Patents by Inventor Nicolas Moeneclaey
Nicolas Moeneclaey 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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Patent number: 12259273Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor having pixels, each pixel having photodiodes having each a terminal coupled to a first node associated with the photodiode; and an amplifier having a first part and, for each photodiode, a second part associated with the photodiode. The first part includes an output of the amplifier and a first MOS transistor of a differential pair. Each second part includes a second MOS transistor of the differential pair having its gate coupled to the first node associated with the photodiode the second part is associated with; a first switch coupling a source of the second transistor to the first part of the amplifier; and a second switch coupling a drain of the second transistor to the first part of the amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2022Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignees: STMICROELECTRONICS (RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT) LIMITED, STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SASInventors: Jeffrey M. Raynor, Nicolas Moeneclaey
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Publication number: 20250030577Abstract: A device includes first and second terminals configured to be respectively connected to first and second conductors of a differential two-wire bus. First and second identical resistive dividing bridges are connected between a reference node and respectively first and second nodes. Third and fourth identical resistive dividing bridges are connected between a supply node and respectively the first and second nodes. A reading circuit is configured to determine a binary state of the bus from the currents flowing through transistors of the reading circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2024Publication date: January 23, 2025Inventors: Nicolas Moeneclaey, Gilles Troussel, Christophe Tourniol
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Publication number: 20240356784Abstract: The present disclosure relates to device including first and second terminals connected to a bus, third and fourth terminals connected to power supply and reference potentials. A first transistor and a first resistor are in series between the first terminal and a first diode connected to the third terminal. A second resistor, a second transistor and a second diode are in series between the first and fourth terminals. A third transistor and a third resistor are in series between the first diode and the second terminal. A fourth resistor, a fourth transistor and a third diode are in series between the second and fourth terminals. At each consecutive transmission of a dominant bit and of a recessive bit, a circuit sets the transistors at the ON state during a time period starting with the recessive bit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2024Publication date: October 24, 2024Inventors: Nicolas Moeneclaey, Gilles Troussel, Christophe Tourniol
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Patent number: 12028639Abstract: A photosensitive device includes a peripheral circuit semiconductor region, a photosensitive circuit semiconductor region including at least one group of at least two photosensitive elements configured to generate a photoelectric signal on a node called critical node. The device further includes an integrator circuit per group of photosensitive elements, each including: a differential circuit for each photosensitive element of the group, in the photosensitive circuit semiconductor region, an amplification circuit, in the peripheral circuit semiconductor region, and a feedback circuit for each photosensitive element of the group, comprising a capacitive element located in the photosensitive circuit semiconductor region coupled between the output node of the amplification circuit and the respective critical node.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2022Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Alps) SAS, STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SASInventors: Nicolas Moeneclaey, Samuel Foulon
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Patent number: 12015243Abstract: A laser diode driver circuit includes a first pair of contacts and connectors coupled to an anode of the laser diode. An inductance of each of the first pair of contacts and connectors is the same. A second pair of contacts and connectors are coupled to a cathode of the laser diode. An inductance of each of the second pair of contacts and connectors is the same. The laser diode driver circuit also includes current driving circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2022Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignees: STMICROELECTRONICS (RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ) LIMITED, STMICROELECTRONICS (GRENOBLE 2) SASInventors: Denise Tingxi Lee, Neale Dutton, Nicolas Moeneclaey, Jerome Andriot-Ballet
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Patent number: 11994424Abstract: In an embodiment a method for measuring ambient light includes successively synchronizing optical signal acquisition phases with extinction phases of a disruptive light source, wherein the disruptive light source periodically provides illumination phases and the extinction phases, accumulating, in each acquisition phase, photo-generated charges by at least one photosensitive pixel comprising a pinned photodiode, wherein an area of the pinned photodiode is less than or equal to 1/10 of an area of the at least one photosensitive pixel, transferring, for each pixel, the accumulated photo-generated charges to a sensing node, converting, for each pixel, the transferred charges to a voltage at a voltage node and converting, for each pixel, the transferred charges to a digital number.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2022Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS, STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited, STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SASInventors: Pierre Malinge, Frédéric Lalanne, Jeffrey M. Raynor, Nicolas Moeneclaey
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Patent number: 11855654Abstract: A successive approximation analog-to-digital converter includes a digital-to-analog converter DAC configured to receive a digital signal. First conversion units of the DAC are configured to sample an analog signal via a first switch and provide a first level voltage. Each first conversion unit includes a first capacitor array and a first switch array controlled from the digital signal. A single second conversion unit of the DAC is configured to provide a second level voltage. The second conversion unit includes a second capacitor array and a second switch array. A comparator operates to compare each of the first level voltages to the second level voltage and to provide a comparison signal based on each comparison and actuation of a set of third switches. A control circuit closes the first switches simultaneously and closes the third switches successively for the conversion of each sampled analog signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS, STMicroelectronics International N.V.Inventors: Nicolas Moeneclaey, Sri Ram Gupta
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Patent number: 11808624Abstract: In an embodiment a method for measuring ambient light includes successively synchronizing optical signal acquisition phases with extinction phases of a disruptive light source, wherein the disruptive light source periodically provides illumination phases and the extinction phases, accumulating, in each acquisition phase, photo-generated charges by at least one photosensitive pixel comprising a pinned photodiode, transferring the accumulated photo-generated charges to an integration node and integrating, for each pixel, the transferred charges on the integration node during a series of the successive acquisition phases.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SASInventor: Nicolas Moeneclaey
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Publication number: 20230291366Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device comprising a first transimpedance amplifier comprising a first amplification stage with a first MOS transistor, a second transimpedance amplifier comprising a second amplification stage with a second MOS transistor, and a current source series-connected with the first and second amplification stages, the current source having a first terminal coupled to the drain of the first MOS transistor and a second terminal coupled to the drain of the second MOS transistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Vratislav Michal, Nicolas Moeneclaey, Jean-Luc Patry
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Patent number: 11713998Abstract: According to one aspect, an ambient-light sensor includes a photodiode configured to generate an electrical signal according to an ambient light, a capacitive-feedback transimpedance amplifier connected at its input to the photodiode for receiving a signal generated by the photodiode and for generating as an output an amplified signal from the signal generated by the photodiode, and an auto-zero switch at the input of the capacitive-feedback transimpedance amplifier. The ambient-light sensor further includes a control circuit including a bootstrap circuit configured to receive an initial positive- or zero-voltage logic control signal, and then generate, from this initial logic control signal, an adapted logic control signal having a first positive voltage level and a second negative voltage control level for controlling the auto-zero switch.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignees: STMICROELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL N.V., STMICROELECTRONICS (GRENOBLE 2) SASInventors: Nicolas Moeneclaey, Sri Ram Gupta, Sarika Kushwaha
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Publication number: 20230154919Abstract: In embodiments, an integrated circuit is provided that includes an input/output cell having a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal connected to a domain and capable of withstanding a maximum voltage greater than the power supply voltage. The input/output cell further includes an array of N diodes coupled in series between the second signal terminal and a cold power supply point. The array has an overall threshold voltage greater than the maximum voltage. The integrated circuit further includes a control circuit connected between the first signal terminal and the array of diodes. The control circuit is configured, in the presence of a second voltage on the first signal terminal greater than the maximum voltage, to automatically and autonomously short-circuit at least one of the diodes in the array to limit the voltage on the second signal terminal to a third voltage less than the maximum voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2022Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Nicolas Moeneclaey, Jean-Luc Patry
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Publication number: 20230045492Abstract: A driver circuit includes a fly capacitor with a first end and a second end. The driver circuit includes a laser diode having an anode and a cathode. The driver circuit is configured to operate in first and second operating states. The anode is coupled to the first end of the fly capacitor. In the first operating state, the cathode is coupled to a first voltage supply node, the first end of the fly capacitor is coupled to a second voltage supply node, and the second end of the fly capacitor is coupled to a first reference terminal. In the second operating state, the cathode is coupled to a second reference terminal and decoupled from the first voltage supply node, the first end of the fly capacitor is decoupled from the second voltage supply node, and the second end of the fly capacitor is coupled to a third reference terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: Samuel Rigault, Nicolas Moeneclaey, Xavier Branca
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Patent number: 11563303Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of optical pulse emission including three phases. During a first phase, a capacitor is charged from a supply voltage node. During a second phase, a voltage stored on the capacitor is boosted, and then the capacitor is at least partially discharged through a light emitting device. During a third phase, the capacitor is further discharged by bypassing the light emitting device. The third phase may begin prior to an end of the second phase.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS, STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) LimitedInventors: Nicolas Moeneclaey, Shatabda Saha
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Publication number: 20220373388Abstract: According to one aspect, an ambient-light sensor includes a photodiode configured to generate an electrical signal according to an ambient light, a capacitive-feedback transimpedance amplifier connected at its input to the photodiode for receiving a signal generated by the photodiode and for generating as an output an amplified signal from the signal generated by the photodiode, and an auto-zero switch at the input of the capacitive-feedback transimpedance amplifier. The ambient-light sensor further includes a control circuit including a bootstrap circuit configured to receive an initial positive- or zero-voltage logic control signal, and then generate, from this initial logic control signal, an adapted logic control signal having a first positive voltage level and a second negative voltage control level for controlling the auto-zero switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Inventors: Nicolas Moeneclaey, Sri Ram Gupta, Sarika Kushwaha
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Publication number: 20220341779Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor having pixels, each pixel having photodiodes having each a terminal coupled to a first node associated with the photodiode; and an amplifier having a first part and, for each photodiode, a second part associated with the photodiode. The first part includes an output of the amplifier and a first MOS transistor of a differential pair. Each second part includes a second MOS transistor of the differential pair having its gate coupled to the first node associated with the photodiode the second part is associated with; a first switch coupling a source of the second transistor to the first part of the amplifier; and a second switch coupling a drain of the second transistor to the first part of the amplifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Jeffrey M. Raynor, Nicolas Moeneclaey
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Patent number: 11482836Abstract: A driver circuit includes a fly capacitor with a first end and a second end. The driver circuit includes a laser diode having an anode and a cathode. The driver circuit is configured to operate in first and second operating states. The anode is coupled to the first end of the fly capacitor. In the first operating state, the cathode is coupled to a first voltage supply node, the first end of the fly capacitor is coupled to a second voltage supply node, and the second end of the fly capacitor is coupled to a first reference terminal. In the second operating state, the cathode is coupled to a second reference terminal and decoupled from the first voltage supply node, the first end of the fly capacitor is decoupled from the second voltage supply node, and the second end of the fly capacitor is coupled to a third reference terminal.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SASInventors: Samuel Rigault, Nicolas Moeneclaey, Xavier Branca
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Publication number: 20220295007Abstract: A photosensitive device includes a peripheral circuit semiconductor region, a photosensitive circuit semiconductor region including at least one group of at least two photosensitive elements configured to generate a photoelectric signal on a node called critical node. The device further includes an integrator circuit per group of photosensitive elements, each including: a differential circuit for each photosensitive element of the group, in the photosensitive circuit semiconductor region, an amplification circuit, in the peripheral circuit semiconductor region, and a feedback circuit for each photosensitive element of the group, comprising a capacitive element located in the photosensitive circuit semiconductor region coupled between the output node of the amplification circuit and the respective critical node.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Nicolas Moeneclaey, Samuel Foulon
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Publication number: 20220155143Abstract: In an embodiment a method for measuring ambient light includes successively synchronizing optical signal acquisition phases with extinction phases of a disruptive light source, wherein the disruptive light source periodically provides illumination phases and the extinction phases, accumulating, in each acquisition phase, photo-generated charges by at least one photosensitive pixel comprising a pinned photodiode, transferring the accumulated photo-generated charges to an integration node and integrating, for each pixel, the transferred charges on the integration node during a series of the successive acquisition phases.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2021Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventor: Nicolas Moeneclaey
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Patent number: 11336076Abstract: A laser diode driver circuit includes a first pair of contacts and connectors coupled to an anode of the laser diode. An inductance of each of the first pair of contacts and connectors is the same. A second pair of contacts and connectors are coupled to a cathode of the laser diode. An inductance of each of the second pair of contacts and connectors is the same. The laser diode driver circuit also includes current driving circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignees: STMICROELECTRONICS (RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT) LIMITED, STMICROELECTRONICS (GRENOBLE 2) SASInventors: Denise Lee, Neale Dutton, Nicolas Moeneclaey, Jerome Andriot-Ballet
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Patent number: 11211770Abstract: A circuit includes a laser diode and a switched-capacitance charge pump coupled to control the laser diode. The charge pump can include a capacitor and a switching circuit that is capable of triggering a charge and discharge of the capacitor. The switching circuit can include a switch and an inverting circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (GRENOBLE 2) SASInventors: Samuel Rigault, Nicolas Moeneclaey