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).

  • Patent number: 8103022
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting, and controlling power for, an auxiliary microphone are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include a detection block intermittently enabling a bias circuit block to provide a bias signal to determine if an auxiliary microphone may be communicatively coupled to a mobile device. The detection block may process 1-bit digital samples received from the bias circuit bock to determine whether the auxiliary microphone may be communicatively coupled. The detection block may also process the 1-bit digital samples to determine if a button associated with the auxiliary microphone may have been pushed or activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Hongwei Kong, Nelson Sollenberger, Li Fung Chang, Andy Tong, Todd L. Brooks, Claude Hayek
  • Publication number: 20120013402
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jungwoo Song, Xicheng Jiang, Minsheng Wang, Todd L. Brooks
  • Patent number: 8018363
    Abstract: In a high-fidelity digital modulator, a mapper is provided to minimize quantization noise, jitter, and cross-talk between multiple digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital converters. The mapper receives a quantized level from a quantizer and maps the quantized level to an output sequence. The mapper includes a table defining multiple sequences corresponding to each quantized level. Each sequence includes two or more symbols, having one of multiple values. The mapper also includes a generator that selects one of the multiple sequences as the output sequence. The last symbol of a first output sequence is equal to the first symbol of the next output sequence and so on. The generator selects the output sequence by alternating between a first and a second sequence for each quantized level received. The generator selects the output sequence by alternating between sequences having a positive and a negative common mode energy for each odd valued quantized level received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Todd L. Brooks, Kevin L. Miller, Josephus A. Van Engelen
  • Publication number: 20110204961
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sherif Galal, Tay Hui Zheng, Todd L. Brooks
  • Publication number: 20110200048
    Abstract: A system is configured to facilitate bidirectional voice communication between a number of data and/or telephony devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7933295
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20100117685
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Hongwei Kong, Nelson Sollenberger, Todd L. Brooks, Yee Ling Cheung, Xicheng Jiang
  • Publication number: 20100066580
    Abstract: In a high-fidelity digital modulator, a mapper is provided to minimize quantization noise, jitter, and cross-talk between multiple digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital converters. The mapper receives a quantized level from a quantizer and maps the quantized level to an output sequence. The mapper includes a table defining multiple sequences corresponding to each quantized level. Each sequence includes two or more symbols, having one of multiple values. The mapper also includes a generator that selects one of the multiple sequences as the output sequence. The last symbol of a first output sequence is equal to the first symbol of the next output sequence and so on. The generator selects the output sequence by alternating between a first and a second sequence for each quantized level received. The generator selects the output sequence by alternating between sequences having a positive and a negative common mode energy for each odd valued quantized level received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Todd L. BROOKS, Kevin L. MILLER, Josephus A. VAN ENGELEN
  • Publication number: 20100057471
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for processing audio signals via separate input and output processing paths are provided. In this regard, a hardware audio CODEC comprising one or more audio inputs and one or more audio outputs and may be enabled to route, via one or more switching elements, audio signals from any of the inputs to any of the outputs. The CODEC may be enabled to simultaneously process a plurality of audio signals based on a configuration of the switching elements. Upstream from the switching elements, received audio signals may be processed independent of an output to which the may be communicated. Downstream from said switching elements audio signals may be processed independent of an input via which the signals were received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Hongwei Kong, Nelson Sollenberger, Taiyi Cheng, Mark Hahm, Todd L. Brooks, Xicheng Jiang
  • Patent number: 7593483
    Abstract: In a high-fidelity digital modulator, a mapper is provided to minimize quantization noise, jitter, and cross-talk between multiple digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital converters. The mapper receives a quantized level from a quantizer and maps the quantized level to an output sequence. The mapper includes a table defining multiple sequences corresponding to each quantized level. Each sequence includes two or more symbols, having one of multiple values. The mapper also includes a generator that selects one of the multiple sequences as the output sequence. The last symbol of a first output sequence is equal to the first symbol of the next output sequence and so on. The generator selects the output sequence by alternating between a first and a second sequence for each quantized level received. The generator selects the output sequence by alternating between sequences having a positive and a negative common mode energy for each odd valued quantized level received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Todd L. Brooks, Kevin L. Miller, Josephus A. Van Engelen
  • Publication number: 20080144846
    Abstract: A circuit for detecting when a microphone is connected to a microphone coupling includes a detection signal generator that asserts a microphone detection signal. A microphone power module supplies a microphone current to the microphone coupling in response to the assertion of the microphone detection signal. A microphone detection module detects when the microphone is not connected to the microphone coupling based on an impedance of the microphone coupling, wherein the microphone power module disconnects the microphone current from the microphone coupling when the microphone is not connected to the microphone coupling. In an embodiment, the circuit further detects when a microphone button is depressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Nelson R. Sollenberger, Hongwei Kong, Andy Ye Tong, Todd L. Brooks
  • Publication number: 20080130913
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting, and controlling power for, an auxiliary microphone are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include a detection block intermittently enabling a bias circuit block to provide a bias signal to determine if an auxiliary microphone may be communicatively coupled to a mobile device. The detection block may process 1-bit digital samples received from the bias circuit bock to determine whether the auxiliary microphone may be communicatively coupled. The detection block may also process the 1-bit digital samples to determine if a button associated with the auxiliary microphone may have been pushed or activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Hongwei Kong, Nelson Sollenberger, Li Fung Chang, Andy Tong, Todd L. Brooks, Claude Hayek
  • Patent number: 7211843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for programming a memory cell. More specifically, the present invention relates to a controlled application of current to a memory cell over a controlled time period. The invention utilizes a current mirror configuration having a first transistor and a second transistor, wherein the second transistor is coupled to the memory cell. Programming of the memory cell includes applying a voltage to the first transistor, whereby a first current is generated in the first transistor. A gate of the second transistor is coupled to the first transistor, whereby a second current is generated in the second transistor. The second current is proportional to the first current. The second current is provided to the memory cell, whereby the second current programs the memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Khim L. Low, Todd L. Brooks, Agnes Woo, Akira Ito
  • Patent number: 7126377
    Abstract: A source-follower transistor based buffer provides high linearity. A replica transistor is used to generate a replica voltage substantially equal to the output voltage of the buffer. The replica voltage is level shifted by a level shift circuit and applied at the drain of the source-follower transistor to improve the linearity of the buffer. The buffer may be used in conjunction with a switched-capacitor sampling circuit. A damping circuit may be used to reduce charge glitches due to sampling. The damping circuit may be a low pass filter. The buffer may be used in an interface circuit that produces an output signal from an input signal and controls the level of the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Todd L. Brooks, Anilkumar V. Tammineedi
  • Patent number: 7049848
    Abstract: A source-follower transistor based buffer provides high linearity. A replica transistor is used to generate a replica voltage substantially equal to the output voltage of the buffer. The replica voltage is level shifted by a level shift circuit and applied at the drain of the source-follower transistor to improve the linearity of the buffer. The buffer may be used in conjunction with a switched-capacitor sampling circuit. A damping circuit may be used to reduce charge glitches due to sampling. The damping circuit may be a low pass filter. The buffer may be used in an interface circuit that produces an output signal from an input signal and controls the level of the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Todd L. Brooks, Anilkumar V. Tammineedi
  • Patent number: 6950049
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sigma-delta digital to analog converted (DAC) including a digital-sigma delta modulator, a decimation filter, and a multi-bit DAC. The digital sigma-delta modulator receives a digital input signal and produces a quantized digital signal therefrom. The decimation filter receives the quantized digital signal and produces a decimated digital signal therefrom. The multi-bit DAC receives the decimated digital signal and produces an analog output signal therefrom. The analog output signal is representative of the digital input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Todd L. Brooks, David S. P. Ho, Kevin L. Miller
  • Patent number: 6934176
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems for evaluating one-time programmable memory cells. A threshold current is applied to a resistive circuit, thereby generating a threshold voltage. A read current is applied to a first memory cell, thereby generating a memory cell voltage. The memory cell voltage is compared to the threshold voltage, thereby determining the state of the memory cell. In a further embodiment of the invention, a second threshold voltage is generated and compared the memory cell voltage, thereby verifying the state of the memory cell. The threshold current is optionally a substantial replica of said read current. The threshold current is optionally a proportional substantial replica of said read current. In an embodiment, the resistive circuit includes a second memory cell, which can be programmed or unprogrammed. The second memory cell is optionally arranged to average the memory cell resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Khim L. Low, Todd L. Brooks, Agnes Woo, Akira Ito
  • Patent number: 6930626
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for spectrally shaping mismatch errors in a multi-bit digital to analog converter (DAC). In an embodiment, the multi-bit DAC is constructed from K separate multi-element sub-DACs, where K and the number of elements in each sub-DAC are each preferably greater than two. A received digital input code is split into a set of K sub-codes corresponding to the digital input code. The set of K sub-codes can have one of at least N different sub-code orders that specify an order of each of the K sub-codes with respect to one another, where N>2. A sum of the K sub-codes equals the digital input code. One of the at least N different sub-code orders is selected using a shuffling algorithm. Then, each sub-code in the set of K sub-codes is output in accordance with the selected sub-code order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Todd L. Brooks, David S. P. Ho, Kevin L. Miller, Eric Fogleman
  • Publication number: 20040252042
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for spectrally shaping mismatch errors in a multi-bit digital to analog converter (DAC). In an embodiment, the multi-bit DAC is constructed from K separate multi-element sub-DACs, where K and the number of elements in each sub-DAC are each preferably greater than two. A received digital input code is split into a set of K sub-codes corresponding to the digital input code. The set of K sub-codes can have one of at least N different sub-code orders that specify an order of each of the K sub-codes with respect to one another, where N>2. A sum of the K sub-codes equals the digital input code. One of the at least N different sub-code orders is selected using a shuffling algorithm. Then, each sub-code in the set of K sub-codes is output in accordance with the selected sub-code order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Todd L. Brooks, David S.P. Ho, Kevin L. Miller, Eric Fogleman
  • Patent number: 6816097
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sigma-delta digital to analog converted (DAC) including a digital-sigma delta modulator, a decimation filter, and a multi-bit DAC. The digital sigma-delta modulator receives a digital input signal and produces a quantized digital signal therefrom. The decimation filter receives the quantized digital signal and produces a decimated digital signal therefrom. The multi-bit DAC receives the decimated digital signal and produces an analog output signal therefrom. The analog output signal is representative of the digital input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Todd L. Brooks, David S. P. Ho, Kevin L. Miller