Patent US6774685B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6774685B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radio frequency data communications device
Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
•
Filing: 2000-04-03
•
Granted: 2004-08-10
•
Expires: 2020-04-03
Abstract
Abstract A radio frequency identification device comprises an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. The receiver and transmitter together define an active transponder. The integrated circuit is preferably a monolithic single die integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. Because the device includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, the device has a much greater range.
Inventors
- 👤 James E. O'Toole
- 👤 John R. Tuttle
- 👤 Mark E. Tuttle
- 👤 Tyler Lowrey
- 👤 Kevin M. Devereaux
- 👤 George E. Pax
- 👤 Brian P. Higgins
- 👤 David K. Ovard
- 👤 Shu-Sun Yu
- 👤 Robert R. Rotzoll
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 15:21
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K19/00; G06K19/06; G06K19/067; G06K19/07; G06K19/0716; G06K19/0701; G06K19/0707; G06K19/0712; G06K19/0723; G06K19/0726; G06K19/077; G06K19/07749; G06K19/07758; G06K7/00; G06K7/0008; G06K7/10; G06K7/10009; G06K7/10019; G06K7/10029; G06K7/10059; H; H03; H03L; H03L7/00; H03L7/06; H03L7/08; H03L7/099; H03L7/0995; H03L7/14; H03L7/146; H03L7/148
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
An apparatus for determining when frequency lock occurs relative to a desired frequency, the apparatus comprising: a phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator configured to oscillate at a frequency which varies depending on a voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator; circuitry configured to apply the voltage to the voltage controlled oscillator to produce a frequency of oscillation less than the desired frequency; first circuitry configured to increase the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a first size; said first circuitry configured to further increase the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a second size smaller than the first size; second circuitry configured to decrease the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a third size smaller than the first size; said second circuitry configured to further increase the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator after decreasing the voltage; and said first circuitry configured to further provide a signal indicating that lock has occurred in response to the increase.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
182 words
An apparatus for determining when frequency lock occurs relative to a desired frequency, the apparatus comprising: a phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator configured to oscillate at a frequency which varies depending on a voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator; circuitry configured to apply the voltage to the voltage controlled oscillator to produce a frequency of oscillation less than the desired frequency; first circuitry configured to increase the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a first size; said first circuitry configured to further increase the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a second size smaller than the first size; second circuitry configured to decrease the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a third size smaller than the first size; said second circuitry configured to further increase the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator after decreasing the voltage; and said first circuitry configured to further provide a signal indicating that lock has occurred in response to the increase.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
An apparatus for determining when frequency lock occurs relative to a desired frequency in accordance with claim 1 wherein the voltage controlled oscillator has a control node, and wherein the voltage controlled oscillator oscillates at a frequency responsive to the voltage applied to the control node.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of determining when frequency lock occurs relative to a desired frequency, the method comprising: providing a phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator configured to oscillate at a frequency which varies responsive to a voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator; applying the voltage to the voltage controlled oscillator to produce a frequency of oscillation less than the desired frequency; increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a first size; decreasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a second size smaller than the first size; increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator after the decreasing and indicating that lock has occurred.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of determining when frequency lock occurs relative to a desired frequency, the method comprising: providing a phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator configured to oscillate at a frequency which varies responsive to a voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator; applying the voltage to the voltage controlled oscillator to produce a frequency of oscillation less than the desired frequency; increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a first size; decreasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a second size smaller than the first size; increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator after the decreasing and indicating that lock has occurred.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
138 words
An apparatus for determining when frequency lock occurs relative to a desired frequency, the apparatus comprising: a phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator configured to oscillate at a frequency which varies responsive to a voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator; means for applying the voltage to the voltage controlled oscillator to produce a frequency of oscillation less than the desired frequency; means for increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a first size; means for decreasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a second size smaller than the first size; means for increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator after the decreasing and means for indicating that lock has occurred responsive to the increasing after the decreasing.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
138 words
An apparatus for determining when frequency lock occurs relative to a desired frequency, the apparatus comprising: a phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator configured to oscillate at a frequency which varies responsive to a voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator; means for applying the voltage to the voltage controlled oscillator to produce a frequency of oscillation less than the desired frequency; means for increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a first size; means for decreasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a second size smaller than the first size; means for increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator after the decreasing and means for indicating that lock has occurred responsive to the increasing after the decreasing.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of determining when a phase lock loop achieves frequency lock relative to a desired frequency, the phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator having a control node and oscillating at a frequency responsive to the voltage applied to the control node, the method comprising: adjusting the voltage on the control node in a first direction beyond the voltage that results in a lock; subsequent to the adjusting in the first direction, adjusting the voltage on the control node in a second direction, opposite the first direction, overshooting the voltage that results in a lock; subsequent to the adjusting in the second direction, adjusting the voltage on the control node in the first direction; and providing a signal, indicating that frequency lock has been achieved, in response to the adjusting in the first direction after the adjusting in the second direction.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of determining when a phase lock loop achieves frequency lock relative to a desired frequency, the phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator having a control node and oscillating at a frequency responsive to the voltage applied to the control node, the method comprising: adjusting the voltage on the control node in a first direction beyond the voltage that results in a lock; subsequent to the adjusting in the first direction, adjusting the voltage on the control node in a second direction, opposite the first direction, overshooting the voltage that results in a lock; subsequent to the adjusting in the second direction, adjusting the voltage on the control node in the first direction; and providing a signal, indicating that frequency lock has been achieved, in response to the adjusting in the first direction after the adjusting in the second direction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method in accordance with claim 5 wherein the first mentioned adjusting in the first direction comprises using steps.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method in accordance with claim 6 wherein the adjusting in the second direction using steps smaller than the steps used in the first adjusting.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
164 words
A method of determining when frequency lock occurs relative to a desired frequency, the method comprising: providing a phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator that oscillates at a frequency responsive to voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator; applying a voltage to the voltage controlled oscillator to produce a frequency of oscillation less than the desired frequency; first increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a first size; second increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a second size smaller than the first size, beyond the voltage appropriate for a lock; decreasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator, after the second increasing, using one or more steps of a third size smaller than the first size beyond the voltage appropriate for a lock; increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator after the decreasing and providing a signal indicating that lock has occurred.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
164 words
A method of determining when frequency lock occurs relative to a desired frequency, the method comprising: providing a phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator that oscillates at a frequency responsive to voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator; applying a voltage to the voltage controlled oscillator to produce a frequency of oscillation less than the desired frequency; first increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a first size; second increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a second size smaller than the first size, beyond the voltage appropriate for a lock; decreasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator, after the second increasing, using one or more steps of a third size smaller than the first size beyond the voltage appropriate for a lock; increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator after the decreasing and providing a signal indicating that lock has occurred.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method in accordance with claim 8 wherein the phase lock loop tracks a timing signal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method in accordance with claim 8 wherein the voltage controlled oscillator has a control node, and wherein the voltage controlled oscillator oscillates at a frequency responsive to the voltage applied to the control node.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of determining when a phase lock loop achieves frequency lock relative to a desired frequency, the phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator having a control node and oscillating at a frequency responsive to the voltage applied to the control node, the method comprising: increasing the voltage applied to the control node to a voltage above the voltage that results in the phase lock loop tracking the desired frequency; decreasing the voltage applied to the control node to a voltage below the voltage that results in the phase lock loop tracking the desired frequency; and increasing the voltage applied to the control node and indicating that frequency lock has been achieved in response to the increasing after the decreasing.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of determining when a phase lock loop achieves frequency lock relative to a desired frequency, the phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator having a control node and oscillating at a frequency responsive to the voltage applied to the control node, the method comprising: increasing the voltage applied to the control node to a voltage above the voltage that results in the phase lock loop tracking the desired frequency; decreasing the voltage applied to the control node to a voltage below the voltage that results in the phase lock loop tracking the desired frequency; and increasing the voltage applied to the control node and indicating that frequency lock has been achieved in response to the increasing after the decreasing.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein the first mentioned increasing of the voltage applied to the control node comprises increasing in steps the voltage applied to the control node.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method in accordance with claim 12 wherein the decreasing of the voltage applied to the control node comprises decreasing the voltage applied to the control node using steps smaller than the steps used in the first mentioned increasing of the voltage applied to the control node.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method in accordance with claim 12 wherein the second mentioned increasing of the voltage applied to the control node comprises increasing the voltage applied to the control node using a step smaller than the steps used in the first mentioned increasing of the voltage applied to the control node.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of determining when frequency lock occurs relative to a desired frequency, in a communication system, the method comprising: receiving a reference timing signal via radio frequency; providing a phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator that oscillates at a frequency responsive to voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator, the phase lock loop being configured to track the reference timing signal; applying a voltage to the voltage controlled oscillator to produce a frequency of oscillation less than the desired frequency; first increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a first size; second increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a second size smaller than the first size, beyond the voltage appropriate for a lock; decreasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator, after the second increasing, using one or more steps of a third size smaller than the first size beyond the voltage appropriate for a lock; increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator after the decreasing and providing a signal indicating that lock has occurred.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of determining when frequency lock occurs relative to a desired frequency, in a communication system, the method comprising: receiving a reference timing signal via radio frequency; providing a phase lock loop including a voltage controlled oscillator that oscillates at a frequency responsive to voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator, the phase lock loop being configured to track the reference timing signal; applying a voltage to the voltage controlled oscillator to produce a frequency of oscillation less than the desired frequency; first increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a first size; second increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator using one or more steps of a second size smaller than the first size, beyond the voltage appropriate for a lock; decreasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator, after the second increasing, using one or more steps of a third size smaller than the first size beyond the voltage appropriate for a lock; increasing the voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator after the decreasing and providing a signal indicating that lock has occurred.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein the voltage controlled oscillator has a control node, and wherein the voltage controlled oscillator oscillates at a frequency responsive to the voltage applied to the control node.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-08-10 | 2008-02-09 | 2008-08-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-08-10 | 2012-02-09 | 2012-08-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-08-10 | 2016-02-09 | 2016-08-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |