Patents by Inventor Thomas Bever

Thomas Bever 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: 10724844
    Abstract: An example multi-turn counter (MTC) sensor includes a magnetic strip that includes a domain wall generator located at a first end of the magnetic strip, where the domain wall generator is to generate at least one domain wall in the magnetic strip, the at least one domain wall configured to propagate based on a magnetic field caused by a magnet; wherein a location of the at least one domain wall indicates a turn count of the magnetic field of the magnet; the turn count to indicate one or more of a predefined fraction of a full rotation of the magnetic field; an end tip located at a second end of the magnetic strip, where the second end of the magnetic strip is opposite the first end; and a plurality of overlapping strip turns that cause a plurality of crossings in the magnetic strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Zimmer, Sebastian Luber, Thomas Bever, Hansjoerg Walter Kuemmel, Christian Kegler
  • Patent number: 10707362
    Abstract: Embodiments related to controlling of photo-generated charge carriers are described and depicted. At least one embodiment provides a semiconductor substrate comprising a photo-conversion region to convert light into photo-generated charge carriers; a region to accumulate the photo-generated charge carriers; a control electrode structure including a plurality of control electrodes to generate a potential distribution such that the photo-generated carriers are guided towards the region to accumulate the photo-generated charge carriers based on signals applied to the control electrode structure; a non-uniform doping profile in the semiconductor substrate to generate an electric field with vertical field vector components in at least a part of the photo-conversion region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bever, Henning Feick, Dirk Offenberg, Stefano Parascandola, Ines Uhlig, Thoralf Kautzsch, Dirk Meinhold, Hanno Melzner
  • Patent number: 10670386
    Abstract: Some aspects described herein involve a multi-turn counter (MTC) system that includes a first MTC sensor configured to sense a rotating magnetic field coupled to a rotatable object. The first MTC sensor may have a first sense of rotation detection. The MTC system may include a second MTC sensor may be configured to sense the rotating magnetic field. The second MTC sensor may have a second sense of rotation detection which is opposite to the first sense of rotation detection, and the second MTC sensor is configured to sense the rotating magnetic field according to the second sense of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Zimmer, Thomas Bever
  • Publication number: 20190323819
    Abstract: Some aspects described herein involve a multi-turn counter (MTC) system that includes a first MTC sensor configured to sense a rotating magnetic field coupled to a rotatable object. The first MTC sensor may have a first sense of rotation detection. The MTC system may include a second MTC sensor may be configured to sense the rotating magnetic field. The second MTC sensor may have a second sense of rotation detection which is opposite to the first sense of rotation detection, and the second MTC sensor is configured to sense the rotating magnetic field according to the second sense of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Jürgen ZIMMER, Thomas BEVER
  • Publication number: 20190195613
    Abstract: An example multi-turn counter (MTC) sensor includes a magnetic strip that includes a domain wall generator located at a first end of the magnetic strip, where the domain wall generator is to generate at least one domain wall in the magnetic strip, the at least one domain wall configured to propagate based on a magnetic field caused by a magnet; wherein a location of the at least one domain wall indicates a turn count of the magnetic field of the magnet; the turn count to indicate one or more of a predefined fraction of a full rotation of the magnetic field; an end tip located at a second end of the magnetic strip, where the second end of the magnetic strip is opposite the first end; and a plurality of overlapping strip turns that cause a plurality of crossings in the magnetic strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Jürgen Zimmer, Sebastian Luber, Thomas Bever, Hansjoerg Walter Kuemmel, Christian Kegler
  • Patent number: 10008621
    Abstract: Embodiments related to controlling of photo-generated charge carriers are described and depicted. At least one embodiment provides a semiconductor substrate comprising a photo-conversion region to convert light into photo-generated charge carriers; a region to accumulate the photo-generated charge carriers; a control electrode structure including a plurality of control electrodes to generate a potential distribution such that the photo-generated carriers are guided towards the region to accumulate the photo-generated charge carriers based on signals applied to the control electrode structure; a non-uniform doping profile in the semiconductor substrate to generate an electric field with vertical field vector components in at least a part of the photo-conversion region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bever, Henning Feick, Dirk Offenberg, Stefano Parascandola, Ines Uhlig, Thoralf Kautzsch, Dirk Meinhold, Hanno Melzner
  • Publication number: 20180151765
    Abstract: Embodiments related to controlling of photo-generated charge carriers are described and depicted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Bever, Henning Feick, Dirk Offenberg, Stefano Parascandola, lnes Uhlig, ThoraIf Kautzsch, Dirk Meinhold, Hanno Melzner
  • Patent number: 9905715
    Abstract: Embodiments related to controlling of photo-generated charge carriers are described and depicted. At least one embodiment provides a semiconductor substrate comprising a photo-conversion region to convert light into photo-generated charge carriers; a region to accumulate the photo-generated charge carriers; a control electrode structure including a plurality of control electrodes to generate a potential distribution such that the photo-generated carriers are guided towards the region to accumulate the photo-generated charge carriers based on signals applied to the control electrode structure; a non-uniform doping profile in the semiconductor substrate to generate an electric field with vertical field vector components in at least a part of the photo-conversion region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bever, Henning Feick, Dirk Offenberg, Stefano Parascandola, Ines Uhlig, Thoralf Kautzsch, Dirk Meinhold, Hanno Melzner
  • Publication number: 20170358697
    Abstract: Embodiments related to controlling of photo-generated charge carriers are described and depicted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas BEVER, Henning Feick, Dirk Offenberg, Stefano Parascandola, Ines Uhlig, Thoralf Kautzsch, Dirk Meinhold, Hanno Melzner
  • Patent number: 8791693
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor arrangement with a sensor chip. A magnetic field generator is configured to generate a secondary magnetic field opposing an external primary magnetic field at the sensor chip. The magnetic field generator protects the sensor arrangement against the external primary magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Udo Ausserlechner, Thomas Bever, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Joachim Weitzel
  • Publication number: 20140145281
    Abstract: Embodiments related to controlling of photo-generated charge carriers are described and depicted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas BEVER, Henning FEICK, Dirk OFFENBERG, Stefano PARASCANDOLA, Ines UHLIG, Thoralf KAUTZSCH, Dirk MEINHOLD, Hanno MELZNER
  • Publication number: 20130065075
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to magnetoresistive (MR) sensors, sensor elements and structures, and methods. In particular, embodiments relate to MR, such as giant MR (GMR) or tunneling MR (TMR), spin valve layer systems and related sensors having improved stability. Embodiments include at least one of a multi-layer pinned layer or a multi-layer reference layer, making the stack more stable and therefore suitable for use at higher temperatures and magnetic fields than conventional systems and sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Klemens Pruegl, Juergen Zimmer, Andreas Strasser, Wolfgang Raberg, Thomas Bever
  • Patent number: 8373536
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetoresistive device formed to sense an externally applied magnetic field, and a related method. The magnetoresistive device includes a magnetoresistive stripe formed over an underlying, metallic layer that is patterned to produce electrically isolated conductive regions over a substrate, such as a silicon substrate. An insulating layer separates the patterned metallic layer from the magnetoresistive stripe. A plurality of conductive vias is formed to couple the isolated regions of the metallic layer to the magnetoresistive stripe. The conductive vias form local short circuits between the magnetoresistive stripe and the isolated regions of the metallic layer to alter the uniformity of a current flow therein, thereby improving the position and angular sensing accuracy of the magnetoresistive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Juergen Zimmer, Thomas Bever
  • Publication number: 20120229133
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetoresistive device formed to sense an externally applied magnetic field, and a related method. The magnetoresistive device includes a magnetoresistive stripe formed over an underlying, metallic layer that is patterned to produce electrically isolated conductive regions over a substrate, such as a silicon substrate. An insulating layer separates the patterned metallic layer from the magnetoresistive stripe. A plurality of conductive vias is formed to couple the isolated regions of the metallic layer to the magnetoresistive stripe. The conductive vias form local short circuits between the magnetoresistive stripe and the isolated regions of the metallic layer to alter the uniformity of a current flow therein, thereby improving the position and angular sensing accuracy of the magnetoresistive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Juergen Zimmer, Thomas Bever
  • Patent number: 8193897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetoresistive device formed to sense an externally applied magnetic field, and a related method. The magnetoresistive device includes a magnetoresistive stripe formed over an underlying, metallic layer that is patterned to produce electrically isolated conductive regions over a substrate, such as a silicon substrate. An insulating layer separates the patterned metallic layer from the magnetoresistive stripe. A plurality of conductive vias is formed to couple the isolated regions of the metallic layer to the magnetoresistive stripe. The conductive vias form local short circuits between the magnetoresistive stripe and the isolated regions of the metallic layer to alter the uniformity of a current flow therein, thereby improving the position and angular sensing accuracy of the magnetoresistive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Juergen Zimmer, Thomas Bever
  • Publication number: 20120056615
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor arrangement with a sensor chip. A magnetic field generator is configured to generate a secondary magnetic field opposing an external primary magnetic field at the sensor chip. The magnetic field generator protects the sensor arrangement against the external primary magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Udo Ausserlechner, Thomas Bever, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Joachim Weitzel
  • Patent number: 8063632
    Abstract: A method of magnetizing a permanently magnetizable element associated with a magnetic field sensor structure includes generating a test magnetic field penetrating the magnetic field sensor structure and the permanently magnetizable element, detecting the magnetic field and providing a test signal based on a magnetic field through the magnetic field sensor structure, aligning the test magnetic field and the magnetic field sensor structure with the permanently magnetizable element to each other, until the test signal reaches a set value corresponding to a predetermined magnetized field distribution with respect to the magnetic field sensor structure, and generating a magnetizing field for permanently magnetizing the element to be permanently magnetized, wherein the magnetizing field corresponds to the predetermined magnetic field distribution within a tolerance range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Udo Ausserlechner, Thomas Bever, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Joachim Weitzel
  • Publication number: 20110163746
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetoresistive device formed to sense an externally applied magnetic field, and a related method. The magnetoresistive device includes a magnetoresistive stripe formed over an underlying, metallic layer that is patterned to produce electrically isolated conductive regions over a substrate, such as a silicon substrate. An insulating layer separates the patterned metallic layer from the magnetoresistive stripe. A plurality of conductive vias is formed to couple the isolated regions of the metallic layer to the magnetoresistive stripe. The conductive vias form local short circuits between the magnetoresistive stripe and the isolated regions of the metallic layer to alter the uniformity of a current flow therein, thereby improving the position and angular sensing accuracy of the magnetoresistive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Juergen Zimmer, Thomas Bever
  • Patent number: 7872564
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetoresistive device formed to sense an externally applied magnetic field, and a related method. The magnetoresistive device includes a magnetoresistive stripe formed over an underlying, metallic layer that is patterned to produce electrically isolated conductive regions over a substrate, such as a silicon substrate. An insulating layer separates the patterned metallic layer from the magnetoresistive stripe. A plurality of conductive vias is formed to couple the isolated regions of the metallic layer to the magnetoresistive stripe. The conductive vias form local short circuits between the magnetoresistive stripe and the isolated regions of the metallic layer to alter the uniformity of a current flow therein, thereby improving the position and angular sensing accuracy of the magnetoresistive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Juergen Zimmer, Thomas Bever
  • Publication number: 20090128282
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetoresistive device formed to sense an externally applied magnetic field, and a related method. The magnetoresistive device includes a magnetoresistive stripe formed over an underlying, metallic layer that is patterned to produce electrically isolated conductive regions over a substrate, such as a silicon substrate. An insulating layer separates the patterned metallic layer from the magnetoresistive stripe. A plurality of conductive vias is formed to couple the isolated regions of the metallic layer to the magnetoresistive stripe. The conductive vias form local short circuits between the magnetoresistive stripe and the isolated regions of the metallic layer to alter the uniformity of a current flow therein, thereby improving the position and angular sensing accuracy of the magnetoresistive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Juergen Zimmer, Thomas Bever