Patents by Inventor Robert E. Whyte
Robert E. Whyte 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: 10211767Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a motor current input voltage-to-current (VI) converter that receives a motor current sensor voltage from a motor and a reference voltage to generate an output current related to a motor's current. A motor current calibration VI converter compensates for errors in the motor current input VI converter and generates a calibration output current based on the reference voltage, wherein the output current and the calibration output current are combined to form an estimate of the motor's current.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Qunying Li, Juergen Luebbe, Robert E. Whyte, Jr.
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Publication number: 20170117835Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a motor current input voltage-to-current (VI) converter that receives a motor current sensor voltage from a motor and a reference voltage to generate an output current related to a motor's current. A motor current calibration VI converter compensates for errors in the motor current input VI converter and generates a calibration output current based on the reference voltage, wherein the output current and the calibration output current are combined to form an estimate of the motor's current.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2017Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Qunying Li, Juergen Luebbe, Robert E. Whyte, JR.
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Patent number: 9575473Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a motor current input voltage-to-current (VI) converter that receives a motor current sensor voltage from a motor and a reference voltage to generate an output current related to a motor's current. A motor current calibration VI converter compensates for errors in the motor current input VI converter and generates a calibration output current based on the reference voltage, wherein the output current and the calibration output current are combined to form an estimate of the motor's current.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Qunying Li, Juergen Luebbe, Robert E. Whyte, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150346699Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a motor current input voltage-to-current (VI) converter that receives a motor current sensor voltage from a motor and a reference voltage to generate an output current related to a motor's current. A motor current calibration VI converter compensates for errors in the motor current input VI converter and generates a calibration output current based on the reference voltage, wherein the output current and the calibration output current are combined to form an estimate of the motor's current.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2015Publication date: December 3, 2015Inventors: Qunying Li, Juergen Luebbe, Robert E. Whyte, JR.
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Patent number: 9136787Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a motor current input voltage-to-current (VI) converter that receives a motor current sensor voltage from a motor and a reference voltage to generate an output current related to a motor's current. A motor current calibration VI converter compensates for errors in the motor current input VI converter and generates a calibration output current based on the reference voltage, wherein the output current and the calibration output current are combined to form an estimate of the motor's current.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Qunying Li, Juergen Luebbe, Robert E. Whyte, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140117903Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a motor current input voltage-to-current (VI) converter that receives a motor current sensor voltage from a motor and a reference voltage to generate an output current related to a motor's current. A motor current calibration VI converter compensates for errors in the motor current input VI converter and generates a calibration output current based on the reference voltage, wherein the output current and the calibration output current are combined to form an estimate of the motor's current.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Qunying LI, Juergen LUEBBE, Robert E. WHYTE, JR.
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Patent number: 7652445Abstract: A disk drive controller including a differential voice coil motor control function is disclosed. The differential voice coil motor control function includes an on-chip compensation network for the inner control loop, including a resistor formed of one or more MOS transistors connected in series. The gate of the MOS transistors in the compensation network is driven with a bias voltage based on a tuning current, where the tuning current is derived so that it varies with process and temperature variations of the integrated circuit, for example with variations in an on-chip capacitor. The on-chip compensation network can be tuned with sufficient precision to properly compensate the inner control loop to provide the desired frequency response in driving the voice coil motor in the disk drive.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Degang Xia, Robert E. Whyte, Jr.
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Patent number: 7522368Abstract: A disk drive controller including a differential voice coil motor control function is disclosed. The differential voice coil motor control function includes an on-chip compensation network for the inner control loop, including a resistor formed of one or more MOS transistors connected in series. The gate of the MOS transistors in the compensation network is driven with a bias voltage based on a tuning current, where the tuning current is derived so that it varies with process and temperature variations of the integrated circuit, for example with variations in an on-chip capacitor. The on-chip compensation network can be tuned with sufficient precision to properly compensate the inner control loop to provide the desired frequency response in driving the voice coil motor in the disk drive.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Degang Xia, Robert E. Whyte, Jr.
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Publication number: 20070236825Abstract: A disk drive controller including a differential voice coil motor control function is disclosed. The differential voice coil motor control function includes an on-chip compensation network for the inner control loop, including a resistor formed of one or more MOS transistors connected in series. The gate of the MOS transistors in the compensation network is driven with a bias voltage based on a tuning current, where the tuning current is derived so that it varies with process and temperature variations of the integrated circuit, for example with variations in an on-chip capacitor. The on-chip compensation network can be tuned with sufficient precision to properly compensate the inner control loop to provide the desired frequency response in driving the voice coil motor in the disk drive.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Degang Xia, Robert E. Whyte
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Publication number: 20070236164Abstract: A disk drive controller including a differential voice coil motor control function is disclosed. The differential voice coil motor control function includes an on-chip compensation network for the inner control loop, including a resistor formed of one or more MOS transistors connected in series. The gate of the MOS transistors in the compensation network is driven with a bias voltage based on a tuning current, where the tuning current is derived so that it varies with process and temperature variations of the integrated circuit, for example with variations in an on-chip capacitor. The on-chip compensation network can be tuned with sufficient precision to properly compensate the inner control loop to provide the desired frequency response in driving the voice coil motor in the disk drive.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Degang Xia, Robert E. Whyte
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Patent number: 7154725Abstract: The present invention relates to a hard disk drive system having overvoltage protection circuits for various types of overvoltage conditions. For example, the system comprises one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips residing on a board and a hard disk drive power plug receptacle residing on the board having two different value power supply ports associated therewith. The receptacle is operable to receive a power plug therein, wherein when the power plug is inserted therein in a proper orientation the two different value voltages are properly supplied to the one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips, and wherein when the power plug is inserted therein in an improper orientation the two different value voltages are switched with respect to their intended values. The system comprises a reverse power plug orientation protection circuit coupled between the hard disk drive power plug receptacle and at least one of the one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: James E. Chloupek, Robert E. Whyte, Jr.
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Patent number: 7106567Abstract: The present invention relates to a hard disk drive system having overvoltage protection circuits for various types of overvoltage conditions. For example, the system includes one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips residing on a board and a hard disk drive power plug receptacle residing on the board having two different value power supply ports associated therewith. The receptacle is operable to receive a power plug therein, wherein when the power plug is inserted therein in a proper orientation the two different value voltages are properly supplied to the one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips, and wherein when the power plug is inserted therein in an improper orientation the two different value voltages are switched with respect to their intended values.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: James E. Chloupek, Robert E. Whyte, Jr.
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Patent number: 6892170Abstract: The present invention provides an improved model and methodology for simulating motor performance which allow increased control accuracy at the higher currents, higher speeds, and/or higher current change rates required in modem mass storage devices. In addition, the invention provides methods for simulating motor performance, and for testing a motor commutation scheme. The model includes a plurality of phases extending between first ends joined at a center tap and second ends extending outward from the center tap to a corresponding plurality of phase taps, and a mutual inductance component disposed between two of the phases, wherein the mutual inductance and/or the phase inductance components may be a function of rotor position and/or current.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Tan Du, Robert E. Whyte, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040131343Abstract: Disclosed are circuits and circuit architectures for partitioning between a hard disk drive assembly mixed signal spindle motor driver and additional associated digital circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventors: Robert E. Whyte, Frederick W. Trafton, Liyong Chen
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Publication number: 20040095815Abstract: The present invention relates to a hard disk drive system having overvoltage protection circuits for various types of overvoltage conditions. For example, the system comprises one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips residing on a board and a hard disk drive power plug receptacle residing on the board having two different value power supply ports associated therewith. The receptacle is operable to receive a power plug therein, wherein when the power plug is inserted therein in a proper orientation the two different value voltages are properly supplied to the one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips, and wherein when the power plug is inserted therein in an improper orientation the two different value voltages are switched with respect to their intended values. The system comprises a reverse power plug orientation protection circuit coupled between the hard disk drive power plug receptacle and at least one of the one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: James E. Chloupek, Robert E. Whyte
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Publication number: 20040070905Abstract: The present invention relates to a hard disk drive system having overvoltage protection circuits for various types of overvoltage conditions. For example, the system comprises one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips residing on a board and a hard disk drive power plug receptacle residing on the board having two different value power supply ports associated therewith. The receptacle is operable to receive a power plug therein, wherein when the power plug is inserted therein in a proper orientation the two different value voltages are properly supplied to the one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips, and wherein when the power plug is inserted therein in an improper orientation the two different value voltages are switched with respect to their intended values. The system comprises a reverse power plug orientation protection circuit coupled between the hard disk drive power plug receptacle and at least one of the one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: James E. Chloupek, Robert E. Whyte
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Patent number: 6555977Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for detecting the position of an electric motor rotor by sensing the zero crossing or polarity change of a mutual inductance associated with the motor. The use of mutual inductance provides for consistent position detection unaffected by motor speed or winding current, thus providing significant advantages over traditional back emf zero crossing detection methods. The mutual inductance zero crossing may be detected by measuring a voltage signal in a floating phase of the motor, filtering back emf and excitation components out of the measured voltage signal, and detecting a polarity change or zero crossing in the resulting mutual inductance signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Tan Du, Robert E. Whyte, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020071231Abstract: The present invention relates to a hard disk drive system having overvoltage protection circuits for various types of overvoltage conditions. For example, the system comprises one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips residing on a board and a hard disk drive power plug receptacle residing on the board having two different value power supply ports associated therewith. The receptacle is operable to receive a power plug therein, wherein when the power plug is inserted therein in a proper orientation the two different value voltages are properly supplied to the one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips, and wherein when the power plug is inserted therein in an improper orientation the two different value voltages are switched with respect to their intended values. The system comprises a reverse power plug orientation protection circuit coupled between the hard disk drive power plug receptacle and at least one of the one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2000Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: James E. Chloupek, Robert E. Whyte
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Patent number: 6184645Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an actuator in response to a target speed voltage signal, the actuator having a moveable member and having a coil that influences movement of the member. A first summing node is provided having a control output voltage, for summing or subtracting voltages applied thereto, as the case may be and receiving the target speed voltage signal at a first, summing input thereto. A proportional compensation unit is provided, receiving the control output voltage and providing as an output a proportionally compensated output signal. An integral compensation unit is provided, receiving the control output voltage and providing as an output an integrally compensated output signal. An inverse compensation unit is provided, receiving the target speed voltage signal as an input and providing an inversely compensated output signal having a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the target speed voltage signal multiplied by the inverse of a predetermined amplification factor.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Joao Carlos F. Brito, John K. Rote, Robert E. Whyte, Jr.
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Patent number: 5821717Abstract: A system for driving a hard disk drive spindle motor is disclosed. The system comprises a spindle motor control circuit (120) and a spindle motor power circuit (220). The system also includes at least one disk (22) attached to a rotatable spindle (21) and a spindle motor (400) which receives power signals from the spindle motor power circuit (220) and controls the rotation of the spindle (21). The spindle motor control circuit (120) comprises a multiplexor (127) which transmits either a pulse width modulation signal or a current control signal in response to a mode selection signal, and a spindle predriver (125) which receives the multiplexor output signal and transmits spindle motor control signals to the spindle motor power circuit (220).Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Mehedi Hassan, Robert E. Whyte, James E. Chloupek