HISTORICAL INNOVATION ARCHIVE

Founding Patent

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Microchip Technology Historical Repository

Microchip Technology
Founding Patent

Granted Aug. 22, 1989
Filed Jun. 22, 1987
U.S. Patent # US4860012A
David Rich, Peter Staley
Microchip Technology Incorporated
ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATIONS & SUMMARY
  • Integrated Analog-to-Digital Delta-Sigma Converter

    An innovative second-order delta-sigma coder employing streamlined CMOS push-pull amplifiers as gain elements combined with a high-speed bistable circuit for precision analog modulation.

  • Simplified Finite Impulse Response (FIR) Decimation Filter

    Converts high-speed modulated bitstreams into standard Pulse Code Modulated (PCM) words using a partial coefficient generator with optimized silicon logic.

  • Reduced-Speed Computational Accumulator

    Distributes accumulator arithmetic across stages running at reduced clock speeds, drastically minimizing power consumption and heat dissipation.

  • High-Density Monolithic Silicon Integration

    Engineered specifically for high-yield CMOS chip integration, consolidating the complete high-accuracy ADC subsystem onto a compact die area.

  • Synchronous Serial Output Interface

    A built-in multiplexer produces synchronized serial data words for direct, low-pin-count interfacing with microcontrollers and digital processors.

ORIGINAL PATENT DOCUMENT
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