Patents by Inventor Tao Pi

Tao Pi 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: 10366270
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a capacitive fingerprint sensor. The capacitive fingerprint sensor includes: a first electrode plate layer, a second electrode plate layer and a third electrode plate layer that are sequentially arranged. The first electrode plate layer forms a fingerprint capacitor with a finger, at least one fourth electrode plate layer is arranged between the first electrode plate layer and the second electrode plate layer, a first parasitic capacitor is formed between the first electrode plate layer and the fourth electrode plate layer, and a second parasitic capacitor is formed between the second electrode plate layer and the fourth electrode plate layer; and the capacitive fingerprint sensor further comprises an integrator having an integrating capacitor, and the integrating capacitor is formed between the second electrode plate layer and the third electrode plate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mengwen Zhang, Chang Zhan, Tao Pi, Birong Lin
  • Patent number: 10360429
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure hereinafter provide a capacitive fingerprint sensor. The capacitive fingerprint sensor includes: an integrator, a trigger and a base cancelling circuit; where the integrator is configured to store charges from a fingerprint capacitor to generate an output signal and transfer the output signal to the trigger, the trigger is configured to trigger the base cancelling circuit to generate a base cancelling signal and output the base cancelling signal to the integrator if the output signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the base cancelling signal is used to adjust the output signal of the integrator to fall within the predetermined threshold. In this way, the integrator is prevented from simply coming to saturation, and thus a dynamic range of the integrator is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mengwen Zhang, Chang Zhan, Tao Pi, Zhouqun Li
  • Patent number: 10349848
    Abstract: A conversion circuit for converting a current signal into a first output voltage signal, where the current signal flows through a sensing component, is provided. The conversion circuit includes: a first current eliminating circuit, configured to eliminate a first current in the current signal. The first current eliminating circuit includes: a current sample and hold circuit; and a current driving circuit, coupled between the sensing component and the current sample and hold circuit; a second current eliminating circuit, coupled to the sensing component and configured to eliminate a second current in the current signal; and an integrating circuit, coupled to the sensing component and configured to integrate a third current in the current signal, and output a first input voltage signal between a first integration output terminal and a second integration output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tao Pi, Mengwen Zhang, Chang Zhan
  • Publication number: 20180121700
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a capacitive fingerprint sensor. The capacitive fingerprint sensor includes: a first electrode plate layer, a second electrode plate layer and a third electrode plate layer that are sequentially arranged. The first electrode plate layer forms a fingerprint capacitor with a finger, at least one fourth electrode plate layer is arranged between the first electrode plate layer and the second electrode plate layer, a first parasitic capacitor is formed between the first electrode plate layer and the fourth electrode plate layer, and a second parasitic capacitor is formed between the second electrode plate layer and the fourth electrode plate layer; and the capacitive fingerprint sensor further comprises an integrator having an integrating capacitor, and the integrating capacitor is formed between the second electrode plate layer and the third electrode plate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Mengwen ZHANG, Chang ZHAN, Tao PI, Birong LIN
  • Publication number: 20180121699
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure hereinafter provide a capacitive fingerprint sensor. The capacitive fingerprint sensor includes: an integrator, a trigger and a base cancelling circuit; where the integrator is configured to store charges from a fingerprint capacitor to generate an output signal and transfer the output signal to the trigger, the trigger is configured to trigger the base cancelling circuit to generate a base cancelling signal and output the base cancelling signal to the integrator if the output signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the base cancelling signal is used to adjust the output signal of the integrator to fall within the predetermined threshold. In this way, the integrator is prevented from simply coming to saturation, and thus a dynamic range of the integrator is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Mengwen ZHANG, Chang ZHAN, Tao PI, Zhouqun LI
  • Publication number: 20170360315
    Abstract: A conversion circuit for converting a current signal into a first output voltage signal, where the current signal flows through a sensing component, is provided. The conversion circuit includes: a first current eliminating circuit, configured to eliminate a first current in the current signal. The first current eliminating circuit includes: a current sample and hold circuit; and a current driving circuit, coupled between the sensing component and the current sample and hold circuit; a second current eliminating circuit, coupled to the sensing component and configured to eliminate a second current in the current signal; and an integrating circuit, coupled to the sensing component and configured to integrate a third current in the current signal, and output a first input voltage signal between a first integration output terminal and a second integration output terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tao PI, Mengwen ZHANG, Chang ZHAN
  • Patent number: 8446195
    Abstract: A method of communicating with a source synchronous device can include determining an expected number of pulses of a strobe signal to be received in response to a first read request directed to the source synchronous device and receiving the strobe signal from the source synchronous device. Pulses in the strobe signal can be counted. Responsive to detecting a last pulse of the expected number of pulses of the strobe signal, the strobe signal can be replaced with a reference signal that is phase and frequency aligned with the strobe signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Swanson, Tao Pi
  • Patent number: 8270235
    Abstract: A method of processing a strobe signal can include oversampling a strobe signal received from a source synchronous device and determining an amount of time between sending a read request to the source synchronous device and detecting a first pulse of the strobe signal according to the oversampling. The method also can include squelching the strobe signal for the amount of time responsive to at least one subsequent read request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Swanson, Tao Pi
  • Publication number: 20110299347
    Abstract: A method of processing a strobe signal can include oversampling a strobe signal received from a source synchronous device and determining an amount of time between sending a read request to the source synchronous device and detecting a first pulse of the strobe signal according to the oversampling. The method also can include squelching the strobe signal for the amount of time responsive to at least one subsequent read request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Richard W. Swanson, Tao Pi
  • Publication number: 20110298511
    Abstract: A method of communicating with a source synchronous device can include determining an expected number of pulses of a strobe signal to be received in response to a first read request directed to the source synchronous device and receiving the strobe signal from the source synchronous device. Pulses in the strobe signal can be counted. Responsive to detecting a last pulse of the expected number of pulses of the strobe signal, the strobe signal can be replaced with a reference signal that is phase and frequency aligned with the strobe signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Richard W. Swanson, Tao Pi
  • Patent number: 7477112
    Abstract: A counter-controlled delay line includes a main oscillator for delaying edges of an input signal to generate a main clock signal. The main oscillator includes a plurality of gated delay elements connected in a ring. Each gated delay element includes a first control terminal to receive a corresponding load signal, and includes a second control terminal to receive a release signal. The release signal may simultaneously enable and disable state transitions in all delay elements, and the load signals may simultaneously drive an output of each delay element to any selected logic state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: XILINX, Inc.
    Inventors: Tao Pi, Alireza S. Kaviani, Robert M. Ondris
  • Patent number: 7046034
    Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) having heterogeneous programmable logic blocks. In one embodiment, the PLD includes programmable interconnect circuitry and programmable input-output circuitry coupled to the programmable interconnect circuitry. An array of programmable logic blocks is coupled to the interconnect circuitry. Each programmable logic block includes a plurality of programmable logic elements coupled to the interconnect circuitry. Each of the programmable logic elements is programmable to implement a common set of functions, and at least one but less than all of the programmable logic elements is programmable to implement a set of supplemental functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crotty, Tao Pi
  • Patent number: 6970012
    Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) having heterogeneous programmable logic blocks. In one embodiment, the PLD includes programmable interconnect circuitry and programmable input-output circuitry coupled to the programmable interconnect circuitry. An array of programmable logic blocks is coupled to the interconnect circuitry. Each programmable logic block includes a plurality of programmable logic elements coupled to the interconnect circuitry. Each of the programmable logic elements is programmable to implement a common set of functions, and at least one but less than all of the programmable logic elements is programmable to implement a set of supplemental functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crotty, Tao Pi
  • Publication number: 20050231235
    Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) having heterogeneous programmable logic blocks. In one embodiment, the PLD includes programmable interconnect circuitry and programmable input-output circuitry coupled to the programmable interconnect circuitry. An array of programmable logic blocks is coupled to the interconnect circuitry. Each programmable logic block includes a plurality of programmable logic elements coupled to the interconnect circuitry. Each of the programmable logic elements is programmable to implement a common set of functions, and at least one but less than all of the programmable logic elements is programmable to implement a set of supplemental functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Applicant: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Crotty, Tao Pi
  • Patent number: 6847228
    Abstract: A configurable logic block (CLB) slice is provided that includes a single path for a carry input signal to propagate through the CLB slice as a carry output signal. This single path includes a multiplexer that is configured to receive the input signals (including the carry input signal) and provides an output signal that can be routed as the carry output signal. A driver circuit can be coupled to the output terminal of the multiplexer, thereby improving the drive of the single path. A separate path is provided in parallel with the first multiplexer path, thereby enabling the carry input signal to be applied to exclusive OR gates within the CLB slice, or to be provided as an intermediate carry output signal. The single path provides a relatively fast and consistent manner of routing the carry input signal through the CLB slice as the carry output signal. The first and second paths accommodate a carry initialization signal as well as an intermediate carry input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crotty, Tao Pi, Steven P. Young
  • Patent number: 6847246
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing power dissipation and jitter in a delay line is described. The delay line includes a plurality of delay elements. At least one of the plurality of delay elements includes a gate terminal configured to receive gate control signals for activating or deactivating one or more of the delay elements. The delay line further includes gate control circuitry for providing gate control signals to the gate terminal of at least one of the plurality of delay elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Alireza S. Kaviani, Patrick T. Lynch, Paul G. Hyland, Patrick J. Crotty, Tao Pi
  • Patent number: 6809552
    Abstract: A lookup table (LUT) for a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is designed to operate reliably at low voltage levels. The low-voltage LUT uses CMOS pass gates instead of unpaired N-channel transistors to select one memory cell output as the LUT output signal. Therefore, no voltage drop occurs across the pass gates. While this modification significantly increases the overall gate count of the LUT, this disadvantage can be mitigated by removing the half-latches required in current designs, and by removing initialization circuitry made unnecessary by the modification. Some embodiments include a decoder that decreases the number of pass gates between the memory cells and the output terminal, at the cost of an increased delay on the input paths that traverse the decoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Tao Pi, Patrick J. Crotty
  • Publication number: 20040178818
    Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) having heterogeneous programmable logic blocks. In one embodiment, the PLD includes programmable interconnect circuitry and programmable input-output circuitry coupled to the programmable interconnect circuitry. An array of programmable logic blocks is coupled to the interconnect circuitry. Each programmable logic block includes a plurality of programmable logic elements coupled to the interconnect circuitry. Each of the programmable logic elements is programmable to implement a common set of functions, and at least one but less than all of the programmable logic elements is programmable to implement a set of supplemental functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crotty, Tao Pi
  • Patent number: 6667635
    Abstract: A lookup table (LUT) for a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is designed to operate reliably at low voltage levels. The low-voltage LUT uses CMOS pass gates instead of unpaired N-channel transistors to select one memory cell output as the LUT output signal. Therefore, no voltage drop occurs across the pass gates. While this modification significantly increases the overall gate count of the LUT, this disadvantage can be mitigated by removing the half-latches required in current designs, and by removing initialization circuitry made unnecessary by the modification. Some embodiments include a decoder that decreases the number of pass gates between the memory cells and the output terminal, at the cost of an increased delay on the input paths that traverse the decoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Tao Pi, Patrick J. Crotty