Patents by Inventor Maurizio Galvano
Maurizio Galvano 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: 11849514Abstract: A circuit may be configured to deliver current to one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The circuit may comprise a first current path configured to deliver a first current to the one or more LEDs, and a second current path in parallel with the first current path, wherein the second current path is configured to deliver a second current through a voltage drop element and to the one or more LEDs. According to this disclosure, a sum of the first current and the second current is regulated based on a sensed current through the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Mattia Montoncelli, Maurizio Galvano, Christos Konstantopoulos, Roberto Penzo, Enrico Tonazzo
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Publication number: 20230403776Abstract: A circuit may be configured to deliver current to one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The circuit may comprise a first current path configured to deliver a first current to the one or more LEDs, and a second current path in parallel with the first current path, wherein the second current path is configured to deliver a second current through a voltage drop element and to the one or more LEDs. According to this disclosure, a sum of the first current and the second current is regulated based on a sensed current through the circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2022Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Mattia Montoncelli, Maurizio Galvano, Christos Konstantopoulos, Roberto Penzo, Enrico Tonazzo
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Patent number: 11523484Abstract: A controller circuit for a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) includes a linear current source, channel circuitry, and supervisor circuitry. The linear current source is configured to regulate a first current from a supply along a first series path to the set of LEDs. The channel circuitry is configured to control a second current from the supply along a second series path to the set of LEDs, the second series path being in parallel with the first series path and the second series path comprising a drop element coupled in series with the supply and the set of LEDs. The supervisor circuitry is configured to regulate a total current supplied to the set of LEDs using the linear current source and the channel circuitry, the total current comprising the first current and the second current.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Franco Mignoli, Marco Pamato, Maurizio Galvano, Hans-Peter Kreuter
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Patent number: 11382198Abstract: This disclosure includes systems, methods, and techniques for controlling delivery of power to one or more strings of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, a circuit includes a power converter configured to generate an electrical current, a switching device, and a sensor. The sensor is configured to compare a magnitude of the electrical current to a threshold, and in response to the magnitude exceeding the threshold, cause the switching device to turn on in order to sink a portion of the electrical current to prevent the magnitude of the electrical current from exceeding the threshold. When the switching device is turned on, the electrical current is divided into an undesired electrical current that flows across the switching device and a desired electrical current that flows to the string of LEDs.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Maurizio Galvano, Alberto Trentin, Davide Ghedin, Fabio Fragiacomo
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Patent number: 11316322Abstract: A laser diode module is described herein. In accordance with a first exemplary embodiment, the laser diode module includes a first semiconductor die including at least one electronic switch, and a second semiconductor die including at least one laser diode. The second semiconductor die is bonded on the first semiconductor die using a chip-on-chip connecting technology to provide electrical connection between the electronic switch and the laser diode.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Maurizio Galvano, Gianmaria Furlan, Andrea Logiudice, Franco Mignoli
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Publication number: 20210392730Abstract: This disclosure includes systems, methods, and techniques for controlling delivery of power to one or more strings of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, a circuit includes a power converter configured to generate an electrical current, a switching device, and a sensor. The sensor is configured to compare a magnitude of the electrical current to a threshold, and in response to the magnitude exceeding the threshold, cause the switching device to turn on in order to sink a portion of the electrical current to prevent the magnitude of the electrical current from exceeding the threshold. When the switching device is turned on, the electrical current is divided into an undesired electrical current that flows across the switching device and a desired electrical current that flows to the string of LEDs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2020Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: Maurizio Galvano, Alberto Trentin, Davide Ghedin, Fabio Fragiacomo
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Patent number: 11153948Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques to control LED lighting systems using a circuit that includes communication, control and LED driver circuitry specific to a limited number of particular lighting functions. The circuit may communicate via a standard communication bus protocol and include feedback, protection and sensing circuitry to monitor the lighting functions and LED performance. The circuit may be small enough to be included as part of a lighting assembly, such as a vehicle headlight assembly. The included feedback and monitoring circuitry that may be physically close the driven LEDs may simplify the wiring when compared to other techniques. A configuration process for the circuit may further simplify the wiring connections, as well as reduce the development and manufacturing costs for lighting systems that may use the circuit. Limiting the lighting functions of each circuit may improve thermal management by distributing the thermal load.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Davide Ghedin, Maurizio Galvano, Stefan Stoegner
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Publication number: 20210274615Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques to control LED lighting systems using a circuit that includes communication, control and LED driver circuitry specific to a limited number of particular lighting functions. The circuit may communicate via a standard communication bus protocol and include feedback, protection and sensing circuitry to monitor the lighting functions and LED performance. The circuit may be small enough to be included as part of a lighting assembly, such as a vehicle headlight assembly. The included feedback and monitoring circuitry that may be physically close the driven LEDs may simplify the wiring when compared to other techniques. A configuration process for the circuit may further simplify the wiring connections, as well as reduce the development and manufacturing costs for lighting systems that may use the circuit. Limiting the lighting functions of each circuit may improve thermal management by distributing the thermal load.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2020Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: Davide Ghedin, Maurizio Galvano, Stefan Stoegner
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Patent number: 11006507Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a light-emitting diode driver is provided, having: a differential first interface, a single-ended second interface, wherein the light-emitting diode driver is configured to use the first interface to communicate according to a bidirectional differential bus communication protocol as a slave, to use the second interface to communicate according to a single-ended bus protocol and to transpose signals between the first interface and the second interface, and to supply one or more light-emitting diodes with electric power on the basis of signals received via the first interface.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventors: Hans-Peter Kreuter, Maurizio Galvano, Andrea Logiudice, Franco Mignoli, Andrea Scenini
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Publication number: 20200236762Abstract: A controller circuit for a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) includes a linear current source, channel circuitry, and supervisor circuitry. The linear current source is configured to regulate a first current from a supply along a first series path to the set of LEDs. The channel circuitry is configured to control a second current from the supply along a second series path to the set of LEDs, the second series path being in parallel with the first series path and the second series path comprising a drop element coupled in series with the supply and the set of LEDs. The supervisor circuitry is configured to regulate a total current supplied to the set of LEDs using the linear current source and the channel circuitry, the total current comprising the first current and the second current.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: Franco Mignoli, Marco Pamato, Maurizio Galvano, Hans-Peter Kreuter
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Publication number: 20200194963Abstract: A laser diode module is described herein. In accordance with a first exemplary embodiment, the laser diode module includes a first semiconductor die including at least one electronic switch, and a second semiconductor die including at least one laser diode. The second semi-conductor die is bonded on the first semiconductor die using a chip-on-chip connecting technology to provide electrical connection between the electronic switch and the laser diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2020Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Maurizio Galvano, Gianmaria Furlan, Andrea Logiudice, Franco Mignoli
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Patent number: 10574026Abstract: A driver circuit for driving a laser diode is described herein. In accordance with a first exemplary embodiment the driver circuit includes a first electronic switch connected to an output node that is configured to be operably connected to a laser diode. The electric connection between the first electronic switch and the output node has a first inductance. The driver circuit further includes a bypass circuit that is coupled to the output node and configured to take over, when activated, the current supplied to the output node via the first electronic switch, thus magnetizing the first inductance.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Franco Mignoli, Maurizio Galvano, Andrea Logiudice
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Publication number: 20200044554Abstract: A device for switching Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices includes a high side driver, low side driver, and high side charge circuitry. The high side driver is adapted to control a high side GaN device using a high side supply. The low side driver is adapted to control a low side GaN device using a low side supply. The high side charge circuitry is adapted to charge the high side supply with the low side supply when the low side driver activates the low side GaN device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2018Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Roberto Penzo, Maurizio Galvano
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Patent number: 10542593Abstract: A controller circuit for a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) includes a linear current source, channel circuitry, and supervisor circuitry. The linear current source is configured to regulate a first current from a supply along a first series path to the set of LEDs. The channel circuitry is configured to control a second current from the supply along a second series path to the set of LEDs, the second series path being in parallel with the first series path and the second series path comprising a drop element coupled in series with the supply and the set of LEDs. The supervisor circuitry is configured to regulate a total current supplied to the set of LEDs using the linear current source and the channel circuitry, the total current comprising the first current and the second current.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Franco Mignoli, Marco Pamato, Maurizio Galvano, Hans-Peter Kreuter
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Patent number: 10536070Abstract: A device for switching Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices includes a high side driver, low side driver, and high side charge circuitry. The high side driver is adapted to control a high side GaN device using a high side supply. The low side driver is adapted to control a low side GaN device using a low side supply. The high side charge circuitry is adapted to charge the high side supply with the low side supply when the low side driver activates the low side GaN device.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2018Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Roberto Penzo, Maurizio Galvano
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Publication number: 20190353336Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a light-emitting diode driver is provided, having: a differential first interface, a single-ended second interface, wherein the light-emitting diode driver is configured to use the first interface to communicate according to a bidirectional differential bus communication protocol as a slave, to use the second interface to communicate according to a single-ended bus protocol and to transpose signals between the first interface and the second interface, and to supply one or more light-emitting diodes with electric power on the basis of signals received via the first interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Hans-Peter Kreuter, Maurizio Galvano, Andrea Logiudice, Franco Mignoli, Andrea Scenini
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Patent number: 10420178Abstract: In one example, a system includes a load module, a power module, a series module, and a control module. The power module is configured to generate a supply power. The load module is configured to select a subset of light emitting diodes (LEDs) from a set of LEDs. The series module is configured to receive the supply power from the power module, dissipate a portion of the supply power, and output, to the subset of LEDs, a remaining portion of the supply power as a load power. The control module is configured to drive the series module to limit an amount of power at the subset of LEDs.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Paolo Milanesi, Fabio Fragiacomo, Maurizio Galvano, Roberto Penzo, Enrico Tonazzo
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Patent number: 10206252Abstract: According to an example, a device is provided for driving several light sources, wherein the device is arranged to sense a supply signal and apply a phase shift to a switching signal of at least one of the several light sources based on the sensed supply signal. Also, accordingly a method, a lighting device, a computer program product and a computer-readable medium are suggested.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Maurizio Galvano, Adolfo De Cicco, Andrea Scenini
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Patent number: 10187955Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a circuit that may detect a single short in a chain of loads, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The circuit may drive either multiple LED chains or a single LED chain to determine whether one, or more, of the LEDs in the LED chain is no longer working because of a short. The circuit determines whether the LED chain voltage satisfies a threshold based on a single LED voltage drop. Therefore, the same circuit may be used for applications regardless of the number of LEDs in an LED chain. Additionally, the circuit, according to the techniques of this disclosure may use may use no output pins, other than those used to deliver current to LED chains, regardless of the number of LED chains that the circuit drives.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Marco Pamato, Maurizio Galvano, Roberto Guerra, Aurelio Pellegrini, Damiano Sartori, Enrico Tonazzo
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Patent number: 10165634Abstract: According to an example, a device is provided for driving several light sources, wherein the device is arranged to sense a supply signal and apply a phase shift to a switching signal of at least one of the several light sources based on the sensed supply signal. Also, accordingly a method, a lighting device, a computer program product and a computer-readable medium are suggested.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Maurizio Galvano, Adolfo De Cicco, Andrea Scenini