With Single Output Patents (Class 327/70)
  • Patent number: 10410065
    Abstract: A method of parametrizing a video surveillance system comprising a current video content analytics module, a reference video content analytics module, and a video streaming component, the reference video content analytics module having higher performance than the current video content analytics module, the current video content analytics module processing video data transmitted by the video streaming component, includes the steps of obtaining, by the current video analytics module, first video data having first characteristics and analysing the first video data so as to obtain a first performance value, obtaining, by the reference video content analytics module, second video data having second characteristics and analysing the second video data to obtain a second performance value, comparing the first performance value with the second performance value, and, adapting configuration parameters of the video surveillance system based on the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Johann Citerin
  • Patent number: 9768761
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a voltage comparator, an integrated circuit, or a voltage comparison method having increased precision. The hysteresis comparator or the integrated circuit can include first and second input transistors, each having a gate configured to receive a respective first or second input voltage. A bias power source can generate a bias current to a first node by applying a voltage through a first resistor. The first node can be connected to a source of the first input transistor through a second resistor and to a source of the second input transistor through a third resistor. The first, second, and third resistors can include the same type of resistor, with the second and third resistors having different resistance values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Lei Huang, Jianing Zhou, Zhaohong Li
  • Patent number: 9166576
    Abstract: A circuit includes a discriminator to store a threshold. The circuit further includes a comparator including a first input to receive a count, a second input to receive the threshold, and an output to provide an output signal representing a result of the comparison between the count and the threshold. The circuit also includes a controller to automatically adjust the threshold when the count exceeds a first threshold or falls below a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Marty Pflum
  • Patent number: 8994408
    Abstract: An electronic circuit includes: a weighting circuit configured to generate a first current by weighting and combining a first input signal and a second input signal in accordance with a modifiable coefficient and to generate a second current by weighting and combining a first inverted signal and a second inverted signal in accordance with the coefficient, the first inverted signal being an inverted signal of the first input signal, the second inverted signal being an inverted signal of the second input signal; and a decision circuit configured to decide on an output signal by comparing the first current with the second current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takayuki Hamada, Sanroku Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 8970203
    Abstract: A field device comprising a signal processing unit that generates a digital measurement, control or regulation signal, and comprises an output stage that converts the digital measurement, control or regulation signal into an analog voltage or current signal, The field device also includes a monitoring device which comprises a measuring device that detects the analog voltage or current signal and converts this signal into a digital voltage or current measurement signal, a first digital low-pass filter for filtering the digital measurement, control or regulation signal, a second digital low-pass filter having the same cut-off frequency as that of the first digital low-pass filter, a comparator downstream of the low-pass filters, and an evaluation device that generates an error message when the deviation between the compared signals exceeds a pre-determined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Marco Enrique Idiart
  • Patent number: 8901937
    Abstract: A method and a device for canceling an offset voltage in an output of a comparator circuit include applying a signal to a first input of the comparator as a function of an initial tap point in a resistor ladder. While the signal is applied to the first input, a nominal voltage is applied to a second input of the comparator, and then an output of the comparator is analyzed. The signal to the first input is changed in response to the analyzing, by accessing a different tap point in the resistor ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Robert Kosic, Jeffrey Bray
  • Publication number: 20140320171
    Abstract: An electronic circuit includes: a weighting circuit configured to generate a first current by weighting and combining a first input signal and a second input signal in accordance with a modifiable coefficient and to generate a second current by weighting and combining a first inverted signal and a second inverted signal in accordance with the coefficient, the first inverted signal being an inverted signal of the first input signal, the second inverted signal being an inverted signal of the second input signal; and a decision circuit configured to decide on an output signal by comparing the first current with the second current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Takayuki HAMADA, Sanroku TSUKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8698534
    Abstract: A digital-to-analog conversion apparatus and a current-mode interpolation buffer thereof are provided. The current-mode interpolation buffer comprises a current source, a first differential transistor pair, a second differential transistor pair and an output stage. The current source outputs a first current and draws a second current. Wherein, the amperages of the first current and the second current are dependent on a digital code. First differential transistor pair generates a first differential current according a first rough voltage, an analog voltage and the first current. Second differential transistor pair generates a second differential current according a second rough voltage, the analog voltage and the second current. Output stage generates the analog voltage according to the first differential current and the second differential current, where the analog voltage belongs to a rough range from the first rough voltage to the second rough voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Himax Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Hung-Yu Huang, Jia-Hui Wang
  • Patent number: 8680891
    Abstract: A high voltage tolerant differential receiver circuit includes a voltage divider ladder that is operative to divide in half differential input signals that are greater than threshold voltages of the voltage divider ladder. A pass gate circuit is operative to receive differential input signals that are below the threshold voltage of the voltage divider ladder. Outputs from the voltage divider ladder and the pass gate circuit are provided to separate comparators. Output from the comparators are combined to generate a signal in the voltage domain of receiver circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Ankit Srivastava, Xuhao Huang, Xiaohong Quan
  • Patent number: 8643443
    Abstract: A relaxation oscillator has a comparator that includes first through third bias current transistors coupled to a first supply rail. First and second input transistors form a pair of parallel coupled transistors connected to the first bias current transistor. A first current mirror control transistor connects the first input transistor to a second supply rail. A first current mirror output transistor is coupled to the first current mirror control transistor, and connects the second bias current transistor to the second supply rail. A second current mirror control transistor connects the second input transistor to the second supply rail. A second current mirror output transistor is coupled to the second current mirror control transistor, and connects the third bias current transistor to the second supply rail. A transition time reduction transistor, coupled across the third bias current transistor, is coupled to the second bias current transistor, and provides a comparator output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc
    Inventor: Zhengxiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8513980
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises backend circuitry and pairs of redundant input circuits. Each pair of redundant input circuits is configured to form a differential pair of transistors, and each redundant input circuit includes a multiplexer and a set of transistors. The multiplexer is coupled to the backend circuitry, and each transistor from the set of transistors has a first passive electrode, a second passive electrode, and a control electrode. The first passive electrode of each transistor from the set of transistors is coupled to the multiplexer, and the control electrodes from the set of transistors are coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert F. Payne, Baher S. Haroun
  • Publication number: 20130207691
    Abstract: A method performs a comparison of input signals in a window comparator circuit. In a first phase, input, ground and offset voltages are stored on capacitors. A comparison is performed between a first adapted input voltage and a second adapted input voltage added to an adapted offset voltage, to provide a first output signal. In a second phase, the voltages are stored on the capacitors in a different manner. A comparison is performed between the first adapted input voltage added to the adapted offset voltage and the second adapted input voltage, to provide a second output signal. Finally, a control of the state of the output signals is performed to determine if the comparison is in a low or high state if the output signals have a same low or high output level, or in an intermediate state if the output signals have a different output level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: EM Microelectronic-Marin S.A.
    Inventor: Kevin Scott BUESCHER
  • Patent number: 8493096
    Abstract: A method performs a comparison of input signals in a window comparator circuit. In a first phase, input, ground and offset voltages are stored on capacitors. A comparison is performed between a first adapted input voltage and a second adapted input voltage added to an adapted offset voltage, to provide a first output signal. In a second phase, the voltages are stored on the capacitors in a different manner. A comparison is performed between the first adapted input voltage added to the adapted offset voltage and the second adapted input voltage, to provide a second output signal. Finally, a control of the state of the output signals is performed to determine if the comparison is in a low or high state if the output signals have a same low or high output level, or in an intermediate state if the output signals have a different output level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: EM Microelectronic-Marin S.A.
    Inventor: Kevin Scott Buescher
  • Patent number: 8446308
    Abstract: A system and method for processing an analog signal output by a sensor. The system and method converting, using at least one analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the analog output signal to a digital signal, the digital signal including a plurality of samples at a predetermined resolution, detecting whether a trigger condition is met by analyzing the digital signal, detecting an event based on trigger information from the detecting whether a trigger condition is met, generating event information having time information included therein when the event is detected, defining one or more time windows based on the time information included in the event information, performing decimation on the digital signal based on the defined one or more time windows to generate a decimated signal, and outputting the decimated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kent Burr, Gin-Chung Wang, John S. Jedrzejewski, Gregory J. Mann
  • Patent number: 8350599
    Abstract: A voltage comparator, comprises: a first branch comprising a first transistor, a first resistor (R1), and a first current dependent voltage source (VA), wherein a first voltage (V1) is applied across the first branch to generate a first current and wherein the first transistor is a diode-connected transistor; a second branch comprising a second resistor (R2), a second current dependent voltage source (VB), and a second transistor having a control voltage (V3), wherein a second voltage (V2) is applied on an end of the second branch to generate a second current; and a third branch for generating a comparator output, wherein a trip point of the comparator output is set to when the first current and the second current are equal and wherein the trip point is a function of the transistors, the resistors, and the current dependent voltage sources of the first branch and the second branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Aptus Power Semiconductors
    Inventor: Brian Harold Floyd
  • Patent number: 8330501
    Abstract: A system for voltage buffering within an integrated circuit (IC). The system can include a first buffer having an input and an output. The first buffer can be configured to buffer a received maximum input voltage approximately equal to a positive voltage supply powering the system. The system can include a second buffer having an input and an output. The input of the first buffer can be coupled to the input of the second buffer. The output of the first buffer can be coupled to the output of the second buffer. The second buffer can be configured to buffer a received minimum input voltage approximately equal to a negative voltage supply powering the system. The system further can include a controller configured to selectively enable only the first buffer or the second buffer at any given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Vikram Santurkar, Gautham S. Jami
  • Publication number: 20120086474
    Abstract: A field device comprising a signal processing unit that generates a digital measurement, control or regulation signal, and comprises an output stage that converts the digital measurement, control or regulation signal into an analog voltage or current signal, The field device also includes a monitoring device which comprises a measuring device that detects the analog voltage or current signal and converts this signal into a digital voltage or current measurement signal, a first digital low-pass filter for filtering the digital measurement, control or regulation signal, a second digital low-pass filter having the same cut-off frequency as that of the first digital low-pass filter, a comparator downstream of the low-pass filters, and an evaluation device that generates an error message when the deviation between the compared signals exceeds a pre-determined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Marco Enrique Idiart
  • Patent number: 7884650
    Abstract: A digital compensation of an input stage of a comparator may be achieved by providing switched load elements, which may be appropriately connected to the differential input pair of the comparator in order to match transistor characteristics of the input pair and also match the load value of the input stage. Thus, enhanced offset behavior may be accomplished without providing an external signal and/or without requiring complex reference voltages/currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Sreenivasa Chalamala, Matthias Baer
  • Patent number: 7868665
    Abstract: New sensors and different embodiments of multi-channel integrated circuit are provided. The new high energy and spatial resolution sensors use both solid state and scintillator detectors. Each channel of the readout chip employs low noise charge sensitive preamplifier(s) at its input followed by other circuitry. The different embodiments of the sensors and the integrated circuit are designed to produce high energy and/or spatial resolution two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging for widely different applications. Some of these applications may require fast data acquisition, some others may need ultra high energy resolution, and a separate portion may require very high contrast. The embodiments described herein addresses all these issues and also other issues that may be useful in two and three dimensional medical and industrial imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Nova R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Tumay O Tumer, Martin Clajus, Robert F Calderwood, Gerard Visser
  • Patent number: 7724039
    Abstract: A conversion circuit for converting a differential signal into a single-phase signal 1 has a source-follower amplifier 10 and a source-grounded amplifier 20. The source-follower amplifier 10 outputs a non-inverted signal IN of the differential signal the phase of which is not inverted. The source-grounded amplifier 20 inverts an inverted signal INX of the differential signal and adjusts its phase to that of the non-inverted signal IN. At point A, differential signals IN, INX are added and output as a single-phase signal OUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Arai
  • Patent number: 7710163
    Abstract: An interface such a PCI-E interface may comprise a transmitter and a compensation circuit. In one embodiment, the transmitter may comprise a transmit driver, which may use a push-pull configuration. The transmit driver may require stable voltages such as (Vdd/2+0.25) and (Vdd/2?0.25) Volts. The compensation circuit may comprise a voltage generator circuit and a dummy driver circuit. The dummy driver may be a replica of the transmit driver. A correction module may generate correction factors based on the deviation of the voltages generated by the dummy driver from the voltages generated by the voltage generator. The voltages provided to the transmit driver are corrected based on the correction factors to compensate for the deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Pradeepkumar S. Kuttuva, Shivraj G Dharne
  • Patent number: 7684427
    Abstract: A switching matrix has a first number of inputs and a second number of outputs as well as a conductor arrangement and controllable switching elements by means of which the inputs can be connected with the outputs. The controllable switching elements are fashioned such that at least two independent control signals are required to trigger a switching event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Horst Kröckel
  • Patent number: 7592845
    Abstract: A method and an input signal level detection apparatus that correctly detect a level of an input signal while consuming low power apparatus including: a full-wave rectifier outputting a full-wave rectified waveform by performing a full-wave rectification on a first signal corresponding to an input signal, and on a second signal having a phase difference of 180 degrees from the first signal; a common voltage detector detecting a common voltage of the first signal and the second signal; and a level detection unit detecting a level of the input signal, based on a subtraction result obtained by subtracting the common voltage from the full-wave rectified waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-hoon Kwon, Jeong-won Lee
  • Patent number: 7576572
    Abstract: A comparator, comprising at least one current stage for providing a first current proportional to a difference between first and second comparator inputs, the first current being provided to an amplifier input; an amplifier for amplifying a current provided to the amplifier input and providing a comparator output; apparatus for introducing hysteresis, comprising at least one of a current source and a current sink, the current source being arranged to selectively source a source current to the amplifier input such that the comparator output changes from a first state to a second state when a difference between the first and second inputs rises above a first value, and the current sink being arranged to selectively sink a sink current from the amplifier input such that the comparator output changes from the second state to the first state when the difference between the first and second inputs falls below a second value; and apparatus for controlling at least one of the source current and the sink current to be
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Jennic Limited
    Inventor: Matthew David Ball
  • Patent number: 7541844
    Abstract: A voltage interpolation buffer for interpolating voltages by adjusting ratio of bias currents includes a first difference voltage to current unit for outputting corresponding difference current according to a first voltage, a first bias current and voltage of a voltage output end, a second difference voltage to current unit for outputting corresponding difference current according to a second voltage, a second bias current and the voltage of the voltage output end, and a current to voltage unit coupled to the first difference voltage to current unit, the second difference voltage to current unit and the voltage output end for outputting a interpolation result of the first voltage and the second voltage corresponding to a ratio of the first bias current and the second bias current according to the difference currents outputted by the first difference voltage to current unit and the second difference voltage to current unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: NOVATEK Microelectronic Corp.
    Inventors: Wei-Ta Chiu, Wen-Shian Shie
  • Patent number: 7535264
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for comparing currents. The method includes driving a first current through a first X leg of a first current conveyor circuit and a second current through a second X leg of a second current conveyor circuit. The method further includes draining a third current from a first X terminal of the first current conveyor circuit to produce a first positive transistor current and a first negative transistor current, and draining a fourth current from a second X terminal of the second current conveyor circuit to produce a second positive transistor current and a second negative transistor current. The method further includes summing the first positive transistor current and the second negative transistor current to produce a first current output, the first negative transistor current and the second positive transistor current to produce a second current output, and the first current output and the second current output to produce a summed current output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Hiller, Paul M. Werking
  • Patent number: 7463309
    Abstract: A data slicer of the present invention comprises a reference voltage generation circuit and a comparator. The reference voltage generation circuit comprises a plurality of capacitances which area connected in parallel to one another, holding electrical charges on the basis of an input signal, a plurality of first switches which are connected to the plurality of capacitances with first nodes, respectively, for controlling the inflow of the input signal to the plurality of capacitances and a plurality of second switches which are connected to the plurality of capacitances with the first nodes, respectively, for controlling the connection among the plurality of capacitances. The plurality of first switches are controlled with predetermined timing where these first switches are individually brought into an ON state, and the plurality of second switches are controlled with predetermined timing where all the second switches are brought into an ON state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Rie Matsuo, Kazuo Nomura
  • Patent number: 7439780
    Abstract: A comparator includes: a CMOS inverter constituted by a combination of a first p-channel MOS transistor and a first n-channel MOS transistor; a second p-channel MOS transistor connected in parallel to the first p-channel MOS transistor in an analog input period, and disconnected from the first p-channel MOS transistor in a comparison period; and a second n-channel MOS transistor connected in parallel to the first n-channel MOS transistor in the analog input period, and disconnected from the first n-channel MOS transistor in the comparison period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Danya Sugai
  • Patent number: 7417472
    Abstract: A multi-channel integrated circuit is provided in which each channel has an analog section and a digital section. Each channel of the readout chip employs low noise charge sensitive amplifier at its input followed by other circuitry such as shaper, pole-zero, peak hold, different comparators, buffers and digital control and readout. Each channel produces a self-trigger and a fast timing output. Channel-to-channel time differences are also recorded. Integrated circuit also provides a large dynamic range to facilitate large range of applications. The trigger threshold can be adjusted to provide energy discrimination. The chip has different, externally selectable, operational modes including a sparse readout mode in which only the channels which have received signals greater than a preselected threshold value are read out. The sparse readout mode results in increased data throughput, thus providing fast data acquisition capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Nova R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Tümay O. Tümer, Gerard Visser
  • Patent number: 7298181
    Abstract: A power supply monitoring circuit that monitors and delivers the highest voltage power supply to an IC system includes a voltage comparator that receives two different power supply voltages, and outputs a first signal to the gate of a first switching transistor connected between a first power supply and an system power supply output node. The comparator output is also input to an inverter, the output of which comprises a second signal connected to the gate of a second switching transistor connected between a second power supply and the system power supply output node. When the first supply voltage exceeds the second supply voltage, the first transistor is switched on to connect the first supply to the system output node, and the second transistor is switched off; and vice versa. The comparator includes designed-in hysteresis to prevent simultaneous switching of the two transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Pulsecore Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Athar Ali Khan. P, Rajiv Pandey, Pradip Mandal
  • Patent number: 7295044
    Abstract: A digital clock generation circuit (and a method for operating the same). The digital clock generation circuit includes a first, a second, a third differential comparator circuits. The first differential comparator circuit receives the positive differential clock signal and a reference voltage, and generates a first output signal. The second differential comparator circuit receives the positive and negative differential clock signal, and generates a second output signal. The third differential comparator circuit receives the reference voltage and the negative differential clock signal, and generates a third output signal. A high-high detecting circuit receives the first output signal, and the third output signal, and generates an Enable signal. The digital clock generation circuit further includes a latch circuit which receives the second output signal, and the Enable signal and generates a digital clock signal. The latch circuit comprises a latch with glitch or noise immunity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Bucossi, Hongfei Wu
  • Patent number: 7126386
    Abstract: A multi-channel integrated circuit is provided in which each channel has an analog section and a digital section. Each channel of the readout chip employs low noise charge sensitive amplifier at its input followed by other circuitry such as shaper, pole-zero, peak hold, different comparators, buffers and digital control and readout. Each channel produces a self-trigger and a fast timing output. Channel-to-channel time differences are also recorded. Integrated circuit also provides a large dynamic range to facilitate large range of applications. The trigger threshold can be adjusted to provide energy discrimination. The chip has different, externally selectable, operational modes including a sparse readout mode in which only the channels which have received signals greater than a preselected threshold value are read out. The sparse readout mode results in increased data throughput, thus providing fast data acquisition capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Nova R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Tümay O. Tümer, Gerard Visser
  • Patent number: 7053671
    Abstract: Circuitry is provided for converting differential digital data to single-ended digital data. Differential data signals have complementary pairs of signals that are referenced to each other. Single-ended signals are referenced to ground. The circuitry can be used on an integrated circuit to convert incoming differential data from a high-speed communications link to single-ended data for processing by internal logic on the integrated circuit. The operation of the circuitry can be stabilized using load circuitry that reduces temperature effects and jitter in the single-ended data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Wilson Wong
  • Patent number: 6977532
    Abstract: The differential comparator circuit for receiving an input voltage within a pre-determined range, amplifying the input voltage, and outputting an output voltage is provided. The circuit includes: a first differential comparator for receiving the input voltage within a first range portion of the range, amplifying the input voltage within the first range portion, and outputting the output voltage, a detecting circuit electrically connected to the first differential comparator, wherein a trigger signal is produced by the detecting circuit when the first differential comparator is shut down and is detected by the detecting circuit, and a second differential comparator electrically connected to the detecting circuit for receiving the input voltage within a second range portion of the range, amplifying the input voltage within the second range portion, and outputting the output voltage in response to the trigger signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Chiu Jui Ta, Hsi-Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 6838914
    Abstract: As devices are often different in the characteristics from one another, semiconductor chips based on the devices have discrepancies in the performance. A semiconductor device having a semiconductor switching element and a drive controlling means (1) for generating from input signals (A) and (B) drive signals (a) and (b) to control the action of the semiconductor switching element is provided comprising a characteristic compensating means (2) for generating from a characteristic compensation input signal a compensation signal to eliminate variations in the transmission delay time of the drive controlling means (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakata, Toru Araki
  • Patent number: 6806744
    Abstract: A method and system is arranged to convert a differential low-voltage input signal (e.g. LVDS or RSDS) into a single-ended output signal. An operational trans-conductance amplifier (OTA) is configured to convert the input signal into a current. A trans-impedance stage is configured to convert the current into the single-ended output signal. The voltage associated with the output of the OTA corresponds to approximately VDD/2. The trans-impedance stage comprises an inverter circuit, a p-type transistor, and an n-type transistor. The transistors are arranged in a negative feedback configuration with the inverter. The single-ended output signal has a voltage swing that approximately corresponds to the sum of the VGS of the n-type transistor and the VGS of the p-type transistor. The output signal may be buffered by additional circuits such as an inverter, a Schmitt, as well as others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Marshall J. Bell, David B. Cooper, James Kozisek
  • Patent number: 6788114
    Abstract: A circuit and method are given, to realize a high voltage comparator, which generates an output signal for follow-up processing in the low-voltage domain. The high-voltage comparison task is essentially replaced by a current comparison, implemented as a combination of a voltage to current transforming stage with a CMOS current comparator circuit, where only very few parts are working in the high voltage domain. Using the intrinsic advantages of that solution the circuit of the invention is manufactured with standard CMOS technology and only four discrete or integrated extended drain MOS components at low cost. This solution reduces the complexity of the circuit and in consequence also power consumption and manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Krenzke, Dirk Killat
  • Patent number: 6759701
    Abstract: MOS transistors A and B form a transistor circuit (an inverter in this case). A MOS transistor D is one for interrupting leakage current that has a channel length longer than those of the MOS transistors A and B. Under the action of an enable terminal (Enable), the MOS transistor D conducts only while the circuit is operated, and does not conduct and thereby interrupts leakage current while the circuit is in a standby state. A MOS transistor C does not produce effect while the circuit is operated, and makes the potential of an output terminal (Output) a high potential or a low potential (not intermediate potential) only while the circuit is in the standby state. Therefore, the circuit controls unnecessary through-transistor current of a standby type circuit in a succeeding stage, which current is conventionally caused at an intermediate potential during standby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Shimizume
  • Patent number: 6639432
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising one or more input circuits. The input circuit may be configured to generate an output signal in response to (i) an input signal and (ii) an input threshold. The input threshold may be set in response to a control input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Williams
  • Patent number: 6570934
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to prevent an erroneous operation of the internal circuits due to glitches and to dispense with a circuit as a countermeasure against glitches. There are provided a low-value threshold detector, a high-value threshold detector, and a set/reset latch circuit. The low-value threshold detector receives two differential data input DATA+ and DATA− signals and detects whether both input signals are lower than a first threshold voltage. The high-value threshold detector receives the input DATA+ and DATA− signals and detects whether one of the input signals is higher than a second threshold voltage. And the set/reset latch circuit is used for outputting an SE0 signal. the set/reset latch circuit is set when the levels of both input DATA+ and DATA− signals are lower than or equal to the first threshold voltage, and is reset when one of the levels of the input DATA+ and DATA− signals is higher than or equal to the second threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kanji Harada
  • Patent number: 6445218
    Abstract: A comparator according to the present invention can generate an output signal of low or high level by comparing a first and second input voltages that have a common voltage. An input stage circuit of a comparator according to the present invention receives a common voltage detection signal. The common voltage is supplied with a first offset voltage when the common voltage detection signal is on low level, and the common voltage is supplied with a second offset voltage when the common voltage detection signal is on high level. Then, the input stage circuit performs amplification to output a voltage difference between the first input voltage and the second input voltage to the comparator. Accordingly, the comparator with offset voltage according to the present invention can sufficiently amplify the input signal difference of low common voltage by selectively applying different offset voltages to a common voltage in accordance with the common voltage level of the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Bong Lee
  • Patent number: 6396311
    Abstract: A reference-corrected ratiometric current sensing circuit for sensing a current flowing through a load and a power-controlling pass device includes a sense device, a sense resistor, and a variable reference current source for providing a varying reference current. The varying reference current is varied according to a ratio of the voltage across the sense device to the voltage across the pass device. The ratiometric current sensing circuit of the present invention is capable of accurate current sensing in spite of disparities that may occur between the voltages across the sense and the pass devices. In one embodiment, the variable reference source includes a transconductance amplifier circuit that provides an output current indicative of the voltage difference at its input terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Micrel, Incorporated
    Inventor: Bruce Lee Inn
  • Patent number: 6333648
    Abstract: A multi-channel readout chip is provided in which each channel has an analog section and a digital section. Each channel of the readout chip employs low noise charge sensitive amplifier inputs with self triggering output. The trigger threshold can be adjusted to provide energy discrimination. The chip has different, externally selectable, operational modes including a sparse readout mode in which only the channels which have received signals greater than a preselected threshold value are readout. The sparse readout mode results in increased data throughput, thus providing fast data acquisition capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Tümay O Tümer
  • Patent number: 6316971
    Abstract: A comparing detector circuit capable of operating regardless of input voltages thereto includes a first pair of transistors to which first and second input signal voltages are input for functioning as a buffer; a second pair of transistors constructing a current mirror circuit in which an input side and an output side are connected to the first pair of transistors via first and second resistors, respectively; and an output transistor to which potential at the output side of the current mirror circuit is applied as an input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Ikuo Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6285222
    Abstract: A /POR circuit which can detect a power-on of a power supply voltage without fail even in a case where a potential of the power supply rises gently and which produces a /POR signal having a waveform sufficient for initializing internal circuits, as well as a semiconductor device having the /POR circuit. In a power-on reset circuit, a first line potential monitoring circuit and a second line potential monitoring circuit detect a line potential, and there is provided in a /POR signal waveform generation circuit a setting circuit which outputs a pulse signal in response to the results of such detection and operates in response to the pulse signal. Even when the potential of a power-on reset signal rises gently at power-on, the power-on reset signal can be brought to an activation potential without fail, thereby initializing internal circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Kitade
  • Patent number: 6252433
    Abstract: A single event upset immune analog comparator which comprises simple comparators with either open-collector, or non-open-collector outputs. Input voltage and/or current compensation may also be provided by duplicating external reference circuitry for presentation to the comparator reference inputs. Various embodiments of the single event upset immune analog comparator may also comprise single event upset immune AND gates, OR gates, or invertors, as determined by particular design requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Toby James Stecklein
  • Patent number: 6150849
    Abstract: A multi-channel readout chip is provided in which each channel has an analog section and a digital section. Each channel of the readout chip employs low noise charge sensitive amplifier inputs with self triggering output. The trigger threshold can be adjusted to provide energy discrimination. The chip has different, externally selectable, operational modes including a sparse readout mode in which only the channels which have received signals greater than a preselected threshold value are readout. The sparse readout mode results in increased data throughput, thus providing fast data acquisition capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Tumay O. Tumer
  • Patent number: 6087866
    Abstract: A circuit for producing a reset signal includes a voltage divider at which a first voltage proportional to a supply voltage can be tapped off. A resistor and a Zener diode disposed in the reverse direction are connected between the supply voltage and ground in a series circuit at which a second voltage can be tapped off. A difference signal between the first and second voltages is supplied to a first bistable multivibrator. An output signal from the first multivibrator is supplied to a low-pass filter configuration. A difference signal between an output signal from the low-pass filter configuration and the second voltage is supplied to a second bistable multivibrator. The multivibrators each exhibit hysteresis. A reset signal can be tapped off at the second multivibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stephan Prucklmayer
  • Patent number: 6078213
    Abstract: A hardware apparatus for determining a median sample from n input samples is disclosed. The hardware apparatus includes n(n-1)/2 comparator circuits. The n(n-1)/2 comparator circuits compare each input sample with every other input sample. The comparator circuits are coupled to n-1 median selector circuits. Each median selector circuits selects a particular input sample as the median sample if the number of greater-than or equal-to comparisons for that particular input sample equals the number of less-than comparisons for that particular input sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Samson Huang
  • Patent number: RE45707
    Abstract: A display driving circuit comprising a video signal transformation circuit, a reference voltage generating circuit, a DAC and an interpolation operational amplifier is provided. The video signal transformation circuit transforms an input video signal into a transformed video signal with a higher bit depth. The transformed video signal comprises an upper n bits data and a lower m bits data, wherein n+m equals a bit depth of the transformed video signal. The reference voltage generating circuit generates reference voltages. The DAC selects a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage to interpolation operational amplifier from the reference voltages according to an upper n bits data of the transformed video signal. The interpolation operational amplifier outputs a driving voltage to display device according to the first reference voltage, the second reference voltage and the lower m bits data of the transformed video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Yu-Kuang Chang, Kuei-Chung Chang, Ming-Da Chiang