Patents by Inventor Stephen J. B. Pratt

Stephen J. B. Pratt 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).

  • Universal input apparatus
    Patent number: 6864707
    Abstract: Input structures and topologies are provided for coupling a differential input into a first stage of a circuit, topology, or device. An input pin is coupled to an impedance divider that translates an input voltage to accommodate low input voltage levels, while not saturating an input differential pair. A termination pair with a center tap pin is further coupled to the input pins. The center tap facilitates coupling different termination configurations to the input signal. The topologies accommodate packaged devices that have at least three external pins, two pins for the coupling of a differential input signal, and a pin for the termination pair center tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Micrel, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas S. Wong, Stephen J. B. Pratt
  • Universal input apparatus
    Publication number: 20040061520
    Abstract: Input structures and topologies are provided for coupling a differential input into a first stage of a circuit, topology, or device. An input pin is coupled to an impedance divider that translates an input voltage to accommodate low input voltage levels, while not saturating an input differential pair. A termination pair with a center tap pin is further coupled to the input pins. The center tap facilitates coupling different termination configurations to the input signal. The topologies accommodate packaged devices that have at least three external pins, two pins for the coupling of a differential input signal, and a pin for the termination pair center tap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas S. Wong, Stephen J. B. Pratt
  • Universal input apparatus
    Patent number: RE44134
    Abstract: Input structures and topologies are provided for coupling a differential input into a first stage of a circuit, topology, or device. An input pin is coupled to an impedance divider that translates an input voltage to accommodate low input voltage levels, while not saturating an input differential pair. A termination pair with a center tap pin is further coupled to the input pins. The center tap facilitates coupling different termination configurations to the input signal. The topologies accommodate packaged devices that have at least three external pins, two pins for the coupling of a differential input signal, and a pin for the termination pair center tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Micrel, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Wong, Stephen J. B. Pratt