Patents Issued in December 30, 2010
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Publication number: 20100327916Abstract: A method for reducing noise in a frequency synthesizer includes selecting a design variable k, calibrating a feedback time delay (Td), such that Td=kTVCO, where TVCO is the period of the synthesizer output signal. The method further includes estimating an instantaneous quantization error to a number of bits equal to q, defining a reference bias current of Icp/(k2q), where Icp is a charge pump current signal, and applying the estimated instantaneous quantization error to a current array to produce a down modification signal (?I). The current array is biased by the reference bias current. The down modification signal (?I) is summed with the charge pump current signal Icp to modulate a down current portion of the charge pump current signal Icp.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Mahmoud R. Ahmadi, Jafar Savoj
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Publication number: 20100327917Abstract: An output device includes a main driver that outputs an output signal in accordance with an input signal input thereto, a noise driver that outputs a noise signal containing a noise waveform, a combiner that outputs a combined signal obtained by combining together the output signal and the noise signal, and a controller. The noise driver (i) sets an output end thereof at high impedance when not supplied with an enable signal, and (ii) varies an voltage level of the noise signal to be output therefrom in accordance with how a control signal supplied thereto varies when supplied with the enable signal. The controller controls the noise driver to output the noise signal containing the noise waveform that occurs when the output signal travels through a predetermined transmission line, by controlling a timing at which the control signal varies and a timing at which the enable signal is switched.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: ADVANTEST CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroyuki NAGAI
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Publication number: 20100327918Abstract: A unit cell for a Read-In Integrated Circuit employs a signal sampling circuit with a voltage input controlled by a first switch, a capacitor charged by the voltage input and a linear amplifier connected to the capacitor. An output through a second switch samples the capacitor as the input signal for a transistor cascade for emitter current supply incorporating a first transistor receiving the input signal and a second transistor serially connected to the first transistor with a parallel resistor. The second transistor is maintained in saturation for a first portion of the input signal range with the first transistor acting as a source follower for that range. Linear current flow through the resistor results allowing high resolution control in the low current range.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: NOVA RESEARCH, INC.Inventor: Jon Paul Curzan
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Publication number: 20100327919Abstract: A differential amplifier main circuit amplifies, while first voltage is applied to drains of first and second transistors via a load circuit and second voltage is applied to source of third transistor, a difference between voltages applied to gates of the first and second transistors, and outputs it from a connection between the load circuit and drains of the first or second transistor. A voltage application circuit applies voltage to the gate of the third transistor so that a current between the source and drain thereof to have a predetermined magnitude. Gates of transistors of the application circuit are connected to a second common-connection of drains thereof to which the first voltage is applied via a load, the second voltage is applied to a first common-connection of sources of the transistors, and a connection of the second common-connection and the load is connected to the gate of the third transistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: OKI SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Yutaka Oka
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Publication number: 20100327920Abstract: A local oscillator circuit for a signal transmitter or receiver, the circuit comprising: an input for receiving a master oscillating signal from a master oscillator; and signal processing circuitry configured to be clocked by the master oscillating signal to generate a local oscillator signal, the signal processing circuitry being such that the local oscillator signal has substantially no harmonic content at any integer multiple of the frequency of the master oscillator signal, which oscillates at (2n+1)/2 times the frequency of the generated local oscillator signal, with n being a positive integer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: CAMBRIDGE SILICON RADIO LIMITEDInventor: Timothy John Newton
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Publication number: 20100327921Abstract: A circuit architecture for effective compensating the time skew of circuit is disclosed. The circuit architecture comprises a required compensation circuit, two duplicated circuits, and a time skew detection and compensation circuit, wherein these duplicated circuits are the duplicates of the required compensation circuit. A differential of logic 0 and logic 1 signals are simultaneously inputted into two duplicated circuits to output a first detection signal and a second detection signal, then the time skew detection and compensation circuit detects the time skew between a first detection signal and a second detection signal so as to generate a compensation signal to the required compensation circuit. Accordingly, the time skew existed in the required compensation circuit can be reduced or eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: Etron Technology Inc.Inventor: Jeng-Tzong SHIH
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Publication number: 20100327922Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes: a plurality of I/O cells coupled to an external apparatus; a control signal generator configured to detect a phase relationship among data signals respectively input into the plurality of I/O cells and to generate control signals based on the phase relationship; and a drive controller circuit configured to control the driving of the I/O cells in response to the control signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: FUJITSU SEMICONDUCTOR LIMITEDInventor: Naruyoshi ANDO
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Publication number: 20100327923Abstract: A composite memory device including discrete memory devices and a bridge device for controlling the discrete memory devices. A configurable clock controller receives a system clock and generates a memory clock having a frequency that is a predetermined ratio of the system clock. The system clock frequency is dynamically variable between a maximum and a minimum value, and the ratio of the memory clock frequency relative to the system clock frequency is set by loading a frequency register with a Frequency Divide Ratio (FDR) code any time during operation of the composite memory device. In response to the FDR code, the configurable clock controller changes the memory clock frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: MOSAID TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATEDInventors: Hong Beom PYEON, Hunsam JUNG, Peter B. GILLINGHAM
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Publication number: 20100327924Abstract: A waveform equalization circuit includes: a decision feedback equalization unit that feeds back and equalizes an input signal; a clock phase adjustment unit that adjusts a clock phase of a signal equalized by the decision feedback equalization unit based on a signal determined with a prescribed potential as a threshold; and a duo-binary decoder that encodes, into a duo-binary signal, the signal determined with the prescribed potential as a threshold based on a clock adjusted by the clock phase adjustment unit from the signal equalized by the decision feedback equalization unit; wherein the equalized signal is generated by adding the duo-binary signal encoded by the duo-binary decoder to the input signal. A first post-tap of the input signal is equalized by the clock phase adjustment unit without feedback equalization by the decision feedback equalization unit. Second and subsequent post-taps of the input signal are fed back and equalized by the decision feedback equalization unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Hideyuki Hasegawa, Kazuhisa Sunaga, Kouichi Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20100327925Abstract: Devices and methods for varying individual periods or cycle times of upconverted clock signals within a corresponding reference clock cycle are disclosed. In some embodiments, these varying cycle times may improve signal synchronization between the upconverted clock and the reference clock. In different embodiments, different types of counters and counting circuits keep track of the number of elapsed upconverted clock cycles in order to determine the specific upconverted clock cycles with longer cycle times. In some embodiments, a signal may be sent to a delay line to change the amount of delay between upconverted clock pulses, thereby increasing or decreasing a specific upconverted clock cycle time or period. In some embodiments the specific upconverted clock cycle(s) changed in each reference clock cycle may vary, which may further improve reconciliation between the upconverted clock cycles and the corresponding reference clock cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Ronald A. KAPUSTA, Doris LIN, Jianrong CHEN
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Publication number: 20100327926Abstract: To include a phase-difference-amount detecting circuit that detects an amount of phase difference between an external clock signal and a replica clock signal, a variable delay circuit that delays the external clock signal based on the amount of phase difference to generate an internal clock signal, and a replica buffer that delays the internal clock signal to generate the replica clock signal. According to the present invention, the variable delay circuit is controlled based on the amount of phase difference, instead of being controlled based on whether the phase of the replica clock signal is advanced or delayed with respect to the external clock signal. Accordingly, even when the amount of phase difference is large, a DLL circuit can be locked at a high speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.Inventor: Hiroki Takahashi
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Publication number: 20100327927Abstract: A method for controlling pulsed power that includes measuring a first pulse of power from a power amplifier to obtain data. The method also includes generating a first signal to adjust a second pulse of delivered power, the first signal correlated to the data to minimize a power difference between a power set point and a substantially stable portion of the second pulse. The method also includes generating a second signal to adjust the second pulse of delivered power, the second signal correlated to the data to minimize an amplitude difference between a peak of the second pulse and the substantially stable portion of the second pulse.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Siddharth Nagarkatti, Feng Tian, David Lam, Abdul Rashid, Souheil Benzerrouk, Ilya Bystryak, David Menzer, Jack J. Schuss, Jesse E. Ambrosina
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Publication number: 20100327928Abstract: A circuit for independently controlling slew and propagation delay of a current DAC is provided. The circuit applies dual slope technique with feed-back control the gate (or control electrode) of a switching transistor to make propagation delay independent control from rise/fall slew rate. This allows one to adjust propagation delay and current slew rate separately to achieve better performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Huijuan Li, Abidur Rahman, Chienyu Huang
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Publication number: 20100327929Abstract: Techniques for generating a signal having a predetermined duty cycle. In an exemplary embodiment, a first counter is configured to count a first number of cycles of an oscillator signal, and a second counter is configured to count a second number of cycles of the oscillator signal, with the second number being greater than the first number. The output of the second counter is used to reset the first and second counters, while the outputs of the first and second counters further drive a toggle latch for generating the signal having predetermined duty cycle. Further aspects include techniques for accommodating odd and even values for the second number.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Kun Zhang, Kenneth C. Barnett
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Publication number: 20100327930Abstract: A Schmitt trigger comprises first and second circuitry. The first circuitry receives an input voltage and provides an output voltage at either a logical “low” or a logical “high” voltage level responsive to the input voltage and a first bias voltage. The second circuitry connects to the first circuitry to generate a second bias current for generating the output voltage. The second bias current is larger than the first bias current. The Schmitt trigger operates in a low power mode of operation using only the first bias voltage to maintain the logical “low” voltage level or the logical “high” voltage level at a substantially constant level. In a high power mode of operation the Schmitt trigger uses the second bias voltage during transition periods between the logical “low” voltage level and the logical “high” voltage level.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: SILICON LABORATORIES INC.Inventors: SHOULI YAN, ZHIWEI DONG, AXEL THOMSEN
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Publication number: 20100327931Abstract: The wideband programmable phase shifting circuitry includes a charge pump, a comparator, and a voltage reference generator block. An input signal controls the charge pump which charges and discharges a capacitor connected to an output of the charge pump. The comparator continuously compares the voltage across the capacitor with a reference voltage, ratio of VREF, which is generated by the voltage reference generator block. The voltage VREF is generated to compensate for power supply and integration process variations. The voltage reference generator is comprised of a charge pump unit, a frequency divider unit, switches, and two capacitors. The adjusted VREF ratio controls the comparator threshold level and hence a programmable phase difference between the input signal of the charge pump and the output signal of the comparator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Saad Mohammad Al-Shahrani
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Publication number: 20100327932Abstract: Techniques for improving stability of a feedback system are described. In an exemplary design, the feedback system includes a forward path and a feedback path. The forward path receives an input signal and a rotated feedback signal and provides an output signal having a phase shift. The feedback path receives the output signal, generates a feedback signal, and rotates the feedback signal to obtain the rotated feedback signal having at least part of the phase shift removed. In another exemplary design, the feedback system includes a forward path and a feedback loop. The forward path receives a combined signal and provides an output signal having a phase shift. The feedback loop generates an error signal based on an input signal and the output signal, generates the combined signal based on the error signal and the input signal, and performs phase rotation to remove at least part of the phase shift.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Vladimir Aparin, Gary J. Ballantyne
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Publication number: 20100327933Abstract: The present invention includes a solution to the adherence to and improvement of the specifications regarding the conducted susceptibility of a microwave chain. It has an advantage of enabling significant attenuation of parasitic modulated signals carried in microwave chains of microwave devices such as those that are integrated into satellites by adding one or more 180° phase shifters between the units which do not exhibit a sufficient conducted susceptibility performance. The invention consequently makes it possible to do away with certain elements charged with the attenuation of the parasitic signals generally integrated into the power supplies and other DC/DC converters present in all contemporary microwave equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2008Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: THALESInventors: Christophe Ibert, Cecile Debarge
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Publication number: 20100327934Abstract: Some embodiments provide real-time variable delays in a delay line. In some of these embodiments, the real-time variable delays may be enable without producing clock glitches. In an embodiment, delay cells in a delay line may be coupled together in a chain to form a lattice of inverters providing different paths of signal propagation. Each path may have a different number of inverters; each inverter adding a known processing time associated with the signal inversion process. In some embodiments, an input signal may be propagated in an inverted or non-inverted form to the inputs of multiple inverters in the lattice, including the inputs of inverters through which the input signal does not propagate. A desired delay time may be obtained in an embodiment by selecting a path containing a desired number and configuration of inverters. The path may be selected in an embodiment using switchably enabled inverters.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Ronald A. KAPUSTA, Doris Lin
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Publication number: 20100327935Abstract: A delay circuit of a semiconductor device increases its delay time as an external voltage increases. The delay circuit can also ensure a desired delay time according to an external voltage, without additional delay circuits. The delay circuit of the semiconductor device includes a first delay unit, and a second delay. The second delay unit has a propagation delay characteristic different from that of the first delay unit with respect to variation of a power supply voltage, wherein the first delay unit is supplied with a first power supply voltage independent of variation of an external voltage, and the second delay unit is supplied with a second power supply voltage dependent on the variation of the external voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Chang-Ho Do
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Publication number: 20100327936Abstract: Described herein is the method and apparatus for determining frequency of an oscillator coupled with one or more analog devices, and for determining within-die or across-die variations in an analog property associated with the one or more analog devices, the determining based on the oscillator frequency. The analog property includes output signal swing, bandwidth, offset, gain, and delay line linearity and range. The one or more analog devices include input-output (I/O) buffer, analog amplifier, and delay line. The method further comprises updating a simulation model file based on the determining of the within-die and/or across-die variations of the analog property.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Praveen Mosalikanti, Nasser A. Kurd, Timothy M. Wilson
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Publication number: 20100327937Abstract: The described embodiments provide a circuit that can be configured as a pulse generator or as an oscillator. The circuit includes a pulse generator circuit and a test circuit that is coupled to the pulse generator circuit. In the described embodiments, an disable signal is coupled to the test circuit. When the disable signal is asserted, the test circuit is disabled, and the pulse generator circuit outputs pulses of a predetermined duration. In contrast, when the disable signal is deasserted, the test circuit is enabled, and the pulse generator circuit outputs an oscillating signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Robert P. Masleid, Anand Dixit
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Publication number: 20100327938Abstract: Clock management is implemented using a variety of systems, devices and methods. According to one embodiment a clock transitioning circuit arrangement (104) is implemented for receiving data from a processor system (102) via a data bus (212, 214) and for modifying a state a clock-generation unit (106) having a local memory for controlling a plurality of clock outputs that provide clock signals for use by the processing system (102). The arrangement has a memory circuit (206) for storing the data from the processor system (102) and a control circuit (208) for accessing the data in the memory circuit (206) in response to a request to change a clock signal provided by an output of the plurality of clock outputs and for providing corresponding data to the local memory of the clock generation unit (106).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2008Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Greg Ehmann
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Publication number: 20100327939Abstract: A double balanced mixer circuit comprising a differential pair of first amplifier elements responsive to an RF differential input signal, double differential pairs of second amplifier elements responsive to an LO differential input signal, and differential output terminals connected with the second amplifier paths. Coupling elements provide first and second parallel DC connections between DC voltage supply rails for the first and the double second amplifier paths respectively and a series RF connection of the first and second amplifier paths between the supply rails so as to produce a mixed differential amplified signal at the differential output terminals. The coupling elements include respective transmission lines in the first amplifier paths connected between one of the DC voltage supply rails and respective ones of the first amplifier elements and a common transmission line connected between the other of the DC voltage supply rails and both the first amplifier elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2008Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Trotta Saverio
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Publication number: 20100327940Abstract: Phase noise detection systems for a device under test (DUT) are provided that can be embedded within a chip. According to one embodiment, the embedded phase noise detection system can include an active delay line cell, a phase shifter, and a phase detector. The active delay line and phase shifter separately receive the output signal of the DUT. The phase detector can include a double-balanced mixer followed by an active RC filter. The double-balanced mixer receives, as input, the outputs from the active delay line and phase shifter and can produce different dc voltages proportional to the difference from the input phase quadrature. An auto-adjustment circuit can also be included to help the input signal from the phase shifter to the mixer maintain quadrature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: WILLIAM RICHARD EISENSTADT, Jae Shin Kim
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Publication number: 20100327941Abstract: A Gilbert cell mixer design is disclosed. Instead of using a differential transconductance stage as typically done, the design employs a differential transimpedance amplifier input stage. By utilizing a transimpedance input stage to the Gilbert mixer, feedback is used to obtain higher linearity without sacrificing noise performance. The transimpedance input stage supplies a current signal to the cascode connected Gilbert switching quad, so the transimpedance amplifier output is taken from the collector of the transimpedance amplifier output transistor, instead of the emitter as normally done with transimpedance amplifiers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Douglas S. Jansen, Gregory M. Flewelling
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Publication number: 20100327942Abstract: A semiconductor device arrangement and a method. One embodiment includes at least one power transistor and at least one gate resistor located between a gate of the power transistor and a connecting point in the drive circuit of the power transistor. The semiconductor device arrangement includes a switchable element between the connecting point and a source of the power transistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventor: Gerald Deboy
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Publication number: 20100327943Abstract: Within an illuminating pushbutton switch, an electronic circuit replaces an electromagnetic holding coil for latching or releasing a state of the illuminated pushbutton switch, and further provides blinking functionality. The electronic circuit includes inputs receiving set, reset and toggle control signals, outputs delivering open, closed and blink control signals, latch logic controlled by the set and reset control signals and delivering signals maintaining the illuminated pushbutton switch in either an open or closed state, and a frequency divider and oscillator coupled together to deliver a blink control signal. The electronic circuit fits within the illuminated pushbutton switch housing in space sized to hold two snap action switching devices without increase in the length, weight or mounting depth of the illuminated pushbutton switch. The inputs and outputs are coupled to external pins from the illuminated pushbutton switch and may be remotely controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: AEROSPACE OPTICS, INC.Inventors: Craig Jay Coley, Steven A. Edwards
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Publication number: 20100327944Abstract: A signal buffer amplifier with high linearity is provided. A circuit includes a first transistor having a first gate terminal, a first source terminal, and a first drain terminal. The circuit also includes a second transistor having a second gate terminal, a second source terminal, and a second drain terminal, the second drain terminal coupled to the first source terminal. The circuit further includes a first signal path coupled in between a signal input and the first gate terminal, a second signal path coupled in between the signal input and the second gate terminal, and a signal output coupled to the second source terminal. The first signal path includes a filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: FutureWei Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gong Tom Lei, Yincai Liu, Minsheng Li
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Publication number: 20100327945Abstract: A portable electronic device 1 comprising a battery 14 coupled with an electronic circuit 10-12 through a switching circuit 15 for switching on or off the supply voltage Vcc to the electronic circuit using the battery. The portable device comprises at least one electromagnetic field detection circuit 13 coupled with the switching circuit 15 to start the power supply to the electronic circuit 10-12 if an electromagnetic field is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: GEMALTO SAInventors: Jean-Paul Caruana, Gregory Capomaggio
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Publication number: 20100327946Abstract: System and method for providing a boost current to a switching transistor gate is disclosed. A boost capacitor precharged to a voltage level above a gate-source voltage is coupled to a switching transistor gate at the beginning of a switch-on phase. The boost capacitor is decoupled from the switching transistor gate when a boost capacitor voltage falls below the gate-source voltage and is again precharged to the voltage level above the gate-source voltage. A second-phase resistance is coupled between a supply voltage and the switching transistor gate. The second-phase resistance value is selected based upon a current peak detected in the switching transistor. A switch-off capacitor precharged to a voltage level below the gate-source voltage may be coupled to the switching transistor gate at the beginning of a switch-of phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Jens Barrenscheen
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Publication number: 20100327947Abstract: A secondary FETsc control circuit is disclosed for controlling FETsc of transformer coupled synchronous rectified flyback converter (TCSC). The control circuit includes source-drain voltage VSD sense trigger with output VSD-trigger activated upon positive 0-crossing of VSD. Drain-source current IDS sense trigger with output IDS-trigger activated upon positive 0-crossing of IDS. Secondary coil voltage Vsec sense trigger with output Vsec-trigger activated upon sensing negative Vsec. A multi-trigger gate driver (MTGD) has trigger inputs coupled to VSD-trigger, IDS-trigger, Vsec-trigger and drive output driving the FETsc gate. The MTGD has logic states of state-I where FETsc is turned off and latched, state-II where FETsc is turned off but unlatched, state-III where FETsc is turned on but unlatched. The MTGD is configured to enter state-III upon VSD-trigger, enter state-I upon IDS-trigger and enter state-IT upon Vsec-trigger.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Sanjay Havanur
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Publication number: 20100327948Abstract: A method for controlling a switch based on transistors is disclosed. A switching circuit for switching a signal from an input port to an output port thereof is provided. A shunting circuit for switchably shunting the signal from the input port to ground is also provided. A control signal is generated for biasing a control port of the shunting circuit and an approximately complimentary control signal is generated for biasing of the switching circuit to either shunt a signal received at the input port or to switch the signal to the output port. A further bias signal for biasing a port within the switching circuit along the signal path between the input port and the output port is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: SiGe Semiconductor Inc.Inventors: John Nisbet, Michael McPartlin, Chun-Wen Paul Huang
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Publication number: 20100327949Abstract: An electric power converter has a semiconductor module and a capacitor. The positive side semiconductor module has a positive terminal and the 1st intermediate terminal while the negative side semiconductor module has a negative terminal and the 2nd intermediate terminal. These terminals are formed in projected forms. The positive terminal and the negative terminal are connected to the capacitor by a positive bus bar and a negative bus bar, respectively. The 1st intermediate terminal and the 2nd intermediate terminal are connected each other by an intermediate bus bar. The positive and the negative side semiconductor modules, the capacitor, the positive, the negative and the intermediate bus bars constitute one closed circuit. The direction of the each current that flows to each of the main part portion, the positive, the negative and the intermediate bus bars opposes the neighboring current when a closed current flows in the closed circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Yukio GOTOU
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Publication number: 20100327950Abstract: A system and method for minimizing non-linearity errors induced in output drive voltage of a transmitter circuit due to on-chip process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations. The system including an oscillator for converting an input reference bias voltage into a clock output signal, where the input reference bias voltage varies in response to PVT variations. Also included is a counter for counting the clock output signal and generating a count value corresponding to the clock output of the oscillator. A comparison module operatively coupled to the counter compares the count value with a pre-simulated count value to generate an error signal. Based on the error signal generated by the comparison module, a correction logic adjusts an output drive signal of the transmitter circuit making it immune to PVT variations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Navin Kumar Ramamoorthy, Umesh K. Shukla, K.S. Sankara Reddy
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Publication number: 20100327951Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first circuit, a second circuit and a control circuit. The first circuit is configured by a first MOS transistor, and a threshold voltage of the first MOS transistor is a first threshold voltage. The second circuit has same logic as the first circuit, and is configured by a second MOS transistor. A threshold voltage of the second MOS transistor is a second threshold voltage, and the second threshold voltage is lower than the first threshold voltage. The control circuit makes one of the first circuit and the second circuit operate depending on a temperature of a chip. The first circuit and the second circuit are installed in a chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: NEC Electronics CorporationInventor: Atsuhisa Fukuoka
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Publication number: 20100327952Abstract: An electronic system includes an integrated circuit, powered by a first voltage, with a first device provided therein; a detection device coupled to the first device to detect an output deviation of the first device attributed to process, voltage and temperature (PVT) effects; and a compensation device coupled to the detection device, adjusting the first voltage in response to the output deviation and outputting the first voltage to the integrated circuit to compensate for the PVT effects. The electronic system further comprises a conversion device, coupled between the detection device and the compensation device, to generate an indication signal corresponding to the output deviation for the compensation device to adjust the first voltage. In addition, the compensation device may compare and amplify a difference between a voltage level of the indication signal and a reference to linearly adjust the first voltage for compensating for the PVT effects.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: Media Tek Inc.Inventors: Mao-Lin Wu, Chih-Hung Shen, Yu-Ping Ho
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Publication number: 20100327953Abstract: Provided are an automatic impedance adjuster and a control method thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: ATLAB INC.Inventors: Bang-Won Lee, Byung-Joon Moon, Jae-Surk Hong
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Publication number: 20100327954Abstract: A semiconductor device includes internal voltage generating circuits, a switching circuit, load circuits, a control circuit. Each of the plurality of load circuits is supplied with voltage through the switching circuit from any one of the plurality of internal voltage generating circuits. The control circuit defines connecting combinations by the switch circuit. The control circuit supplies a control signal to the switch circuit, based on the control signal corresponding to the definitions of the connecting combinations. The control circuit allows switching the connecting combinations when the semiconductor device tests in a test mode. The control circuit prohibits switching the connecting combinations in a non-test mode. The switch circuit connects between each of m of the internal voltage generating circuits and each of n of the load circuits through a connecting combination which is selected, based on the control signal, from mn of the connecting combinations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.Inventors: Tatsuya Sakamoto, Kanji Oishi, Gen Koshita
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Publication number: 20100327955Abstract: It is an object to provide a display device which can favorably display a image without delayed or distorted signals. The display device includes a first gate driver and a second gate driver. The first gate driver and the second gate driver each include a plurality of flip flop circuits and a plurality of transfer signal generation circuits. Both the flip flop circuit and the transfer signal generation circuit are circuits which output a signal inputted to a first input terminal with a half clock cycle delay. In addition, an output terminal of the transfer signal generation circuit is directly connected to a first input terminal of the flip flop circuit in the next stage. Therefore, delay and distortion of the signal which is inputted from the transfer signal generation circuit to the flip flop circuit can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.Inventor: Atsushi Umezaki
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Publication number: 20100327956Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a device comprising one or more porous graphene layers, the or each graphene porous layer comprising a multiplicity of pores. The device may form at least part of a flexible and/or stretchable, and or transparent electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATIONInventors: Asta Maria Kärkkäinen, Samiul Md Haque, Alan Colli, Pirjo Marjaana Pasanen, Leo Mikko Johannes Kärkkäinen, Mikko Aleksi Uusitalo, Reijo Kalervo Lehtiniemi
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Publication number: 20100327957Abstract: A method and system to facilitate configurable input/output (I/O) termination voltage reference in a transmitter or receiver. In one embodiment of the invention, the transmitter and receiver, each has a termination circuit to select a suitable termination reference voltage based on the desired coupling type. In one embodiment of the invention, the transmitter has a termination circuit coupled with a transmission driver and the transmitter selects only one of a supply voltage, a ground voltage and a half supply voltage as a termination voltage reference of the transmission driver. The receiver has a termination circuit to select either a supply voltage or a ground voltage as a termination voltage reference of the receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Ronald W. Swartz, Vladislav Tsirkin, Ram Livne
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Publication number: 20100327958Abstract: A dormant mode target semiconductor device within a leakage current target unit is identified for mitigating leakage current to prevent it from reaching catastrophic runaway. A leakage current shift monitor unit is electrically connected to the output node of the leakage current target unit and collects leakage current from the selected target semiconductor device for two consecutive predefined temporal periods and measures the difference between the collected leakage currents. A comparator receives and compares the outputs of the current shift monitor unit and a reference voltage generator. The comparator propagates an alert signal to the leakage current target unit when the leakage voltage output from the leakage current shift monitor unit exceeds the reference voltage, a condition that indicates that the leakage current is about to approach catastrophic runaway levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Jong-Ru Guo, Louis Lu-Chen Hsu, Rajiv Vasant Joshi, Ping-Chuan Wang, Zhijian Yang
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Publication number: 20100327959Abstract: A charge pump circuit includes a first and second charge pumps. Each of the first and second charge pumps includes a boosting unit to respectively initialize and boost a voltage, a transmission transistor to transmit the boosting voltage to an output node, and a control unit to control the transmission transistor. The charge pump circuit has a higher voltage boosting efficiency and higher power efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jae-youn LEE
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Publication number: 20100327960Abstract: An integrated circuit, comprises a wakeup terminal; a supply voltage terminal configured to receive a supply voltage; and a power control circuit. The power circuit comprises an enable circuit coupled to the wakeup terminal and configured to generate a voltage monitoring enable signal as a response to a wakeup signal received at the wakeup terminal, and a voltage monitoring circuit for generating a supply voltage level indication signal. The voltage monitoring circuit is coupled to the supply voltage terminal and comprises an operation switch controlled by the voltage monitoring enable signal. The voltage monitoring circuit is configured to determine if the supply voltage is above a threshold voltage and set the supply voltage level indication signal accordingly. The integrated circuit further comprises processing circuitry, with the supply voltage level indication signal controlling the switching between a normal operation state and a standby state of the processing circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS DESIGN AND APPLICATION GMBHInventors: Manfred Huber, Peter Heinrich
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Publication number: 20100327961Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes: a target circuit whose at least power supply voltage is variable; a power supply voltage providing circuit feeding the target circuit with a power supply voltage; and a minimum energy point monitor circuit detecting an energy-minimizing power supply voltage which minimizes a change in the energy consumed by the target circuit upon a change in the power supply voltage. The power supply voltage delivered by the power supply voltage providing circuit is controlled so as to be equal to the energy-minimizing power supply voltage detected by the minimum energy point monitor circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Yoshifumi Ikenaga, Masahiro Nomura
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Publication number: 20100327962Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a reference voltage generating block, a circuit block, and a transmission line. The reference voltage generating block generates a first reference voltage and generates and outputs a digital code corresponding to the level of the first reference voltage. The circuit block converts the digital code into a second reference voltage and uses the second reference voltage for operation related to the function of the semiconductor integrated circuit. The transmission line is connected between the reference voltage generating block and the circuit block to allow transmission of the digital code to the circuit block.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: HYNIX SEMICONDUCTOR INC.Inventor: Dong Uk LEE
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Publication number: 20100327963Abstract: An active snubber operates, in part, to compel switching components, such as switch-mode power supplies and converters, to attain desired values rapidly, albeit temporarily, during which time there is sufficient time for a power supply's internal regulation system to sustain these values independently. The invention can dampen ringing, accelerate response time, and correct erroneous responses of the output of the switching converter. In one embodiment, the active snubber, which is operably connected to the output of a switching component that has a switching or ringing frequency, f1, and that is modulated by a signal generator at a frequency, f2, is characterized by an operable connection to the output of a buffer connected to the signal generator. The buffer provides a reference voltage that is equal to the switching component output voltage at the modulation frequency at f2.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventor: Matthew S. Taubman
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Publication number: 20100327964Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a noise detecting circuit; an input signal delaying circuit; and a mask circuit. The noise detecting circuit detects noise superimposed on an input signal and outputs a mask signal during a predetermined time period. The input signal delaying circuit delays the input signal and outputs a delay signal thereof. The mask circuit outputs an output signal in which the delay signal is masked based on the mask signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: NEC Electronics CorporationInventor: Rika Wakita
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Publication number: 20100327965Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention disclose receiver baseband filtering. In an exemplary embodiment, the filter device may comprise a continuous-time filter and a discrete-time filter operably coupled to the continuous time-filter. The discrete-time filter may include a passive infinite impulse response filter operably coupled between the continuous-time filter and an amplifier. The discrete-time filter may also include an active infinite impulse response filter operably coupled between an output of the amplifier and an input of the amplifier. The discrete-time filter may be configured to combine an output of the active infinite impulse response filter and an output of the passive infinite impulse response filter to form a composite signal. Furthermore, the amplifier may be configured to receive and amplify the composite signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventor: Russell J. Fagg