Patents by Inventor Todd L. Brooks
Todd L. Brooks 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).
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Patent number: 9287835Abstract: A low quiescent current amplifier and driver having multiple amplifiers (e.g. Class AB and B amplifiers) work in concert to independently amplify all or a portion of a signal into multiple amplified signals combined into a unified signal. Operation of a second amplifier is slaved to operation of a first amplifier. Each amplifier may have its own feedback loop providing the same gain transfer function to align transitions of the multiple amplified signals. Operation of the first amplifier may be detected using a replica of a signal, stage or transconductance in the first amplifier. At the same threshold, operation of the first and second amplifiers may be transitioned, e.g., the second amplifier may transition between providing increasing or decreasing current and providing zero current while the first amplifier may transition between providing constant current and providing increasing or decreasing current.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Jianlong Chen, Sasi Kumar Arunachalam, Todd L. Brooks
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Patent number: 9288334Abstract: A network gateway is configured to facilitate on line and off line bi-directional communication between a number of near end data and telephony devices with far end data termination devices via a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cable modem termination system. The described network gateway combines a QAM receiver, a transmitter, a DOCSIS MAC, a CPU, a voice and audio processor, a voice synchronizer, an Ethernet MAC, and a USB controller to provide high performance and robust operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: James C. Thi, Theodore F. Rabenko, David Hartman, Robert M. Lukas, Kenneth J. Unger, Ramin Borazjani, Shane P. Lansing, Robert J. Lee, Todd L. Brooks, Kevin L. Miller
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Patent number: 8952837Abstract: A multi-rate sigma delta digital-to-analog converter may include a signal input and a signal output, and multiple modulators. A first of the modulator may convert a digital input signal on the signal input to an analog output signal on the signal output. Subsequent of the multiple modulators may shape and cancel quantization noise received from a proceeding modulator. One of the modulators may operate at a higher frequency than does another of the multiple modulation loops.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Min Gyu Kim, Dongtian Lu, Todd L. Brooks
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Patent number: 8829979Abstract: Disclosed is a power-efficient multi-mode charge pump. The charge pump comprises a first pumping circuit that provides at least one output voltage produced by a discharge sequence of a shared flyback capacitor. The charge pump also comprises a second pumping circuit that provides a plurality of output voltages produced by a corresponding plurality of discharge sequences of the shared flyback capacitor. The charge pump may include a transition circuit to selectably enable the first pumping circuit or the second pumping circuit. In one embodiment, the first pumping circuit may employ a two-phase discharge sequence. In another embodiment, the second pumping circuit may employ a three-phase plurality of discharge sequences. A related method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Sherif Galal, Tay Hui Zheng, Todd L. Brooks
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Publication number: 20140240154Abstract: A multi-rate sigma delta digital-to-analog converter may include a signal input and a signal output, and multiple modulators. A first of the modulator may convert a digital input signal on the signal input to an analog output signal on the signal output. Subsequent of the multiple modulators may shape and cancel quantization noise received from a proceeding modulator. One of the modulators may operate at a higher frequency than does another of the multiple modulation loops.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Min Gyu Kim, Dongtian Lu, Todd L. Brooks
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Patent number: 8766722Abstract: Disclosed is a Class-AB/B amplifier comprising a first output stage including a first plurality of amplification devices and a second output stage including a second plurality of amplification devices. According to one embodiment, the first output stage operates when the Class-AB/B amplifier is in a quiescent state and the second output stage operates when the Class-AB/B amplifier is in an active state. The Class-AB/B amplifier also comprises a level shifting circuit that adjusts a control voltage of the second output stage, where the level shifting circuit is adapted to activate the second output stage when the Class-AB/B amplifier enters the active state. Embodiments of the Class-AB/B amplifier may include a level shifting circuit that implements either a fixed or signal-dependent level shift, and a quiescent control circuit that substantially eliminates any systematic offset arising from the active feedback circuit inside the replica bias circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Sherif Galal, Alex Jianzhong Chen, Khaled Abdelfattah, Todd L. Brooks
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Publication number: 20140070889Abstract: A low quiescent current amplifier and driver having multiple amplifiers (e.g. Class AB and B amplifiers) work in concert to independently amplify all or a portion of a signal into multiple amplified signals combined into a unified signal. Operation of a second amplifier is slaved to operation of a first amplifier. Each amplifier may have its own feedback loop providing the same gain transfer function to align transitions of the multiple amplified signals. Operation of the first amplifier may be detected using a replica of a signal, stage or transconductance in the first amplifier. At the same threshold, operation of the first and second amplifiers may be transitioned, e.g., the second amplifier may transition between providing increasing or decreasing current and providing zero current while the first amplifier may transition between providing constant current and providing increasing or decreasing current.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATIONInventors: Jianlong Chen, Sasi Kumar Arunachalam, Todd L. Brooks
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Publication number: 20140064267Abstract: A network gateway is configured to facilitate on line and off line bi-directional communication between a number of near end data and telephony devices with far end data termination devices via a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cable modem termination system. The described network gateway combines a QAM receiver, a transmitter, a DOCSIS MAC, a CPU, a voice and audio processor, a voice synchronizer, an Ethernet MAC, and a USB controller to provide high performance and robust operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Broadcom CorproationInventors: James C. THI, Theodore F. RABENKO, David HARTMAN, Robert M. LUKAS, Kenneth J. UNGER, Ramin BORAZJANI, Shane P. LANSING, Robert J. LEE, Todd L. BROOKS, Kevin L. MILLER
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Patent number: 8665023Abstract: Disclosed is a Class-AB/B amplifier comprising a first output stage including a first plurality of amplification devices and a second output stage including a second plurality of amplification devices. According to one embodiment, the first output stage operates when the Class-AB/B amplifier is in a quiescent state and the second output stage operates when the Class-AB/B amplifier is in an active state. The Class-AB/B amplifier also comprises a level shifting circuit that adjusts a control voltage of the second output stage, where the level shifting circuit is adapted to activate the second output stage when the Class-AB/B amplifier enters the active state. Embodiments of the Class-AB/B amplifier may include a level shifting circuit that implements either a fixed or signal-dependent level shift, and a quiescent control circuit that substantially eliminates any systematic offset arising from the active feedback circuit inside the replica bias circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Sherif Galal, Alex Jianzhong Chen, Khaled Abdelfattah, Todd L. Brooks
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Patent number: 8582577Abstract: A system is configured to facilitate bidirectional voice communication between a number of data and/or telephony devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: James C. Thi, Theodore F. Rabenko, David Hartman, Robert M. Lukas, Kenneth J. Unger, Ramin Borazjani, Shane P. Lansing, Robert J. Lee, Todd L. Brooks, Kevin L. Miller
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Patent number: 8482347Abstract: Disclosed is an amplifier designed to substantially reduce an ON/OFF transient. The amplifier comprises a drive block that includes a pre-driver and an output stage. The amplifier also comprises a bypass circuit that is coupled to an output of the pre-driver. The bypass circuit of the amplifier is selectively activated to reduce the ON/OFF transient. The bypass circuit may comprise an auxiliary output stage that can be coupled to provide selective activation. The amplifier may also be configured to provide multi-point offset compensation. Also disclosed is a related method. The amplifier and the related method may be incorporated into an audio amplifier used in a cellular telephone or other mobile audio device.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Iuri Mehr, Sherif Galal, Todd L. Brooks
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Patent number: 8452428Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for detecting and identifying electronic accessories or peripherals utilizing a hardware audio CODEC are provided. In this regard, a hardware audio CODEC may be operable to compare one or more voltages on one or more biased pins of an accessory or peripheral port to one or more reference voltages and generate one or more digital representations of the one or more voltages on the biased one or more pins. An accessory or peripheral attached to the accessory or peripheral port may be identified based on the comparison and/or the generated one or more digital representations. The one or more bias voltages may be controlled based on a result of the comparison and/or the generated digital representations. The one or more bias voltages may be reduced after an attached accessory or peripheral has been identified.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Hongwei Kong, Nelson Sollenberger, Todd L. Brooks, Yee Ling Cheung, Xicheng Jiang
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Patent number: 8294518Abstract: Disclosed is a Class-AB/B amplifier comprising a first output stage including a first plurality of amplification devices and a second output stage including a second plurality of amplification devices. According to one embodiment, the first output stage operates when the Class-AB/B amplifier is in a quiescent state and the second output stage operates when the Class-AB/B amplifier is in an active state. The Class-AB/B amplifier also comprises a level shifting circuit that adjusts a control voltage of the second output stage, where the level shifting circuit is adapted to activate the second output stage when the Class-AB/B amplifier enters the active state. Embodiments of the Class-AB/B amplifier may include a level shifting circuit that implements either a fixed or signal-dependent level shift, and a quiescent control circuit that substantially eliminates any systematic offset arising from the active feedback circuit inside the replica bias circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Sherif Galal, Alex Jianzhong Chen, Khaled Abdelfattah, Todd L. Brooks
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Patent number: 8237496Abstract: Disclosed is a switching amplifier having an enhanced supply rejection. The switching amplifier comprises a digital modulator that provides a modulated signal. The switching amplifier further comprises a closed-loop analog driver that is coupled to the digital modulator. As disclosed, the closed-loop analog driver is configured to re-modulate a modulation signal that corresponds to the modulated signal. An output stage of the switching amplifier is driven by the re-modulated signal, thereby providing enhanced supply rejection. In one embodiment, the modulated signal is produced by a digital pulse-width modulator (PWM) circuit of a Class-D amplifier, and has a pulse rate substantially less than a clock rate of the digital PWM circuit. In one embodiment, the switching amplifier is implemented as an audio amplifier in a mobile communication device such as a cellular telephone.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Xicheng Jiang, Jungwoo Song, Minsheng Wang, Todd L. Brooks
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Patent number: 8212612Abstract: Disclosed is a closed-loop class-D amplifier circuit including a modulated reference signal generator that provides a modulated reference signal in a feed-forward path, where the reference signal is modulated corresponding to an input signal. The closed-loop class-D amplifier circuit further includes a comparator to generate a control signal based on a comparison of the modulated reference signal and a correction signal, which in turn is produced by filtering a combination of the input signal and a feedback signal. The closed-loop class-D amplifier circuit also includes a pulse generator to generate a pulse-width-modulated signal to drive an output stage of the closed-loop class-D amplifier based on the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Jungwoo Song, Xicheng Jiang, Minsheng Wang, Todd L. Brooks
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Patent number: 8201995Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for a temperature sensing crystal Integrated circuit with digital temperature output are provided. In this regard, an indication of temperature may be generated in an integrated circuit (IC) comprising a memory, a crystal or crystal oscillator, and at least a portion of an analog-to-digital converter. The temperature indication may be digitized via the analog-to-digital converter. Operation of one or more circuits may be controlled based on the digital temperature indication. The digital temperature indication may be communicated over a communication bus. An analog portion of the analog-to-digital converter may be integrated in the IC and may comprise, for example, a delta-sigma modulator. A digital portion of the analog-to-digital converter may be external to the IC and may comprise, for example, a digital filter.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Evan McCarthy, John Walley, Todd L Brooks, Vinay Chandrasekhar, Josephus Van Engelen, Jared Welz
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Publication number: 20120146719Abstract: Disclosed is an amplifier designed to substantially reduce an ON/OFF transient. The amplifier comprises a drive block that includes a pre-driver and an output stage. The amplifier also comprises a bypass circuit that is coupled to an output of the pre-driver. The bypass circuit of the amplifier is selectively activated to reduce the ON/OFF transient. The bypass circuit may comprise an auxiliary output stage that can be coupled to provide selective activation. The amplifier may also be configured to provide multi-point offset compensation. Also disclosed is a related method. The amplifier and the related method may be incorporated into an audio amplifier used in a cellular telephone or other mobile audio device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATIONInventors: Iuri Mehr, Sherif Galal, Todd L. Brooks
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Publication number: 20120056672Abstract: Disclosed is a Class-AB/B amplifier comprising a first output stage including a first plurality of amplification devices and a second output stage including a second plurality of amplification devices. According to one embodiment, the first output stage operates when the Class-AB/B amplifier is in a quiescent state and the second output stage operates when the Class-AB/B amplifier is in an active state. The Class-AB/B amplifier also comprises a level shifting circuit that adjusts a control voltage of the second output stage, where the level shifting circuit is adapted to activate the second output stage when the Class-AB/B amplifier enters the active state. Embodiments of the Class-AB/B amplifier may include a level shifting circuit that implements either a fixed or signal-dependent level shift, and a quiescent control circuit that substantially eliminates any systematic offset arising from the active feedback circuit inside the replica bias circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATIONInventors: Sherif Galal, Alex Jianzhong Chen, Khaled Abdelfattah, Todd L. Brooks
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Publication number: 20120025910Abstract: Disclosed is a switching amplifier having an enhanced supply rejection. The switching amplifier comprises a digital modulator that provides a modulated signal. The switching amplifier further comprises a closed-loop analog driver that is coupled to the digital modulator. As disclosed, the closed-loop analog driver is configured to re-modulate a modulation signal that corresponds to the modulated signal. An output stage of the switching amplifier is driven by the re-modulated signal, thereby providing enhanced supply rejection. In one embodiment, the modulated signal is produced by a digital pulse-width modulator (PWM) circuit of a Class-D amplifier, and has a pulse rate substantially less than a clock rate of the digital PWM circuit. In one embodiment, the switching amplifier is implemented as an audio amplifier in a mobile communication device such as a cellular telephone.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATIONInventors: Xicheng Jiang, Jungwoo Song, Minsheng Wang, Todd L. Brooks
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Patent number: RE46142Abstract: A system is configured to facilitate bidirectional voice communication between a number of data and/or telephony devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: James C. Thi, Theodore F. Rabenko, David Hartman, Robert M. Lukas, Kenneth J. Unger, Ramin Borazjani, Shane P. Lansing, Robert J. Lee, Todd L. Brooks, Kevin L. Miller