Patents by Inventor Xue-Mei Gong

Xue-Mei Gong 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: 20240297656
    Abstract: A multi-loop clock signal generator includes a first phase-locked loop circuit configured to generate a control signal and a voltage-controlled oscillator configured to generate an output clock signal based on the control signal. The clock signal generator includes a second phase-locked loop circuit configured to generate an adjusted first divider value for the first phase-locked loop circuit. The clock signal generator further includes a target frequency calculation circuit configured to calculate a target frequency for the second phase-locked loop circuit based on a target frequency ratio of the second phase-locked loop circuit calculated based on frequency offset ratios of the first and second clock signals with respect to a reference signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Xue-Mei Gong, James David Barnette
  • Patent number: 11342926
    Abstract: A method for operating a clock product includes selectively coupling a first output divider and a second output divider based on a determination of whether the first divider value is integrally related to the second divider value. In response to the first divider value being integrally related to the second divider value, the selectively coupling includes cascading the first output divider with the second output divider. In in response to the first divider value being non-integrally related to the second divider value, the selectively coupling includes configuring the second output divider to be cascaded with a first phase-locked loop and in parallel with the first output divider and to be responsive to an error correction signal based on a difference in response times of the first output divider and the second output divider to a change in a filtered phase difference signal of the first phase-locked loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Barnette, William Anker, Xue-Mei Gong
  • Patent number: 11245406
    Abstract: A clock product includes a first phase-locked loop circuit including a first frequency divider. The first phase-locked loop circuit is configured to generate a first clock signal tracking a first reference clock signal and a second reference clock signal. The first phase-locked loop circuit is controlled by a first divide value and a first divide value adjustment based on the first reference clock signal. The clock product includes a circuit including a second frequency divider. The circuit is configured to generate a second clock signal based on the first clock signal, a second divide value, and a second divide value adjustment. The second clock signal tracks the second reference clock signal. The second divide value adjustment is based on the first divide value adjustment and opposes the first divide value adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Harihara Subramanian Ranganathan, Xue-Mei Gong, James D. Barnette, Nathan J. Shashoua, Srisai Rao Seethamraju
  • Publication number: 20210409031
    Abstract: A clock product includes a first phase-locked loop circuit including a first frequency divider. The first phase-locked loop circuit is configured to generate a first clock signal tracking a first reference clock signal and a second reference clock signal. The first phase-locked loop circuit is controlled by a first divide value and a first divide value adjustment based on the first reference clock signal. The clock product includes a circuit including a second frequency divider. The circuit is configured to generate a second clock signal based on the first clock signal, a second divide value, and a second divide value adjustment. The second clock signal tracks the second reference clock signal. The second divide value adjustment is based on the first divide value adjustment and opposes the first divide value adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Harihara Subramanian Ranganathan, Xue-Mei Gong, James D. Barnette, Nathan J. Shashoua, Srisai Rao Seethamraju
  • Publication number: 20210184687
    Abstract: A method for operating a clock product includes selectively coupling a first output divider and a second output divider based on a determination of whether the first divider value is integrally related to the second divider value. In response to the first divider value being integrally related to the second divider value, the selectively coupling includes cascading the first output divider with the second output divider. In in response to the first divider value being non-integrally related to the second divider value, the selectively coupling includes configuring the second output divider to be cascaded with a first phase-locked loop and in parallel with the first output divider and to be responsive to an error correction signal based on a difference in response times of the first output divider and the second output divider to a change in a filtered phase difference signal of the first phase-locked loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: James D. Barnette, William Anker, Xue-Mei Gong
  • Patent number: 10951216
    Abstract: A method includes generating a filtered phase difference signal based on a reference clock signal and a feedback clock signal. The method includes generating a first output clock signal based on a first divider control signal and an input clock signal. The feedback clock signal is based on the first output clock signal. The method includes generating a first time code based on a counter signal and a first update of the first output clock signal in response to an update of the filtered phase difference signal to a first value from a second value. The second output clock signal is based on a second divider control signal, the input clock signal, and an error correction signal generated based on the first value, the second value, the first time code, and the second time code. The first and second divider control signals are based on the filtered phase difference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Barnette, William Anker, Xue-Mei Gong
  • Publication number: 20200358449
    Abstract: A clock product includes a phase-locked loop configured to generate an output clock signal based on an input digital value and a feedback digital value. The input digital value corresponds to a first clock edge of a frequency-divided input clock signal and the feedback digital value corresponds to a second clock edge of a feedback clock signal. The clock product includes an input fractional divider configured to generate the input digital value based on an input clock signal, a divider value, and an input clock period digital code corresponding to a period of the input clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Xue-Mei Gong, James D. Barnette
  • Patent number: 10826507
    Abstract: A clock product includes a phase-locked loop configured to generate an output clock signal based on an input digital value and a feedback digital value. The input digital value corresponds to a first clock edge of a frequency-divided input clock signal and the feedback digital value corresponds to a second clock edge of a feedback clock signal. The clock product includes an input fractional divider configured to generate the input digital value based on an input clock signal, a divider value, and an input clock period digital code corresponding to a period of the input clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Xue-Mei Gong, James D. Barnette
  • Patent number: 10727844
    Abstract: A method for operating a phase-locked loop includes generating a phase difference signal based on an input clock signal and a feedback clock signal. The method includes filtering a loop filter input signal based on the phase difference signal to generate a loop filter output signal. The feedback clock signal is based on the loop filter output signal. The method includes transitioning a frequency of an output clock signal of the phase-locked loop from a first frequency to a target frequency responsive to detection of a catastrophic cycle slip event in the absence of an out-of-frequency event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Xue-Mei Gong, James D. Barnette, Krishnan Balakrishnan
  • Patent number: 10693475
    Abstract: A method for generating a clock signal by a phase-locked loop includes generating a phase difference signal based on an input clock signal and a feedback clock signal and generating a loop filter output signal. In a first mode, the loop filter output signal is generated based on the phase difference signal and a predetermined frequency slope, and may include generating a phase-slope-limited version of the phase difference signal based on a predetermined phase slope limit and generating a frequency-slope-limited version of the phase difference signal based on the predetermined frequency slope limit. In a second mode, the loop filter output signal may be generated based on the predetermined frequency slope limit, a value of the loop filter output signal, and a target frequency. In the second mode, the loop filter output signal may be generated further based on a predetermined frequency step value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Xue-Mei Gong, James D. Barnette
  • Patent number: 8994420
    Abstract: A frequency synthesizer capable of generating a clock signal having reduced digital spurs and reduced jitter is described. An apparatus includes a frequency modulator configured to generate a divide control signal and a digital quantization error signal in response to a divide ratio. The apparatus includes a phase modulator configured to generate a phase error signal based on the digital quantization error signal. The phase modulator is an n-order sigma-delta modulator module, n being an integer greater than one. The apparatus may include an interpolative divider configured to generate a feedback signal in a phase-locked loop (PLL) based on an output signal of the PLL, the divide control signal, and the phase error signal. The interpolative divider may include the frequency modulator and the phase modulator. The phase modulator may have a unity gain signal transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Adam B. Eldredge, Xue-Mei Gong
  • Patent number: 8736476
    Abstract: A technique includes selectively enabling a first sequence of unit elements of a plurality of unit elements of a digital-to-analog converter to convert a digital code to a plurality of analog signals in response to a plurality of control signals. Individual control signals of the plurality of control signals and individual analog signals of the plurality of analog signals correspond to respective unit elements of the plurality of unit elements. The technique includes generating the plurality of control signals based on the digital code, a random digital code having a number of bits based on a feedback signal, and an indicator of a second sequence of unit elements of the plurality of unit elements enabled in response to a prior digital code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Xue-Mei Gong, Douglas F. Patorello
  • Publication number: 20140118172
    Abstract: A technique includes selectively enabling a first sequence of unit elements of a plurality of unit elements of a digital-to-analog converter to convert a digital code to a plurality of analog signals in response to a plurality of control signals. Individual control signals of the plurality of control signals and individual analog signals of the plurality of analog signals correspond to respective unit elements of the plurality of unit elements. The technique includes generating the plurality of control signals based on the digital code, a random digital code having a number of bits based on a feedback signal, and an indicator of a second sequence of unit elements of the plurality of unit elements enabled in response to a prior digital code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Xue-Mei Gong, Douglas F. Pastorello
  • Patent number: 8692599
    Abstract: A flexible clock synthesizer technique includes generating a phase interpolator calibration signal to adjust a phase interpolator output signal generated by a phase interpolator of an interpolative divider. The phase interpolator is responsive to a phase interpolator control code and an output signal of a fractional-N divider of the interpolative divider. The phase interpolator calibration signal is based on an error signal indicative of a phase interpolator error. The error signal may indicate a phase relationship between a reference clock signal and a feedback clock signal of a PLL. The interpolative divider may be coupled in a feedback path of the PLL. The PLL may receive a reference clock signal and the feedback clock signal may be an adjusted phase interpolator output signal. The phase interpolator calibration signal may be a phase interpolator offset code corresponding to the phase interpolator control code or a phase interpolator gain signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Xue-Mei Gong, Adam B. Eldredge, Susumu Hara
  • Patent number: 8671286
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a power supply switching circuit may automatically provide power to a clock circuit from one of an auxiliary power supply and a main power supply, based on a voltage of the main power supply. To provide automatic switching, a switch circuit coupled between the power supplies and the clock circuit may be controlled by a voltage detector, in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjung Sheng, Shyam S. Somayajula, Xue-Mei Gong
  • Publication number: 20140055179
    Abstract: A flexible clock synthesizer technique includes generating a phase interpolator calibration signal to adjust a phase interpolator output signal generated by a phase interpolator of an interpolative divider. The phase interpolator is responsive to a phase interpolator control code and an output signal of a fractional-N divider of the interpolative divider. The phase interpolator calibration signal is based on an error signal indicative of a phase interpolator error. The error signal may indicate a phase relationship between a reference clock signal and a feedback clock signal of a PLL. The interpolative divider may be coupled in a feedback path of the PLL. The PLL may receive a reference clock signal and the feedback clock signal may be an adjusted phase interpolator output signal. The phase interpolator calibration signal may be a phase interpolator offset code corresponding to the phase interpolator control code or a phase interpolator gain signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Xue-Mei Gong, Adam B. Eldredge, Susumu Hara
  • Publication number: 20130300467
    Abstract: A frequency synthesizer capable of generating a clock signal having reduced digital spurs and reduced jitter is described. An apparatus includes a frequency modulator configured to generate a divide control signal and a digital quantization error signal in response to a divide ratio. The apparatus includes a phase modulator configured to generate a phase error signal based on the digital quantization error signal. The phase modulator is an n-order sigma-delta modulator module, n being an integer greater than one. The apparatus may include an interpolative divider configured to generate a feedback signal in a phase-locked loop (PLL) based on an output signal of the PLL, the divide control signal, and the phase error signal. The interpolative divider may include the frequency modulator and the phase modulator. The phase modulator may have a unity gain signal transfer function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Adam B. Eldredge, Xue-Mei Gong
  • Patent number: 7593482
    Abstract: A wireless communication system is provided that includes RF circuitry and signal processing circuitry. The signal processing circuitry includes a dedicated frequency burst (FB) search hardware circuit which exhibits relatively low noise in comparison with other digital processing circuitry, such as a DSP and MCU, within the system. The RF circuitry, dedicated FB search hardware circuit and the other digital processing circuitry can each be activated and inactivated. In one embodiment, when the RF circuitry and the dedicated FB search hardware are active, other digital processing circuitry remains inactive to avoid noise problems that could degrade reception and interfere with the FB search hardware locating the FB. Noise problems in the system are thus desirably reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: St-Ericsson SA
    Inventors: Xue-Mei Gong, Jing Liang, Frederick A. Rush, Phillip M. Matthews, Gannavaram Diwakar Vishakhadatta
  • Publication number: 20080189565
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a power supply switching circuit may automatically provide power to a clock circuit from one of an auxiliary power supply and a main power supply, based on a voltage of the main power supply. To provide automatic switching, a switch circuit coupled between the power supplies and the clock circuit may be controlled by a voltage detector, in some embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Wenjung Sheng, Shyam S. Somayajula, Xue-Mei Gong
  • Patent number: 7400206
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes methods and apparatus for providing initial control values to programmable load capacitors of an oscillator, such as that of a real time clock circuit. Using the initial values, the real time clock circuit may begin operation, enabling additional circuitry within an integrated circuit to begin operation. This additional circuitry may cause operating values to program the load capacitors to provide a desired reference clock based on a given system's requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjung Sheng, Shyam S. Somayajula, Xue-Mei Gong