Patents by Inventor Michael James Twohig
Michael James Twohig 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: 20240087828Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are disclosed. Parallel configurations of back-to-back MEMS switches are disclosed in some embodiments. An isolation connection of constant electrical potential may be made to a midpoint of the back-to-back switches. In some embodiments, a separate MEMS switch is provided as a shunt switch for the main MEMS switch. MEMS switch device configurations having multiple switchable signal paths each coupling a common input electrode to a respective output electrode are also disclosed. The MEMS switch device includes shunt switches each coupling a respective output electrode to a reference potential. The presence of a shunt switch coupled to an output electrode enhances the isolation of the signal path corresponding to that output electrode when the path is open.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Applicant: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Philip James Brennan, Jiawen Bai, Michael James Twohig, Bernard Patrick Stenson, Raymond C. Goggin, Mark Schirmer, Paul Lambkin, Donal P. McAuliffe, David Aherne, Cillian Burke, James Lee Lampen, Sumit Majumder
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Publication number: 20240087829Abstract: Impedance paths for integrated circuits having microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches that allow for electrical charge to bleed from circuit nodes to fixed electric potentials (e.g., ground) are described. Such paths are referred to herein as charge bleed circuits. The circuit nodes may be circuit locations where electrical charge may accumulate because there is no other path for the electrical charge to dissipate. In some embodiments, a charge bleed circuit includes a switchable device (e.g., a MEMS switch, a solid-state device switch, or a circuit including various solid-state device switches that, collectively, implement a device that can be switched on and off) that connects and disconnects the impedance path from a circuit node. This may allow the device to perform different types of measurements at desired performance levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Applicant: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, David Aheme, Patrick M. McGuinness, Naveen Dhull, Michael James Twohig, Philip James Brennan, Donal P. McAuliffe
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Publication number: 20230207489Abstract: An integrated circuit package can contain a semiconductor die and provide electrical connections between the semiconductor die and additional electronic components. The integrated circuit package can reduce stress placed on the semiconductor die due to movement of the integrated circuit package due to, for example, temperature changes and/or moisture levels. The integrated circuit package can at least partially mechanically isolate the semiconductor die from the integrated circuit package.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2023Publication date: June 29, 2023Inventors: Ramji Sitaraman Lakshmanan, Bernard Stenson, Padraig Liam Fitzgerald, Oliver Kierse, Michael James Twohig, Michael John Flynn, Laurence Brendan O'Sullivan
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Patent number: 11616027Abstract: An integrated circuit package can contain a semiconductor die and provide electrical connections between the semiconductor die and additional electronic components. The integrated circuit package can reduce stress placed on the semiconductor die due to movement of the integrated circuit package due to, for example, temperature changes and/or moisture levels. The integrated circuit package can at least partially mechanically isolate the semiconductor die from the integrated circuit package.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Ramji Sitaraman Lakshmanan, Bernard Stenson, Padraig Liam Fitzgerald, Oliver Kierse, Michael James Twohig, Michael John Flynn, Laurence Brendan O'Sullivan
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Publication number: 20220371882Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are disclosed. The MEMS switch may have an actuation voltage greater than the expected voltage of a signal being passed by the MEMS switch in normal operation. The MEMS switches may include a distributed hinge structure in some embodiments. Radial contact pads are included in some embodiments, with or separate from the distributed hinge.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Applicant: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Michael James Twohig, James Lee Lampen, Philip James Brennan
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Patent number: 11228310Abstract: Optically isolated micromachined (MEMS) switches and related methods are described. The optically isolated MEMS switches described herein may be used to provide isolation between electronic devices. For example, the optically isolated MEMS switches of the types described herein can enable the use of separate grounds between the receiving electronic device and the control circuitry. Isolation of high-voltage signals and high-voltage power supplies can be achieved by using an optical isolator and a MEMS switch, where the optical isolator controls the state of the MEMS switch. In some embodiments, utilizing optical isolators to provide high voltages, the need for electric high-voltage sources such as high-voltage power supplies and charge pumps may be removed, thus removing the cause of potential damage to the receiving electronic device. In one example, the optical isolator and the MEMS switch may be co-packaged on the same substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2020Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Analog Devices Global Unlimited CompanyInventors: Ying Zhao, Alan O'Donnell, Michael James Twohig, Olly J. Kierse, James Thomas Sheeran, Michael C. W. Coln, Paul W. Stevens, Bruce A. Hecht, Padraig Fitzgerald, Mark Schirmer
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Publication number: 20210183790Abstract: An integrated circuit package can contain a semiconductor die and provide electrical connections between the semiconductor die and additional electronic components. The integrated circuit package can reduce stress placed on the semiconductor die due to movement of the integrated circuit package due to, for example, temperature changes and/or moisture levels. The integrated circuit package can at least partially mechanically isolate the semiconductor die from the integrated circuit package.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2020Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Ramji Sitaraman Lakshmanan, Bernard Stenson, Padraig Liam Fitzgerald, Oliver Kierse, Michael James Twohig, Michael John Flynn, Laurence Brendan O'Sullivan
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Publication number: 20210067160Abstract: Optically isolated micromachined (MEMS) switches and related methods are described. The optically isolated MEMS switches described herein may be used to provide isolation between electronic devices. For example, the optically isolated MEMS switches of the types described herein can enable the use of separate grounds between the receiving electronic device and the control circuitry. Isolation of high-voltage signals and high-voltage power supplies can be achieved by using an optical isolator and a MEMS switch, where the optical isolator controls the state of the MEMS switch. In some embodiments, utilizing optical isolators to provide high voltages, the need for electric high-voltage sources such as high-voltage power supplies and charge pumps may be removed, thus removing the cause of potential damage to the receiving electronic device. In one example, the optical isolator and the MEMS switch may be co-packaged on the same substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Applicant: Analog Devices Global Unlimited CompanyInventors: Ying Zhao, Alan O'Donnell, Michael James Twohig, Olly J. Kierse, James Sheeran, Michael C.W. Coln, Paul W. Stevens, Bruce A. Hecht, Padraig Fitzgerald, Mark Schirmer
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Patent number: 10848152Abstract: Optically isolated micromachined (MEMS) switches and related methods are described. The optically isolated MEMS switches described herein may be used to provide isolation between electronic devices. For example, the optically isolated MEMS switches of the types described herein can enable the use of separate grounds between the receiving electronic device and the control circuitry. Isolation of high-voltage signals and high-voltage power supplies can be achieved by using an optical isolator and a MEMS switch, where the optical isolator controls the state of the MEMS switch. In some embodiments, utilizing optical isolators to provide high voltages, the need for electric high-voltage sources such as high-voltage power supplies and charge pumps may be removed, thus removing the cause of potential damage to the receiving electronic device. In one example, the optical isolator and the MEMS switch may be co-packaged on the same substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Analog Devices Global Unlimited CompanyInventors: Ying Zhao, Alan O'Donnell, Michael James Twohig, Olly J. Kierse, James Thomas Sheeran, Michael C. W. Coln, Paul W. Stevens, Bruce A. Hecht, Padraig Fitzgerald, Mark Schirmer
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Patent number: 10640363Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are described. The MEMS switches can be actively opened and closed. The switch can include a beam coupled to an anchor on a substrate by one or more hinges. The beam, the hinges and the anchor may be made of the same material in some configurations. The switch can include electrodes, disposed on a surface of the substrate, for electrically controlling the orientation of the beam. The hinges may be thinner than the beam, resulting in the hinges being more flexible than the beam. In some configurations, the hinges are located within an opening in the beam. The hinges may extend in the same direction of the axis of rotation of the beam and/or in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the beam.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Analog Devices GlobalInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Michael James Twohig
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Publication number: 20190288686Abstract: Optically isolated micromachined (MEMS) switches and related methods are described. The optically isolated MEMS switches described herein may be used to provide isolation between electronic devices. For example, the optically isolated MEMS switches of the types described herein can enable the use of separate grounds between the receiving electronic device and the control circuitry. Isolation of high-voltage signals and high-voltage power supplies can be achieved by using an optical isolator and a MEMS switch, where the optical isolator controls the state of the MEMS switch. In some embodiments, utilizing optical isolators to provide high voltages, the need for electric high-voltage sources such as high-voltage power supplies and charge pumps may be removed, thus removing the cause of potential damage to the receiving electronic device. In one example, the optical isolator and the MEMS switch may be co-packaged on the same substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2018Publication date: September 19, 2019Applicant: Analog Devices Global Unlimited CompanyInventors: Ying Zhao, Alan O'Donnell, Michael James Twohig, Olly J. Kierse, James Thomas Sheeran, Michael C.W. Coln, Paul W. Stevens, Bruce A. Hecht, Padraig Fitzgerald Fitzgerald, Mark Schirmer
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Publication number: 20170225942Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are described. The MEMS switches can be actively opened and closed. The switch can include a beam coupled to an anchor on a substrate by one or more hinges. The beam, the hinges and the anchor may be made of the same material in some configurations. The switch can include electrodes, disposed on a surface of the substrate, for electrically controlling the orientation of the beam. The hinges may be thinner than the beam, resulting in the hinges being more flexible than the beam. In some configurations, the hinges are located within an opening in the beam. The hinges may extend in the same direction of the axis of rotation of the beam and/or in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Applicant: Analog Devices GlobalInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Michael James Twohig