Patents by Inventor Nicholas J. Spence

Nicholas J. Spence 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: 10318447
    Abstract: A Universal SPI Interface is provided that is compatible, without the need for additional interface logic or software, with the SPI bus, existing DSA and other serial busses similar to (but not directly compatible with) the SPI bus, and parallel busses requiring compatibility with 74xx 164-type signaling. In an additional aspect, a reduced-pincount Universal SPI Interface is provided that provides the same universal interface, but using fewer external output pins. The Universal SPI Interface includes multiple latches, buffers, and in an alternative embodiment, a multiplexer, configured together such that a Universal SPI Interface is provided that can be readily reconfigured using only input signals to provide compatibility across multiple bus interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Spence, Jason R. Fender, Michael L. Fraser
  • Patent number: 10027284
    Abstract: An embodiment of an amplifier system includes a modifiable signal adjustment device with an RF signal adjustment circuit coupled between first and second nodes. The RF signal adjustment circuit includes an adjustable phase shifter and an adjustable attenuator coupled in series with each other. The device also includes a memory and a controller circuit. The controller circuit retrieves a phase shift value and an attenuation value from the memory. The controller circuit then controls the adjustable phase shifter to apply a phase shift corresponding to the phase shift value to an input RF signal received at the first node, and controls the adjustable attenuator to apply an attenuation corresponding to the attenuation value to the input RF signal. Applying the phase shift and the attenuation results in an output RF signal at the second node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: NXP USA, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Staudinger, Abdulrhman M. S. Ahmed, Paul R. Hart, Monte G. Miller, Nicholas J. Spence
  • Patent number: 9979355
    Abstract: An embodiment of an amplifier system includes a modifiable signal adjustment device with an RF signal adjustment circuit coupled between first and second nodes. The RF signal adjustment circuit includes an adjustable phase shifter and an adjustable attenuator coupled in series with each other. The device also includes a memory and a controller circuit. The controller circuit retrieves a phase shift value and an attenuation value from the memory. The controller circuit then controls the adjustable phase shifter to apply a phase shift corresponding to the phase shift value to an input RF signal received at the first node, and controls the adjustable attenuator to apply an attenuation corresponding to the attenuation value to the input RF signal. Applying the phase shift and the attenuation results in an output RF signal at the second node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: NXP USA, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Staudinger, Abdulrhman M. S. Ahmed, Paul R. Hart, Monte G. Miller, Nicholas J. Spence
  • Patent number: 9774299
    Abstract: An embodiment of an amplifier system includes a modifiable signal adjustment device with an RF signal adjustment circuit coupled between first and second nodes. The RF signal adjustment circuit includes an adjustable phase shifter and an adjustable attenuator coupled in series with each other. The device also includes a memory and a controller circuit. The controller circuit retrieves a phase shift value and an attenuation value from the memory. The controller circuit then controls the adjustable phase shifter to apply a phase shift corresponding to the phase shift value to an input RF signal received at the first node, and controls the adjustable attenuator to apply an attenuation corresponding to the attenuation value to the input RF signal. Applying the phase shift and the attenuation results in an output RF signal at the second node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: NXP USA, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Staudinger, Abdulrhman M. S. Ahmed, Paul R. Hart, Monte G. Miller, Nicholas J. Spence
  • Publication number: 20170220519
    Abstract: A Universal SPI Interface is provided that is compatible, without the need for additional interface logic or software, with the SPI bus, existing DSA and other serial busses similar to (but not directly compatible with) the SPI bus, and parallel busses requiring compatibility with 74xx164-type signaling. In an additional aspect, a red Universal SPI Interface is provided that provides the same universal interface, but using fewer external output pins. The Universal SPI Interface includes multiple latches, buffers, and in an alternative embodiment, a multiplexer, configured together such that a Universal SPI interface is provided that can be readily reconfigured using only input signals to provide compatibility across multiple bus interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Spence, Jason R. Fender, Michael L. Fraser
  • Patent number: 9658971
    Abstract: A Universal SPI Interface is provided that is compatible, without the need for additional interface logic or software, with the SPI bus, existing DSA and other serial busses similar to (but not directly compatible with) the SPI bus, and parallel busses requiring compatibility with 74xx164-type signaling. In an additional aspect, a reduced-pincount Universal SPI Interface is provided that provides the same universal interface, but using fewer external output pins. The Universal SPI Interface includes multiple latches, buffers, and in an alternative embodiment, a multiplexer, configured together such that a Universal SPI interface is provided that can be readily reconfigured using only input signals to provide compatibility across multiple bus interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Spence, Jason R. Fender, Michael L. Fraser
  • Publication number: 20170111014
    Abstract: An embodiment of an amplifier system includes a modifiable signal adjustment device with an RF signal adjustment circuit coupled between first and second nodes. The RF signal adjustment circuit includes an adjustable phase shifter and an adjustable attenuator coupled in series with each other. The device also includes a memory and a controller circuit. The controller circuit retrieves a phase shift value and an attenuation value from the memory. The controller circuit then controls the adjustable phase shifter to apply a phase shift corresponding to the phase shift value to an input RF signal received at the first node, and controls the adjustable attenuator to apply an attenuation corresponding to the attenuation value to the input RF signal. Applying the phase shift and the attenuation results in an output RF signal at the second node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph Staudinger, Abdulrhman M. S. Ahmed, Paul R. Hart, Monte G. Miller, Nicholas J. Spence
  • Publication number: 20160094187
    Abstract: An embodiment of an amplifier system includes a modifiable signal adjustment device with an RF signal adjustment circuit coupled between first and second nodes. The RF signal adjustment circuit includes an adjustable phase shifter and an adjustable attenuator coupled in series with each other. The device also includes a memory and a controller circuit. The controller circuit retrieves a phase shift value and an attenuation value from the memory. The controller circuit then controls the adjustable phase shifter to apply a phase shift corresponding to the phase shift value to an input RF signal received at the first node, and controls the adjustable attenuator to apply an attenuation corresponding to the attenuation value to the input RF signal. Applying the phase shift and the attenuation results in an output RF signal at the second node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: JOSEPH STAUDINGER, ABDULRHMAN M.S. AHMED, PAUL R. HART, MONTE G. MILLER, NICHOLAS J. SPENCE
  • Publication number: 20150074319
    Abstract: A Universal SPI Interface is provided that is compatible, without the need for additional interface logic or software, with the SPI bus, existing DSA and other serial busses similar to (but not directly compatible with) the SPI bus, and parallel busses requiring compatibility with 74xx164-type signaling. In an additional aspect, a reduced-pincount Universal SPI Interface is provided that provides the same universal interface, but using fewer external output pins. The Universal SPI Interface includes multiple latches, buffers, and in an alternative embodiment, a multiplexer, configured together such that a Universal SPI interface is provided that can be readily reconfigured using only input signals to provide compatibility across multiple bus interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Spence, Jason R. Fender, Michael L. Fraser
  • Patent number: 5572482
    Abstract: A method for building a compilable static RAM (SRAM). A central block structure (54) is formed which includes clock buffers (28), a delayed clock buffer (29), row address buffers (27), row deselect circuits (21), row driver circuits (22), output level translators, and a databus interface. A memory block macro (35) is built which includes a block of memory, precharge circuits, multiplexers, read/write multiplexers, and sense amplifiers. If multiple memory blocks are used a block deselect circuit (39) and row/block decoders (38) must be added to the memory block macro (35). A row and block deselection process is used in the SRAM architecture to simplify compilability and enhance speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Hoshizaki, Jerome A. Grula, Nicholas J. Spence
  • Patent number: 5425035
    Abstract: A data analyzer for use in BIST circuitry has been provided. The data analyzer allows both comparison analysis and signature analysis to be performed on a circuit response data stream. The data analyzer includes a plurality of data registers which are serially-coupled and where each data register is capable of performing comparison analysis and signature analysis on one data bit of the circuit response data stream. This allows the circuit under test can be completely and thoroughly tested for faults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Spence, Jerome A. Grula, Glen D. Caby
  • Patent number: 5222066
    Abstract: A self-test that is variable to test an SRAM that is embedded on a semiconductor die is achieved. The self-test is performed by a modular self-test circuitry that can be varied to permit generating addresses, and data patterns for various SRAM architectures and sizes. An address block develops addresses which define a test location or test word within the SRAM. The address block also develops a time delay which is used during a data retention test. A data block develops test patterns that are written into SRAM test locations. The data block also analyzes data read from SRAM test locations or test words. Both the address block and the data block are formed by combining a number of individual address or data cells, thereby providing addresses and data patterns for a variety of different SRAM configurations. A control block operates the address block, the data block, and the SRAM to perform two memory tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome A. Grula, Gary W. Hoshizaki, Nicholas J. Spence