Patents Issued in March 14, 2013
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Publication number: 20130063962Abstract: An optical element is assembled to a light emitting diode (LED) to form an illuminative light source. The optical element includes a transparent main body having a light guiding pillar and an extending part. The light guiding pillar has a top surface and a bottom surface having a recess. The extending part is extended from the circumference of the top surface and an end of the extending part has at least a light-emitting surface. Wherein the LED is disposed on the recess and emits light to the optical element. The extending part guides the light and enlarges the light-emitting angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Hsin-Chieh HUANG, Chia-Song YEN, Shun-Wen TENG
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Publication number: 20130063963Abstract: An LED track-lighting system includes an LED for emitting light. A light-transmitting element captures light emitted by the LED light and emits it over at least a portion of the track.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Scott A. Riesebosch
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Publication number: 20130063964Abstract: In various embodiments, an illumination apparatus includes a substantially planar waveguide or a light box, at least one light source emitting light therein, a layer of photoluminescent material for converting a portion of the light to a different wavelength, a reflector for reflecting light back-scattered from the photoluminescent material, and an optically active layer for separating light interacting with the photoluminescent material from light propagating within the waveguide or light box.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2010Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: OREE, INC.Inventors: Noam Meir, Eran Fine
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Publication number: 20130063965Abstract: A light guide plate is disclosed which comprises a bottom surface and a reflective layer. The bottom surface is formed with a plurality of mesh points, and a density of the mesh points increases with a distance from a light source. The reflective layer is a sputtered film formed on the bottom surface. A corresponding backlight module is further disclosed. The light guide plate and other components of the backlight module can be pushed into the backplate from a side, so they are easy to be assembled, thus improving the yield of the backlight module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD.Inventor: Tian Zhang
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Publication number: 20130063966Abstract: A position light and light guide that serve as a light source are disposed on a front cover. The light guide extends in a width direction and receives and reflects light from the position light that is emitted in the width direction of the chassis. The light guide has first and second emission faces. The first emission face emits a first portion of the reflected light and faces upward or downward. The second emission face emits a second portion of the reflected light and faces forward. A length of the light guide in a front and back direction and a length of the light guide in a normal direction of the first emission face that is normal to the first emission face are both shorter than a length of the light guide in the width direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takahiro SUMI, Masumi Tachibana
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Publication number: 20130063967Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly to a reflective touch display and a fabrication method thereof The reflective touch display comprises a reflective display device, a first bonding layer, a light guiding plate, a second bonding layer, and a touch screen. The light guiding plate is laminated to top surface of the reflective display through the first bonding layer. The touch screen is laminated to top surface of the light guiding plate through the second bonding layer. The first bonding layer and the second bonding layer are formed by a liquid bonding material that transforms from a liquid state to a solid state, wherein refraction index of each of the first and second bonding layer is less than that of the light guiding plate. In accordance with the present disclosure, yield rate can be increased and production cost can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: JIANXING LUO, Jiodong Chen, Pingping Huang, Yau-Chen Jiang
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Publication number: 20130063968Abstract: A system for illuminating a reflective display or other material from a planar front device and a method of manufacture thereof. The system includes a light guide plate that conducts light from an edge light source across the face of a reflective display. Micro scattering features are formed on an outer surface of the light guide, farthest from the reflective display or material. A stepped index layer is formed on the surface of light guide plate containing the micro scattering features. The stepped index layer has an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction of the light guide plate to assist in the total internal reflection of light injected into the light guide plate. The micro scattering features, light reflecting areas, redirect luminous flux toward the display. In one embodiment, the micro scattering features are formed as white dots on the light guide plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: BARNESANDNOBLE.COM LLCInventors: Charles Neugebauer, William Saperstein
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Publication number: 20130063969Abstract: A system for illuminating a reflective display or other material from a planar front device and a method of manufacture thereof. The system includes a light guide plate that conducts light from an edge light source across the face of a reflective display. Micro lenses are formed on the inner or outer surface of the light guide and direct the light conducted in the light guide toward the display. A stepped index layer is formed on the surface of light guide plate containing the micro lenses. The stepped index layer has an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction of the light guide plate to assist in the total internal reflection of light injected into the light guide plate. A top layer protective coat or touch screen can be laminated to the outside of the light guide plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: BARNESANDNOBLE.COM LLCInventors: Charles Neugebauer, Jason Wong, Sam Niansheng Qiu, David Klawon
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Publication number: 20130063970Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-sectioned, billboard-mounted light-emitting device comprising: a mounting frame onto which one or a plurality of partition pieces are joined by being slotted in a detachable fashion, and on the front of which are formed a plurality of billboard housing space parts; a light-emitting-diode module in which a plurality of LEDs are provided at predetermined intervals; a light-guide plate which surface emits due to the LEDs; a back-surface plate devised such that the light generated from the light-guide plate is emitted towards the front surface; and a billboard plate which is provided on the front surface of the light-guide plate while being received in a detachable fashion at a size matched to each of the billboard housing space parts which are section bared by means of the partition pieces.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Wan Ho Oh
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Publication number: 20130063971Abstract: A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a first light source device, and a second light source device. The first light source device is disposed adjacent to a first side surface of the light guide plate and has at least one first polarized light source for emitting a first polarized light beam. The second light source device is disposed adjacent to a second side surface of the light guide plate and has at least one second polarized light source for emitting a second polarized light beam. The light guide plate includes a first polarized light transmitting region adjacent to the second light source device and a second polarized light transmitting region adjacent to the first light source device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Hsin-Wu LIN
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Publication number: 20130063972Abstract: Methods and aparatuses disclosed herein relate to backlit visual display elements. A visual display element may include a base layer defining one or more microperforations and a light guide coupled to a light source. The light guide may be positioned adjacent the base layer and include one or more microlenses in alignment with the one or more microperforations along at least one vertical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventor: Apple Inc.
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Publication number: 20130063973Abstract: A lighting fixture includes at least one optic and at least one coherent light source for directing at least one substantially coherent light beam towards the at least one optic. Light provided from the at least one optic comprises an observable illuminated speckle patterned surface resulting from the coherent light beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Peter H. MAHOWALD
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Publication number: 20130063974Abstract: The present invention provides a planar light guide film for a backlight unit having at least one point light source, the light guide film comprising a light input surface for receiving light from the point light source, a light redirecting surface for redirecting light received from the light input surface and a light output surface for outputting at least the light redirected from the light redirecting surface. The light input surface further comprises a composite lens structure having a first and second circular tip segment each circular tip segment with a first contact angle, and a first and second circular base segment each circular base segment with a top and bottom contact angle, the contact angles of the circular base segments being greater than the contact angle of the circular tip segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: SKC Haas Display Films Co., Ltd.Inventors: Qi HONG, Karen A. Malburne
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Publication number: 20130063975Abstract: The present invention provides a planar light guide film for a backlight unit having at least one point light source, the light guide film comprising a light input surface for receiving light from the point light source, a light redirecting surface for redirecting light received from the light input surface and a light output surface for outputting at least the light redirected from the light redirecting surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: SKC Haas Display Films Co., Ltd.Inventors: Qi HONG, Karen A. Malburne
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Publication number: 20130063976Abstract: The present invention provides a planar light guide film for a backlight unit having at least one point light source, the light guide film comprising a light input surface for receiving light from the point light source, a light redirecting surface for redirecting light received from the light input surface and a light output surface for outputting at least the light redirected from the light redirecting surface. The light input surface further comprises a composite lens structure having a first and second circular tip segment each circular tip segment with a first contact angle, and a first and second circular base segment each circular base segment with a top and bottom contact angle, the contact angles of the circular base segments being less than the contact angle of the circular tip segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: SKC Haas Display Films Co., Ltd.Inventors: Qi Hong, Karen A. Malburne
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Publication number: 20130063977Abstract: The present invention provides a planar light guide film for a backlight unit having at least one point light source, the light guide film comprising a light input surface for receiving light from the point light source, a light redirecting surface for redirecting light received from the light input surface and a light output surface for outputting at least the light redirected from the light redirecting surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: SKC Haas Display Films Co., Ltd.Inventors: Qi Hong, Karen A. Malburne
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Publication number: 20130063978Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display. Backlight structures may be used to provide backlight for the display. The backlight structures may include a light guide plate. A rectangular ring-shaped chassis may have a rectangular opening that receives the light guide plate. One or more edges of the chassis may be provided with an array of notches that receive light-emitting diodes or other light sources. The light sources may launch light into edge portions of the light guide plate. The chassis may include a first plastic structure such as a light reflecting structure formed from a material such as white plastic. The first plastic structure may surround two or more peripheral edges of the light guide plate. The chassis may also include a second plastic structure such as a light blocking structure formed from a material such as black plastic that helps prevent light leakage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Shawn R. Gettemy, Joshua G. Wurzel, David A. Doyle, Alexander D. Schlaupitz
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Publication number: 20130063979Abstract: The invention provides an electrical connector and a backlight module using that electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a body and two conducting lines. The body is provided with first and second connecting portions, the former of which has a first connecting surface and the latter has a second connecting surface. An invariable relative angle is defined between the first and second connecting surfaces. The conducting lines are coated on the first and second connecting surfaces without crossing each other. The backlight module includes a light guide plate, two LED light bars mounted to two respective light receiving edges of the light guide plate, and an aforesaid electrical connector connecting the LED light bars. The electrical connector is electrically connected with the LED light bars and fixes their relative positions. Besides, it is easy to install the electrical connector to connect the LED light bars firmly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Hui-Hsiung Chen, Wei-Jen Lai
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Publication number: 20130063980Abstract: Lightguides, devices incorporating lightguides, and processes for making lightguides are described. A lightguide includes light extractors arranged in a pattern on a surface of the lightguide. The pattern of light extractors is arranged to enhance uniformity of light output across a surface of the lightguide and to provide enhanced defect hiding. The efficiency of the light extractors is controlled by a shape factor. The areal density of the light extractors across the surface of the lightguide may be substantially constant or may decrease along the direction of propagation of light from the light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventor: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
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Publication number: 20130063981Abstract: A converter includes an active stage for converting an AC input voltage at an AC input into an intermediate DC voltage, and a DC/DC converter for transforming the intermediate DC voltage into an output DC voltage at a DC output. The DC/DC converter has a resonant transformer formed by a resonant circuit and a transformer. The converter also includes control unit configured to actively operate the active stage only based on an output DC voltage of the DC/DC converter, an input voltage, and an input current of the converter, and to operate the DC/DC converter in an open loop mode. A method for operating such a converter is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: ABB Technology AGInventors: Drazen Dujic, Francisco Canales, Akos Mester
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Publication number: 20130063982Abstract: An embodiment apparatus comprises a secondary synchronous rectifier and a secondary gate drive controller. The secondary gate drive controller coupled to a transformer winding comprises a secondary synchronous rectifier soft start signal generator configured to generate a plurality of soft start pulses, a pulse width modulation generator configured to generate a forward switch drive signal and a freewheeling switch drive signal based upon a signal across the transformer winding and a soft transition generator configured to generate a soft start freewheeling switch drive signal by gradually releasing the freewheeling switch drive signal during a soft start process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: FutureWei Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Liming Ye, Hengchun Mao, Xunjun Liu
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Publication number: 20130063983Abstract: In an electrical power converter, an input circuit performs switching for converting a supply voltage of a power source to alternating-polarity voltage pulses which are applied to the primary winding of a transformer. Each voltage pulse is controlled (e.g., pulse width or amplitude is adjusted) based on a detected value of current flow in the primary winding, where the value has been detected an even-numbered plurality of voltage pulses previously. Any DC component of current flow in the primary winding, caused by manufacturing deviations between switching elements in the input circuit, can thereby be suppressed, and DC flux bias in the transformer thereby suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi SUMI, Hiroyuki SAKAKIBARA, Yuji HAYASHI
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Publication number: 20130063984Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques determine the timing of switches associated with a dc-dc converter. The determination is based on a body diode conduction of at least one of the switches, which is detected and used to determine a switching delay.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Christoph SANDNER, Gerhard MADERBACHER
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Publication number: 20130063985Abstract: An embodiment apparatus comprises a secondary synchronous rectifier and a secondary gate drive controller coupled to a transformer winding. The secondary gate drive controller is configured to generate a forward gate drive signal for the forward switch and generate a freewheeling gate drive signal for the freewheeling switch, wherein the secondary gate drive controller generates a dead time between the forward gate drive signal and the freewheeling gate drive signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: FutureWei Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Liming Ye, Hengchun Mao
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Publication number: 20130063986Abstract: A control circuit of the power converter according to the present invention comprises a feedback circuit, an output circuit and an adaptive clamping circuit. The feedback circuit generates a feedback signal in accordance with an output of the power converter. The output circuit generates a switching signal in accordance with the feedback signal for regulating the output of the power converter. The adaptive clamping circuit limits the level of the feedback signal under a first level for a first load condition. The feedback circuit determines a slew rate of the feedback signal for increasing the level of the feedback signal from the first level to a second level. The adaptive clamping circuit is disabled and the level of the feedback signal can be increased to the second level for a second load condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: SYSTEM GENERAL CORP.Inventors: TA-YUNG YANG, LI LIN, YUE-HONG TANG, JUNG-SHENG CHEN
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Publication number: 20130063987Abstract: An input voltage detection unit detects whether an AC input voltage is the voltage of a 100V system or of a 200V system. In response, a frequency decreasing gain setting unit switches between frequency decreasing gain characteristics relative to load factors. The frequency decreasing gain characteristics are established so that the initiation of a decrease in a feed back signal in the 100V system is earlier than that in the 200V system. By switching the frequency decreasing gain characteristics based on an AC input signal, the characteristics, in which a decrease in a feed back signal in the 200V system is earlier than that in the 100V system, are cancelled to allow load factors, at each of which a power supply operation frequency reaches the audible region, to be approximately the same to enable a vibration isolating measure to be independent of the AC input voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Kokou BOKU
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Publication number: 20130063988Abstract: Methods and systems for power conversion. An energy storage capacitor is contained within an H-bridge subcircuit which allows the capacitor to be connected to the link inductor of a Universal Power Converter with reversible polarity. This provides a “pseudo-phase” drive capability which expands the capabilities of the converter to compensate for zero-crossings in a single-phase power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Publication number: 20130063989Abstract: An interface arrangement for connection between an AC system and a DC system and to a method of disconnecting a DC system from an AC system are disclosed. The arrangement includes a converter for conversion between AC and DC having a DC side for connection to the DC system and an AC side for being coupled to the AC system, a set of circuit breakers coupled between the AC side of the converter and the AC system and a breaker assisting unit including a set of branches connected between the AC side of the converter and ground, where each branch includes a switch in series with an impedance element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AGInventors: Ying Jiang-Häfner, Baoliang Sheng
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Publication number: 20130063990Abstract: A protection circuit of a power converter without an input capacitor is disclosed. The protection circuit comprises a high voltage switch, a detection circuit and a control circuit. The switch senses an input voltage of the power converter via a resistor for generating a first signal. The detection circuit coupled to a transformer senses the input voltage of the power converter for generating a second signal. The control circuit controls a switching signal in response to the first signal and the second signal. The switching signal is utilized to switching the transformer for regulating the power converter; and the level of the first signal and the second signal is correlated a level of the input voltage of the power converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: SYSTEM GENERAL CORP.Inventor: Ta-Yung Yang
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Publication number: 20130063991Abstract: A system includes a low switching frequency power converter configured to be coupled to a solar cell, wherein the low switching frequency power converter is configured to generate alternating current (AC) power based on low voltage direct current (DC) power transmitted from the solar cell and transmit the converted AC power. The system also include a multi-pulse transformer configured to receive the converted AC power and generate transformed power based on the converted AC power, wherein the transformed power comprises power at a voltage level that differs from the a voltage level of the converted AC power.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yuan Xiao, Navid R. Zargari, Zhongyuan Cheng
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Publication number: 20130063992Abstract: A power converter apparatus is provided with a lead-in board in which alternating-current power received from power converting units is connected in parallel, and a connection base including frames for installing the power converting units therein. The frames are provided with connection sections for connecting the main, circuits of the power converting units. The lead-in board is provided with breakers for cut off alternating-current power from the power converting units.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventor: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL
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Publication number: 20130063993Abstract: An alternating current (AC) line emulator includes an AC power supply and an automatic regulating load. The AC power supply is used for providing an AC line frequency and an AC line voltage. The automatic regulating load is coupled between the AC power supply and a grid-connected power generation system for functioning as a test load of the grid-connected power generation system, and preventing current from reversing to the AC power supply and shutting down the AC power supply. When the grid-connected power system is tested, power consumption of the automatic regulating load is equal to a sum of output power of the grid-connected power generation system and output power of the AC power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Liu, Kuo-Hsin Chu, Hsu-Chin Wu, Hwai-Ching Shi, Wei-Kang Liang
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Publication number: 20130063994Abstract: Methods and systems for power conversion. An energy storage capacitor is contained within an H-bridge subcircuit which allows the capacitor to be connected to the link inductor of a Universal Power Converter with reversible polarity. This provides a “pseudo-phase” drive capability which expands the capabilities of the converter to compensate for zero-crossings in a single-phase power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Publication number: 20130063995Abstract: A cascaded electric power converter and a method of operating a cascaded electric power converter are disclosed. The cascaded converter includes: a converter cell including a cell capacitor and at least one phase leg having at least two electric valves, the at least one phase leg being connected in parallel to the cell capacitor; and a control system for controlling the switching of the electric valves of the at least one phase leg. The control system is configured to, upon detection of a need to by-pass the converter cell, control the switching of the electric valves in a manner so that the cell capacitor is short circuited via a phase leg, so as to obtain a current surge through the phase leg, thereby creating a permanent current path through the converter cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Staffan Norrga, Frans Dijkhuizen, Tomas Jonsson, Thomas Setz
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Publication number: 20130063996Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes: an input terminal to which alternating current power is input; a positive terminal and a negative terminal at which direct-current power is output; a rectifier circuit configured to rectify the alternating current power input to the input terminal; an inductor coupled to the rectifier circuit; a capacitor coupled between the positive terminal and the negative terminal; a first rectifying element coupled between an output terminal of the inductor and the positive terminal; a first switching element coupled between an input terminal of the first rectifying element and the negative terminal; a second switching element and a transformer coupled in parallel to the first switching element; a second rectifying element coupled between the positive terminal and a coupling portion of the second switching element and the transformer; and a third rectifying element coupled between the transformer and the positive terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Hiroshi NAKAO
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Publication number: 20130063997Abstract: A method includes storing data in an analog memory cell by writing an analog value into the memory cell. After storing the data, the data stored in the memory cell is read by discharging electrical current to flow through the memory cell, during a predefined time interval, while applying a variable voltage to a gate of the memory cell. A fraction of the predefined time interval, during which the variable voltage allows the electrical current to flow through the memory cell, is estimated. The stored data is estimated based on the estimated fraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Ariel Maislos
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Publication number: 20130063998Abstract: A system includes: a controller, a first memory module connected to the controller through a first data bus, and a second memory module connected to the controller through a second data bus, wherein the first memory module includes: first and second memory chips; a first data terminal connected to the first data bus, and a first switch unit that electrical connects the first data terminal with either the first memory chip and the second memory chip, and the second module includes: third and fourth memory chips; a second data terminal connected to the second data bus, and a second switch unit that switches over electrical connection of the second data terminal with either the third memory chip or the fourth memory chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Shiro HARASHIMA
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Publication number: 20130063999Abstract: An electronic device can include a nonvolatile memory cell, wherein the nonvolatile memory cell can include an antifuse component, a switch, and a read transistor having a control electrode. Within the nonvolatile memory cell, the switch can be coupled to the antifuse component, and the control electrode of the read transistor can be coupled to the antifuse component. The nonvolatile memory cell can be programmed by flowing current through the antifuse component and the switch and bypassing the current away the read transistor. Thus, programming can be performed without flowing current through the read transistor decreasing the likelihood of the read transistor sustaining damage during programming. Further, the antifuse component may not be connected in series with the current electrodes of the read transistor, and thus, during read operations, read current differences between programmed and unprogrammed nonvolatile memory cells can be more readily determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Moshe Agam, Thierry Coffi Herve Yao, Shizen Skip Liu
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Publication number: 20130064000Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor storage device includes first cells, first bit and first word, and first sense. The first cells are capable of holding 2-level or higher-level data. The first bit and first word are capable of selecting the first cells. The first sense detects a first current. The first sense includes a first supply unit, a first accumulation unit, a detector, and a counter. The first supply unit supplies a second current when the data is read. The first accumulation unit accumulates an amount of charge. The detector detects the potential the amount of charge. The counter counts output from the detector. The counter includes a second supply unit, a second accumulation unit, and a sensing unit. The second supply unit charges a first node. The second accumulation unit accumulates a charge. The sensing unit detects the amount of charge of the second accumulation unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Makoto HAMADA
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Publication number: 20130064001Abstract: To provide a resistance change nonvolatile memory device performing a stable switching operation at a low cost. The resistance change nonvolatile memory device has a first wiring, an interlayer insulating layer formed thereon, a second wiring formed thereon, and a resistance change element formed between the first wiring and the second wiring. The interlayer insulating layer between the first wiring and the second wiring has a hole having a width not greater than that of the first wiring. The resistance change element is in contact with the first wiring and has a lower electrode at the bottom of the hole, a resistance change layer thereon, and an upper electrode thereon. They are formed inside the hole. The first wiring contains copper and the lower electrode contains at least one metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, tungsten, cobalt, platinum, gold, rhodium, iridium, and palladium.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventor: Masayuki TERAI
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Publication number: 20130064002Abstract: A resistance change nonvolatile memory device includes with a first electrode, a resistance change portion provided on the first electrode, and a second electrode provided on the resistance change portion. The resistance change portion is equipped with a resistance change layer provided on the first electrode and undergoing a change in resistance with an applied voltage and a stable layer provided on the resistance change layer and forming a filament. The resistance change layer and the stable layer are made of metal oxides different from each other. The oxide formation energy of the resistance change layer is higher than that of the stable layer. The resistance change layer has such a film thickness as to permit the resistance of the resistance change portion in an Off state to fall within a range determined by the film thickness.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventor: Masayuki TERAI
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Publication number: 20130064003Abstract: An SRAM has at least two sets of pass transistors for coupling at least two sets of bit lines to true and complement data nodes of an SRAM cell based on the assertion of at least two word lines. The cell includes two pull up transistors and two pull down transistors coupled to the true and complement data nodes. None of the pass transistors are implemented in an active area that includes a pull up transistor or a pull down transistor of the cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Sayeed A. Badrudduza, Jack M. Higman, Sanjay R. Parihar
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Publication number: 20130064004Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and improving writeability of a static random access memory (SRAM) cell. A bias voltage value corresponding to an operating condition, such as, a process, a voltage, or a temperature operation condition that indicates a cell write failure condition of an external SRAM array comprising the SRAM cell is generated. This bias voltage value is applied to word lines of SRAM cells in a model SRAM array. A first delay for a trigger signal rippled through the model SRAM array is detected and compared to a reference delay. A write assist indication is generated if the first delay is greater than or equal to the reference delay. Based on the write assist indication, a write assist is provided to the SRAM cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATEDInventors: Manish Garg, Michael ThaiThanh Phan
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Publication number: 20130064005Abstract: A tunnel transistor is provided comprising a drain, a source and at least a first gate for controlling current between the drain and the source, wherein the first sides of respectively the first and the second gate dielectric material are positioned substantially along and substantially contact respectively the first and the second semiconductor part.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicants: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U. LEUVEN R&D, IMECInventors: Marc Heyns, Cedric Huyghebaert, Anne S. Verhulst, Daniele Leonelli, Rita Rooyackers, Wim Dehaene
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Publication number: 20130064006Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively boosting word-line (WL) voltage in a memory cell array. The method relies several embodiments to minimize energy costs associated with WL boost scheme. One embodiment generates a transient voltage boost rather than supply a DC voltage boost. The transient boost generation may be controlled on a cycle basis and can be disabled when the array is not accessed. Another embodiment allows the system to generate the transient voltage boost locally, near a WL driver and only during the cycles when it is needed. Localized boost voltage generation reduces the load capacitance that needs to be boosted to higher voltage. Another embodiment efficiently distributes the transient boost to the WL drivers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATEDInventors: Manish Garg, Michael ThaiThanh Phan
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Publication number: 20130064007Abstract: A solid-state memory in which each memory cell includes a cross-point addressable write element. Each memory cell includes a storage element, such as a pair of cross-coupled inverters, and a read buffer for coupling one of the storage nodes to a read bit line for the column containing the cell. The write element of each memory cell includes one or a pair of write select transistors controlled by a write word line for the row containing the cell, and write pass transistors connected to corresponding storage nodes and connected in series with a write select transistor. The write pass transistors are gated by a write bit line for the column containing the cell. In operation, a write reference is coupled to one of the storage nodes of a memory cell in the selected column and the selected row, depending on the data state carried by the complementary write bit lines for that column.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Texas Instruments Incorporated
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Publication number: 20130064008Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device comprises a nonvolatile cell array comprising a memory cell and a reference cell, a clamping circuit electrically connected to the memory cell and configured to clamp a voltage applied to a data sensing line during a read operation, and a clamping voltage generation unit configured to generate a clamping voltage responsive to a first voltage having a level based on the reference cell, and to feed back the clamping voltage to the clamping circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: CHAN-KYUNG KIM, HONG-SUN HWANG, CHUL-WOO PARK, SANG-BEOM KANG, HYUNG-ROK OH
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Publication number: 20130064009Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first memory cell, a second memory cell adjacent to the first memory cell, first and second write bitlines and a common bitline. The first memory cell includes: a first magnetization fixed layer, a first magnetic recording layer, a first reference layer, a first tunnel barrier film, and a first transistor. The second memory cell includes: a second magnetization fixed layer, a second magnetic recording layer, a second reference layer, a second tunnel barrier layer and a second transistor. Each of the first and second reference layer has a fixed magnetization. A common magnetization fixed layer having a fixed magnetization is coupled to the first and second magnetic recording layers. The common magnetization fixed layer and the common bitline is connected so that the common magnetization fixed layer and the common bitline are unable to be electrically unconnected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Naoki KITANO
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Publication number: 20130064010Abstract: A magnetic cell structure including a nonmagnetic filament contact, and methods of fabricating the structure are provided. The magnetic cell structure includes a free layer, a pinned layer, an insulative layer between the free and pinned layers, and a nonmagnetic filament contact in the insulative layer which electrically connects the free and pinned layers. The nonmagnetic filament contact is formed from a nonmagnetic source layer, also between the free and pinned layers. The filament contact directs a programming current through the magnetic cell structure such that the cross sectional area of the programming current in the free layer is less than the cross section of the structure. The decrease in the cross sectional area of the programming current in the free layer enables a lower programming current to reach a critical switching current density in the free layer and switch the magnetization of the free layer, programming the magnetic cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: Micron Technology, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130064011Abstract: A magnetic memory cell including a piezoelectric material, and methods of operating the memory cell are provided. The memory cell includes a stack, and the piezoelectric material may be formed as a layer in the stack or adjacent the layers of the cell stack. The piezoelectric material may be used to induce a transient stress during programming of the memory cell to reduce the critical switching current of the memory cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.