Patents by Inventor Todd Bystrom

Todd Bystrom 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: 9389637
    Abstract: A source-synchronous communication system in which a first integrated circuit (IC) conveys a data signal and concomitant strobe signal to a second IC. One or both ICs support hysteresis for the strobe channel that allows the second IC to distinguish between strobe preambles and noise, and thus prevent the false triggering of data capture. Hysteresis may also be employed to quickly settle the strobe channel to an inactive level after receipt of a strobe postamble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Huy Nguyen, Vijay Gadde, Kambiz Kaviani, Thomas Giovannini, Todd Bystrom
  • Patent number: 9349422
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments related to a clocked memory system which performs a calibration operation at a full-rate frequency to determine a full-rate calibration state that specifies a delay between a clock signal and a corresponding data signal in the clocked memory system. Next, the clocked memory system uses the full-rate calibration state to calculate a sub-rate calibration state, which is associated with a sub-rate frequency (e.g., ½, ¼ or ? of the full-rate frequency). The system then uses this sub-rate calibration state when the clocked memory system is operating at the sub-rate frequency. This calculation of the sub-rate state calibration states eliminates the need to perform an additional time-consuming calibration operation for each sub-rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Akash Bansal, Yohan U. Frans, Kishore V. Kasamsetty, Todd Bystrom, Simon Li, Arun Vaidyanath
  • Publication number: 20150310903
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments related to a clocked memory system which performs a calibration operation at a full-rate frequency to determine a full-rate calibration state that specifies a delay between a clock signal and a corresponding data signal in the clocked memory system. Next, the clocked memory system uses the full-rate calibration state to calculate a sub-rate calibration state, which is associated with a sub-rate frequency (e.g., 1/2, 1/4 or 1/8 of the full-rate frequency). The system then uses this sub-rate calibration state when the clocked memory system is operating at the sub-rate frequency. This calculation of the sub-rate state calibration states eliminates the need to perform an additional time-consuming calibration operation for each sub-rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Akash Bansal, Yohan U. Frans, Kishore V. Kasamsetty, Todd Bystrom, Simon Li, Arun Vaidyanath
  • Patent number: 9036436
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments related to a clocked memory system which performs a calibration operation at a full-rate frequency to determine a full-rate calibration state that specifies a delay between a clock signal and a corresponding data signal in the clocked memory system. Next, the clocked memory system uses the full-rate calibration state to calculate a sub-rate calibration state, which is associated with a sub-rate frequency (e.g., 1/2, 1/4 or 1/8 of the full-rate frequency). The system then uses this sub-rate calibration state when the clocked memory system is operating at the sub-rate frequency. This calculation of the sub-rate state calibration states eliminates the need to perform an additional time-consuming calibration operation for each sub-rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Akash Bansal, Yohan U. Frans, Kishore V. Kasamsetty, Todd Bystrom, Simon Li, Arun Vaidyanath
  • Publication number: 20130301368
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments related to a clocked memory system which performs a calibration operation at a full-rate frequency to determine a full-rate calibration state that specifies a delay between a clock signal and a corresponding data signal in the clocked memory system. Next, the clocked memory system uses the full-rate calibration state to calculate a sub-rate calibration state, which is associated with a sub-rate frequency (e.g., ½, ¼ or ? of the full-rate frequency). The system then uses this sub-rate calibration state when the clocked memory system is operating at the sub-rate frequency. This calculation of the sub-rate state calibration states eliminates the need to perform an additional time-consuming calibration operation for each sub-rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: RAMBUS INC.
    Inventors: Akash Bansal, Yohan U. Frans, Kishore V. Kasamsetty, Todd Bystrom, Simon Li, Arun Vaidyanath
  • Publication number: 20130290766
    Abstract: A source-synchronous communication system in which a first integrated circuit (IC) conveys a data signal and concomitant strobe signal to a second IC. One or both ICs support hysteresis for the strobe channel that allows the second IC to distinguish between strobe preambles and noise, and thus prevent the false triggering of data capture. Hysteresis may also be employed to quickly settle the strobe channel to an inactive level after receipt of a strobe postamble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Huy Nguyen, Vijay Gadde, Kambiz Kaviani, Thomas Giovannini, Todd Bystrom
  • Patent number: 8130891
    Abstract: A circuit, such as a CDR circuit, includes a sampler to receive a data signal having a variable data bit-rate responsive to a clock signal in an embodiment of the present invention. A clock circuit is coupled to the sampler and generates the clock signal responsive to a selectable update rate and a selectable phase adjust step-size. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the clock circuit includes a Stall logic that is coupled to first, second and third stages and is capable to hold the phase adjust signal responsive to the first and second stage output signals. In a third embodiment of the present invention, an indicator detects the variable data bit-rate and a counter provides the selectable phase adjust step-size for the adjust signal. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the clock circuit includes the Stall logic, the indicator and the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Kim, Jason Wei, Yohan Frans, Todd Bystrom, Nhat Nguyen, Kevin Donnelly
  • Publication number: 20100150290
    Abstract: A circuit, such as a CDR circuit, includes a sampler to receive a data signal having a variable data bit-rate responsive to a clock signal in an embodiment of the present invention. A clock circuit is coupled to the sampler and generates the clock signal responsive to a selectable update rate and a selectable phase adjust step-size. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the clock circuit includes a Stall logic that is coupled to first, second and third stages and is capable to hold the phase adjust signal responsive to the first and second stage output signals. In a third embodiment of the present invention, an indicator detects the variable data bit-rate and a counter provides the selectable phase adjust step-size for the adjust signal. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the clock circuit includes the Stall logic, the indicator and the counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: RAMBUS INC.
    Inventors: Dennis Kim, Jason Wei, Yohan Frans, Todd Bystrom, Nhat Nguyen, Kevin Donnelly
  • Patent number: 7668271
    Abstract: A circuit, such as a CDR circuit, includes a sampler to receive a data signal having a variable data bit-rate responsive to a clock signal in an embodiment of the present invention. A clock circuit is coupled to the sampler and generates the clock signal responsive to a selectable update rate and a selectable phase adjust step-size. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the circuit includes a Stall logic that is coupled to first, second and third stages and is capable to hold the phase adjust signal responsive to the first and second stage output signals. In a third embodiment of the present invention, an indicator detects the variable data bit-rate and a counter provides the selectable phase adjust step-size for the adjust signal. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the circuit includes the Stall logic, the indicator and the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Kim, Jason Wei, Yohan Frans, Todd Bystrom, Nhat Nguyen, Kevin Donnelly
  • Patent number: 7084681
    Abstract: A lock detection circuit operatively associated with a phase-locked loop indicates when a feedback clock signal is locked to a reference clock signal. The lock detection circuit counts the number of rising and falling edges of the feedback clock signal that are detected between rising edges of the reference clock cycle. The lock detection circuit counts the number of consecutive valid cycles of the reference clock signal during which a single rising edge and a single falling edge of the feedback clock signal are detected. Lock detection circuit uses a state machine to assert a lock signal when the number of consecutive valid cycles counted exceeds a predetermined number. Where the lock detection circuit indicates locked signals and then detects a reference clock cycle that is not valid, the lock detection circuit continues to indicate lock if the next reference clock cycle is valid relative to a skewed feedback clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Green, Nhat M. Nguyen, Yohan Frans, Dennis Kim, Todd Bystrom
  • Publication number: 20050235130
    Abstract: A system comprising a storage location to store information representing a timing parameter pertaining to a random access memory device. An integrated circuit device generates a value that is representative of a period of time that elapses between the random access memory device exiting from a power down mode and a time at which the random access memory device is capable of receiving a command. The integrated circuit device generates the value from the information representing the timing parameter pertaining to the random access memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Barth, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel, Frederick Ware, Todd Bystrom, Bradley May, Paul Davis
  • Publication number: 20050216654
    Abstract: A memory module comprises a memory device including a memory array to store data. An interface receives an instruction to exit a power down mode. A register stores a value representative of a period of time to elapse between exiting from the power down mode and a time at which the memory device is capable of receiving a command to access the data. A storage device stores a plurality of parameter information that pertains to the memory device. The value is based on at least a first parameter information of the plurality of parameter information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Barth, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel, Frederick Ware, Todd Bystrom, Bradley May, Paul Davis
  • Publication number: 20050193183
    Abstract: A memory module comprises a random access memory device having a memory array. The random access memory device includes a first register to store a first value that is representative of a number of clock cycles of a clock signal to elapse between latching a column address and an access of data sensed from a row of memory cells in the memory array, wherein a location of the data is based on the column address. A second register stores a second value that is representative of a number of clock cycles of the clock signal to elapse between the access of data from the memory array and outputting the data. A storage device stores a plurality of parameter information that pertains to the random access memory device. The first value and the second value is based on at least a first parameter information of the plurality of parameter information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: September 1, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Barth, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel, Frederick Ware, Todd Bystrom, Bradley May, Paul Davis
  • Publication number: 20050162199
    Abstract: A lock detection circuit operatively associated with a phase-locked loop indicates when a feedback clock signal is locked to a reference clock signal. The lock detection circuit counts the number of rising and falling edges of the feedback clock signal that are detected between rising edges of the reference clock cycle. The lock detection circuit counts the number of consecutive valid cycles of the reference clock signal during which a single rising edge and a single falling edge of the feedback clock signal are detected. Lock detection circuit uses a state machine to assert a lock signal when the number of consecutive valid cycles counted exceeds a predetermined number. Where the lock detection circuit indicates locked signals and then detects a reference clock cycle that is not valid, lock detection circuit continues to indicate lock if the next reference clock cycle is valid relative to a skewed feedback clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Applicant: Rambus, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Green, Nhat Nguyen, Yohan Frans, Dennis Kim, Todd Bystrom
  • Publication number: 20050154853
    Abstract: A method of operation of a memory device and a memory device having registers to store values representing a number of clock cycles to access and output data is provided in embodiments. Data is sensed from an array of memory cells using a plurality of sense amplifiers. A column address that identifies data sensed is latched using the plurality of sense amplifiers. The data is accessed, based on the column address, after a first number of clock cycles of a clock signal have elapsed after latching the column address. The first number of clock cycles is represented by a first value stored in a first register on the memory device. The data is output after a second number of clock cycles have elapsed after accessing the data from the array of memory cells. The second number of clock cycles is represented by a second value stored in a second register on the memory device. A column decoder driving a column select line based on the column address accesses the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Barth, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel, Frederick Ware, Todd Bystrom, Bradley May, Paul Davis
  • Publication number: 20050154817
    Abstract: A method of operation of a memory device and system includes receiving a first and second value in embodiments. The first value is representative of a number of clock cycles of a clock signal that elapse between latching a column address and an access of data sensed from a row of memory cells in a memory array. A location of the data is based on the column address. The second value is representative of a number of clock cycles of the clock signal that elapse between the access of data from the memory array and outputting the data. The first and second values are received during an initialization sequence. Information in units of time that represents first and second timing parameters that pertains to the memory device is read from a storage location. The information that represents the first and second timing parameters are then converted from units of time to units of clock cycles to derive the first and second values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Barth, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel, Frederick Ware, Todd Bystrom, Bradley May, Paul Davis
  • Publication number: 20050120161
    Abstract: Methods of operation of a memory device and system are provided in embodiments. Initialization operations are conducted at a first frequency of operation during an initialization sequence. Memory access operations are then performed at a second frequency of operation. The second frequency of operation is higher than the first frequency of operation. Also, the memory access operations include a read operation and a write operation. In an embodiment, information that represents the first frequency of operation and the second frequency of operation is read from a serial presence detect device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Barth, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel, Frederick Ware, Todd Bystrom, Bradley May, Paul Davis
  • Patent number: 6879195
    Abstract: A lock detection circuit operatively associated with a phase-locked loop indicates when a feedback clock signal is locked to a reference clock signal. The lock detection circuit counts the number of rising and falling edges of the feedback clock signal that are detected between rising edges of the reference clock cycle. The lock detection circuit counts the number of consecutive valid cycles of the reference clock signal during which a single rising edge and a single falling edge of the feedback clock signal are detected. Lock detection circuit asserts a lock signal when the number of consecutive valid cycles counted exceeds a predetermined number. Where the lock detection circuit indicates locked signals and then detects a reference clock cycle that is not valid, lock detection circuit continues to indicate lock if the next reference clock cycle is valid relative to a skewed feedback clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Rambus, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Green, Nhat M. Nguyen, Yohan Frans, Dennis Kim, Todd Bystrom
  • Publication number: 20050069071
    Abstract: A circuit, such as a CDR circuit, includes a sampler to receive a data signal having a variable data bit-rate responsive to a clock signal in an embodiment of the present invention. A clock circuit is coupled to the sampler and generates the clock signal responsive to a selectable update rate and a selectable phase adjust step-size. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the clock circuit includes a Stall logic that is coupled to first, second and third stages and is capable to hold the phase adjust signal responsive to the first and second stage output signals. In a third embodiment of the present invention, an indicator detects the variable data bit-rate and a counter provides the selectable phase adjust step-size for the adjust signal. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the clock circuit includes the Stall logic, the indicator and the counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Dennis Kim, Jason Wei, Yohan Frans, Todd Bystrom, Nhat Nguyen, Kevin Donnelly
  • Publication number: 20050060487
    Abstract: A memory device including an array of memory cells, and a register circuit to store a value representative of a period of time to elapse before the memory device is ready to receive a command when recovering from a power down mode is provided in an embodiment. The command specifies an access to the array of memory cells. A delay lock loop circuit synchronizes data transfers using an external clock signal. The delay lock loop circuit reacquires synchronization with the external clock signal during the period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Barth, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel, Frederick Ware, Todd Bystrom, Bradley May, Paul Davis