Patents by Inventor Todd A. Christensen

Todd A. Christensen 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).

  • Publication number: 20230177243
    Abstract: Data relating to one or more circuit paths may be collected during a design stage of a processor chip based on a design model. One or more delta values may be added to the one or more circuit paths of the design model. One or more broken circuit paths may be identified based on the one or more delta values. A target time for each of the one or more broken circuit paths may be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: TODD A. CHRISTENSEN, JOHN E. SHEETS, II, ERIC MARZ, KIRK D. PETERSON
  • Patent number: 10916323
    Abstract: A memory interface latch including a data NAND gate and a feedback gate can be created within an integrated circuit (IC). When a feedback node is driven low, the data NAND gate can drive an inverted value of a memory array bitline input to a data output of the memory interface latch within a time of one gate delay. A feedback gate can, in a functional mode, during one phase of a clock signal, drive the feedback node high and during the other phase of the clock signal, drive the feedback node to a complement the data output. The feedback gate can be also, in an LBIST write-through mode, drive the feedback node to the value of a WRITE_DATA input. The feedback gate can be also, in a fence mode, drive the feedback node to fixed logic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Todd A. Christensen, Chad A. Adams, Peter T. Freiburger
  • Publication number: 20190311777
    Abstract: A memory interface latch including a data NAND gate and a feedback gate can be created within an integrated circuit (IC). When a feedback node is driven low, the data NAND gate can drive an inverted value of a memory array bitline input to a data output of the memory interface latch within a time of one gate delay. A feedback gate can, in a functional mode, during one phase of a clock signal, drive the feedback node high and during the other phase of the clock signal, drive the feedback node to a complement the data output. The feedback gate can be also, in an LBIST write-through mode, drive the feedback node to the value of a WRITE_DATA input. The feedback gate can be also, in a fence mode, drive the feedback node to fixed logic value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Todd A. Christensen, Chad A. Adams, Peter T. Freiburger
  • Patent number: 10381098
    Abstract: A memory interface latch including a data NAND gate and a feedback gate can be created within an integrated circuit (IC). When a feedback node is driven low, the data NAND gate can drive an inverted value of a memory array bitline input to a data output of the memory interface latch within a time of one gate delay. A feedback gate can, in a functional mode, during one phase of a clock signal, drive the feedback node high and during the other phase of the clock signal, drive the feedback node to a complement the data output. The feedback gate can be also, in an LBIST write-through mode, drive the feedback node to the value of a WRITE_DATA input. The feedback gate can be also, in a fence mode, drive the feedback node to fixed logic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Todd A. Christensen, Chad A. Adams, Peter T. Freiburger
  • Patent number: 10311966
    Abstract: A system and integrated circuits are provided for determining performance metrics over a plurality of cycles of an input signal using on-chip diagnostic circuitry. The system comprises a trigger generation module configured to generate a trigger signal, and diagnostic circuitry coupled with the trigger generation module. The diagnostic circuitry comprises a memory comprising a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of delay elements, each delay element of the plurality of delay elements connected between consecutive data lines of the plurality of data lines. The diagnostic circuitry is configured to receive at least one input signal, and write, upon receiving the trigger signal, values on the plurality of data lines to the memory, thereby acquiring samples of a plurality of cycles of the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony G. Aipperspach, Derick G. Behrends, Todd A. Christensen, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20190164623
    Abstract: A memory interface latch including a data NAND gate and a feedback gate can be created within an integrated circuit (IC). When a feedback node is driven low, the data NAND gate can drive an inverted value of a memory array bitline input to a data output of the memory interface latch within a time of one gate delay. A feedback gate can, in a functional mode, during one phase of a clock signal, drive the feedback node high and during the other phase of the clock signal, drive the feedback node to a complement the data output. The feedback gate can be also, in an LBIST write-through mode, drive the feedback node to the value of a WRITE_DATA input. The feedback gate can be also, in a fence mode, drive the feedback node to fixed logic value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Todd A. Christensen, Chad A. Adams, Peter T. Freiburger
  • Patent number: 10250743
    Abstract: A database is queried based upon data contained in a message to obtain sender identification information, at least part of which is not contained in the message as it was sent. The sender identification information is presented to a recipient, which can send a signal accepting or rejecting the message based upon the sender identification information. If an accept signal is entered, the message can be forwarded to the recipient and/or rendered to the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: MOBILE MESSENGER GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventor: Gerald Todd Christensen
  • Patent number: 10229748
    Abstract: A memory interface latch including a data NAND gate and a feedback gate can be created within an integrated circuit (IC). When a feedback node is driven low, the data NAND gate can drive an inverted value of a memory array bitline input to a data output of the memory interface latch within a time of one gate delay. A feedback gate can, in a functional mode, during one phase of a clock signal, drive the feedback node high and during the other phase of the clock signal, drive the feedback node to a complement the data output. The feedback gate can be also, in an LBIST write-through mode, drive the feedback node to the value of a WRITE_DATA input. The feedback gate can be also, in a fence mode, drive the feedback node to fixed logic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Todd A. Christensen, Chad A. Adams, Peter T. Freiburger
  • Patent number: 10121530
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing Electronic Fuse (eFuse) visual security of stored data using embedded dynamic random access memory (EDRAM), and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes EDRAM and eFuse circuitry having an initial state of a logical 0. The outputs of the eFuse and an EDRAM are connected through an exclusive OR (XOR) gate, enabling EDRAM random data to be known at wafer test and programming of the eFuse to provide any desired logical value out of the XORed data combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Christensen, Karl R. Erickson, Phil C. Paone, David P. Paulsen, John E. Sheets, II, Gregory J. Uhlmann
  • Patent number: 10061368
    Abstract: On a semiconductor die, a testing controller identifies a first partition unit with a first operating frequency lower than a second operating frequency of an adjacent second partition unit. A metal mask is added between one or more first header switches of the first partition unit and one or more second header switches of the second partition unit to allow the first partition unit to use a selection of the one or more second header switches for power distribution to the first partition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd A. Christensen, John E. Sheets, II
  • Patent number: 9991199
    Abstract: A shielding and decoupling capacitor structure can be fabricated within an integrated circuit (IC) by forming recesses in a top surface of a dielectric layer and forming a trench in a top surface of an intra-metal dielectric portion of a metal layer deposited on the top surface of the dielectric layer. A bottom of the trench exposes the recesses. A bottom of each recess exposes a conductive structure. A first plate may be formed by depositing a conductive liner onto the bottom and side of the recess and onto the bottom and side of the trench. A conformal dielectric film may be deposited onto the first plate within the trench and recesses. A second plate may be formed by depositing an electrically conductive material within the trench and recesses over the conformal dielectric film. The conformal dielectric film electrically insulates the first and second plates from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Christensen, John E. Sheets, II
  • Publication number: 20180145024
    Abstract: A shielding and decoupling capacitor structure can be fabricated within an integrated circuit (IC) by forming recesses in a top surface of a dielectric layer and forming a trench in a top surface of an intra-metal dielectric portion of a metal layer deposited on the top surface of the dielectric layer. A bottom of the trench exposes the recesses. A bottom of each recess exposes a conductive structure. A first plate may be formed by depositing a conductive liner onto the bottom and side of the recess and onto the bottom and side of the trench. A conformal dielectric film may be deposited onto the first plate within the trench and recesses. A second plate may be formed by depositing an electrically conductive material within the trench and recesses over the conformal dielectric film. The conformal dielectric film electrically insulates the first and second plates from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Todd A. Christensen, John E. Sheets, II
  • Publication number: 20170344087
    Abstract: On a semiconductor die, a testing controller identifies a first partition unit with a first operating frequency lower than a second operating frequency of an adjacent second partition unit. A metal mask is added between one or more first header switches of the first partition unit and one or more second header switches of the second partition unit to allow the first partition unit to use a selection of the one or more second header switches for power distribution to the first partition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: TODD A. CHRISTENSEN, JOHN E. SHEETS, II
  • Publication number: 20170242066
    Abstract: A system and integrated circuits are disclosed for determining performance metrics over a plurality of cycles of an input signal using on-chip diagnostic circuitry. The system comprises a trigger generation module configured to generate a trigger signal, and diagnostic circuitry coupled with the trigger generation module. The diagnostic circuitry comprises a memory comprising a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of delay elements, each delay element of the plurality of delay elements connected between consecutive data lines of the plurality of data lines. The diagnostic circuitry is configured to receive at least one input signal, and write, upon receiving the trigger signal, values on the plurality of data lines to the memory, thereby acquiring samples of a plurality of cycles of the input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Anthony G. AIPPERSPACH, Derick G. BEHRENDS, Todd A. CHRISTENSEN, Jeffrey M. SCHERER
  • Publication number: 20170236571
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing Electronic Fuse (eFuse) visual security of stored data using embedded dynamic random access memory (EDRAM), and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes EDRAM and eFuse circuity having an initial state of a logical 0. The outputs of the eFuse and an EDRAM are connected through an exclusive OR (XOR) gate, enabling EDRAM random data to be known at wafer test and programming of the eFuse to provide any desired logical value out of the XORed data combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Todd A. Christensen, Karl R. Erickson, Phil C. Paone, David P. Paulsen, John E. Sheets, II, Gregory J. Uhlmann
  • Patent number: 9715905
    Abstract: A computing system, processing unit, and method are disclosed for detecting a maximum voltage power supply for performing memory testing. The method includes generating, using a sense amplifier of a processing unit and based on a timing of a received pulse signal, first and second drive signals that collectively indicate which of first and second voltages is greater, the first and second voltages produced by respective first and second power supplies. The method also includes coupling, based on the first and second drive signals, the power supply corresponding to the relatively greater voltage of the first and second voltages with the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony G. Aipperspach, Derick G. Behrends, Todd A. Christensen, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20170148527
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing Electronic Fuse (eFuse) visual security of stored data using embedded dynamic random access memory (EDRAM), and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes EDRAM and eFuse circuitry having an initial state of a logical 0. The outputs of the eFuse and an EDRAM are connected through an exclusive OR (XOR) gate, enabling EDRAM random data to be known at wafer test and programming of the eFuse to provide any desired logical value out of the XORed data combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Todd A. Christensen, Karl R. Erickson, Phil C. Paone, David P. Paulsen, John E. Sheets, II, Gregory J. Uhlmann
  • Patent number: 9646712
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing Electronic Fuse (eFuse) visual security of stored data using embedded dynamic random access memory (EDRAM), and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes EDRAM and eFuse circuitry having an initial state of a logical 0. The outputs of the eFuse and an EDRAM are connected through an exclusive OR (XOR) gate, enabling EDRAM random data to be known at wafer test and programming of the eFuse to provide any desired logical value out of the XORed data combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Christensen, Karl R. Erickson, Phil C. Paone, David P. Paulsen, John E. Sheets, II, Gregory J. Uhlmann
  • Patent number: 9583938
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device to manage leakage current can, in response to a power good (PGOOD) signal, draw the gate terminal of an ESD clamp device to a voltage below ground. The device also drives an inverted copy of the PGOOD signal to a gated inverter, which can inhibit the gated inverter output from drawing the ESD clamp device gate terminal to ground. The ESD protection device also includes the ESD clamp device to, in response to the gate terminal of the ESD clamp device being drawn to a bias voltage less than ground, allow a leakage current to flow through the ESD clamp device that is less than a leakage current allowed to flow in response to the ESD clamp device gate terminal being drawn to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony G. Aipperspach, Derick G. Behrends, Todd A. Christensen, David W. Siljenberg
  • Publication number: 20170047099
    Abstract: A computing system, processing unit, and method are disclosed for detecting a maximum voltage power supply for performing memory testing. The method includes generating, using a sense amplifier of a processing unit and based on a timing of a received pulse signal, first and second drive signals that collectively indicate which of first and second voltages is greater, the first and second voltages produced by respective first and second power supplies. The method also includes coupling, based on the first and second drive signals, the power supply corresponding to the relatively greater voltage of the first and second voltages with the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Anthony G. AIPPERSPACH, Derick G. BEHRENDS, Todd A. CHRISTENSEN, Jeffrey M. SCHERER