Patents by Inventor Nicola Ghittori

Nicola Ghittori 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: 10554449
    Abstract: A transceiver system compensates for baseline wandering in an analog signal in the analog stage before sampling the analog signal and processing the analog signal in the digital stage. The transceiver system includes an analog to digital converter that samples the analog signal after baseline wandering compensation, a digital equalizer to condition the digital samples, and the slicer to determine transmitted symbols from the digital samples. The transceiver system includes a subtraction block that determines the difference between an input and an output of the slicer, a digital to analog converter that converts a difference between the input and the output of the slicer, a low pass filter that filters out high frequency components of the difference between the input and the output of the slicer thereby to extract out the baseline wandering, and a signal summation circuit that subtracts the baseline wandering from the analog signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: eSilicon Corporation
    Inventors: Nicola Ghittori, Claudio Nani, Giovanni Cesura
  • Patent number: 10469096
    Abstract: A receiver system that includes an ADC for converting analog values to digital representations. A digital representation is a sum of discrete values some of which are non-binary scaled and the other are binary scaled. The ADC includes dedicated comparators to determine whether to add or to subtract the non-binary scaled values. A comparator is used to determine whether to add or to subtract the binary scaled values. The ADC further calibrates offset voltages of the comparators to substantially remove dead zone and conversion errors, without compromising the conversion speed. The calibration can be performed both in foreground and background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: eSilicon Corporation
    Inventors: Nicola Ghittori, Claudio Nani, Enrico Monaco
  • Patent number: 10454491
    Abstract: A receiver system that includes an ADC for converting analog values to digital representations. A digital representation is a sum of discrete values some of which are non-binary scaled and the other are binary scaled. The ADC includes dedicated comparators to determine whether to add or to subtract the non-binary scaled values. A comparator is used to determine whether to add or to subtract the binary scaled values. The ADC further calibrates offset voltages of the comparators to substantially remove dead zone and conversion errors, without compromising the conversion speed. The calibration can be performed both in foreground and background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: eSilicon Corporation
    Inventors: Nicola Ghittori, Claudio Nani, Enrico Monaco
  • Patent number: 9954549
    Abstract: A hybrid digital-to-analog converter including a charge-sharing digital-to-analog converter and a charge redistribution digital-to-analog converter is provided. The charge-sharing digital-to-analog converter is configured to receive a digital input signal having multiple bits. The bits include a most-significant-bit and a least-significant-bit. The charge-sharing digital-to-analog converter is configured to convert the most-significant-bit to provide a first portion of an analog signal and selectively share charges of first capacitors during a successive approximation of the most-significant-bit. The charge redistribution digital-to-analog converter is configured to convert the least-significant-bit to provide a second portion of the analog signal. The charge redistribution digital-to-analog converter performs charge redistribution by selectively connecting second capacitors to receive reference voltages during a successive approximation of the least-significant-bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: MARVELL WORLD TRADE LTD.
    Inventors: Alessandro Venca, Claudio Nani, Nicola Ghittori, Alessandro Bosi
  • Publication number: 20170250702
    Abstract: A hybrid digital-to-analog converter including a charge-sharing digital-to-analog converter and a charge redistribution digital-to-analog converter is provided. The charge-sharing digital-to-analog converter is configured to receive a digital input signal having multiple bits. The bits include a most-significant-bit and a least-significant-bit. The charge-sharing digital-to-analog converter is configured to convert the most-significant-bit to provide a first portion of an analog signal and selectively share charges of first capacitors during a successive approximation of the most-significant-bit. The charge redistribution digital-to-analog converter is configured to convert the least-significant-bit to provide a second portion of the analog signal. The charge redistribution digital-to-analog converter performs charge redistribution by selectively connecting second capacitors to receive reference voltages during a successive approximation of the least-significant-bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Alessandro Venca, Claudio Nani, Nicola Ghittori, Alessandro Bosi
  • Patent number: 9660662
    Abstract: An A/D converter including first and second A/D converters and a recombination module. The first A/D converter receives an analog input signal, converts the analog input signal to a first digital signal, and includes a successive approximation module, which performs a successive approximation to generate the first digital signal. The second A/D converter converts an analog output of the first A/D converter to a second digital signal. The analog output of the first A/D converter is generated based on the analog input signal. The second A/D converter is a fine conversion A/D converter relative to the first A/D converter. The second A/D converter performs the delta-sigma conversion process and includes a decimation filter that suppresses noise which reduces amplification and power consumption requirements of the first A/D converter and performs a delta-sigma decimation process to generate the second digital signal based on the analog output of the first A/D converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: MARVELL WORLD TRADTE LTD.
    Inventors: Alessandro Venca, Claudio Nani, Nicola Ghittori, Alessandro Bosi
  • Patent number: 9654132
    Abstract: A hybrid D/A converter is provided including first and second D/A converters. The first D/A converter receives a digital signal having an input voltage and converts a first most-significant-bit of the digital signal to be converted to an analog signal. The first D/A converter includes first capacitors, which are charged by the input voltage and reference voltages during a sampling phase of the digital signal. Charges of the first capacitors are shared during successive approximations of first bits of the digital input signal received by the hybrid D/A converter. The second D/A converter converts a first least-significant-bit of the digital input signal. The second D/A converter includes second capacitors, which are charged based on a common mode voltage during the sampling phase. The second D/A converter performs charge redistribution by connecting the second capacitors to receive the reference voltages during successive approximations of second bits of the digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: MARVELL WORLD TRADE LTD.
    Inventors: Alessandro Venca, Claudio Nani, Nicola Ghittori, Alessandro Bosi
  • Patent number: 9654130
    Abstract: An A/D converter including a sample and hold circuit, first and second A/D converters and a combination circuit. The sample and hold circuit samples an analog input signal to generate bits. The first A/D converter generate a first digital signal based on the analog input signal and includes charge-sharing and charge-redistribution D/A converters that convert respectively a most-significant-bit and a first least significant bit. The first digital signal is generated based on outputs of the charge-sharing and charge redistribution D/A converters. The second A/D converter generates a second digital signal based on an output of the first A/D converter and includes a delta sigma D/A converter, which converts a second least significant bit. The second digital signal is generated based on an output of the delta sigma D/A converter. The second A/D converter is a fine conversion A/D converter relative to the first A/D converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Alessandro Venca, Claudio Nani, Nicola Ghittori, Alessandro Bosi
  • Publication number: 20170012636
    Abstract: A hybrid D/A converter is provided including first and second D/A converters. The first D/A converter receives a digital signal having an input voltage and converts a first most-significant-bit of the digital signal to be converted to an analog signal. The first D/A converter includes first capacitors, which are charged by the input voltage and reference voltages during a sampling phase of the digital signal. Charges of the first capacitors are shared during successive approximations of first bits of the digital input signal received by the hybrid D/A converter. The second D/A converter converts a first least-significant-bit of the digital input signal. The second D/A converter includes second capacitors, which are charged based on a common mode voltage during the sampling phase. The second D/A converter performs charge redistribution by connecting the second capacitors to receive the reference voltages during successive approximations of second bits of the digital signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Alessandro Venca, Claudio Nani, Nicola Ghittori, Alessandro Bosi
  • Publication number: 20170012633
    Abstract: An A/D converter including a sample and hold circuit, first and second A/D converters and a combination circuit. The sample and hold circuit samples an analog input signal to generate bits. The first A/D converter generate a first digital signal based on the analog input signal and includes charge-sharing and charge-redistribution D/A converters that convert respectively a most-significant-bit and a first least significant bit. The first digital signal is generated based on outputs of the charge-sharing and charge redistribution D/A converters. The second A/D converter generates a second digital signal based on an output of the first A/D converter and includes a delta sigma D/A converter, which converts a second least significant bit. The second digital signal is generated based on an output of the delta sigma D/A converter. The second A/D converter is a fine conversion A/D converter relative to the first A/D converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Alessandro Venca, Claudio Nani, Nicola Ghittori, Alessandro Bosi
  • Publication number: 20170012637
    Abstract: An A/D converter including first and second A/D converters and a recombination module. The first A/D converter receives an analog input signal, converts the analog input signal to a first digital signal, and includes a successive approximation module, which performs a successive approximation to generate the first digital signal. The second A/D converter converts an analog output of the first A/D converter to a second digital signal. The analog output of the first A/D converter is generated based on the analog input signal. The second A/D converter is a fine conversion A/D converter relative to the first A/D converter. The second A/D converter performs the delta-sigma conversion process and includes a decimation filter that suppresses noise which reduces amplification and power consumption requirements of the first A/D converter and performs a delta-sigma decimation process to generate the second digital signal based on the analog output of the first A/D converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: ALESSANDRO VENCA, CLAUDIO NANI, NICOLA GHITTORI, ALESSANDRO BOSI
  • Patent number: 7705635
    Abstract: In a circuit to convert a first logic signal having a first range to a second logic signal having a second range, a first metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor selectively couples an output node to a first reference voltage when the output node is to be in a first state. A source-follower circuit includes a current source and a source follower output, and the source follower output is coupled to the output node. A second MOS transistor selectively couples the source-follower circuit to a second reference voltage when the output node is to be in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Francesco Rezzi, Nicola Ghittori, Giovanni Antonio Cesura, Shafiq M. Jamal
  • Patent number: 7629909
    Abstract: In a circuit to convert a voltage range of a control signal, a first switch selectively couples, based on the control signal, an output node to a first reference voltage when the output node is to be in a first state. A second switch selectively establishes, based on the control signal, a second reference voltage when the output node is to be in a second state, the second state being a logical complement of the first state. A feedback control loop is coupled to the output node to maintain the second reference voltage in response to voltage fluctuation at the output node. The feedback control loop includes a current mirror and a transistor coupled to the current mirror. The transistor is controlled by feedback from the output node to modify a biasing current established by the current mirror to thereby counteract the voltage fluctuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Francesco Rezzi, Nicola Ghittori, Giovanni Antonio Cesura, Shafiq M. Jamal
  • Patent number: 7609186
    Abstract: In a circuit to convert a first logic signal having a first range to a second logic signal having a second range, a first transistor selectively couples an output node to a first reference voltage when the output node is to be in a first state. A second transistor selectively discharges the output node toward a second reference voltage via a resistor when the output node is to transition from the first state to a second state, the second state being a logical complement of the first state. A source-follower circuit has a source follower output coupled to the output node and has a dynamic current source, the dynamic current source having a control input coupled to the resistor. A third transistor selectively couples the source follower output to the dynamic current source when the output node is to be in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Francesco Rezzi, Nicola Ghittori, Giovanni Antonio Cesura, Shafiq M. Jamal
  • Patent number: 7605608
    Abstract: In a circuit to convert a first logic signal having a first range to a second logic signal having a second range, a first metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor selectively couples an output node to a first reference voltage when the output node is to be in a first state. A second MOS transistor selectively discharges the output node toward a second reference voltage when the output node is to transition from the first state to a second state, the second state a logical complement of the first state. An output of a source-follower circuit, having a current source, is coupled to the output node. A third MOS transistor selectively couples the current source of the source-follower circuit to the second reference voltage when the output node is to be in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Francesco Rezzi, Nicola Ghittori, Giovanni Antonio Cesura, Shafiq M. Jamal
  • Patent number: 7595745
    Abstract: In a circuit to convert a first logic signal having a first range to a second logic signal having a second range, a switch selectively couples an output node to a first reference voltage when the output node is to be in a first state based on the control signal. A source-follower circuit having a current source establishes a second reference voltage. A logic circuit coupled to the switch and the source-follower circuit and having a logic gate selectively discharges, in accordance with the control signal, the output node to the second reference voltage when the output node is to transition from the first state to a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Francesco Rezzi, Nicola Ghittori, Giovanni Antonio Cesura, Shafiq M. Jamal
  • Patent number: 7511649
    Abstract: In a circuit to convert a first logic signal having a first range to a second logic signal having a second range, a first metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor selectively couples an output node to a first reference voltage when the output node is to be in a first state. A second MOS transistor has a source coupled to the output node and a gate coupled to a bias voltage. A current source circuit selectively biases the second MOS transistor to act as part of a source-follower circuit when the output node is to be in a second state. Additionally, a memory circuit has an input coupled to the output node, and an output. The memory circuit is configured to temporarily store a Boolean value of the output node when the output node transitions from the first state to the second state. Further, a discharging circuit is coupled to the output node and a second reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Francesco Rezzi, Nicola Ghittori, Giovanni Antonio Cesura, Shafiq M. Jamal, Stefano Marchesi