Patents by Inventor Michael D. Seeman
Michael D. Seeman 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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Publication number: 20220039300Abstract: One or more embodiments can comprise a method, including detecting, by a power converter comprising a processor, a feedback signal level based on based on an output condition of an error amplifier. The method can further comprise, based on the feedback signal level, setting, by the power converter, a combination of a switching frequency and a magnetizing current level, wherein the combination is selected to achieve an electromagnetic interference (EMI) level for the power converter that satisfies a first condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2020Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Michael D. Seeman, Loveday Haachitaba Mweene
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Patent number: 10892686Abstract: A hysteretic controller coupled to a first inductor and a second inductor, the first inductor is coupled to a secondary side of a transformer, the second inductor is coupled to the secondary side of the transformer and the hysteretic controller includes: a hysteretic comparator including a first input, a second input, and an output, the first input configured to receive a sensed current from the first inductor and the second inductor, the second input configured to receive a differential voltage representing a potential difference between an output voltage of a power converter and a reference voltage; a pulse sequencer coupled to the output of the hysteretic comparator; and a dead-time generation circuit configured to provide a first on-time signal to a first switch coupled to a primary side of the transformer and a second on-time signal to a second switch coupled to the secondary side of the transformer, the first and second on-time signals based on a pulse signal received from the pulse sequencer.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2020Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventor: Michael D. Seeman
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Publication number: 20200251995Abstract: A hysteretic controller coupled to a first inductor and a second inductor, the first inductor is coupled to a secondary side of a transformer, the second inductor is coupled to the secondary side of the transformer and the hysteretic controller includes: a hysteretic comparator including a first input, a second input, and an output, the first input configured to receive a sensed current from the first inductor and the second inductor, the second input configured to receive a differential voltage representing a potential difference between an output voltage of a power converter and a reference voltage; a pulse sequencer coupled to the output of the hysteretic comparator; and a dead-time generation circuit configured to provide a first on-time signal to a first switch coupled to a primary side of the transformer and a second on-time signal to a second switch coupled to the secondary side of the transformer, the first and second on-time signals based on a pulse signal received from the pulse sequencer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventor: Michael D. Seeman
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Patent number: 10673339Abstract: Hysteretic control for power converters. In an example arrangement, an apparatus includes a converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage including a transformer; at least one primary side driver switch coupled to supply current from an input voltage terminal to the primary side of the transformer; at least one inductor coupled between the secondary side of the transformer and the output voltage terminal; at least one secondary side switch coupled between the inductor and a ground potential; and a hysteretic controller coupled to supply a first on-time signal to the at least one primary side switch and a second on-time signal to the at least one secondary side switch, the hysteretic controller configured for sensing the output voltage and having at least one current input coupled for sensing current flowing in the inductor and generating primary side driver switch on-time pulses to control the output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventor: Michael D. Seeman
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Patent number: 10340252Abstract: A high-voltage transistor (HVT) structure adapts a low-voltage transistor (LUT) to high-voltage environments. The HVT structure includes a drain node, a source node, a control gate, and a field electrode. The drain node and the source node define a conductive channel, in which mobilized charges are regulated by the control gate. While being isolated from the control gate, the field electrode is configured to spread the mobilized charges in response to a field voltage. The field electrode is structured and routed to prevent charge sharing with any one of the drain node, source node, or control gate. Advantageously, the isolated field electrode minimizes the capacitance of the control gate as well as the drain and source nodes, such that the HVT can switch with less power loss and a more robust performance in a high-voltage environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Sandeep R. Bahl, Michael D. Seeman
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Publication number: 20180233481Abstract: A high-voltage transistor (HVT) structure adapts a low-voltage transistor (LUT) to high-voltage environments. The HVT structure includes a drain node, a source node, a control gate, and a field electrode. The drain node and the source node define a conductive channel, in which mobilized charges are regulated by the control gate. While being isolated from the control gate, the field electrode is configured to spread the mobilized charges in response to a field voltage. The field electrode is structured and routed to prevent charge sharing with any one of the drain node, source node, or control gate. Advantageously, the isolated field electrode minimizes the capacitance of the control gate as well as the drain and source nodes, such that the HVT can switch with less power loss and a more robust performance in a high-voltage environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2018Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Sandeep R. Bahl, Michael D. Seeman
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Patent number: 9991225Abstract: A high-voltage transistor (HVT) structure adapts a low-voltage transistor (LVT) to high-voltage environments. The HVT structure includes a drain node, a source node, a control gate, and a field electrode. The drain node and the source node define a conductive channel, in which mobilized charges are regulated by the control gate. While being isolated from the control gate, the field electrode is configured to spread the mobilized charges in response to a field voltage. The field electrode is structured and routed to prevent charge sharing with any one of the drain node, source node, or control gate. Advantageously, the isolated field electrode minimizes the capacitance of the control gate as well as the drain and source nodes, such that the HVT can switch with less power loss and a more robust performance in a high-voltage environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Sandeep R. Bahl, Michael D. Seeman
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Patent number: 9606151Abstract: A circuit for sensing current in a capacitive network. A first capacitor carries a first current. A second capacitor is connected to the first capacitor thereby forming a current divider. The second capacitor carries a second current which is proportional to the first current. A transimpedance amplifier is connected to the second capacitor and has a voltage output that is proportional to the second current. Using a current feedback amplifier as the transimpedance amplifier significantly improves bandwidth and stability.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventor: Michael D. Seeman
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Publication number: 20170025961Abstract: Hysteretic control for power converters. In an example arrangement, an apparatus includes a converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage including a transformer; at least one primary side driver switch coupled to supply current from an input voltage terminal to the primary side of the transformer; at least one inductor coupled between the secondary side of the transformer and the output voltage terminal; at least one secondary side switch coupled between the inductor and a ground potential; and a hysteretic controller coupled to supply a first on-time signal to the at least one primary side switch and a second on-time signal to the at least one secondary side switch, the hysteretic controller configured for sensing the output voltage and having at least one current input coupled for sensing current flowing in the inductor and generating primary side driver switch on-time pulses to control the output voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventor: Michael D. Seeman
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Publication number: 20160380089Abstract: A high-voltage transistor (HVT) structure adapts a low-voltage transistor (LVT) to high-voltage environments. The HVT structure includes a drain node, a source node, a control gate, and a field electrode. The drain node and the source node define a conductive channel, in which mobilized charges are regulated by the control gate. While being isolated from the control gate, the field electrode is configured to spread the mobilized charges in response to a field voltage. The field electrode is structured and routed to prevent charge sharing with any one of the drain node, source node, or control gate. Advantageously, the isolated field electrode minimizes the capacitance of the control gate as well as the drain and source nodes, such that the HVT can switch with less power loss and a more robust performance in a high-voltage environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Sandeep R. Bahl, Michael D. Seeman
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Publication number: 20160011242Abstract: A circuit for sensing current in a capacitive network. A first capacitor carries a first current. A second capacitor is connected to the first capacitor thereby forming a current divider. The second capacitor carries a second current which is proportional to the first current. A transimpedance amplifier is connected to the second capacitor and has a voltage output that is proportional to the second current. Using a current feedback amplifier as the transimpedance amplifier significantly improves bandwidth and stability.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2014Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventor: Michael D. Seeman
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Patent number: 8390147Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for equalizing voltages across a plurality of photovoltaic units connected in series are provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of energy storage devices. In a first configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a first set of the photovoltaic units. In a second configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a second set of the photovoltaic units. The apparatus may also include a plurality of switches configured to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration, to equalize the voltages across the photovoltaic units.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Solar Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Jason T. Stauth, Michael D. Seeman, Sonesh Surana
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Patent number: 8384245Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for equalizing voltages across a plurality of photovoltaic units connected in series are provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of energy storage devices. In a first configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a first set of the photovoltaic units, and a voltage across a first one of the energy storage devices has a first polarity. In a second configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a second set of the photovoltaic units, and the voltage across the first one of the energy storage devices has a second polarity that is different from the first polarity. The apparatus may also include a plurality of switches configured to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration, to equalize the voltages across the photovoltaic units.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Solar Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Jason T. Stauth, Michael D. Seeman, Sonesh Surana
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Publication number: 20100289337Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for equalizing voltages across a plurality of photovoltaic units connected in series are provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of energy storage devices. In a first configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a first set of the photovoltaic units. In a second configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a second set of the photovoltaic units. The apparatus may also include a plurality of switches configured to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration, to equalize the voltages across the photovoltaic units.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: Solar Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Jason T. Stauth, Michael D. Seeman, Sonesh Surana
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Publication number: 20100289338Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for equalizing voltages across a plurality of photovoltaic units connected in series are provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of energy storage devices. In a first configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a first set of the photovoltaic units, and a voltage across a first one of the energy storage devices has a first polarity. In a second configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a second set of the photovoltaic units, and the voltage across the first one of the energy storage devices has a second polarity that is different from the first polarity. The apparatus may also include a plurality of switches configured to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration, to equalize the voltages across the photovoltaic units.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: Solar Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Jason T. STAUTH, Michael D. Seeman, Sonesh Surana