Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090087196 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SPLIT VOLTAGE DOMAIN TRANSMITTER CIRCUITS - Methods and systems for split voltage domain transmitter circuits are disclosed and may include amplifying a received signal in a plurality of partial voltage domains. Each of the partial voltage domains may be offset by a DC voltage from the other partial voltage domains. A sum of the plurality of partial domains may be equal to a supply voltage of the integrated circuit. A series of diodes may be driven in differential mode via the amplified signals. An optical signal may be modulated via the diodes, which may be integrated in a Mach-Zehnder or a ring modulator. The amplified signals may be communicated to the diodes, connected in a distributed configuration, via even-mode coupled transmission lines. The partial voltage domains may be generated via stacked source follower or emitter follower circuits. The voltage domain boundary value may be at one half the supply voltage due to symmetric stacked circuits. | 04-02-2009 |
20090148094 | DISTRIBUTED AMPLIFIER OPTICAL MODULATOR - Various embodiments described herein comprises an optoelectronic device comprising a waveguide structure including a plurality of optical modulator elements each having an optical property that is adjustable upon application of an electrical signal so as to modulate light guided in the waveguide structure. The optoelectronic device also comprises a plurality of amplifiers in distributed fashion. Each amplifier is electrically coupled to one of the optical modulators to apply electrical signals to the optical modulator. | 06-11-2009 |
20100059822 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONOLITHIC INTEGRATION OF PHOTONICS AND ELECTRONICS IN CMOS PROCESSES - Methods and systems for monolithic integration of photonics and electronics in CMOS processes are disclosed and may include fabricating photonic and electronic devices on a single CMOS wafer with different silicon layer thicknesses. The devices may be fabricated on a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) wafer utilizing a bulk CMOS process and/or on a SOI wafer utilizing a SOI CMOS process. The different thicknesses may be fabricated utilizing a double SOI process and/or a selective area growth process. Cladding layers may be fabricated utilizing one or more oxygen implants and/or utilizing CMOS trench oxide on the CMOS wafer. Silicon may be deposited on the CMOS trench oxide utilizing epitaxial lateral overgrowth. Cladding layers may be fabricated utilizing selective backside etching. Reflective surfaces may be fabricated by depositing metal on the selectively etched regions. Silicon dioxide or silicon germanium integrated in the CMOS wafer may be utilized as an etch stop layer. | 03-11-2010 |
20100060972 | METHOD AND CIRCUIT FOR ENCODING MULTI-LEVEL PULSE AMPLITUDE MODULATED SIGNALS USING INTEGRATED OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICES - Methods and systems for encoding multi-level pulse amplitude modulated signals using integrated optoelectronics are disclosed and may include generating a multi-level, amplitude-modulated optical signal utilizing an optical modulator driven by two or more electrical input signals. The optical modulator may include optical modulator elements coupled in series and configured into groups. The number of optical modular elements and groups may configure the number of levels in the multi-level amplitude modulated optical signal. Unit drivers may be coupled to each of the groups. The electrical input signals may be synchronized before communicating them to the unit drivers utilizing flip-flops. Phase addition may be synchronized utilizing one or more electrical delay lines. The optical modulator may be integrated on a single substrate, which may include one of: silicon, gallium arsenide, germanium, indium gallium arsenide, polymers, or indium phosphide. The optical modulator may include a Mach-Zehnder interferometer or one or more ring modulators. | 03-11-2010 |
20110063024 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BANDWIDTH ENHANCEMENT USING HYBRID INDUCTORS - A method and system for bandwidth enhancement using hybrid inductors are disclosed and may include providing an electrical impedance that increases with frequency via hybrid inductors comprising a transistor, a capacitor, an inductor, and a resistor. A first terminal of the hybrid inductors may comprise a first terminal of the transistor. A second terminal of the transistor may be coupled to a first terminal of the resistor and a first terminal of the capacitor. A second terminal of the resistor may comprise a second terminal of the hybrid inductors. A third terminal of the transistor may be coupled to a first terminal of an inductor, and a second terminal of the inductor may be coupled to a second terminal of the capacitor. The hybrid inductors may be configured by varying transconductance, resistance, and/or capacitance and may be utilized as an amplifier load. | 03-17-2011 |
20120132993 | Monolithic Integration Of Photonics And Electronics In CMOS Processes - Methods and systems for monolithic integration of photonics and electronics in CMOS processes are disclosed and may include fabricating photonic and electronic devices on two CMOS wafers with different silicon layer thicknesses for the photonic and electronic devices bonded to at least a portion of each of the wafers together, where a first of the CMOS wafers includes the photonic devices and a second of the CMOS wafers includes the electronic devices. The electrical devices may be coupled to optical devices utilizing through-silicon vias. The different thicknesses may be fabricated utilizing a selective area growth process. Cladding layers may be fabricated utilizing oxygen implants and/or utilizing CMOS trench oxide on the CMOS wafers. Silicon may be deposited on the CMOS trench oxide utilizing epitaxial lateral overgrowth. Cladding layers may be fabricated utilizing selective backside etching. Reflective surfaces may be fabricated by depositing metal on the selectively etched regions. | 05-31-2012 |
20120135566 | Monolithic Integration Of Photonics And Electronics In CMOS Processes - Methods and systems for monolithic integration of photonics and electronics in CMOS processes are disclosed and may include fabricating photonic and electronic devices on two CMOS wafers with different silicon layer thicknesses for the photonic and electronic devices with at least a portion of each of the wafers bonded together, where a first of the CMOS wafers includes the photonic devices and a second of the CMOS wafers includes the electronic devices. The electrical devices may be coupled to optical devices utilizing through-silicon vias. The different thicknesses may be fabricated utilizing a selective area growth process. Cladding layers may be fabricated utilizing oxygen implants and/or utilizing CMOS trench oxide on the CMOS wafers. Silicon may be deposited on the CMOS trench oxide utilizing epitaxial lateral overgrowth. Cladding layers may be fabricated utilizing selective backside etching. Reflective surfaces may be fabricated by depositing metal on the selectively etched regions. | 05-31-2012 |
20120315036 | Method And System For Encoding Multi-Level Pulse Amplitude Modulated Signals Using Integrated Optoelectronic Devices - Methods and systems for encoding multi-level pulse amplitude modulated signals using integrated optoelectronics are disclosed and may include generating a multi-level, amplitude-modulated optical signal utilizing an optical modulator driven by two or more electrical input signals. The optical modulator may include optical modulator elements coupled in series and configured into groups. The number of optical modular elements and groups may configure the number of levels in the multi-level amplitude modulated optical signal. Unit drivers may be coupled to each of the groups. The electrical input signals may be synchronized before communicating them to the unit drivers. Phase addition may be synchronized utilizing one or more electrical delay lines. The optical modulator may be integrated on a single substrate, which may include one of: silicon, gallium arsenide, germanium, indium gallium arsenide, polymers, or indium phosphide. The optical modulator may include a Mach-Zehnder interferometer or one or more ring modulators. | 12-13-2012 |
20140186028 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENCODING MULTI-LEVEL PULSE AMPLITUDE MODULATED SIGNALS USING INTEGRATED OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICES - Methods and systems for encoding multi-level pulse amplitude modulated signals using integrated optoelectronics are disclosed and may include generating generating a multi-level, amplitude-modulated optical signal utilizing an optical modulator driven by two or more of a plurality of electrical input signals. The optical modulator may configure levels in the multi-level amplitude modulated optical signal. Drivers may be coupled to the optical modulator, and the plurality of electrical input signals may be synchronized before being communicated to said drivers. Two or more of said plurality of electrical input signals may be selected utilizing one or more multiplexers. The one or more multiplexers may select an electrical input or a complement of the electrical input. Phase addition may be synchronized in a plurality of optical modulator elements in the optical modulator utilizing one or more electrical delay lines. The optical modulator may be integrated on a single substrate. | 07-03-2014 |
20140212150 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SPLIT VOLTAGE DOMAIN TRANSMITTER CIRCUITS - Methods and systems for a photonically enabled complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip are disclosed and may comprise in an integrated circuit comprising a driver: amplifying a received signal in a plurality of partial voltage domains, and generating the partial voltage domains in a domain splitter in the driver. A voltage domain boundary value between two partial voltage domains may be controlled utilizing a differential amplifier that samples an output voltage of a cascade amplifier that is an input to the driver and controls a current supplying said cascade amplifier. A series of diodes may be driven in differential mode via the amplified signals. An optical signal may be modulated via the diodes, which may be integrated in a Mach-Zehnder modulator or a ring modulator. The diodes may be connected in a distributed configuration. The amplified signals may be communicated to the diodes via transmission lines, which may be even-mode coupled. | 07-31-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100318269 | Closed-Loop Torque Phase Control for Shifting Automatic Transmission Gear Ratios Based on Friction Element Load Estimation - A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions. | 12-16-2010 |
20110172889 | Controlling Wheel Hop in a Vehicle Driveline - A method for controlling wheel-hop in a vehicle driveline includes detecting that a wheel-hop condition occurs upon determining an amplitude and frequency of speed oscillations of a component that transmits power to wheels of the driveline, engaging a transmission friction clutch that transmits torque in the driveline between an engine and the wheels, and modulating requested engine torque. | 07-14-2011 |
20120130608 | Synchronous Automatic Transmission Up-Shift Control Utilizing Input Torque Signal - A synchronous automatic transmission up-shift control utilizes input torque measurements. The input torque is measured during an up-shift having preparatory, torque, and inertia phases. Target input torque profiles for the torque and inertia phases are determined based on the input torque during the preparatory phase. During the torque phase, an engine torque is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the torque phase. During the inertia phase, an on-coming clutch is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the inertia phase. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130610 | Non-Synchronous Automatic Transmission Up-Shift Control Utilzing Input Torque Signal - A non-synchronous automatic transmission up-shift control utilizes input torque measurements. The input torque is measured during an up-shift having preparatory, torque, and inertia phases. Target input torque profiles for the torque and inertia phases are determined based on the input torque during the preparatory phase. During the torque phase, an engine torque is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the torque phase. During the inertia phase, the on-coming clutch is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the inertia phase. | 05-24-2012 |
20120158260 | Automatic Transmission and Method of Control for Rejecting Erroneous Torque Measurements - A method for an automatic transmission includes measuring torque of a component of the transmission using a torque sensor in communication with the component. The torque of the component is estimated from information other than the measured torque. The measured torque is rejected from being used in a control operation of the transmission if the difference between the measured torque and the estimated torque is greater than a selected threshold. | 06-21-2012 |
20120297895 | Magnetic Torque Sensor Packaging for Automatic Transmissions - Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission, such as front wheel drive (FWD) automatic transmissions, for volume production applications are provided. | 11-29-2012 |
20130263654 | Transmissions with Electronics Interface Assembly for Torque Sensor - A transmission includes sensors positioned adjacent respective pairs of magnetized bands on a shaft of the transmission for detecting magnetic flux emanating from the bands in response to torque on the shaft. The transmission further includes an electronics interface assembly configured to respectively provide drive signals to the sensors and to receive from the sensors, in response to the drive signals, output signals indicative of the torque on the shaft as detected by the sensors. | 10-10-2013 |
20130311057 | Closed-Loop Torque Phase Control for Shifting Automatic Transmission Gear Ratios Based on Friction Element Load Estimation - A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions. | 11-21-2013 |
20130345022 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE TRANSMISSION - A control system for a vehicle transmission includes a controller configured to output a first torque estimate defined in terms of one nonlinear function of a transmission parameter for a particular value of the transmission parameter. The controller also receives a measured torque of the transmission at the particular value of the transmission parameter, and outputs a modified torque estimate for the particular value of the transmission parameter based on the measured torque. | 12-26-2013 |
20140046557 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE POWERTRAIN - A system and method for controlling a vehicle powertrain includes a controller that is operative to automatically control at least one powertrain function other than engine torque based on a measured torque and a predetermined torque range. The predetermined torque range is based on a first engine torque estimate. The measured torque is related to actual engine torque, and can be measured directly at the engine crankshaft, or in another location in the powertrain and then transferred to the engine space. | 02-13-2014 |
20140069759 | Transmission and Method of Controlling Clutch During Ratio Change - A transmission and control method are disclosed which ensure proper stroke pressure and minimize torque transients during a shift event. The transmission includes a clutch having a torque capacity based on a fluid pressure, a torque sensor adapted to measure a torque value that varies in relationship to the torque capacity, and a controller. The method includes varying the fluid pressure around a predetermined value, measuring a resulting torque difference with the torque sensor, and adjusting a clutch control parameter if the resulting torque difference is less than a threshold value. | 03-13-2014 |
20140080668 | DECELERATION FUEL SHUT OFF SCHEDULING BASED ON VEHICLE PARAMETERS - A method for enacting DFSO in a motor vehicle having an engine and a transmission. The method includes, during a condition of normal engine-braking efficiency, disabling the DFSO below a higher gear of the transmission. During a condition of reduced engine-braking efficiency, by contrast, the DFSO is disabled below a lower gear of the transmission. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081541 | Line Pressure Control with Input Shaft Torque Measurement - A method of controlling a line pressure in a transmission is provided. Line pressure in a transmission is set to a pressure value including a first term that is proportional to an input torque value. The first term has a coefficient of proportionality that is increased in response to a signal indicating clutch slippage. The input torque value is a measured input torque value in a steady-state condition. The input torque value may be a maximum of the measured input torque value and a driver demand torque value in a transient condition. | 03-20-2014 |
20140148304 | Adjusting Clutch Slip Based on Sensed Parameter of Transmission Shaft to Control NVH Level in Vehicle Powertrain - A vehicle powertrain includes a transmission and a clutch. The slip of the clutch is adjusted to a target where a magnitude of a sensed parameter of a shaft of the transmission corresponds to a desired noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) level in the powertrain. The sensed parameter of the transmission shaft may be one of acceleration, speed, and torque of the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft may be one of the input shaft and output shaft of the transmission. | 05-29-2014 |
20140200789 | DRIVER FEEDBACK FOR VEHICLE OPERATION - The following description relates to systems and methods for adjusting vehicle response parameters in response to indications of vehicle operator preferences. In one example approach, a method comprises, during a cruise control mode of operation, adjusting a vehicle response parameter from a default set-point based on an indication of vehicle operator preference. | 07-17-2014 |
20140230570 | Magnetic Sensor Packaging for Transmissions - Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission for volume production applications are provided. One transmission includes an output shaft and a magnetic torque sensor. The output shaft has a magnetized region. The sensor, for detecting torque of the output shaft, is mounted on friction reduction members such as bushings supporting the output shaft. In another transmission, the sensor is alternatively mounted to a transmission case. | 08-21-2014 |
20140244120 | Vehicle Mass Computation - A vehicle having a drivetrain is controlled based on a difference between a torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle has constant non-zero speed and the torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle is accelerating. The drivetrain torque may be measured by a drivetrain torque sensor. The effective vehicle mass is computed from the torque difference. The computed mass of the vehicle is used to adjust the activation of a collision warning system or a collision avoidance system. A method of operating a vehicle where the activation of a collision avoidance system is adjusted based on a difference between a torque transmitted by a drivetrain when the vehicle has constant non-zero speed and the torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle is accelerating is disclosed. The torque difference is used to compute a vehicle mass that is used to adjust a collision warning distance. | 08-28-2014 |
20140274555 | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL BASED ON TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT TORQUE SIGNAL - A system and method for minimizing torque disturbances during a shift event for an automatic transmission control actual transmission input shaft torque using a transmission input shaft signal produced by an input shaft torque sensor. The torque sensor provides a signal to a controller that monitors the measured transmission input torque. The torque sensor may be implemented by a strain gauge, a piezoelectric load cell, or a magneto-elastic torque sensor. The system may include a vehicle powertrain having an engine, a transmission coupled to the engine via a torque converter, an input torque sensor coupled to the input shaft of the transmission and a controller configured to control engine torque to cause the measured transmission input shaft torque to achieve a target transmission input shaft torque during the shift event. | 09-18-2014 |
20140274556 | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL BASED ON TORQUE PHASE DETECTION USING MEASURED TRANSMISSION INPUT TORQUE - A system and method for controlling a vehicle powertrain having a transmission to improve shift quality to detect the start of a torque phase of the shift based on a measured transmission input shaft torque. A torque sensor provides a signal to a controller that monitors initial rise time of the measured transmission input shaft torque. The torque sensor may be implemented by a strain gauge, a piezoelectric load cell, or a magneto-elastic torque sensor. The system may include a vehicle powertrain having an engine, a transmission coupled to the engine via a torque converter and a controller configured to initiate torque phase control when the slope of the transmission input shaft torque exceeds a predetermined threshold after initiation of the shift preparatory phase. | 09-18-2014 |
20140318272 | Sensor Packaging at Output Side of Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Transmissions - Various packaging designs for placement of a magnetic torque sensor at the output shaft of a front wheel drive transmission are provided. One design provides for mounting a sensor on a chain drive sprocket or integrating a sensor into a modified sprocket bearing mount. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the grounded ring gear of a final planetary drive. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the differential housing. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the output planetary carrier hub/park gear. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at a multi-piece transfer gear face. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324308 | CONTROL OF A TRANSMISSION FRICTION ELEMENT USING AN ADAPTIVE TRANSFER FUNCTION - A transmission clutch control method includes defining a transfer function relating clutch torque to a control signal under transmission operating conditions; determining a target clutch torque for current operating conditions; determining the target control signal from the transfer function to produce target torque at the clutch; correcting clutch torque on the basis of a difference between the target clutch torque and the actual torque at the clutch by adjusting the control signal; calculating actual clutch torque with reference to transmission input torque and transmission output torque; computing a clutch torque error as a difference between calculated clutch torque and the target clutch torque; and repetitively adjusting the transfer function on the basis of the clutch torque error. | 10-30-2014 |
20140350810 | Transmission and Method of Controlling Clutch During Ratio Change - A transmission and control method are disclosed which ensure proper stroke pressure and minimize torque transients during a shift event. The transmission includes a clutch having a torque capacity based on a fluid pressure, a torque sensor adapted to measure a torque value that varies in relationship to the torque capacity, and a controller. The method includes varying the fluid pressure around a predetermined value, measuring a resulting torque difference with the torque sensor, and adjusting a clutch control parameter if the resulting torque difference is less than a threshold value. | 11-27-2014 |
20140365085 | SKIP-SHIFT OPERATIONS FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS - Method and system providing manual skip-shift for operating the automatic transmission of a vehicle. The method includes accepting the input of gear states by operating a selector mechanism to select a value. The system accepts input of a selected sequence of gear states from a plurality of available gear states, the selected sequence including fewer gear states than the number of available gear states. The system then operates a selector mechanism to select the gear state from the selected sequence. The system also includes an electronic control module, a selector mechanism, and a power train control module. | 12-11-2014 |
20150024904 | Adjusting Clutch Slip Based on Sensed Parameter of Transmission Shaft to Control Vehicle NVH - A vehicle powertrain includes a transmission and a clutch. The slip of the clutch is adjusted to a predefined target where a sensed parameter of a shaft of the transmission corresponds to a specified noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) level in the powertrain. The sensed parameter of the transmission shaft may be one of acceleration, speed, and torque of the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft may be one of the input shaft and output shaft of the transmission. | 01-22-2015 |
20150066316 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING A TRANSMISSION - Systems and methods for operating and interfacing to a transmission of a vehicle are presented. In one example, a human machine interface allows a driver to assign gear ratios or simulated gear ratios to gear position slots of a shifter. The assignment of gear ratios to gear position slots of a shifter may allow a driver to experience the feeling of driving a manually shifted transmission without having to operate a clutch. | 03-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090189348 | Game apparatus and method - A design game of creative investigation and fun. The invention includes corresponding game parts and means of using via manner of play to create designs using game pieces. Game parts include a plurality of game pieces, at least one indicator, and at least one container. Plurality of game pieces includes at least one game piece having a free-form shape. Game pieces are primarily usable independent of a substantially conforming backing board and interfitting elements. Players position game pieces on a playing area to create designs. Designs are primarily inspired by themes. Players can build on their ideas quickly with relatively little time to review and “fix” their designs. Players can share their designs with each other before creating a new design. An emission can accompany a design. Indicia can be used for themes, turn, timing, number of game parts, playing area, procedure, emission, and scoring. Game parts can be customized and supplemented. Game apparatus and method offers versatile manner of play for diversified and specific ages, abilities, and approaches. Game is preferably for ages five to ninety-nine. | 07-30-2009 |
20100019451 | GAME APPARATUS AND METHOD - A game apparatus and method using a plurality of game pieces in various shapes which can be combined to express a theme, and a plurality of theme indicators which are used to identify a theme to be expressed using the game pieces. A player chooses a theme indication using a theme indicator, then combines a plurality of the game pieces into a design illustrating the theme. The game may include a timing indicator, so the player must complete the design within a determined period, a turn indicator for choosing a manner of play, and a game piece indicator for indicating the number of game pieces used during play. A player may be required to accompany a design with an emission, such as rhythm, improvisation, movement, language, sound, light and title, optionally indicated by an emission indicator or using an emission container. A scoring indicator may be provided for keeping score. | 01-28-2010 |