Patents by Inventor Steven Craig Bartling

Steven Craig Bartling 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: 10468079
    Abstract: A processing device is operated using a plurality of volatile storage elements. N groups of M volatile storage elements of the plurality of volatile storage elements per group are connected to an N by M size non-volatile logic element array of a plurality of non-volatile logic element arrays using a multiplexer. The multiplexer connects one of the N groups to the N by M size non-volatile logic element array to store data from the M volatile storage elements into a row of the N by M size non-volatile logic element array at one time or to write data to the M volatile storage elements from a row of the N by M size non-volatile logic element array at one time. A corresponding non-volatile logic controller controls the multiplexer operation with respect to the connections between volatile storage elements and non-volatile storage elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Patent number: 10452594
    Abstract: Configuration states for a computing device and/or associated peripherals (“profiles”) are stored in one or more non-volatile logic (“NVL”) arrays. Using the non-volatile sub-system for the computing device, triggers for reconfiguration of the respective device or peripherals are provided to an NVL array controller, which controls provision of the new profile(s) for the respective device or peripherals over a dedicated bus to a configuration register that stores the active profiles for the device and associated peripherals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Andreas Waechter, Mark Jung, Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Patent number: 10331203
    Abstract: A computing device apparatus facilitates use of a deep low power mode that includes powering off the device's CPU by including a hardware implemented process to trigger storage of data from the device's volatile storage elements in non-volatile memory in response to entering the low power mode. A hardware based power management unit controls the process including interrupting a normal processing order of the CPU and triggering the storage of the data in the non-volatile memory. In response to a wake-up event, the device is triggered to restore the data stored in the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory prior to execution of a wake up process for the CPU from the low power mode. The device includes a power storage element such as a capacitor that holds sufficient energy to complete the non-volatile data storage task prior to entering the low power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael Zwerg, Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Publication number: 20190043544
    Abstract: A processing device is operated using a plurality of volatile storage elements. N groups of M volatile storage elements of the plurality of volatile storage elements per group are connected to an N by M size non-volatile logic element array of a plurality of non-volatile logic element arrays using a multiplexer. The multiplexer connects one of the N groups to the N by M size non-volatile logic element array to store data from the M volatile storage elements into a row of the N by M size non-volatile logic element array at one time or to write data to the M volatile storage elements from a row of the N by M size non-volatile logic element array at one time. A corresponding non-volatile logic controller controls the multiplexer operation with respect to the connections between volatile storage elements and non-volatile storage elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Publication number: 20190034169
    Abstract: Disclosed examples include non-volatile counter systems to generate and store a counter value according to a sensor pulse signal, and power circuits to generate first and second supply voltage signals to power first and second power domain circuits using power from the sensor pulse signal, including a switch connected between first and second power domain supply nodes, a boost circuit, and a control circuit to selectively cause the switch to disconnect the first and second power domain circuits from one another after the first supply voltage signal rises above a threshold voltage in a given pulse of the sensor pulse signal, and to cause the boost circuit to boost the second supply voltage signal after the regulator output is disconnected from the second power domain supply node in the given pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Sudhanshu KHANNA, Hao MENG, Michael ZWERG, Christy Leigh SHE, Steven Craig BARTLING
  • Patent number: 10102889
    Abstract: A processing device is operated using a plurality of volatile storage elements. N groups of M volatile storage elements of the plurality of volatile storage elements per group are connected to an N by M size non-volatile logic element array of a plurality of non-volatile logic element arrays using a multiplexer. The multiplexer connects one of the N groups to the N by M size non-volatile logic element array to store data from the M volatile storage elements into a row of the N by M size non-volatile logic element array at one time or to write data to the M volatile storage elements from a row of the N by M size non-volatile logic element array at one time. A corresponding non-volatile logic controller controls the multiplexer operation with respect to the connections between volatile storage elements and non-volatile storage elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Patent number: 10037071
    Abstract: A computing device apparatus facilitates use of a deep low power mode that includes powering off the device's CPU by including a software routine configured to be run by the CPU that effects saving to a non-volatile memory a state of the CPU and/or the device's peripherals before entering the deep low-power mode. The software routine can be configured to control this state storage in response to detecting a low power event, i.e., loss of power sufficient to run the CPU, or a software command to enter the deep low power mode to save power as part of an efficiency program. Then, upon wake up from the deep low power mode, the software routine is first run by the CPU to effect restoring from the non-volatile memory the state of the CPU and the peripherals before execution of a primary application for the central processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Andreas Dannenberg, Brent Peterson, Aik K. Goh, Joerg Schreiner, Michael Zwerg, Steven Craig Bartling
  • Publication number: 20180174627
    Abstract: A processing device selectively backups only certain data based on a priority or binning structure. In one approach, a non-volatile logic controller stores the machine state by storing in non-volatile logic element arrays a portion of data representing the machine state less than all the data of the machine state. Accordingly, the non-volatile logic controller stores the machine state in the plurality of non-volatile logic element arrays by storing a first set of program data of the machine state according to a first category for backup and restoration and storing a second set of program data of the machine state according to a second category for backup and restoration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Patent number: 9899066
    Abstract: A processing device selectively backups only certain data based on a priority or binning structure. In one approach, a non-volatile logic controller stores the machine state by storing in non-volatile logic element arrays a portion of data representing the machine state less than all the data of the machine state. Accordingly, the non-volatile logic controller stores the machine state in the plurality of non-volatile logic element arrays by storing a first set of program data of the machine state according to a first category for backup and restoration and storing a second set of program data of the machine state according to a second category for backup and restoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Patent number: 9830964
    Abstract: Individual first ones of a plurality of non-volatile logic element arrays are designated to restore first in response to entering a wakeup or restoration mode. These non-volatile logic element arrays include instructions for an order in which other non-volatile logic element arrays are to be restored next. So configured, the processing device can be set to have one or more NVL arrays restored first, which arrays are pre-configured to guide further wakeup of the device through directed restoration from particular NVL arrays. Certain NVL arrays can be skipped if the functions stored therein are not needed, and the order of restoration of others can be tailored to a particular wakeup time and power concern through restoration in parallel, serial, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Publication number: 20170323673
    Abstract: Input power quality for a processing device is sensed. In response to detection of poor power quality, input power is disconnected, and the processing device backs up its machine state in non-volatile logic element arrays using available stored charge. When power is restored, the stored machine state is restored from the non-volatile logic element arrays to the volatile logic elements whereby the processing device resumes its process from the state immediately prior to power loss allowing seamless processing across intermittent power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Publication number: 20170287536
    Abstract: A processing device includes a plurality of non-volatile logic element array domains having two or more non-volatile logic element arrays to store 2006 a machine state of the processing device stored in a plurality of volatile store elements. Configuration bits are read to direct which non-volatile logic element array domains are enabled first and to direct an order in which the first enabled non-volatile logic element array domains are restored or backed up in response to entering a wakeup or backup mode. Configuration bits can be read to direct an order of and a parallelism of how individual non-volatile logic element arrays in a first enabled non-volatile logic element array domain are restored or backed up. The order of restoration or backing up can be controlled by instructions from non-volatile arrays of the first enabled of the plurality of non-volatile logic element array domains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Patent number: 9715911
    Abstract: Input power quality for a processing device is sensed. In response to detection of poor power quality, input power is disconnected, and the processing device backs up its machine state in non-volatile logic element arrays using available stored charge. When power is restored, the stored machine state is restored from the non-volatile logic element arrays to the volatile logic elements whereby the processing device resumes its process from the state immediately prior to power loss allowing seamless processing across intermittent power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Patent number: 9711196
    Abstract: A processing device includes a plurality of non-volatile logic element array domains having two or more non-volatile logic element arrays to store 2006 a machine state of the processing device stored in a plurality of volatile store elements. Configuration bits are read to direct which non-volatile logic element array domains are enabled first and to direct an order in which the first enabled non-volatile logic element array domains are restored or backed up in response to entering a wakeup or backup mode. Configuration bits can be read to direct an order of and a parallelism of how individual non-volatile logic element arrays in a first enabled non-volatile logic element array domain are restored or backed up. The order of restoration or backing up can be controlled by instructions from non-volatile arrays of the first enabled of the plurality of non-volatile logic element array domains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Publication number: 20170185139
    Abstract: A computing device apparatus facilitates use of a deep low power mode that includes powering off the device's CPU by including a hardware implemented process to trigger storage of data from the device's volatile storage elements in non-volatile memory in response to entering the low power mode. A hardware based power management unit controls the process including interrupting a normal processing order of the CPU and triggering the storage of the data in the non-volatile memory. In response to a wake-up event, the device is triggered to restore the data stored in the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory prior to execution of a wake up process for the CPU from the low power mode. The device includes a power storage element such as a capacitor that holds sufficient energy to complete the non-volatile data storage task prior to entering the low power mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Zwerg, Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Publication number: 20170109054
    Abstract: Configuration states for a computing device and/or associated peripherals (“profiles”) are stored in one or more non-volatile logic (“NVL”) arrays. Using the non-volatile sub-system for the computing device, triggers for reconfiguration of the respective device or peripherals are provided to an NVL array controller, which controls provision of the new profile(s) for the respective device or peripherals over a dedicated bus to a configuration register that stores the active profiles for the device and associated peripherals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Andreas Waechter, Mark Jung, Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Patent number: 9454437
    Abstract: A processing device boots or wakes using non-volatile logic element (NVL) array(s) that store a machine state. A standard boot sequence is used to restore a first portion of data. A second portion of data is restored, in parallel with the standard boot sequence, from the NVL array(s). A data corruption check is performed on the second portion of data. If the second data is valid, a standard boot sequence is used to restore a third portion of data. If the second data is invalid or the boot is an initial boot, a standard boot sequence is executed to determine the second portion of data, which is then stored in the NVL array(s). The processing device restores the second portion of the data during a portion of the boot/wake process that is not reading data from other non-volatile devices to avoid overloading the respective power domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignees: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED, TEXAS INSTRUMENTS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Waechter, Mark Jung, Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Publication number: 20160246355
    Abstract: A computing device apparatus facilitates use of a deep low power mode that includes powering off the device's CPU by including a software routine configured to be run by the CPU that effects saving to a non-volatile memory a state of the CPU and/or the device's peripherals before entering the deep low-power mode. The software routine can be configured to control this state storage in response to detecting a low power event, i.e., loss of power sufficient to run the CPU, or a software command to enter the deep low power mode to save power as part of an efficiency program. Then, upon wake up from the deep low power mode, the software routine is first run by the CPU to effect restoring from the non-volatile memory the state of the CPU and the peripherals before execution of a primary application for the central processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Andreas Dannenberg, Brent Peterson, Aik K. Goh, Joerg Schreiner, Michael Zwerg, Steven Craig Bartling
  • Publication number: 20160217840
    Abstract: Design and operation of a processing device is configurable to optimize wake-up time and peak power cost during restoration of a machine state from non-volatile storage. The processing device includes a plurality of non-volatile logic element arrays configured to store a machine state represented by a plurality of volatile storage elements of the processing device. A stored machine state is read out from the plurality of non-volatile logic element arrays to the plurality of volatile storage elements. During manufacturing, a number of rows and a number of bits per row in non-volatile logic element arrays are based on a target wake up time and a peak power cost. In another approach, writing data to or reading data of the plurality of non-volatile arrays can be done in parallel, sequentially, or in any combination to optimize operation characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna
  • Patent number: 9342259
    Abstract: A computing device includes a first set of non-volatile logic element arrays associated with a first function and a second set of non-volatile logic element arrays associated with a second function. The first and second sets of non-volatile logic element arrays are independently controllable. A first power domain supplies power to switched logic elements of the computing device, a second power domain supplies power to logic elements configured to control signals for storing data to or reading data from non-volatile logic element arrays, and a third power domain supplies power for the non-volatile logic element arrays. The different power domains are independently powered up or down based on a system state to reduce power lost to excess logic switching and the accompanying parasitic power consumption during the recovery of system state and to reduce power leakage to backup storage elements during regular operation of the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven Craig Bartling, Sudhanshu Khanna