Patents by Inventor Scott Michael Pernia
Scott Michael Pernia 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: 9240792Abstract: A periodic signal generator includes a resonant LC tank circuit that generates a periodic reference signal at a first frequency at a differential output thereof. A temperature-responsive frequency compensation module is electrically coupled to the differential output of the resonant LC tank circuit. This module includes a temperature dependent voltage control module that generates a temperature dependent control voltage and an array of switchable capacitive modules that is electrically coupled to a first node of the differential output of the resonant LC tank circuit and responsive to the temperature dependent control voltage and a plurality of switching coefficients. The array of switchable capacitive modules includes a fixed capacitor having a first terminal electrically coupled to the first node and a voltage-controlled variable capacitor having a first terminal electrically coupled to the first node.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, inc.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Amar Sarbbasesh Basu
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Publication number: 20140253256Abstract: A periodic signal generator includes a resonant LC tank circuit that generates a periodic reference signal at a first frequency at a differential output thereof. A temperature-responsive frequency compensation module is electrically coupled to the differential output of the resonant LC tank circuit. This module includes a temperature dependent voltage control module that generates a temperature dependent control voltage and an array of switchable capacitive modules that is electrically coupled to a first node of the differential output of the resonant LC tank circuit and responsive to the temperature dependent control voltage and a plurality of switching coefficients. The array of switchable capacitive modules includes a fixed capacitor having a first terminal electrically coupled to the first node and a voltage-controlled variable capacitor having a first terminal electrically coupled to the first node.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Amar Sarbbasesh Basu
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Patent number: 8134414Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a reference signal generator having a reference or center frequency within a predetermined variance over variations in temperature within a specified range. An exemplary apparatus comprises a reference resonator to generate a first reference signal having a resonant frequency, with the reference resonator having a first temperature dependence; and a plurality of switchable circuits, with at least one switchable circuit providing a second temperature dependence opposing the first temperature dependence to maintain the resonant frequency within a predetermined variance over a temperature variation.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Vidyabhusan Gupta, Nathaniel Charles Gaskin, Nader Fayyaz
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Patent number: 8093958Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a reference signal generator having a controlled quality (“Q”) factor. An exemplary apparatus to generate a harmonic reference signal includes a reference resonator, such as an LC-tank, which generates a first reference signal having a resonant frequency, and a plurality of reactance modules couplable to the reference resonator. Each reactance module comprises one or more reactance unit cells, and each reactance unit cell comprises a reactance element coupled in series to a switching element. In exemplary embodiments, the reactance element is a capacitor having a predetermined unit of capacitance, and the switching element is a transistor having a predetermined resistance when in an off state. The ratio of capacitance to resistance is substantially constant for all reactance modules of the plurality of reactance modules.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.Inventors: Justin O'Day, Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Nam Duc Nguyen, Ralph Beaudouin, Sundus Kubba
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Patent number: 8095813Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a clock generation apparatus, system, and method, which include power management. The apparatus is couplable to second circuitry which has a clock input terminal and an inverted clock output terminal. An exemplary apparatus comprises a clock generator, a sensor, and a processor. The clock generator provides a clock signal on a first terminal which is couplable to the clock input terminal of the second circuitry. The sensor is coupled to a second terminal which is couplable to the inverted clock output terminal, and detects a power conservation mode and a power resumption mode of the second circuitry. The processor is adapted to reduce power to the clock generator and to provide a first predetermined voltage or a second predetermined voltage to the first and second terminals in response to the detection of the power conservation mode, and to increase power to the clock generator in response to the detection of the power resumption mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, incInventors: Scott Michael Pernia, Tunc Mahmut Cenger
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Publication number: 20110169585Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference, with multiple operating modes, such power conservation, clock, reference, and pulsed modes. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Amar Sarbbasesh Basu
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Patent number: 7978017Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a reference signal generator, system and method. An exemplary apparatus to generate a harmonic reference signal includes a reference resonator, such as an LC-tank, a control voltage generator adapted to provide a temperature-dependent control voltage; and a plurality of variable reactance modules. The reference resonator generates a first reference signal having a resonant frequency, and each reactance module is adapted to modify a corresponding reactance in response to the control voltage to maintain the resonant frequency substantially constant or within a predetermined variance over a predetermined temperature range. A frequency controller may also be included to maintain substantially constant a magnitude of a peak amplitude of the first reference signal and maintains substantially constant a common mode voltage level of the reference resonator.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.Inventors: Scott Michael Pernia, Nam Duc Nguyen, Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Justin O'Day, Ralph Beaudouin, Sundus Kubba
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Patent number: 7924110Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference, with multiple operating modes, such power conservation, clock, reference, and pulsed modes. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Amar Sarbbasesh Basu
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Patent number: 7872541Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference comprising an LC oscillator with a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency. Such stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the oscillator or to one or more control voltages. The controlled reactance modules may include fixed or variable capacitances or inductances, and may be binary weighted.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba
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Publication number: 20100271144Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a reference signal generator having a reference or center frequency within a predetermined variance over variations in temperature within a specified range. An exemplary apparatus comprises a reference resonator to generate a first reference signal having a resonant frequency, with the reference resonator having a first temperature dependence; and a plurality of switchable circuits, with at least one switchable circuit providing a second temperature dependence opposing the first temperature dependence to maintain the resonant frequency within a predetermined variance over a temperature variation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Vidyabhusan Gupta, Nathaniel Charles Gaskin, Nader Fayyaz
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Patent number: 7786812Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency of a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference. Such stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor adapted to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the resonator or to one or more control voltages. The controlled reactance modules may include fixed or variable capacitances or inductances, and may be binary weighted.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba
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Patent number: 7719371Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and apparatus for spread spectrum functionality for a free-running, reference harmonic oscillator. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprises a reference oscillator adapted to provide a reference signal having a reference frequency; and a spread spectrum controller adapted to control the reference oscillator to generate a spread-spectrum reference signal at a plurality of different reference frequencies during a predetermined or selected time period. An exemplary apparatus may also include a coefficient register adapted to store a plurality of coefficients and a plurality of controlled reactance modules responsive to a corresponding coefficient of the plurality of coefficients to modify an amount of reactance effectively coupled to the reference oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.Inventors: Scott Michael Pernia, Gordon Carichner, Eric Marsman, Michael Shannon McCorquodale
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Patent number: 7679463Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a reference harmonic oscillator integrated circuit having three or more terminals, with systems and methods for calibrating the harmonic oscillator to a selected first frequency using a limited number of terminals. An exemplary apparatus comprises: a reference harmonic oscillator, a first terminal to receive a supply voltage, a second terminal to receive a ground potential, a third terminal to provide an output signal having an output frequency, and may also include a fourth terminal. One of the first, second, third or fourth terminals is further adapted for input of a calibration of the first frequency. The exemplary apparatus may enter calibration and testing modes in response to various commands such as a calibration mode signal, and may also be configured through one of the terminals for output frequency selection, spread-spectrum output, and output voltage levels.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Scott Michael Pernia, Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Sundus Kubba, Justin O'Day, Gordon Carichner, Eric David Marsman
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Patent number: 7656243Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference, with multiple operating modes, such power conservation, clock, reference, and pulsed modes. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Amar Sarbbasesh Basu
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Patent number: 7656244Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a discrete clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference using an LC-oscillator topology, having a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency, which may then be provided to other, second circuitry such as a processor or controller. Frequency stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor adapted to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the resonator or to one or more control voltages.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba, Justin O'Day, Gordon Carichner
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Patent number: 7656245Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference using an LC-oscillator topology, having a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency, which is integrated with other, second circuitry such as a processor or controller. Frequency stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor adapted to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the resonator or to one or more control voltages.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba, Justin O'Day, Gordon Carichner
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Publication number: 20100019856Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference, with multiple operating modes, such power conservation, clock, reference, and pulsed modes. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: MOBIUS MICROSYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Amar Sarbbasesh Basu
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Publication number: 20090167451Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency of a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference. Such stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor adapted to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the resonator or to one or more control voltages. The controlled reactance modules may include fixed or variable capacitances or inductances, and may be binary weighted.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: MOBIUS MICROSYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba
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Publication number: 20090167444Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference comprising an LC oscillator with a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency. Such stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the oscillator or to one or more control voltages. The controlled reactance modules may include fixed or variable capacitances or inductances, and may be binary weighted.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: MOBIUS MICROSYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Sundus Kubba
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Patent number: 7548132Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference, with multiple operating modes, such power conservation, clock, reference, and pulsed modes. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Mobius Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Scott Michael Pernia, Amar Sarbbasesh Basu