Patents by Inventor Michael D. Womac
Michael D. Womac 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: 9171457Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize low performance circuitry to provide received signal power detection without unacceptably impacting operation of a receiver circuit are shown. Circuitry utilized to provide received signal power detection according to embodiments comprises circuitry dedicated for use with respect to received signal power detection. Performance of the circuitry of the detection path may be lower than that required of circuitry of the signal processing path. However, performance parameters are selected to provide power detection of desired accuracy (e.g., flat gain) and to meet other performance metrics. Embodiments provide a low performance power detection circuit comprising a low performance tuner configuration. Further embodiments provide a low performance power detection circuit comprising a low performance data converter configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: CSR Technology, Inc.Inventors: Tim Magnusen, Michael D. Womac
-
Publication number: 20130076495Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize low performance circuitry to provide received signal power detection without unacceptably impacting operation of a receiver circuit are shown. Circuitry utilized to provide received signal power detection according to embodiments comprises circuitry dedicated for use with respect to received signal power detection. Performance of the circuitry of the detection path may be lower than that required of circuitry of the signal processing path. However, performance parameters are selected to provide power detection of desired accuracy (e.g., flat gain) and to meet other performance metrics. Embodiments provide a low performance power detection circuit comprising a low performance tuner configuration. Further embodiments provide a low performance power detection circuit comprising a low performance data converter configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Tim Magnusen, Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 8340613Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize low performance circuitry to provide received signal power detection without unacceptably impacting operation of a receiver circuit are shown. Circuitry utilized to provide received signal power detection according to embodiments comprises circuitry dedicated for use with respect to received signal power detection. Performance of the circuitry of the detection path may be lower than that required of circuitry of the signal processing path. However, performance parameters are selected to provide power detection of desired accuracy (e.g., flat gain) and to meet other performance metrics. Embodiments provide a low performance power detection circuit comprising a low performance tuner configuration. Further embodiments provide a low performance power detection circuit comprising a low performance data converter configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: CSR Technology Inc.Inventors: Timothy M. Magnusen, Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 8143942Abstract: A circuit includes a first filter comprising a first inductor coupled to a first variable capacitor, wherein the first filter is associated with a first resonant frequency. The circuit further comprises an amplifier coupled to the first filter and a second filter coupled to the amplifier. The second filter comprises a second inductor coupled to a second variable capacitor, wherein the second filter is associated with a second resonant frequency that is substantially the same as the first resonant frequency. At least a portion of the first filter and at least a portion of the second filter are formed on an integrated circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: CSR Technology Inc.Inventors: Philip T. Hisayasu, Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 7957714Abstract: A system for tuning a radio-frequency signal includes a first input path, a second input path, a common reference generator, a selector, a mixer, and a filter. The first input path and the second input path propagate a first single-ended input signal and a second single-ended input signal, respectively, to the selector. The selector converts the first single-ended input signal and the second single-ended input signal into a first differential input signal and a second differential input signal, respectively, using a reference signal generated by the common reference generator. The selector selectively couples one of the first and the second input path to an input of the mixer. The mixer downconverts a selected on of the differential input signals received from the selector. The filter attenuates a portion of the downconverted input signal outside a passband associated with the filter.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Zoran CorporationInventor: Michael D. Womac
-
Publication number: 20110050372Abstract: A circuit includes a first filter comprising a first inductor coupled to a first variable capacitor, wherein the first filter is associated with a first resonant frequency. The circuit further comprises an amplifier coupled to the first filter and a second filter coupled to the amplifier. The second filter comprises a second inductor coupled to a second variable capacitor, wherein the second filter is associated with a second resonant frequency that is substantially the same as the first resonant frequency. At least a portion of the first filter and at least a portion of the second filter are formed on an integrated circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: Philip T. Hisayasu, Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 7852146Abstract: A circuit includes a first filter comprising a first inductor coupled to a first variable capacitor, wherein the first filter is associated with a first resonant frequency. The circuit further comprises an amplifier coupled to the first filter and a second filter coupled to the amplifier. The second filter comprises a second inductor coupled to a second variable capacitor, wherein the second filter is associated with a second resonant frequency that is substantially the same as the first resonant frequency. At least a portion of the first filter and at least a portion of the second filter are formed on an integrated circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: Philip T. Hisayasu, Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 7792512Abstract: A system for tuning an impedance at a node comprises a first component associated with a first impedance when the first component is operating and a second impedance when the first component is not operating. The system further comprises a second component coupled to the first component at a node. The second component is associated with a third impedance when the second component is operating and a fourth impedance when the second component is not operating. An impedance tuning circuit is coupled to the second component at the node and operable to tune an impedance at the node based at least in part upon a plurality of the first impedance, the second impedance, the third impedance, and the fourth impedance.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventor: Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 7640001Abstract: A system for filtering a signal includes a plurality of filter modules coupled in series. Each filter module includes a filter and a variable gain element. Each filter is capable of. receiving an input signal, attenuating a portion of the input signal that is outside a passband associated with the filter, and outputting at least a portion of the input signal that is within the passband associated with the filter. Each variable gain element is capable of receiving a control signal and inducing a gain in an output of the filter based on the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: Michael D. Womac, Armin G. Deiss, Thomas Leigh Davis, Kim E. Beumer
-
Publication number: 20090289735Abstract: A system for tuning an impedance at a node comprises a first component associated with a first impedance when the first component is operating and a second impedance when the first component is not operating. The system further comprises a second component coupled to the first component at a node. The second component is associated with a third impedance when the second component is operating and a fourth impedance when the second component is not operating. An impedance tuning circuit is coupled to the second component at the node and operable to tune an impedance at the node based at least in part upon a plurality of the first impedance, the second impedance, the third impedance, and the fourth impedance.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2008Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventor: Michael D. Womac
-
Publication number: 20080176527Abstract: A system for tuning a radio-frequency signal includes a first input path, a second input path, a common reference generator, a selector, a mixer, and a filter. The first input path and the second input path propagate a first single-ended input signal and a second single-ended input signal, respectively, to the selector. The selector converts the first single-ended input signal and the second single-ended input signal into a first differential input signal and a second differential input signal, respectively, using a reference signal generated by the common reference generator. The selector selectively couples one of the first and the second input path to an input of the mixer. The mixer downconverts a selected on of the differential input signals received from the selector. The filter attenuates a portion of the downconverted input signal outside a passband associated with the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventor: Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 7376407Abstract: A system for tuning an impedance at a node comprises a first component associated with a first impedance when the first component is operating and a second impedance when the first component is not operating. The system further comprises a second component coupled to the first component at a node. The second component is associated with a third impedance when the second component is operating and a fourth impedance when the second component is not operating. An impedance tuning circuit is coupled to the second component at the node and operable to tune an impedance at the node based at least in part upon a plurality of the first impedance, the second impedance, the third impedance, and the fourth impedance.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventor: Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 7319849Abstract: A system for tuning a radio-frequency signal includes a first input path, a second input path, a common reference generator, a selector, a mixer, and a filter. The first input path and the second input path propagate a first single-ended input signal and a second single-ended input signal, respectively, to the selector. The selector converts the first single-ended input signal and the second single-ended input signal into a first differential input signal and a second differential input signal, respectively, using a reference signal generated by the common reference generator. The selector selectively couples one of the first and the second input path to an input of the mixer. The mixer downconverts a selected on of the differential input signals received from the selector. The filter attenuates a portion of the downconverted input signal outside a passband associated with the filter.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventor: Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 7304533Abstract: A circuit includes a first filter comprising a first inductor coupled to a first variable capacitor, wherein the first filter is associated with a first resonant frequency. The circuit further comprises an amplifier coupled to the first filter and a second filter coupled to the amplifier. The second filter comprises a second inductor coupled to a second variable capacitor, wherein the second filter is associated with a second resonant frequency that is substantially the same as the first resonant frequency. At least a portion of the first filter and at least a portion of the second filter are formed on an integrated circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventors: Philip T. Hisayasu, Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 6906594Abstract: A method for extending the linear range of operation of an amplifier includes monitoring a transistor voltage of a transistor of an amplifier. The transistor is coupled to a variable current source applying a bias current to the transistor. The method continues by monitoring an output voltage of the amplifier and by determining whether the transistor voltage is within a predetermined range of the output voltage. If the transistor voltage is not within a predetermined range of the output voltage, the method continues by decreasing the bias current applied to the transistor. If the transistor voltage is within a predetermined range of the output voltage and if the bias current has not previously been decreased, the method continues by increasing the bias current applied to the transistor.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventor: Michael D. Womac
-
Publication number: 20040246054Abstract: A method for extending the linear range of operation of an amplifier includes monitoring a transistor voltage of a transistor of an amplifier. The transistor is coupled to a variable current source applying a bias current to the transistor. The method continues by monitoring an output voltage of the amplifier and by determining whether the transistor voltage is within a predetermined range of the output voltage. If the transistor voltage is not within a predetermined range of the output voltage, the method continues by decreasing the bias current applied to the transistor. If the transistor voltage is within a predetermined range of the output voltage and if the bias current has not previously been decreased, the method continues by increasing the bias current applied to the transistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventor: Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 6580313Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide a common bypass node with respect to multiple circuits of an integrated circuit. According to a preferred embodiment, a circuit for filtering bias noise introduced by components of the integrated circuit may be coupled to this common bypass node and bypass bias filtering may be provided with respect to each of the multiple circuits. According to a preferred embodiment, the common bypass node is associated with an external lead or pin of the integrated circuit to thereby facilitate the efficient use of integrated substrate area as well as the efficient use of external interfaces thereof. Additionally, the common bypass node of the preferred embodiment may be utilized in providing cooperative operation of the multiple circuits coupled thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.Inventor: Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 6114912Abstract: The voltage-controlled current source receives a control voltage from an operational amplifier which itself receives a reference voltage at one input from a bias circuit. The voltage-controlled current source applies current to the base of the amplifier's main transistor. The base of the transistor is also coupled to the input node of the amplifier through a DC-blocking capacitor and through a feedback loop to the other input of the operational amplifier. The voltage-controlled current source operates to maintain the voltage at the base of the transistor relatively constant for a wide range of input signal levels. As a result, the amplifier is able to operate at relatively low power supply voltages (e.g., as low as 2V) without suffering from premature gain compression at relatively high input signal levels (e.g., as high as 0.4V).Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Kirk B. Ashby, Paul C. Davis, Malcolm H. Smith, Michael D. Womac
-
Patent number: 6023196Abstract: In low-voltage circuits, there is often insufficient voltage to use a current source to bias a transconductance amplifier stage. This is particularly true in mixers where a switching circuit must be stacked on top of the transconductance input stage. One way around this problem is to get "double-duty" out of the input differential pair, using it both for gain stage and for DC bias. This is done by AC coupling in a high-frequency input signal, while using a low-frequency, DC-coupled circuit to establish the proper bias level. One common technique is to use a simple current mirror scheme to establish the DC level. Proper biasing using this technique requires good matching of resistance. In some implementations of transconductance amplifiers, particularly those that use inductors as degeneration elements, series resistance of the inductor and interconnect resistance can cause significant errors in the bias current.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1998Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Kirk B. Ashby, Paul C. Davis, Michael D. Womac