Patents by Inventor Nicola Rasera
Nicola Rasera 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: 20240106328Abstract: A phase-locked loop (PLL)-based power converter is disclosed. A power converter includes a switch circuit having a switch node coupled to a regulated power supply node via an inductor and configured to source a supply current to the regulated power supply node using one or more control signals. A control circuit performs a phase-frequency comparison of a reference clock signal and a switching frequency of the switch circuit and generate a control voltage using results of the phase-frequency comparison. The control circuit further generates a control current using the control voltage, a voltage of the regulated power supply node, and a duty cycle of the switch circuit, and a demand current using the voltage level of the regulated power supply node and a reference voltage. Using the demand current, the control current, and a sensed version of the supply current, the control circuit generates the one or more control signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2022Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Andrea Acquas, Angelo Bassi, Federico Rossini, Nicola Rasera
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Publication number: 20240096291Abstract: Systems and methods for electronic displays to use reference voltages to control driving current of illuminators are provided. The reference voltages are used to reduce or eliminate cross talk in driving voltages among different illuminators and driving voltage variations from frame to frame. The transient performance of the driving current of the illuminator (e.g., the current rise/decline time, current overshoot issue, current settling time) may be improved by implementing the reference voltages.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Ming Sun, Nicola Rasera, Robert D Zucker, Johan L Piper, Denis M Darmon, Fabio Ongaro, Xiaofeng Wang
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Publication number: 20240088787Abstract: A multi-level power converter circuit for computer systems maintains phase alignment with other power converter circuits by employing low-gain phase-locked loop circuits. In order to account for different voltage levels on its terminal nodes, the power converter circuit may perform a comparison of the respective voltage levels of its terminal nodes. Using results of the comparison, the power converter circuit can select different regulation modes using different ones of the low-gain phase-locked loop circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2022Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Michael Couleur, Nicola Rasera, Nikola Jovanovic
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Publication number: 20230336167Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for cross-conduction detection. An example apparatus includes a cross detector circuit including a first transistor and a second transistor, the first transistor coupled to a load, a third transistor coupled to a first controlled delay circuit and the first transistor, a fourth transistor coupled to a second controlled delay circuit and to the third transistor at a phase node, and a control circuit coupled to the first controlled delay circuit, the second controlled delay circuit, and the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Inventors: Gaetano Maria Walter Petrina, Michael Lueders, Nicola Rasera
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Patent number: 11728798Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for cross-conduction detection. An example apparatus includes a cross detector circuit including a first transistor and a second transistor, the first transistor coupled to a load, a third transistor coupled to a first controlled delay circuit and the first transistor, a fourth transistor coupled to a second controlled delay circuit and to the third transistor at a phase node, and a control circuit coupled to the first controlled delay circuit, the second controlled delay circuit, and the load.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Gaetano Maria Walter Petrina, Michael Lueders, Nicola Rasera
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Patent number: 11594967Abstract: A hysteretic current control switching power converter with a clock-controlled switching frequency is disclosed. A power converter includes a switching circuit including a high side switch and a low side switch coupled to one another at a switching node, with an inductor being coupled between the switching node and a regulated supply voltage node. The power converter further includes a control circuit configured to alternately cause activation of the high side switch and the low side switch, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate the low side switch in response to a first voltage reaching peak threshold value, the first voltage corresponding to a current through the inductor. A ramp voltage circuit is configured to, in response to a clock signal, generate a ramp voltage, wherein the peak threshold value is based on the ramp voltage.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael Couleur, Nicola Rasera, Nikola Jovanovic, Pietro Gabriele Gambetta
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Publication number: 20220345040Abstract: A hysteretic current control switching power converter with a clock-controlled switching frequency is disclosed. A power converter includes a switching circuit including a high side switch and a low side switch coupled to one another at a switching node, with an inductor being coupled between the switching node and a regulated supply voltage node. The power converter further includes a control circuit configured to alternately cause activation of the high side switch and the low side switch, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate the low side switch in response to a first voltage reaching peak threshold value, the first voltage corresponding to a current through the inductor. A ramp voltage circuit is configured to, in response to a clock signal, generate a ramp voltage, wherein the peak threshold value is based on the ramp voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2021Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Michael Couleur, Nicola Rasera, Nikola Jovanovic, Pietro Gabriele Gambetta
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Patent number: 11381172Abstract: A control system with a voltage-to-time converter for combined buck-boost converter using a single inductor. The system includes a voltage-to-time converter circuit having first and second inputs coupled to receive first and second voltage signals, respectively. The voltage-to- time converter includes a comparator configured to compare the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal and to generate a comparator output signal at a first level if the first voltage is greater than the second voltage and at a second level if the second voltage is greater than the first voltage. The voltage-to-time converter further includes an output circuit configured to generate first and second output signals based on the comparator output signal. The output circuit is configured to provide a selected one of the first or second output signals at the first level for a duration dependent on a difference between respective voltages of the first and second voltage signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael Couleur, Nicola Rasera, Siarhei Meliukh
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Publication number: 20210247827Abstract: A power converter circuit that includes a switch circuit, and multiple phase and amplifier circuits, may generate a voltage level on a regulated power supply node of a computer system. The amplifier circuits may generate respective demand currents using a voltage level of the regulated power supply node and a reference voltage. In response to activation of a multi-phase operating mode, the switch circuit may short the outputs of the amplifier circuits to generate a common demand current. The multiple phase circuits may sequentially source current to regulated power supply node using the common demand current.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2020Publication date: August 12, 2021Inventors: Michael Couleur, Nicola Rasera, Siarhei Meliukh
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Patent number: 11086378Abstract: A power converter circuit that includes a switch circuit, and multiple phase and amplifier circuits, may generate a voltage level on a regulated power supply node of a computer system. The amplifier circuits may generate respective demand currents using a voltage level of the regulated power supply node and a reference voltage. In response to activation of a multi-phase operating mode, the switch circuit may short the outputs of the amplifier circuits to generate a common demand current. The multiple phase circuits may sequentially source current to regulated power supply node using the common demand current.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2020Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael Couleur, Nicola Rasera, Siarhei Meliukh
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Publication number: 20210126539Abstract: A DC-DC converter that provides both buck and boost voltages using a single inductor is disclosed. The DC-DC converter includes an H-bridge circuit having an inductor having first and second terminals, and a number of switches. The switches include a first switch coupled between the second inductor terminal and a boost voltage node, a second switch coupled between the second inductor terminal and a buck voltage node, and a third switch coupled between the first inductor terminal and an input voltage node. A control circuit is coupled to activate the switches in accordance with a number of different phases such that a buck voltage (e.g., less than the input voltage) is provided on the buck voltage node, while a boost voltage (e.g., greater than the input voltage) is provided on the boost voltage node.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2020Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Michael Couleur, Nicola Rasera, Siarhei Meliukh
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Patent number: 10804803Abstract: A DC-DC converter that provides both buck and boost voltages using a single inductor is disclosed. The DC-DC converter includes an H-bridge circuit having an inductor having first and second terminals, and a number of switches. The switches include a first switch coupled between the second inductor terminal and a boost voltage node, a second switch coupled between the second inductor terminal and a buck voltage node, and a third switch coupled between the first inductor terminal and an input voltage node. A control circuit is coupled to activate the switches in accordance with a number of different phases such that a buck voltage (e.g., less than the input voltage) is provided on the buck voltage node, while a boost voltage (e.g., greater than the input voltage) is provided on the boost voltage node.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael Couleur, Nicola Rasera, Siarhei Meliukh
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Patent number: 10763748Abstract: Disclosed examples include inverting buck-boost DC-DC converter circuits with a switching circuit to alternate between first and second buck mode phases for buck operation in a first mode, including connecting an inductor and a capacitor in series between an input node and a reference node to charge the inductor and the capacitor in the first buck mode phase, and connecting the inductor and the capacitor in parallel between an output node and the reference node to discharge the inductor and the capacitor to the output node.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Ivan Shumkov, Erich Bayer, Joerg Kirchner, Ruediger Ganz, Michael Lueders, Martin Priess, Nicola Rasera
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Patent number: 10707761Abstract: A power converter circuit included in a computer system may charge and discharge a switch node coupled to a regulated power supply node via an inductor. During a charge cycle, the power converter circuit may generate a reference ramp signal that has an initial voltage level greater than that of the switch node. The power converter may also generate a sense ramp signal using the voltage level of the switch node, and halt the charge cycle using results of a comparison of the respective voltage levels of the reference ramp signal and the sense ramp signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael Couleur, Andrea Acquas, Nicola Rasera
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Publication number: 20200127652Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for cross-conduction detection. An example apparatus includes a cross detector circuit including a first transistor and a second transistor, the first transistor coupled to a load, a third transistor coupled to a first controlled delay circuit and the first transistor, a fourth transistor coupled to a second controlled delay circuit and to the third transistor at a phase node, and a control circuit coupled to the first controlled delay circuit, the second controlled delay circuit, and the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: Gaetano Maria Walter Petrina, Michael Lueders, Nicola Rasera
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Patent number: 10547296Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for cross-conduction detection. An example apparatus includes a cross detector circuit including a first transistor and a second transistor, the first transistor coupled to a load, a third transistor coupled to a first controlled delay circuit and the first transistor, a fourth transistor coupled to a second controlled delay circuit and to the third transistor at a phase node, and a control circuit coupled to the first controlled delay circuit, the second controlled delay circuit, and the load.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Gaetano Maria Walter Petrina, Michael Lueders, Nicola Rasera
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Patent number: 10447161Abstract: In an example, a dual-phase inverting buck-boost power converter for use with at least first and second energy storage elements includes an inverting buck-boost power converter and an inverting boost converter. In an example, the inverting buck-boost power converter is coupled between an input node and an output node of the dual-phase inverting buck-boost power converter and includes a first plurality of switches operable to couple to the first energy storage element, wherein the inverting buck-boost power converter is operable to supply a first load current. In an example, the inverting boost converter is coupled in parallel with the inverting buck-boost power converter between the input node and the output node of the dual-phase inverting buck-boost power converter and includes a second plurality of switches operable to couple to the first and the second energy storage elements, wherein the inverting boost converter is operable to supply a second load current.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Erich Bayer, Ivan Shumkov, Nicola Rasera, Stefan Reithmaier, Roland Bucksch, Christian Rott, Florian Neveu
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Publication number: 20190052173Abstract: Disclosed examples include inverting buck-boost DC-DC converter circuits with a switching circuit to alternate between first and second buck mode phases for buck operation in a first mode, including connecting an inductor and a capacitor in series between an input node and a reference node to charge the inductor and the capacitor in the first buck mode phase, and connecting the inductor and the capacitor in parallel between an output node and the reference node to discharge the inductor and the capacitor to the output node.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Ivan Shumkov, Erich Bayer, Joerg Kirchner, Ruediger Ganz, Michael Lueders, Martin Priess, Nicola Rasera
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Publication number: 20180351539Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for cross-conduction detection. An example apparatus includes a cross detector circuit including a first transistor and a second transistor, the first transistor coupled to a load, a third transistor coupled to a first controlled delay circuit and the first transistor, a fourth transistor coupled to a second controlled delay circuit and to the third transistor at a phase node, and a control circuit coupled to the first controlled delay circuit, the second controlled delay circuit, and the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Gaetano Maria Walter Petrina, Michael Lueders, Nicola Rasera
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Publication number: 20180287496Abstract: In an example, a dual-phase inverting buck-boost power converter for use with at least first and second energy storage elements includes an inverting buck-boost power converter and an inverting boost converter. In an example, the inverting buck-boost power converter is coupled between an input node and an output node of the dual-phase inverting buck-boost power converter and includes a first plurality of switches operable to couple to the first energy storage element, wherein the inverting buck-boost power converter is operable to supply a first load current. In an example, the inverting boost converter is coupled in parallel with the inverting buck-boost power converter between the input node and the output node of the dual-phase inverting buck-boost power converter and includes a second plurality of switches operable to couple to the first and the second energy storage elements, wherein the inverting boost converter is operable to supply a second load current.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Erich BAYER, Ivan SHUMKOV, Nicola RASERA, Stefan REITHMAIER, Roland BUCKSCH, Christian ROTT, Florian NEVEU