Patents by Inventor Michael Gilliom

Michael Gilliom 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: 9106133
    Abstract: A system includes a single-inductor-multiple-out (SIMO) converter that includes storage circuitry in communication with a plurality of output channels, and a controller that is configured to output one or more signals to alternatingly conduct current through the output channels over a plurality of switching cycles. The controller may determine fixed ratios of channel conduction periods between the plurality of output channels and set channel conduction periods for each switching cycle based on the fixed ratios. In addition or alternatively, the controller may determine an arrangement of orders in which to conduct current over the switching cycles. The arrangement may include an order for a current switching cycle that is a reverse order of an order for a previously switching cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gilliom
  • Patent number: 9099921
    Abstract: A system includes a single-inductor-multiple-out (SIMO) converter that includes a plurality of output channels, each channel comprising a load, and integrating circuitry in communication with the output channels. The integrated circuitry may be configured to output a signal indicative of a time-accumulated average amount of current drawn through the loads over a sample period. The signal may be used to compare the average current drawn through the output channel with a desired current draw, and to determine whether to change one or more timing parameters used to control the current flow through the SIMO converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gilliom
  • Patent number: 8841860
    Abstract: A power converter includes a single magnetic element in communication with a plurality of output channels. Each output channel includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that may output a desired light output. Desired amounts of current may be discharged from the single magnetic element through the LEDs to generate the desired light output. The current may be drawn through the LEDs by switching “on” and “off” switches connected to the LEDs. A controller in communication with the power converter may generate switching signals to turn “on” and “off” the switches to draw the desired amounts of current. The controller may measure the current and determine whether to adjust the switching signals if the measured current draw is not the desired current draw in order to generate the desired light output from the LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gilliom
  • Patent number: 8786211
    Abstract: A system includes a single-inductor-multiple-out (SIMO) converter having storage circuitry in communication with a plurality of output channels, and a controller that controls and measures current flow through the SIMO converter. A signal generator may output switching signals to store current in the storage circuitry and discharge the stored current into the plurality of output channels. The discharged current may be measured and compared to a desired current draw through the output channels over a sample period. A compensator may determine whether to change one or more timing parameters used to control the flow of current through the SIMO converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gilliom
  • Patent number: 8736195
    Abstract: A system includes a single-inductor-multiple-out (SIMO) converter having storage circuitry in communication with a plurality of output channels, and a controller that controls and measures current flow through the SIMO converter. A signal generator may output switching signals to store current in the storage circuitry and discharge the stored current into the plurality of output channels. The discharged current may be measured and compared to a desired current draw through the output channels over a sample period. A compensator may determine whether to change one or more timing parameters used to control the flow of current through the SIMO converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gilliom
  • Publication number: 20130154507
    Abstract: A system includes a single-inductor-multiple-out (SIMO) converter having storage circuitry in communication with a plurality of output channels, and a controller that controls and measures current flow through the SIMO converter. A signal generator may output switching signals to store current in the storage circuitry and discharge the stored current into the plurality of output channels. The discharged current may be measured and compared to a desired current draw through the output channels over a sample period. A compensator may determine whether to change one or more timing parameters used to control the flow of current through the SIMO converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gilliom
  • Publication number: 20130154588
    Abstract: A system includes a single-inductor-multiple-out (SIMO) converter that includes a plurality of output channels, each channel comprising a load, and integrating circuitry in communication with the output channels. The integrated circuitry may be configured to output a signal indicative of a time-accumulated average amount of current drawn through the loads over a sample period. The signal may be used to compare the average current drawn through the output channel with a desired current draw, and to determine whether to change one or more timing parameters used to control the current flow through the SIMO converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gilliom
  • Publication number: 20130154587
    Abstract: A system includes a single-inductor-multiple-out (SIMO) converter that includes storage circuitry in communication with a plurality of output channels, and a controller that is configured to output one or more signals to alternatingly conduct current through the output channels over a plurality of switching cycles. The controller may determine fixed ratios of channel conduction periods between the plurality of output channels and set channel conduction periods for each switching cycle based on the fixed ratios. In addition or alternatively, the controller may determine an arrangement of orders in which to conduct current over the switching cycles. The arrangement may include an order for a current switching cycle that is a reverse order of an order for a previously switching cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gilliom
  • Publication number: 20130154508
    Abstract: A power converter includes a single magnetic element in communication with a plurality of output channels. Each output channel includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that may output a desired light output. Desired amounts of current may be discharged from the single magnetic element through the LEDs to generate the desired light output. The current may be drawn through the LEDs by switching “on” and “off” switches connected to the LEDs. A controller in communication with the power converter may generate switching signals to turn “on” and “off” the switches to draw the desired amounts of current. The controller may measure the current and determine whether to adjust the switching signals if the measured current draw is not the desired current draw in order to generate the desired light output from the LEDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gilliom