Patents by Inventor Roy Alan Hastings

Roy Alan Hastings 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: 11770118
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a power delivery (“PD”) controller in a USB Type-C system that includes a configuration channel (“CC”), PD preamble detector, and a power-usage circuit. The PD controller includes a CC input that receives a PD message. The PD preamble detector is configured to detect a PD message preamble based in part upon a power of a filtered PD message and communicates a wake-up signal to the power-usage circuit in response to detecting a PD message preamble. The power-usage circuit is configured to exit a low-power mode in response to receiving the wake-up signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Deric Wayne Waters, Roy Alan Hastings
  • Patent number: 11719728
    Abstract: A sectioned field effect transistor (“FET”) for implementing a rapidly changing sense range ratio dynamically in response to changing load and main supply conditions. The sectioned FET may have multiple main FET sections, and multiple sense FET sections. These sections can be dynamically connected and disconnected from the sectioned FET. The sections may also be connected by a common gate. There may also be common drain or source connections for the main FET sections, and also common drain or source connections for the sense FET sections. The sectioned FET allows for the sense range to be extended by a multiple of k+1, where k is the size ratio or factor of the additional sense FET sections. This allows the current sense range ratio to be extended to (m+n)/n*(k+1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Roy Alan Hastings
  • Publication number: 20230019385
    Abstract: A sectioned field effect transistor (“FET”) for implementing a rapidly changing sense range ratio dynamically in response to changing load and main supply conditions. The sectioned FET may have multiple main FET sections, and multiple sense FET sections. These sections can be dynamically connected and disconnected from the sectioned FET. The sections may also be connected by a common gate. There may also be common drain or source connections for the main FET sections, and also common drain or source connections for the sense FET sections. The sectioned FET allows for the sense range to be extended by a multiple of k+1, where k is the size ratio or factor of the additional sense FET sections. This allows the current sense range ratio to be extended to (m+n)/n*(k+1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventor: Roy Alan Hastings
  • Publication number: 20230006666
    Abstract: In examples, a circuit comprises a first current source coupled to a voltage source node. The circuit comprises a resistor having a first resistor terminal and a second resistor terminal, where the first resistor terminal is coupled to the first current source. The circuit comprises a bipolar transistor having a base, a collector, and an emitter, with the base coupled to the first resistor terminal, the emitter coupled to the second resistor terminal, and the collector coupled to the voltage source node. The circuit comprises a second current source coupled to the emitter and the second resistor terminal, with the second current source coupled to a ground node. The circuit comprises a Schmitt trigger having an input coupled to the emitter, the second resistor terminal, and the second current source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Chengxi LIU, Roy Alan HASTINGS
  • Patent number: 11486909
    Abstract: A sectioned field effect transistor (“FET”) for implementing a rapidly changing sense range ratio dynamically in response to changing load and main supply conditions. The sectioned FET may have multiple main FET sections, and multiple sense FET sections. These sections can be dynamically connected and disconnected from the sectioned FET. The sections may also be connected by a common gate. There may also be common drain or source connections for the main FET sections, and also common drain or source connections for the sense FET sections. The sectioned FET allows for the sense range to be extended by a multiple of k+1, where k is the size ratio or factor of the additional sense FET sections. This allows the current sense range ratio to be extended to (m+n)/n*(k+1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Roy Alan Hastings
  • Patent number: 11387734
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for a circuit. In at least some examples, the circuit includes a high-side power transistor, a low-side power transistor, a first transistor, a second transistor, and a third transistor. The high-side transistor is adapted to couple between an input node and a switch node. The low-side transistor is coupled between the switch node and ground. The first transistor is adapted to couple between a first node and the switch node. The second transistor is coupled between the first node and an output node. The third transistor is coupled between the first node and ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Riazdeen Buhari, Roy Alan Hastings, Nghia Trong Tang
  • Patent number: 11289245
    Abstract: In an example, a device comprises a first resistor coupled to a second resistor and to a trim resistor, the second resistor and the trim resistor coupled to a port configured to couple to a third resistor. The device also comprises a comparator having an inverting input coupled to a first node between the second resistor and the port and a non-inverting input coupled to a second node between the first resistor and the trim resistor. The device further includes a trim control circuit coupled to an output of the comparator and having an output coupled to the trim resistor, the trim control circuit configured to couple to multiple integrated trim resistors external to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Roy Alan Hastings
  • Patent number: 11239656
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for current sensing and current limiting. An example apparatus includes a first main transistor including a first main transistor gate terminal coupled between an output terminal and an intermediate node; a second main transistor including a second main transistor gate terminal coupled between the intermediate node and a ground terminal; a first amplifier including a first amplifier output coupled to the first main transistor gate terminal; a second amplifier including a second amplifier output coupled to the second main transistor gate terminal; and a third amplifier including a third amplifier inverting input coupled to the intermediate node, a third amplifier non-inverting input coupled to a sense transistor, and a third amplifier output coupled to a third gate terminal of a third transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Roy Alan Hastings
  • Publication number: 20210091668
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for a circuit. In at least some examples, the circuit includes a high-side power transistor, a low-side power transistor, a first transistor, a second transistor, and a third transistor. The high-side transistor is adapted to couple between an input node and a switch node. The low-side transistor is coupled between the switch node and ground. The first transistor is adapted to couple between a first node and the switch node. The second transistor is coupled between the first node and an output node. The third transistor is coupled between the first node and ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Riazdeen BUHARI, Roy Alan HASTINGS, Nghia Trong TANG
  • Publication number: 20210055783
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a power delivery (“PD”) controller in a USB Type-C system that includes a configuration channel (“CC”), PD preamble detector, and a power-usage circuit. The PD controller includes a CC input that receives a PD message. The PD preamble detector is configured to detect a PD message preamble based in part upon a power of a filtered PD message and communicates a wake-up signal to the power-usage circuit in response to detecting a PD message preamble. The power-usage circuit is configured to exit a low-power mode in response to receiving the wake-up signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Deric Wayne Waters, Roy Alan hastings
  • Publication number: 20210041486
    Abstract: A sectioned field effect transistor (“FET”) for implementing a rapidly changing sense range ratio dynamically in response to changing load and main supply conditions. The sectioned FET may have multiple main FET sections, and multiple sense FET sections. These sections can be dynamically connected and disconnected from the sectioned FET. The sections may also be connected by a common gate. There may also be common drain or source connections for the main FET sections, and also common drain or source connections for the sense FET sections. The sectioned FET allows for the sense range to be extended by a multiple of k+1, where k is the size ratio or factor of the additional sense FET sections. This allows the current sense range ratio to be extended to (m+n)/n*(k+1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventor: Roy Alan Hastings
  • Publication number: 20210021122
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for current sensing and current limiting. An example apparatus includes a first main transistor including a first main transistor gate terminal coupled between an output terminal and an intermediate node; a second main transistor including a second main transistor gate terminal coupled between the intermediate node and a ground terminal; a first amplifier including a first amplifier output coupled to the first main transistor gate terminal; a second amplifier including a second amplifier output coupled to the second main transistor gate terminal; and a third amplifier including a third amplifier inverting input coupled to the intermediate node, a third amplifier non-inverting input coupled to a sense transistor, and a third amplifier output coupled to a third gate terminal of a third transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventor: Roy Alan Hastings
  • Patent number: 10866628
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a power delivery (“PD”) controller in a USB Type-C system that includes a configuration channel (“CC”), PD preamble detector, and a power-usage circuit. The PD controller includes a CC input that receives a PD message. The PD preamble detector is configured to detect a PD message preamble based in part upon a power of a filtered PD message and communicates a wake-up signal to the power-usage circuit in response to detecting a PD message preamble. The power-usage circuit is configured to exit a low-power mode in response to receiving the wake-up signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Deric Wayne Waters, Roy Alan Hastings
  • Patent number: 10845396
    Abstract: A sectioned field effect transistor (“FET”) for implementing a rapidly changing sense range ratio dynamically in response to changing load and main supply conditions. The sectioned FET may have multiple main FET sections, and multiple sense FET sections. These sections can be dynamically connected and disconnected from the sectioned FET. The sections may also be connected by a common gate. There may also be common drain or source connections for the main FET sections, and also common drain or source connections for the sense FET sections. The sectioned FET allows for the sense range to be extended by a multiple of k+1, where k is the size ratio or factor of the additional sense FET sections. This allows the current sense range ratio to be extended to (m+n)/n*(k+1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Roy Alan Hastings
  • Publication number: 20200321149
    Abstract: In an example, a device comprises a first resistor coupled to a second resistor and to a trim resistor, the second resistor and the trim resistor coupled to a port configured to couple to a third resistor. The device also comprises a comparator having an inverting input coupled to a first node between the second resistor and the port and a non-inverting input coupled to a second node between the first resistor and the trim resistor. The device further includes a trim control circuit coupled to an output of the comparator and having an output coupled to the trim resistor, the trim control circuit configured to couple to multiple integrated trim resistors external to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventor: Roy Alan Hastings
  • Publication number: 20200273608
    Abstract: In an example, a device comprises a first resistor coupled to a second resistor and to a trim resistor, the second resistor and the trim resistor coupled to a port configured to couple to a third resistor. The device also comprises a comparator having an inverting input coupled to a first node between the second resistor and the port and a non-inverting input coupled to a second node between the first resistor and the trim resistor. The device further includes a trim control circuit coupled to an output of the comparator and having an output coupled to the trim resistor, the trim control circuit configured to couple to multiple integrated trim resistors external to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventor: Roy Alan HASTINGS
  • Patent number: 10734140
    Abstract: In an example, a device comprises a first resistor coupled to a second resistor and to a trim resistor, the second resistor and the trim resistor coupled to a port configured to couple to a third resistor. The device also comprises a comparator having an inverting input coupled to a first node between the second resistor and the port and a non-inverting input coupled to a second node between the first resistor and the trim resistor. The device further includes a trim control circuit coupled to an output of the comparator and having an output coupled to the trim resistor, the trim control circuit configured to couple to multiple integrated trim resistors external to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Roy Alan Hastings
  • Publication number: 20200088770
    Abstract: A sectioned field effect transistor (“FET”) for implementing a rapidly changing sense range ratio dynamically in response to changing load and main supply conditions. The sectioned FET may have multiple main FET sections, and multiple sense FET sections. These sections can be dynamically connected and disconnected from the sectioned FET. The sections may also be connected by a common gate. There may also be common drain or source connections for the main FET sections, and also common drain or source connections for the sense FET sections. The sectioned FET allows for the sense range to be extended by a multiple of k+1, where k is the size ratio or factor of the additional sense FET sections. This allows the current sense range ratio to be extended to (m+n)/n*(k+1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventor: Roy Alan Hastings
  • Patent number: 10574139
    Abstract: A reference signal generator includes a voltage reference, an amplifier coupled to the voltage reference, and a precharge circuit coupled to the amplifier. The voltage reference is configured to generate a constant voltage. The amplifier is configured to receive the constant voltage from the voltage reference and generate a regulating primary output signal and a non-regulating secondary output signal. The precharge circuit is configured to charge a noise reduction capacitor with the non-regulating secondary output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Roy Alan Hastings
  • Publication number: 20190310700
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a power delivery (“PD”) controller in a USB Type-C system that includes a configuration channel (“CC”), PD preamble detector, and a power-usage circuit. The PD controller includes a CC input that receives a PD message. The PD preamble detector is configured to detect a PD message preamble based in part upon a power of a filtered PD message and communicates a wake-up signal to the power-usage circuit in response to detecting a PD message preamble. The power-usage circuit is configured to exit a low-power mode in response to receiving the wake-up signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Deric Wayne Waters, Roy Alan Hastings