Patents by Inventor Ullrich Pfeiffer

Ullrich Pfeiffer 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: 9726548
    Abstract: A terahertz imager includes an array of pixel circuits. Each pixel circuit has an antenna and a detector. The detector is coupled to differential output terminals of the antenna. A frequency oscillator is configured to generate a frequency signal on an output line. The output line is coupled to an input terminal of the antenna of at least one of the pixel circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventors: Hani Sherry, Andreia Cathelin, Andreas Kaiser, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Janusz Grzyb, Yan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20160047692
    Abstract: A terahertz imager includes an array of pixel circuits. Each pixel circuit has an antenna and a detector. The detector is coupled to differential output terminals of the antenna. A frequency oscillator is configured to generate a frequency signal on an output line. The output line is coupled to an input terminal of the antenna of at least one of the pixel circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Hani Sherry, Andreia Cathelin, Andreas Kaiser, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Janusz Grzyb, Yan Zhao
  • Patent number: 9176009
    Abstract: A terahertz imager includes an array of pixel circuits. Each pixel circuit has an antenna and a detector. The detector is coupled to differential output terminals of the antenna. A frequency oscillator is configured to generate a frequency signal on an output line. The output line is coupled to an input terminal of the antenna of at least one of the pixel circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventors: Hani Sherry, Andreia Cathelin, Andreas Kaiser, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Janusz Grzyb, Yan Zhao
  • Patent number: 9083324
    Abstract: A frequency oscillator includes a ring oscillator having N inverters coupled in series, where N is an odd integer equal to three or more. A first filter is coupled between an output node of a first of the inverters and an output line of the frequency oscillator. A second filter is coupled between an output node of a second of the inverters and the output line of the frequency oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventors: Hani Sherry, Andreas Kaiser, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Andreia Cathelin, Janusz Grzyb, Yan Zhao
  • Patent number: 8907284
    Abstract: A pixel circuit may include a detection circuit having first and second transistors coupled in series between differential output nodes of an antenna. The antenna may be configured to be sensitive to terahertz radiation. The pixel circuit may also include a capacitor coupled to an intermediate node between the first and second transistors, and control circuitry coupled to control nodes of the first and second transistors. The control circuitry may be configured for selectively applying to the control nodes a gate biasing voltage for biasing the control nodes of the first and second transistors during a detection phase of the pixel circuit, and/or a reset voltage for resetting a voltage stored by the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: Hani Sherry, Andreia Cathelin, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Janusz Grzyb, Richard Al Hadi
  • Publication number: 20140151768
    Abstract: A pixel circuit including: a differential detection circuit having first and second transistors coupled in series between differential output nodes of an antenna, the antenna being configured to be sensitive to terahertz radiation, and wherein: a first main conducting node of the first transistor is coupled to a first of the differential output nodes of the antenna; and a first main conducting node of the second transistor is coupled to a second of said differential output nodes of the antenna, wherein second main conducting nodes of the first and second transistors are formed by a common semiconductor region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Ullrich Pfeiffer, Hani Sherry, Andreia Cathelin
  • Publication number: 20140070893
    Abstract: A frequency oscillator includes a ring oscillator having N inverters coupled in series, where N is an odd integer equal to three or more. A first filter is coupled between an output node of a first of the inverters and an output line of the frequency oscillator. A second filter is coupled between an output node of a second of the inverters and the output line of the frequency oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventors: Hani Sherry, Andreas Kaiser, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Andreia Cathelin, Janusz Grzyb, Yan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20140070103
    Abstract: A terahertz imager includes an array of pixel circuits. Each pixel circuit has an antenna and a detector. The detector is coupled to differential output terminals of the antenna. A frequency oscillator is configured to generate a frequency signal on an output line. The output line is coupled to an input terminal of the antenna of at least one of the pixel circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventors: Hani Sherry, Andreia Cathelin, Andreas Kaiser, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Janusz Grzyb, Yan Zhao
  • Patent number: 8547158
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices comprising field effect transistors to detect the power of an electromagnetic high frequency signal VRF. According to the prior art, the high frequency signal is coupled into the gate G and via a capacitor CGD into the drain D of the field effect transistor FET, the gate G being biased with a direct voltage Vg which corresponds to the threshold value of the FET transistor. The resulting current at the source S contains a direct current portion Ids which is proportional to the square of the amplitude of the high frequency signal. The operating frequency of said power detectors is limited to a few gigahertz (GHz) by the discrete arrangement and especially by the predetermined gate length of the field effect transistor. The aim of the invention is to improve a resistive mixer in such a manner that it can be operated at high gigahertz and terahertz frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Johann Wolfgang Goeth-Universität Frankfurt a.M.
    Inventors: Ullrich Pfeiffer, Erik Oejefors, Hartmut G. Roskos, Alvydas Lisauskas
  • Patent number: 8330111
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting millimeter waves, having at least one field effect transistor with a source, a drain, a gate, a gate-source contact, a source-drain channel, and a gate-drain contact. Compared to a similar such device, the problem addressed by the present invention, among others, is that of providing a device which enables the provision of a field effect transistor for detecting the power and/or phase of electromagnetic radiation in the Thz frequency range. In order to create such a device, it is suggested according to the invention, that a device be provided which has an antenna structure wherein the field effect transistor is connected to the antenna structure in such a manner that an electromagnetic signal received by the antenna structure in the THz range is fed into the field effect transistor via the gate-source contact, and wherein the field effect transistor and the antenna structure are arranged together on a single substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt A.M.
    Inventors: Erik Öjefors, Peter Haring Bolivar, Hartmut G. Roskos, Ullrich Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20110254610
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices comprising field effect transistors to detect the power of an electromagnetic high frequency signal VRF. According to the prior art, the high frequency signal is coupled into the gate G and via a capacitor CGD into the drain D of the field effect transistor FET, the gate G being biased with a direct voltage Vg which corresponds to the threshold value of the FET transistor. The resulting current at the source S contains a direct current portion Ids which is proportional to the square of the amplitude of the high frequency signal. The operating frequency of said power detectors is limited to a few gigahertz (GHz) by the discrete arrangement and especially by the predetermined gate length of the field effect transistor. The aim of the invention is to improve a resistive mixer in such a manner that it can be operated at high gigahertz and terahertz frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicants: BERGISCHE UNIVERSIT??T WUPPERTAL, JOHANN WOLFGANG GOETHE-UNIVERSITAT FRANKFURT A.M.
    Inventors: Ullrich Pfeiffer, Erik Oejefors, Hartmut G. Roskos, Alvydas Lisauskas
  • Publication number: 20110001173
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting millimeter waves, having at least one field effect transistor with a source, a drain, a gate, a gate-source contact, a source-drain channel, and a gate-drain contact. Compared to a similar such device, the problem addressed by the present invention, among others, is that of providing a device which enables the provision of a field effect transistor for detecting the power and/or phase of electromagnetic radiation in the Thz frequency range. In order to create such a device, it is suggested according to the invention, that a device be provided which has an antenna structure wherein the field effect transistor is connected to the antenna structure in such a manner that an electromagnetic signal received by the antenna structure in the THz range is fed into the field effect transistor via the gate-source contact, and wherein the field effect transistor and the antenna structure are arranged together on a single substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: JOHANN WOLFGANG GOETHE-UNIVERSITAT FRANKFURT A.M.
    Inventors: Erik Öjefors, Peter Haring Bolivar, Hartmut G. Roskos, Ullrich Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20080051054
    Abstract: An off-chip signal is provided to a differential branch-line directional coupler implemented entirely on-chip. The coupler produces differential quadrature signals, which are then buffered and applied to a quadrature mixer. The coupler is implemented entirely on-chip using microstrip transmission lines. The coupler is made up of a plurality of rings and a plurality of underpasses connecting ports of the rings, wherein each of the plurality of rings is made up of four branch lines, and each branch line having an electrical length of one-quarter wavelength at the center design frequency. Coupling between the plurality of branch lines of the rings may be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Floyd, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Scott Reynolds, Thomas Zwick
  • Publication number: 20080030280
    Abstract: Circuits and methods are provided for building integrated transformer-coupled amplifiers with on-chip transformers that are designed to resonate or otherwise tune parasitic capacitances to achieve frequency tuning of amplifiers at millimeter wave operating frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Floyd, David Goren, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Scott Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20070229182
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for constructing waveguide-to-transmission line transitions that provide broadband, high performance coupling of power at microwave and millimeter wave frequencies. More specifically, exemplary embodiments of the invention include wideband, low-loss and compact CPW-to-rectangular waveguide transition structures and ACPS (or CPS)-to-rectangular waveguide transition structures that are particularly suitable for microwave and millimeter wave applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Gaucher, Janusz Grzyb, Duixian Liu, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Thomas Zwick
  • Publication number: 20070170560
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for integrally packaging semiconductor IC (integrated circuit) chips with antennas having one or more radiating elements and tuning elements that are formed from package lead wires that are appropriated shaped and arranged to form antenna structures for millimeter wave applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Gaucher, Duixian Liu, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Thomas Zwick
  • Publication number: 20070164420
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for integrally packaging antenna devices with semiconductor IC (integrated circuit) chips, wherein IC chips are packaged with dielectric resonators antennas that are integrally constructed as part of a package molding (encapsulation) process, for example, to form compact integrated radio/wireless communications systems for millimeter wave applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: Zhi Chen, Brian Gaucher, Duixian Liu, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Thomas Zwick
  • Publication number: 20070164907
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for packaging IC chips together with integrated antenna modules designed to provide a closed EM (electromagnetic) environment for antenna radiators, thereby allowing antennas to be designed independent from the packaging technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Gaucher, Janusz Grzyb, Duixian Liu, Ullrich Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20070063056
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for integrally packaging antennas with semiconductor IC (integrated circuit) chips to provide highly-integrated and high-performance radio/wireless communications systems for millimeter wave applications including, e.g., voice communication, data communication and radar applications. For example, wireless communication modules are constructed with IC chips having receiver/transmitter/transceiver integrated circuits and planar antennas that are integrally constructed from BEOL (back end of line) metallization structures of the IC chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Gaucher, Duixian Liu, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Thomas Zwick
  • Publication number: 20070013599
    Abstract: Printed antenna devices are provided, which can operate at RF and microwave frequencies, for example, while simultaneously providing antenna performance characteristics such as high gain/directivity/radiation efficiency, high bandwidth, hemispherical radiation patterns, impedance, etc., that render the antennas suitable for voice communication, data communication or radar applications, for example. Further, apparatus are provided for integrally packaging such printed antenna devices with IC (integrated circuit) chips (e.g., transceiver) to construct IC packages for, e.g., wireless communications applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Gaucher, Duixian Liu, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Thomas Zwick