Field-effect Transistor (e.g., Jfet, Etc.) Patents (Class 326/112)
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Patent number: 7336105Abstract: A dynamic logic gate has a device for charging a dynamic node during a pre-charge phase of a clock. A logic tree evaluates the dynamic node with a device during an evaluate phase of the clock. The dynamic node has a keeper circuit comprising an inverter with its input coupled to the dynamic node and its output coupled to the back gate of a dual gate PFET device. The source of the dual gate PFET is coupled to the power supply and its drain is coupled to the dynamic node forming a half latch. The front gate of the dual gate PFET is coupled to a logic circuit with a mode input and a logic input coupled back to a node sensing the state of the dynamic node. The mode input may be a slow mode to preserve dynamic node state or the clock delayed that turns ON the strong keeper after evaluation.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ching-Te Chuang, Keunwoo Kim, Jente Benedict Kuang, Kevin John Nowka
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Patent number: 7336102Abstract: The invention includes an error correcting logic system that allows critical circuits to be hardened with only one redundant unit and without loss of circuit performance. The system provides an interconnecting gate that suppresses a fault in one of at least two redundant dynamic logic gates that feed to the interconnecting gate. The system is applicable to dynamic or static logic systems. The system prevents propagation of a fault, and addresses not only soft errors, but noise-induced errors.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kerry Bernstein, Philip G. Emma, John A. Fifield, Paul D. Kartschoke, William A. Klaasen, Norman J. Rohrer
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Patent number: 7336104Abstract: A logic circuit consists of a first transistor network and a complementary second transistor network connected at a central node. The central node serves as a first logic output. Each of the transistor networks is also connected to a respective root. A third transistor network is connected between an intermediate node of one of the transistor networks and the network's respective root. For a homogeneous graft, the third transistor network has a complementary structure to the transistors between the intermediate node and the central node, is of the same transistor type as the given transistor network, and has inverted inputs relative to the transistors between the intermediate node and the central node. The third transistor network (the graft network) provides a second logic output to the logic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd.Inventor: Arkadiy Morgenshtein
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Publication number: 20080036712Abstract: An organic light emitting diode display, including pixel circuits coupled to respective data lines and scan lines, a data driver configured to supply data signals to the data lines, and a scan driver configured to provide scan signals to the scan lines, wherein the scan driver includes at least one decoder including a plurality of NOR gates, the decoder configured to provide a first plurality of signals, and a plurality of NAND gates coupled to respective scan lines, the NAND gates being configured to perform a NAND operation on the first plurality of signals and to provide scan signals to the scan lines, wherein all transistors in each of the NOR gates and each of the NAND gates are a same type of MOS transistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventor: Bo Yong Chung
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Patent number: 7312640Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device is composed of logic gates each provided with at least two MOS transistors. The logic gates are connected to a first potential point and a second potential point. The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a current control device connected between the logic gate and the first potential point and/or between the logic gate and the second potential point for controlling a value of a current flowing in the logic gate depending on an operating state of the logic gate. The circuit can be used in devices that cycle in operation between high and low power consumption modes, such as microprocessors that have both an operation mode and a low power back-up or sleep mode used for power reduction.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.Inventors: Masashi Horiguchi, Kunio Uchiyama, Kiyoo Itoh, Takeshi Sakata, Masakazu Aoki, Takayuki Kawahara
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Patent number: 7307457Abstract: A keeper device for dynamic logic includes a first keeper path statically coupled to a dynamic data path, the first keeper path configured to prevent false discharge of the dynamic data path during an evaluation thereof, and a second keeper path selectively coupled to the dynamic data path. The second keeper path is configured to maintain the dynamic data path at a nominal precharge level prior to an evaluation thereof, wherein the second keeper path is decoupled from the dynamic data path during the evaluation.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: George M. Braceras, John A. Fifield, Harold Pilo
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Patent number: 7301371Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a transmitter of a semiconductor device, which can output signals corresponding to input signals having various common mode levels and amplitudes. The transmitter may include a pre-driver unit, main driver unit, and a control circuit. The pre-driver unit modifies a common mode level and the amplitude of first internal output signals to generate internal output signals in response to driver control signals. The main driver unit modifies the common mode level and the amplitude of the second internal output signals. The control circuit detects the common mode level and the amplitude of a connected circuit. The common mode level and the amplitude of the output signals may then automatically be adjusted to be the same as the common mode level and the amplitude of this connected circuit High speed signal conditioning may be accomplished.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jin-Hyun Kim
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Patent number: 7298171Abstract: A layout area efficient, high speed, dynamic multi-input exclusive OR (XOR) and exclusive NOR (XNOR) logic gate circuit design of especial utility with respect to integrated circuit devices. The logic gate design disclosed herein utilizes fewer transistors than traditional static designs and, therefore, requires a smaller amount of integrated circuit layout area while nevertheless affording higher speed operating performance than that exhibited in existing conventional circuits.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignees: United Memories, Inc., Sony CorporationInventor: Michael C. Parris
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Patent number: 7295042Abstract: A switched capacitor buffer operating by the push-pull method is taught. The buffer may include a pull-up device and a pull-down device. A switched capacitor circuit may be used to control the pull-up device and the pull-down device to achieve accurate push-pull operation. According to some embodiments, the switched capacitor buffer displays an optimal combination of design simplicity, low power consumption and high-frequency response.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventor: Shingo Hatanaka
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Patent number: 7292064Abstract: A synchronous output buffer circuit which effectively moves combinational logic associated with an output enable operation, boundary scan operation, and voltage translation to a pipe that leads into a pair of output registers that operate in response to the output clock signal. The output registers may be forced to asynchronously route an input signal to an output terminal during a reset mode and during a boundary scan mode. The output registers can include a safety circuit, which prevents pull-up and pull-down devices (which drive the output signal), from turning on at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.Inventor: Tak Kwong (Dino) Wong
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Patent number: 7288970Abstract: Hybrid switching devices integrate nanotube switching elements with field effect devices, such as NFETs and PFETs. A switching device forms and unforms a conductive channel from the signal input to the output subject to the relative state of the control input. In embodiments of the invention, the conductive channel includes a nanotube channel element and a field modulatable semiconductor channel element. The switching device may include a nanotube switching element and a field effect device electrically disposed in series. According to one aspect of the invention, an integrated switching device is a four-terminal device with a signal input terminal, a control input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. The devices may be non-volatile. The devices can form the basis for a hybrid NT-FET logic family and can be used to implement any Boolean logic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Nantero, Inc.Inventor: Claude L. Bertin
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Patent number: 7282960Abstract: A dynamic logical circuit having a pre-charge element separately controlled by a voltage-asymmetric clock controlled provides increased noise immunity in dynamic digital circuits. By clocking the pre-charge element with a signal having a reduced swing in the voltage direction that turns off the pre-charge element, the pre-charge element provides a small current that prevents the dynamic summing node of a gate from erroneously evaluating due to noise, and eliminates the need for a keeper device. Providing the reduced-swing asymmetric clock as a separate signal prevents performance degradation in the rest of the circuit. Specifically, the foot devices in the dynamic portion of the circuit are controlled with the full swing clock so that evaluation is not compromised by noise or slowed. Foot and pull-up devices in any static portion of the circuit are also controlled with the full-swing clock so that switching speed and leakage immunity are not affected.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Wendy Ann Belluomini, Robert Kevin Montoye, Aniket Mukul Saha
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Patent number: 7282961Abstract: A process compensation circuit for an inverting element of a CMOS device, including a duplicate inverting element connected in parallel with the inverting element of the CMOS device. An upside-down inverter stage has an input connected to the output of the duplicate inverting element, and an output connected to the output of the inverting element of the CMOS device. The upside-down inverter stage is configured to counteract a delayed logic transition of the output of the inverting element of the CMOS device in the event of a process skew between NFET and PFET devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Darin Daudelin, Michael J. Lencioni
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Patent number: 7282957Abstract: In a dynamic flip-flop circuit with a data selection function, for example, when data having an H value is selected using a selection signal, a first node N1 is L, a second node N2 of a second dynamic circuit is H, so that an output signal has an H level. In this case, when none of a plurality of pieces of data is selected using a selection signal, the first node N1 is H, so that the electric charge of the second node N2 is discharged and the output signal erroneously has an L level. However, in this case, an output node N3 is H and a fourth node N4 is L, so that an n-type transistor of the second dynamic circuit is turned OFF, thereby preventing the second node N2 from being discharged. Therefore, a normal operation is performed while securing a satisfactorily high-speed operation even when none of the pieces of data is selected.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaya Sumita
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Patent number: 7279927Abstract: An integrated circuit having two or more power domains that include load circuits in different portions of the integrated circuit is disclosed. In order to conserve power, the circuits in one of the power domains are shut down by disconnecting the power source serving that domain. The load circuits in each power domain are buffered from the load circuits in other power domains by buffer cells. The buffer cells reduce leakage currents in the power domain that is shut down, by restricting data signals from the “live” power domain from reaching the shut-down power domain, and further by providing predetermined voltage signals to the load circuits in the shut-down power domain that are selected to minimize leakage currents in the inactive load circuits. The invention further provides a corresponding method for reducing power consumption in an integrated circuit having at least two power domains separated by a buffer cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.Inventors: John Thomas Falkowski, Bruce Godley Littlefield, Douglas D. Lopata, Hussein K. Mecklai, Stanley Reinhold
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Patent number: 7271615Abstract: In one embodiment, NMOS transistors have their source coupled to a common source node such that the NMOS transistors conduct a leakage current if the common source node is grounded. To reduce this leakage current, the common source node is raised in potential. Similarly, PMOS transistors have their source coupled to a common source node such that the PMOS transistors conduct a leakage current if the common source node is charged to a power supply voltage VDD. To reduce this leakage current, the common source node is lowered in potential.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Novelics, LLCInventors: Morteza Afghahi, Esin Terzioglu, Gil I. Winograd
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Patent number: 7265574Abstract: A method and a circuit for producing a fail-safe output signal in case of an open circuit condition of an input pad of a digital circuit unit, comprising a first inverter stage providing a constant switch level; a second inverter stage providing a variable switch level that depends of the signal level of the input pad and comparing the constant switch level of the first inverter stage with the variable switch level of the second stage and providing an output signal at an output terminal thereof if the variable switch level of the second stage is greater than the constant switch level; and an additional circuit clement connected in series with the second inverter for decreasing the switch level of the second inverter stage.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: NXP, B.V.Inventor: Albert Jan Huitsing
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Patent number: 7265589Abstract: A dynamic logic gate has a dynamic node pre-charged in response to a pre-charge phase of a clock signal and a logic tree with a plurality of logic inputs for evaluating the dynamic node during an evaluate phase of the clock signal in response to a Boolean combination of the logic inputs. The logic tree has a stacked configuration with at least one multi-gate FEAT device for coupling an intermediate node of the logic tree to the dynamic node in response to a first logic input of the plurality of logic inputs or in response to the pre-charge phase of the clock signal. The multi-gate FEAT device has one gate coupled to the first logic input and a second gate coupled to a complement of the clock signal used to pre-charge the dynamic node.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ching-Te Chuang, Keunwoo Kim, Jente Benedict Kuang, Kevin John Nowka
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Patent number: 7262631Abstract: A voltage level control device operable to control a voltage level supplied from a first voltage level source to circuitry, said circuitry being arranged between said first voltage level source and a second voltage level source, said first and second voltage level sources being operable to output different voltage levels; said voltage level control device comprising: a power transistor operable to be connected between said first voltage level source and said circuitry, said power transistor comprising a sleep signal input operable to receive a sleep signal; a switching device arranged in parallel with said power transistor and comprising a sleep signal input operable to receive a pseudo sleep signal; wherein said voltage level control device is operable in dependence upon said sleep signal and said pseudo sleep signal to output to said circuitry an output voltage said output voltage comprising one of three voltage levels, said three voltage levels lying between voltage levels output by said first and second vType: GrantFiled: April 11, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: ARM LimitedInventor: Yew Keong Chong
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Patent number: 7256620Abstract: A selector circuit precisely outputs a signal selected from a plurality of signals. A latch circuit unit generates an internal selection control signal for controlling a selection operation of a selector circuit unit. When the levels of first and second data input signals do not match each other, the selector circuit unit maintains its selected state and does not perform a selecting operation based on the selection signal until the levels of the signals match each other in accordance with the internal selection control signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Masaki Komaki
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Patent number: 7256608Abstract: An efficient design methodology in accordance with the present invention is described for reducing the leakage power in CMOS circuits. The method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention yields better leakage reduction as the threshold voltage decreases and hence aids in further reduction of supply voltage and minimization of transistor sizes. Unlike other leakage control techniques, the technique of the present invention does not need any control circuitry to monitor the states of the circuit. Hence, avoiding the sacrifice of obtained leakage power reduction in the form of dynamic power consumed by the additional circuitry to control the overall circuit states.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Nagarajan Ranganathan, Narender Hanchate
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Patent number: 7227383Abstract: An integrated circuit includes first circuitry and sleep transistor circuitry. The first circuitry receives input signals and processes the input signals. The first circuitry also retains data in a sleep state that has low leakage. The sleep transistor circuitry is coupled to the first circuitry and receives a sleep signal that has a negative voltage. The sleep circuitry reduces power consumption of the first circuitry in the sleep state to have low leakage based on the sleep signal while retaining the data in the first circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Mosaid Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Barry A. Hoberman, Daniel L. Hillman, William G. Walker, John M. Callahan, Michael A. Zampaglione, Andrew Cole
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Patent number: 7227384Abstract: A circuit for converting received domino logic signals to a static output signal includes a pair of logic gates having inputs and outputs that are cross-coupled and responsive to a domino logic input signal and a clock signal to latch the input signal during an evaluation phase defined by the clock signal. A static output is based on the latched value. One of the logic gates is tri-stateable to establish a value at the static output during a scan mode. A circuit for converting received static logic signals into domino logic signals includes a latch responsive to a clock signal to latch the value of a data signal at a predefined clock transition. A conversion circuit produces a domino logic output signal in response to the clock signal and the latched value of the data signal. A latch component is tri-stateable to establish a value at the output.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Mondira Pant, Paul Gronowski, Randy Allmon, Manjunath Bhat, David Lin
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Patent number: 7221600Abstract: An arithmetic circuit is provided having a compact and high-speed logic-in-memory wherein various operations are performed. The arithmetic circuit includes a memory element having a variable resistance element R in which the state of resistance changes reversibly between the state of high resistance and the state of low resistance by applying voltages with different polarities between one electrode and the other electrode, and at least one transistor of MRD, MRS, MW1 and MW2 connected respectively to both ends of the memory element; wherein data is stored in the memory element, the operation for the external data X, W, Y1 and Y2 input through any of the transistors is performed by applying potential to each of the ends of the memory element through the transistors MRD, MRS, MW1, and MW2, and a result of the operation is output from the memory element.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Masaaki Hara, Nobumichi Okazaki
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Patent number: 7218145Abstract: An input circuit (a first transistor pair) that receives complementary input signals is connected to a latch circuit (a second transistor pair) that converts the amplitude of an input signal into second amplitude higher than first amplitude. A current mirror circuit (a third transistor pair) is disposed between the latch circuit and a high-level power supply line. The current mirror circuit makes a source voltage of the second transistors being turned on lower than the source voltage of the second transistors being turned off. The second transistors being turned on are likely to be turned off although the on-current of corresponding first transistors is low. To the contrary, the second transistors being turned off are likely to be turned on. Accordingly, even when a voltage of a high logic level of an input signal is low, the level conversion circuit can surely operate without malfunction.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Hideo Nunokawa
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Patent number: 7205795Abstract: A universal logic module includes: a first inverter outputting an inverted input signal to an output terminal through a first transfer gate, the inverted input signal having an inverted level of an input signal provided from a first input terminal; and a second inverter outputting an inverted logic signal to the output terminal through a second transfer gate, the inverted logic signal having an inverted level of a first logic signal. The first input terminal is connected to one of a power supply line and a ground line. An input of the first transfer gate is directly connected to the other of the power supply line and the ground line. The first and the second transfer gates are complementarily turned on/off according to a level of a second logic signal. A result of a logical operation between the first and the second logic signals is outputted from the output terminal.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: NEC Electronics CorporationInventors: Masaharu Mizuno, Kazuhiro Nakajima
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Patent number: 7202704Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring proper operation of a dynamic circuit is provided. A dynamic circuit instance has a plurality of outputs connected to a respective one of a plurality of leakage detector circuits. An output of each leakage detector circuit is connected with a respective one of a plurality of keeper circuits that reside at the dynamic circuit. Each of the plurality of keeper circuits has a unique size ratio with respect to a logic element size of the dynamic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Sam Gat-Shang Chu, Peter Juergen Klim, Michael Ju Hyeok Lee, Jose Angel Paredes
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Patent number: 7187207Abstract: The CML (current mode logic) to CMOS converter with a leakage balancing transistor for jitter reduction includes: a differential input stage; an output stage having a first branch coupled to a first output of the differential input stage and a second branch coupled to a second output of the differential input stage; and a leakage balancing transistor coupled to the first branch of the output stage.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Matthew D. Rowley
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Patent number: 7183808Abstract: A power management circuit for logic cells. A logic cell is operated in normal or standby modes according to a power control signal. The logic cell includes an output terminal and a power input terminal. A switch is coupled between a power voltage, the power control signal and the power input terminal. That switch is turned off to disconnect the power voltage and the logic cell when the power control signal is at a predetermined level. This results in the logic cell operating in standby mode. A latch circuit is coupled between the power voltage and the output terminal to preserve the voltage level of the output terminal when the logic cell operates in standby mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fang-Shi Lai
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Patent number: 7183807Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus and system for domino multiplexing including sustaining a first domino block output in a preconditioning state using a second domino block output.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Chayan Kumar Seal, Marijan Persun
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Patent number: 7157941Abstract: A differential switching circuit has a first transistor connected between a first output node and a common node and a second transistor connected between a second output node and the common node. A switching driver generates first and second driving signals in response to an input data signal so as to complementarily drive the first and second transistors. A voltage level of at least one of the first and second driving signals is maintained so as to cause at least one of the first and second transistors to operate in a saturation region regardless of a voltage variation of at least one of the first or second output nodes when the at least one of the first and second transistors is turned on. Output impedance of the device is enhanced because the first and second transistors operate in the saturation region.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hyung-Woan Koo
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Patent number: 7142020Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating logic circuitry with recycled energy. Logic circuitry is used which has a node for storing energy and a return node that is connected to energy storage circuitry. The logic circuitry operates, using energy stored on the node, to determine a logic output based on a logic input during a first phase. The energy storage circuitry capture a portion of the stored energy during the operation of the logic circuitry and transfers a portion of the captured energy back to the node during a second phase. The energy storage circuitry oscillates with a determinable period and is tunable so that its oscillations can be synchronized to a clock.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: PicoNetics, Inc.Inventors: Jianbin Wu, Weiwei Guo, Yuan Yao
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Patent number: 7126379Abstract: An output device for static random access memory is disclosed, which has a precharger, a charge and discharge path circuit, a voltage hold circuit and an output inverter. The precharger connects to a common output node of a plurality of memory cells. When one of the memory cells is to be read, the common output node is precharged to a high potential. The charge and discharge path circuit connects to the common output node and controls an output voltage on its output node in accordance with an internal first grounding path on or not. The voltage hold circuit connects to both the output node of the path circuit and the common output node and controls a voltage of the common output node in accordance with both the output voltage of the path circuit and an internal second grounding path. When the precharger is precharging, the second grounding path is disconnected.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: VIA Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Chao-Sheng Huang
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Patent number: 7126370Abstract: A power gated semiconductor integrated circuit comprises: (1) logic circuit to be power gated, said logic circuit having a virtual ground rail; (2) footer device disposed between said virtual ground rail and a ground rail for reducing power consumption of said logic circuit; and (3) virtual rail voltage clamp disposed electrically in parallel with said footer device for limiting the voltage at the virtual ground rail, the virtual rail voltage clamp comprising at least one NFET. A total of Nf NFETs are connected to the virtual ground rail of the integrated circuit for use as both virtual rail voltage clamps and footer devices. A quantity of Nmax-VC NFETs are scanned and perform the function of voltage clamps and the remaining (Nf?Nmax-VC) NFETs perform power gating. Manufacturing variability immunity and tuning of the variability immunity is achieved by adjusting the quantity Nmax-VC based upon testing of the manufactured integrated circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Subhrajit Bhattacharya
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Patent number: 7109758Abstract: A system for reducing a transition short circuit current in an inverter circuit includes a first inverter and a variable resistor set. The first inverter includes a first output node, a first PMOS device, and a first NMOS device. The variable resistor set biases the first inverter such that the first PMOS device is switched at a first time and the first NMOS device is switched at a second time, thereby substantially reducing the transition short circuit current. A method for reducing the transition short circuit current and a buffer circuit also are described.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hsiao-Ming Lin
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Charge sharing reduction by applying intrinsic parallelism in complex dynamic domino type CMOS gates
Patent number: 7095252Abstract: The present invention relates to dynamic hardware logic of computer processors. In particular, it relates to a method and respective system for operating a dynamic logic circuit implementing some predetermined logic function with reduced charge sharing. In order to further reduce charge sharing it is proposed to provide a predetermined number of pre-engineered switching arrangements (24, 26, 28) implementing the same logic function with a different combinatorial distribution of input variables (A, B, C), wherein each arrangement is connected between said precharged node of higher potential and a lower potential.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael Haase, Wilhelm Haller, Rolf Sautter, Christoph Wandel -
Patent number: 7088143Abstract: A number of different dynamic circuits having improved noise tolerance and a method for designing same are provided. The circuits include a power supply node and a precharge node. Keeper circuitry is connected to the nodes and has a current-voltage characteristic that exhibits a negative differential resistance property to improve noise tolerance of the circuits.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Li Ding, Pinaki Mazumder
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Patent number: 7088144Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a modified dynamic flip-flop avoids the power waste created by prior art dynamic flip-flops by including a conditional pre-charge control circuit and method. When the modified dynamic flip-flop is in a holding mode, i.e., in the clock disable state, the modified dynamic flip-flop does not use power pre-charging and discharging the internal dynamic node every cycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Bo Tang, Edgardo F. Klass, Geoffrey M. Pilling
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Patent number: 7078937Abstract: Logic circuitry is powered by a partially rectified alternating current (ac) waveform. The waveform is partially rectified in the sense that it does not provide a clean, primarily dc power signal. Instead, it is possible to power logic circuitry with a waveform that includes a substantial ac component. The partially rectified ac waveform may be applied to logic circuitry incorporating thin film transistors based on amorphous or polycrystalline organic semiconductors, inorganic semiconductors or combinations of both.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Paul F. Baude, Michael A. Haase, Steven D. Theiss
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Patent number: 7068067Abstract: A P channel MOS transistor and an N channel MOS transistor turned on/off in response to an input signal in an active state as well as an N channel MOS transistor connected between an output node and the N channel MOS transistor and turned on/off in response to a control signal are provided. The input signal is at the L level in a standby state. The control signal is at the L level in the standby state and at the H level in the active state. This suppresses the effect of hot carriers in the active state and decreases a subthreshold current in the standby state.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.Inventor: Hideto Hidaka
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Patent number: 7068076Abstract: A circuit capable of reducing a consumption current is provided for a digital display device composed of unipolar TFTs. There is provided a latch circuit for holding a digital video signal. According to the latch circuit, when the digital video signal is inputted to an input electrode of a TFT (101), a non-inverting output signal is outputted from an output electrode of the TFT (101) and an inverting output signal is outputted from output electrodes of TFTs (102 and 103). Two line outputs of non-inversion and inversion are obtained. Thus, when a buffer located in a subsequent stage is operated, a period for which a direct current path is produced between a high potential and a low potential of a power source can be shortened, thereby contributing to reduction in a consumption current.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Munehiro Azami
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Patent number: 7061740Abstract: A system and method for protecting an output transistor in an audio amplifier output stage includes a protection circuit that protects the output transistor from excessive currents and voltages, and does not interfere with the normal operation of the output transistor. The protection circuit generates an estimate of the power dissipated by the output transistor, applies this estimate to an electrical analog of the thermal time constants of the transistor to obtain an estimate of the temperature differential between junction and case, compares this differential to a limit, which is a function of transistor case temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Gibson Guitar Corp.Inventor: Eric Mendenhall
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Patent number: 7053665Abstract: A latchless dynamic asynchronous digital pipeline circuit provides decoupled control of pull-up and pull-down. Using two decoupled input, a stage is driven through three distinct phases in sequence: evaluate, isolate and precharge. In the isolate phase, a stage holds its outputs stable irrespective of any changes at its inputs. Adjacent pipeline stages are capable of storing distinct data items without spacers.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Montek Singh, Steven M. Nowick
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Patent number: 7042251Abstract: A fully differential phase and frequency detector utilizes a multi-function differential logic gate to implement a differential AND gate operation and provides a fully differential D-flip-flop. The multi-function differential logic gate has four inputs, which can be grouped into two pairs of true and complement signals. By selectively re-assigning the inputs to different signal pairs, the differential logic gate can be made to provide one of either simultaneous AND/NAND logic operations or simultaneous OR/NOR logic operations. The differential D-flip-flop is implemented following a master/slave configuration and is response to the true and complement forms of an input clock signal, an input reset input, and input data signal, and also provides true and complement forms of an output signal. All components within the phase and frequency detector are exemplified in CML circuit configuration.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: David Meltzer, Muralikumar A. Padaparambil, Tat C. Wu
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Patent number: 7030658Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the power consumption of some combinations of logic gates by reducing the number of unnecessary transitions that are made by logic gates that do not affect the output of the logic. In one embodiment, a modified exclusive-OR (XOR) gate is coupled to a modified multiplexer. The XOR gate has two inputs, Ain and Bin, and an output, XORout, which is provided as an input to the multiplexer. Another input to the multiplexer is Cin. A select signal is input to the multiplexer to select either Cin or XORout to be provided at the output of the multiplexer. If XORout is selected, the XOR gate operates in a first mode in which it functions as a normal XOR gate. If Cin is selected, the XOR gate operates in a second mode in which the XOR gate uses less power than when the XOR gate operates normally.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Hiroaki Murakami, Osamu Takahashi, Jieming Qi
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Patent number: 7026841Abstract: To provide a logical operation circuit and a logical operation method which can perform a logical operation using a ferroelectric capacitor. A logical operation circuit 1 has ferroelectric capacitors CF1 and CF2 and a transistor MP. The ferroelectric capacitor CF1 can retain a polarization state P1 corresponding to a logical operator. In an operation and storage process, a source potential Vdd corresponding to first operation target data y1=1 and a ground potential GND corresponding to second operation target data y2=0 are given to a first terminal 3 and a second terminal 5, respectively, of the ferroelectric capacitor CF1. The polarization state of the ferroelectric capacitor CF1 is thereby shifted to P4. A residual polarization state corresponding to the polarization state P4 is P2. The residual polarization state changes (P1, P1, P2 or P1) depending on the combination of y1 and y2 (0-0, 0-1, 1-0 and 1-1).Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michitaka Kameyama, Takahiro Hanyu, Hiromitsu Kimura, Yoshikazu Fujimori, Takashi Nakamura, Hidemi Takasu
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Patent number: 6998878Abstract: To speed up the operation of a decoder circuit, reduce the power consumption of the decoder circuit and increase the cycle, each circuit such as a buffer, a predecoder and a main decoder in the decoder circuit includes a semiconductor logic circuit in which the number of columns of transistors for pulling down at an output node is small, even if the number of inputs is many and the true and a complementary output signal having approximately the same delay time are acquired and the output pulse length of each circuit in the decoder circuit is reduced. With this arrangement, the operation of the decoder circuit can be sped up, the power consumption can be reduced, the cycles can be increased and, in a semiconductor memory, for example, access time and power consumption can be reduced and the cycles can be increased.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi ULSI Systems Co., Ltd., Hitachi Device Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Kanetani, Hiroaki Nambu, Kaname Yamasaki, Takeshi Kusunoki, Keiichi Higeta, Kunihiko Yamaguchi, Fumihiko Arakawa
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Patent number: 6998873Abstract: Provided is a data input/output buffer and a semiconductor memory device using the same. A transistor of a switching means or a logical element out of devices constituting a data input/output buffer, to which a data signal is inputted most rapidly, is implemented using a low voltage-driven device whose threshold voltage is low. It is therefore possible to improve reliability of a circuit by exactly determining the level of a data signal even if the data signal is inputted as a level that is lowered as much as a threshold voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.Inventor: Jin Su Park
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Patent number: 6970017Abstract: There is provided a logic circuit causing the same delay time as a conventional logic circuit and acting as a D flip-flop circuit with a data-selecting function. A logic circuit having the circuitry shown in FIG. 6 will be described briefly. Two transmission gates TG10a (TG10b) and TG11 and two inverters IV10 and IV11 are used to define a data propagation path from an input port I1 (I2) to an output port O1. Thus, four logic gates are located along the path in the same manner as they are in a conventional D flip-flop circuit. The transmission gate TG10a (TG10b) is controlled using a NOR circuit 12a that inputs a clock CLK and a select signal /sel that is the reverse of a select signal sel (NOR circuit 12b that inputs the clock CLK and the select signal sel). The transmission gate TG11 is controlled with the clock CLK. Either of two input data items is selected based on the select signals, and then output.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.Inventors: Yohei Akita, Naoki Kato, Kazuo Yano
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Patent number: 6963228Abstract: A complementary input dynamic logic circuit for evaluating a logic function including an N-channel dynamic circuit, a P-channel dynamic circuit and a pass device. The N-channel dynamic circuit determines a complement of the logic function when a clock signal is high by pulling a first evaluation node low if it evaluates. The P-channel dynamic circuit also determines a complement of the logic function when the clock signal is high by pulling a second evaluation node high if the P-channel dynamic circuit evaluates. The pass device is controlled by the first evaluation node and pulls the second evaluation node low if the N-channel dynamic circuit fails to evaluate. An inverted version of the clock signal may be used to drive the second evaluation node low through the pass device. The N- and P-channel dynamic circuits may be implemented with parallel-coupled devices to achieve high fan-in implementations.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: IP-First, LLCInventor: Mir Azam