body diode associated with the low side switch, which allows current flow in one direction only.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Andrew Notman, Mark McCloy-Stevens
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Publication number: 20110018507Abstract: A regulator circuit comprising an input for receiving an input voltage; an output stage, configured to switch between said input voltage and a reference voltage to generate an output voltage, in dependence on a modulated signal; a controller, configured to receive an error signal (VERROR) on a control input and to provide the modulated signal to said output stage; an error amplifier, for providing the error signal to the controller in dependence on the output voltage; and presetting circuitry, configured to estimate the error signal in dependence on at least the input voltage, and for presetting the control input with the estimated error signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Mark McCloy-Stevens, Andrew Notman