m Methods and architectures for extended range arbitrary ratio dividers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT One of the most important RF building blocks today is the frequency synthesizer, or more particularly the programmable frequency divider (divider). Such dividers preferably would support unlimited range with continuous division without incorrect divisions or loss of PLL lock. The inventors present multi-modulus dividers (MMDs) providing extended division range against the prior art and without incorrect divisions as the division ratio is switched back and forth across the boundary between two different ranges. Accordingly, the inventors present MMD frequency dividers without the drawbacks within the prior art. Full Article
m Liquid crystal display device including TFT compensation circuit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an LCD device including a thin film transistor (TFT) compensation circuit in an LCD device which implements a driving circuit by using an oxide TFT, the LCD device capable of compensating for degraded characteristics of a TFT due to threshold voltage shift. As the compensation circuit including a dummy TFT is formed on a non-active area of the LC panel, the degree of threshold voltage shift of the DT due to a DC voltage can be sensed. Based on the sensed result, a threshold voltage of a second TFT can be compensated. This can reduce lowering of a device characteristic. Full Article
m Stage circuit and emission control driver using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A stage circuit including an output unit for supplying first or second power source to an output terminal is disclosed. The stage circuit may comprise a bidirectional driver for respectively supplying signals supplied to first and second input terminals, a first driver, and a second driver. The second driver controls the output unit to output the second power source to the output terminal without any voltage loss, corresponding to a second clock signal. Full Article
m Display panel with improved gate driver By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention divides a wire supplying a scan start signal to a gate driver into two wires, so as to avoid overlapping a clock signal line. In this way the clock signal is not delayed by interference, and a gate driving margin may continue uninterrupted, thereby uniformly outputting a gate-on voltage. In particular, if the clock signal line is connected to all stages in the gate driver and the clock signal line overlaps the scan start signal line, unsightly horizontal bands appear on the image and the parallel gate lines generate a very large parasitic capacitance. In contrast, the gate drivers in the present disclosure comprise clock signal lines which do not overlap the scan start signal lines. As benefits, interference resulting in horizontal banding is minimized and the power consumption may be reduced by about 10%. Full Article
m Display apparatus and method for generating gate signal thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A display apparatus and a method for generating gate signal thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes a timing controller and a display panel. The timing controller is used for providing a plurality of timing signals. The display panel includes a pixel array and a gate drive circuit. The pixel array has a plurality of pixels. The gate drive circuit is electrically connected to the timing controller and the pixel array and including a plurality of shift register circuits. The shift register circuit includes a first shift register and a second shift register. The first shift register is configured for generating a corresponding primary gate signal. The second shift register is configured for generating a corresponding secondary gate signal. The timing controller adjusts overlapping relations of the timing signals according to a frame rate of the display apparatus. Full Article
m Semiconductor device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor device which shifts a low-level signal is provided. In an example, a first transistor including a first terminal electrically connected to a first wiring and a second terminal electrically connected to a second wiring, a second transistor including a first terminal electrically connected to a third wiring and a second terminal electrically connected to the second wiring, a third transistor including a first terminal electrically connected to a fourth wiring and a second terminal electrically connected to a gate of the second transistor, a fourth transistor including a first terminal electrically connected to a fifth wiring, a second terminal electrically connected to a gate of the third transistor, and a gate electrically connected to a sixth wiring, and a first switch including a first terminal electrically connected to the third wiring and a second terminal electrically connected to a gate of the first transistor are included. Full Article
m Counter, counting method, ad converter, solid-state imaging device, and electronic device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A counter configured to perform counting at both edges of an input clock to output an additional value or a subtraction value for a previous count value and a next count value includes a first latch circuit that latches the input clock, a second latch circuit that latches an output from the first latch circuit, a holding section that holds data of the 0th bit of a count value, and a correction section that performs count correction on data of the first and subsequent bits of the count value on the basis of an output of the second latch circuit. Full Article
m Method and apparatus for stacking loads in vehicles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A system for optimizing storage in an enclosed transport trailer (6), having transverse bearing beams (2) for supporting a load such as loaded pallets (12, 13) at a mid height of the trailer such that two storage levels are available. The beams have a wheel (10) at each end that runs in a horizontal track (11) attached to each side wall of the trailer, the track enclosing the wheels to prevent them from disengaging from the track. Adjacent beams can be attached together at variable spacings using a spacer bar (15) to suit a particular pallet or load size. The track has a junction adjacent the open end (20) of the trailer that leads up to another track (18) immediately below the roof line where the beams can be moved to an out of the way storage position (19) when not required. Full Article
m Bilateral cargo strap system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A bilateral cargo strap system is provided as a means of securing a variety of different cargo within a storage area. The bilateral cargo strap system utilizes a combination of elastic straps with perpendicularly positioned stabilizing rods to improve retention of a variety of cargo within a storage area. The elastic straps extend over the retained cargo and are used as the means of engaging mounting features within the storage area. The stabilizing rods effectively distribute the tension force of the elastic straps over the retained cargo securing it in place within the storage space. The bilateral cargo strap system is versatile and may be used to secure a wide variety of cargo including, but not limited to, kayaks, coolers, bicycles, lumber, and construction equipment. Full Article
m Multi-layer hold down assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A low profile hold down assembly is mounted to the exterior surface of a sidewall of a trailer. The hold down assembly includes a cover member formed from the same material from which the sidewall of the trailer is formed and therefore is aesthetically desirable. Full Article
m Turbo machine service apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Solutions for minimizing the impact of servicing a turbo machine are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for conveying a turbo machine component can include: a motive system for moving the apparatus along a surface; a platform system operably connected to the motive system, the platform system for supporting the component of the turbo machine, the platform system can include: a first portion fixed to the motive system; and a second portion moveably coupled to the first portion, the second portion for modifying a position of the turbo machine component; and a control system operably connected to the platform system, the control system for controlling at least one of a rate of movement or a direction of the second portion of the platform system. Full Article
m System and method for restraining a vehicle with a collision release mechanism By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A vehicle restraint system includes a strap assembly configured to be positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle to secure the vehicle to a deck of a transport. The strap assembly is also configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport on a first side of the tire of the vehicle. The system also includes a mandrel assembly operable to be coupled to the strap assembly on a second side of the tire of the vehicle, opposite the first side. The system further includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport and the mandrel assembly on the second side of the tire of the vehicle, the winch assembly configured to rotate the mandrel assembly to produce a tightening force to tighten the strap assembly around the portion of the tire. The system still further includes a release mechanism disposed between the winch assembly and the mandrel assembly and configured to create a coupling between the winch assembly and the mandrel assembly in a manner that transmits the tightening force from the winch assembly to the mandrel assembly. The release mechanism is configured to release the coupling between the winch assembly and the mandrel assembly when a force greater than or equal to a predetermined force is produced against the release mechanism. Full Article
m Transport vehicle for rotor blades and/or tower segments of wind power plants and transport rack for a transport vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST There is provided a transport vehicle for transporting wind power installation rotor blades and/or pylon segments. The transport vehicle has a transport support structure having a main frame, a receiving frame fixedly connected to the main frame at a first angle, and a rotary displacement unit which is fixed with one end to the receiving frame and which at its second end has a blade adaptor for receiving a rotor blade or a pylon segment. The main frame spans a main plane. The rotary displacement unit has at least one first rotary mounting, wherein there is provided a second angle between the second rotary plane of the second rotary mounting. Full Article
m Transportation and storage system for wind turbine blades By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A transportation and storage system for a wind turbine rotor blade comprises a tip end frame assembly comprising a tip end receptacle and a tip end frame. The tip end receptacle comprises an upwardly open tip end-receiving space for receiving a portion of the tip end of the blade and having a supporting surface for supporting the blade, a lower surface allowing the tip end receptacle to rest upright on a substantially horizontal surface, such as the ground, and releasable retaining means for releasably retaining the tip end of the blade in the receiving space of the tip end receptacle. The tip end frame comprises an upwardly open receptacle-receiving space for receiving the receptacle and provided with positioning means for positioning the receptacle in the tip end frame. A base part defines a bottom surface allowing the tip end frame to rest upright on the ground. Full Article
m Transport system for large items By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A transport system for transporting large items wherein the large items comprise at least three through going holes and said system comprises a frame to support the items. Said frame has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises two parallel longitudinal beams connected by two parallel transverse beams and further comprises at least two transverse support bars to support the items, which transverse support bars are located between the two parallel transverse beams. The transport system further comprises a first and a second rod to be mounted in two through going holes in the items where each end of the first and second rod can be connected to the longitudinal beams to secure the items to the frame in such a way that no part of the large items extends over the rectangle defined by the two parallel longitudinal beams and the two parallel transverse beams. Full Article
m Laced strapping system for securing loads in open vehicle beds By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Some embodiments include a novel laced strapping system that provides a plurality of attachment points by which a tie-down lace can adjust the fit of a cargo mesh webbing to secure loads of items in an open bed of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle is a pick-up truck with a cargo bed. In some embodiments, the mesh webbing comprises a first truck bed mesh, a second truck bed mesh, and the plurality of attachment points. In some embodiments, tie-down lace interconnects the attachment points to secure together the first mesh and the second mesh. Full Article
m Rail mounting system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A rail mounting system includes a mounting rail that has a channel profile. The mounting rail is secured to a cargo area surface. Further, the rail mounting system includes a slide member that has a securement receiving area for securing a cargo product and the slide member within the channel profile of the mounting rail. The slide member is received within the channel profile. Full Article
m Removable bull ring with rotating attachment plate By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A bull ring for a vehicle comprises a top plate coupled to a rotating plate having a tie-down. Two opposing rail flanges extend from the rotating plate and a fastener selectively couples the rotating plate in a securing position relative to the top plate. The rail flanges extend beyond an outer edge of the top plate to define a clamping region with the top plate. Full Article
m Pallet having reconfigurable tie-down system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pallet system includes a pallet upon which cargo or other payloads may be carried. The pallet has a plurality of tie-down locations at which the pallet may be tied-down on a base, and at least one tie-down device for tying down the pallet on the base at any of the tie-down locations. The pallet further includes structure for mounting the tie-down device on the pallet at any of the tie-down locations. Full Article
m Function element, method for producing a function element By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Some embodiments of the invention relate to function elements for fixing in seat rails of aircraft. The function element according to the invention may include: a fixing rail with a web running in the x direction and a multiplicity of extensions which protrude beyond the web in a y direction to form a T profile, wherein the fixing rail is formed corresponding to the seat rail such that the fixing rail can be inserted in the seat rail and moved along the x direction into a holding position in which the extensions sit between the holes below the slots, at least one fixing peg which is arranged mobile on the fixing rail and can be brought into a blocking position in which the fixing peg engages in a hole of the seat rail so that the function element is fixed in the x direction. Full Article
m Self-leveling lift-assisted decking system for use in a cargo trailer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An improved captive beam decking system is disclosed for use in a cargo trailer. The system includes a beam assembly and a foot assembly that is selectively engagable to a vertical sliding track system. The sliding track system is attached to the sidewall of a trailer vertically. The beam can be easily moved at different heights that are selected based upon the configuration of the cargo trailer. Full Article
m Fixture for retaining an end of a member By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fixture for attachment of an end of a member, such as a wind turbine tower section, blade or hub for a wind turbine characteristically has an end flange. To enable clamping while being able to compensate for different hole patterns in the flanges, by the invention, the fixture provides for retaining of ends of members with flanges, regardless of flange diameter and hole patterns, and which is also quickly and easily installed. Additionally, it is possible to firmly clamp the flange end to upstanding frame parts of the fixture with fastening elements, thereby providing a stable connection between a console of the fixture and the upstanding frame parts. Full Article
m Intermodal container By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An extendable, intermodal transport platform is disclosed. The invention comprises a standard ISO-length loading platform supported by main beams and crossmembers. The platform has ISO lifting and stacking fitments at its four corners. The platform has extendable supplemental platforms at each end, the extendable supplemental platforms fitting beneath the deck bed of the platform, or extendable to position stacking fitments at over-the-road trailer positions for North American fleet. Inner stacking fitments may laterally expand and retract so as to slide underneath the deck bed between the main beams. In some embodiments the platform includes posts that extend upward to position ISO lifting fitments at standard heights, such as under hydraulic power. Full Article
m Method and apparatus for handling aerogenerator blades By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Method and apparatus for handling aerogenerator blades that provide a versatile means for handling aerogenerator blades without an unbalanced distribution of the loads in the blade. The method comprises positioning an upper mounting part (103) over the blade after the upper mold has been retracted; lifting the blade with the upper mounting part from the under mold using a lifting means; positioning the blade over an under mounting part (104) which is fixedly attached to an inferior movable support (102); attaching the upper mounting part to the under mounting part, wherein the upper and under mounting parts together have the inner surface substantially corresponding to the shape of the blade outer profile section. The invention further comprises an apparatus for handling aerogenerator blades. Full Article
m Manual wheel chocks with enhanced bracing upon depolyment By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An example wheel restraint includes a track to be positioned adjacent a vehicle approach path of a loading dock. A shuttle is pivotally coupled to the track via a track follower and pivots between a home position and a deployed position about a shuttle axis substantially parallel to and offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the track. A barrier is pivotally coupled to the shuttle and pivots between a non-blocking position and a blocking position about a pivot axis substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the track such that the shuttle rotates in a first direction about the shuttle axis when the shuttle moves from the home position to the deployed position and bather rotates in a second direction about the pivot axis when the barrier moves from the non-blocking position to the blocking position, where the first direction being different than the second direction. Full Article
m Transport system for a wind turbine blade By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A transport system for a wind turbine blade is provided. The transport system is configured for increasing a curvature of the wind turbine blade in response to an obstacle during transport of the wind turbine blade. Further, a method for transporting a wind turbine blade in order to avoid obstacles is provided. Full Article
m Automatic lock for cargo container By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An automatic lock affixed to a cargo container for interconnecting two stacked containers, and for automatically locking and unlocking without reliance upon the overcoming of a friction force to release the device. Full Article
m Multi-functional box stop device for the trunk of a car By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A box stop device includes a base member and a raised member attached to the base member. The base member has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface may be flat. The bottom surface may be adapted to attach to a desired surface. The raised member may be attached to the base member and may extend approximately vertically from the top surface. The raised member may include a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side may be attached together at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Full Article
m Portable and removable anchor for truck bed slots By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method for providing a removable anchor for use in tying down a load, or for securing a winch cable for use in recovering a disabled vehicle or other load. The anchor may be removably attached to the deck/bed of a trailer or vehicle (e.g., a car carrier or wrecker/tow truck), using one or more slots or stake pockets located on a cargo surface of the deck. The removable anchor may include: a projection member shaped and sized to fit into a slot on the cargo surface, or to protrude through a stake pocket; a crown attached to, or integrally forming a part of, the projection member, and configured to receive and anchor one or more tie down connectors; and a key attached to, or integrally forming a part of, the projection member. The key can be passed into the slot and manipulated between removable and locked positions. Alternatively, the key may be used to removably secure the anchor to the stake pocket. Full Article
m Electrical devices module for an avionics bay By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A module in the form of a pallet or a closed container includes a grouping together of the electrical devices in an avionics bay, in which the electrical devices are interconnected and attached so as to facilitate the mounting and thus limit the time it takes to mount the electrical devices in the avionics bay. Full Article
m Energy absorbing fastening system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fastening system includes an energy absorbing or impact indicator and at least one or more of the following: (1) a fastening base for mounting in an emergency vehicle, (2) a patient support engageable with a base, (3) a patient securement mechanism for securing a patient on a patient support, (4) a patient securement mechanism for securing a patient to a vehicle, (5) a patient support securement mechanism operable to secure a patient support in an emergency vehicle, or (6) a patient support securement mechanism operable to secure a patient support to a base, wherein the energy absorbing or impact indicator is located (1) at the patient securement mechanism, or (2) at the patient support securement mechanism, or wherein the energy absorbing or impact indicator is between (1) the base and the vehicle, (2) the patient support and the base, (3) the patient securement mechanism and the patient support, (4) the patient support and the emergency vehicle, (5) the patient and the emergency vehicle, or (6) the patient securement mechanism and the emergency vehicle, wherein the energy absorbing device or impact indicator has at least an energy absorbing state and a rigid state or indicates a level of impact at or between any of the respective component or components. Full Article
m Offshore cargo rack for use in transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore platform By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cargo rack for transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore marine platform provides a frame having a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions. The lower end of the frame has a perimeter beam base, a raised floor and a pair of open-ended parallel fork tine tubes that communicate with the perimeter beam at the front and rear of the frame. The frame includes a plurality of fixed side walls extending upwardly from the perimeter beam. A plurality of gates are movably mounted on the frame, each gate being movable between open and closed positions, the gates enabling a forklift to place loads on the floor. The frame has vertically extending positioning beams that segment the floor into a plurality of load-holding positions. Each load holding position has positioning beams that laterally hold a load module in position on the floor. Full Article
m Apparatus and method for applying an underlayment layer to trucking cargo By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method for applying an underlayment layer to trucking cargo are provided. The underlayment layer may be formed into a roll with a rod disposed therethrough. The roll may be supported by a frame. The roll can be configured to move vertically with respect to the ground. A trailer carrying trucking cargo can be stationed beneath the frame. The underlayment layer may unwound and dispensed from the roll. In order to drape the trucking cargo with the underlayment layer, the roll may be moved horizontally over the frame in addition to or alternatively to having the trucking cargo driven horizontally with respect to the roll. Full Article
m Cargo support system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The combination of: a) a storage unit associated with an over-the-road vehicle, the storage unit having an internal wall surface bounding a storage space and including spaced and facing first and second wall surfaces and a floor surface; and b) a cargo support system. The cargo support system has first and second vertically extending tracks operatively mounted on each to the first and second wall surface and at least a first elongate beam having spaced first and second ends attached respectively to the first and second tracks in an operative position spaced above the floor surface. At least one of the tracks is maintained operatively mounted to the first wall surface through the use of an adhesive. Full Article
m Lifting member edge protector By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An edge protector for insertion between a load to be lifted and a lifting member which facilitates the lifting of the load, preventing damage to either the load or the lifting member. The edge protector has a pair of flanges which extend from a radiused or curved center portion. Each flange has an inner surface and an outer surface. A portion of each respective outer surface of each flange is spaced from and is essentially parallel to the inner surface of the respective flange. Full Article
m Runtime loading of configuration data in a configurable IC By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A novel configurable integrated circuit (IC) that has several configurable circuits for configurably performing different operations is provided. During the operation of the IC, each particular configurable circuit performs a particular operation that is specified by a particular configuration data set for the particular configurable circuit. While the IC operates and a first set of configurable circuits performs a first set of operations, configuration data is loaded from the outside of the IC for configuring a second set of configurable circuits. The configurable IC includes a configuration network for rapid loading configuration data in the IC from outside of the IC. The configuration network is a pipelined network. Full Article
m Bimodal clock generator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus relates generally to a clock generator is disclosed. The clock generator is coupled to receive an input clock signal and further coupled to provide an output clock signal. An address and control register is coupled to receive an address signal and the output clock signal. An access generator is coupled to receive the output clock signal. The clock generator includes: an input node coupled to receive the input clock signal; at least one pulse generator coupled to the input node to receive the input clock signal and further coupled to provide a clock control signal; and a control gate coupled to the input node to receive the input signal and further coupled to the at least one pulse generator to receive the clock control signal. The clock control signal is provided in a non-toggling state for a high-frequency mode and in a toggling state for a low-frequency mode. Full Article
m Anti-disassembling device for electronic products By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An anti-disassembling device for an electronic product includes a case, a linear movement device, a circular movement device and an optical encoder. At least one retractable transmission member is connected to the case. The circular movement device is located in the case and has an encoding disk, which has multiple slots defined therethrough and teeth are defined in the periphery thereof. The at least one retractable transmission member is engaged with the teeth to rotate the encoding disk. The optical encoder has a lighting module which emits light beams through the slots of the encoding disk and a photosensitive module receives the light beams and sends a signal to the storage unit of the electronic product. The retractable device rotates when the electronic product is disassembled. Full Article
m Methods for operating a memory interface circuit including calibration for CAS latency compensation in a plurality of byte lanes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for quickly calibrating a memory interface circuit from time to time in conjunction with operation of a functional circuit is described. The method uses controlling the memory interface circuit with respect to read data capture for byte lanes, including controlling CAS latency compensation for the byte lanes. In the method control settings for controlling CAS latency compensation are determined and set according to a dynamic calibration procedure performed from time to time in conjunction with functional operation of a circuit system containing one or more memory devices connected to the memory interface circuit. In the method, determining and setting the control settings for controlling CAS latency compensation is performed independently and parallely in each of the byte lanes. Full Article
m Bridge output circuit, motor driving device using the same, and electronic apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A bridge output circuit includes an output terminal, a high side transistor, a low side transistor, a high side driver for controlling a gate voltage of the high side transistor, a low side driver for controlling a gate voltage of the low side transistor, and a controller for controlling the high side and low side drivers. The low side driver includes a first current source, a second current source, and a first assist circuit. The controller is configured to control the turning-on and turning-off states of the first current source, the second current source and the first assist circuit. Full Article
m System and method to actively drive the common mode voltage of a receiver termination network By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An active termination circuit for a differential receiver includes a first receiver element configured to receive a first component of a differential signal, a second receiver element configured to receive a second component of a differential signal, a common mode measurement element configured to receive the differential signal and generate a transmit common mode signal (Vcm) representing an average value of the differential signal, and a receiver (RX) common mode signal node. The termination circuit also comprises an active element configured to receive the transmit common mode signal (Vcm) and provide an output to the receiver common mode signal node, the output configured to drive the value of the signal at the receiver common mode signal node to the value of the transmit common mode signal (Vcm), and a capacitive element coupled to the receiver common mode signal node in parallel with the active element. Full Article
m Multi-threshold flash NCL circuitry By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Multi-threshold flash Null Convention Logic (NCL) includes one or more high threshold voltage transistors within a flash NCL gate to reduce power consumption due to current leakage by transistors of the NCL gate. High-threshold voltage transistors may be added and/or may be used in place of one or more lower voltage threshold transistors of the NCL gate. A high-Vt device is included in the pull-up path to reduce power when the flash NCL logic gate is in the null state. Full Article
m Nonvolatile logic circuit architecture and method of operation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Magnetoelectronic (ME) logic circuits and methods of operating the same are disclosed. Microsystems of different circuits made from different types of ME devices can be constructed and employed in applications such as sensors, smart dust, etc. Full Article
m Architectural floorplan for a structured ASIC manufactured on a 28 NM CMOS process lithographic node or smaller By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A floorplan for a Structured ASIC chip is shown having a core region containing memory and VCLB logic cells surrounded by a plurality of IO connection fabrics that include a first IO connection fabric comprising IO sub-banks connecting the core of the chip to pins for external signals to the core, a first high-speed routing fabric disposed along the east-west vertical top of the core and connects the core to high-speed IO such as SerDes; a network-aware connection fabric connects the core to a microcontroller primarily for testing and repair of the memory in the core; and a second-high speed routing fabric is disposed on the north-south vertical sides of the core and communicates with the IO sub-banks. The VCLB Structured ASIC chip is manufactured on a 28 nm CMOS process lithographic node or smaller, having several metal layers and preferably is programmed on a single via layer. Full Article
m Circuit and layout techniques for flop tray area and power otimization By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Techniques for reducing scan overhead in a scannable flop tray are described herein. In one embodiment, a scan circuit for a flop tray comprises a tri-state circuit configured to invert an input data signal and output the inverted data signal to an input of a flip-flop of the flop tray in a normal mode, and to block the data signal from the input of the flip-flop in a scan mode. The scan circuit also comprises a pass gate configured to pass a scan signal to the input of the flip-flop in the scan mode, and to block the scan signal from the input of the flip-flop in the normal mode. Full Article
m Method and apparatus for passive equalization and slew-rate control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device for passive equalization and slew-rate control of a signal includes a first branch and a second branch. The first branch includes a first driver coupled in series with an equalization capacitor. The second branch includes a second driver coupled in series with a resistor. The second branch may be coupled in parallel to the first branch. The first branch may be configurable to enable either passive equalization or slew-rate control of the signal based on a mode control signal. Full Article
m Driving circuit with zero current shutdown and a driving method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods and circuits related to a driving circuit with zero current shutdown are disclosed. In one embodiment, a driving circuit with zero current shutdown can include: a linear regulating circuit that receives an input voltage source, and outputs an output voltage; a start-up circuit having a threshold voltage, the start-up circuit receiving an external enable signal; a first power switch receiving both the output voltage of the linear regulating circuit and the external enable signal, and that generates an internal enable signal, the internal enable signal being configured to drive a logic circuit; when the external enable signal is lower than a threshold voltage, the driving circuit is not effective; when the external enable signal is higher than the threshold voltage, the start-up circuit outputs a first current; and where the output voltage at the first output terminal is generated by the linear regulating circuit based on the first current. Full Article
m Glitch free clock multiplexer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus for glitch-free switching between two clock sources on an integrated circuit. Clock gaters provide a clock from a single source that can be turned on and off without causing partial pulses to be created. Control circuitry going to the individual clock gaters provides the ability to shut all clocks off for a period of time equal to the longest clock period. By combining the clocks with an OR gate and gating all clocks off before switching from one clock to another, a glitch-free train of clock pulses can be created from individual clock inputs. Since clock glitches can cause erratic behavior in integrated circuits, this invention allows one to switch between different (unrelated) clocks without causing erratic behavior. Full Article
m Semiconductor integrated circuit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a main-interconnect to which supply voltage or reference voltage is applied; a plurality of sub-interconnects; a plurality of circuit cells configured to be connected to the plurality of sub-interconnects; a power supply switch cell configured to control, in accordance with an input control signal, connection and disconnection between the main-interconnect and the sub-interconnect to which a predetermined one of the circuit cells is connected, of the plurality of sub-interconnects; and an auxiliary interconnect configured to connect the plurality of sub-interconnects to each other. Full Article
m Method and apparatus for clock transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus and methods are provided for an extraction circuit. In one configuration, an apparatus includes: an edge extraction circuit for receiving a first clock signal and outputting a second clock signal, wherein a duty cycle of the second clock is substantially smaller than a duty cycle of the first clock; a transistor for receiving the second clock signal and outputting a current signal; a transmission line for receiving the current signal on a first end and transmitting the current signal to a second end; a termination circuit for receiving the current signal at the second end and converting the current signal into a voltage signal; and an edge detection circuit for outputting a third clock by detecting an edge of the voltage signal. In one embodiment, the edge detection circuit comprises an inverter. In another embodiment, the edge detection circuit comprises a comparator. Full Article