André Grouwstra

Title: Innovator André Grouwstra: Pioneering Low-Power Phase-Locked Loops

Introduction

André Grouwstra is a distinguished inventor based in Morgan Hill, CA, renowned for his contributions to the field of electronics, particularly in the development of phase-locked loops (PLLs). With a total of four patents to his name, Grouwstra has made significant advancements that enhance the efficiency and functionality of electronic devices.

Latest Patents

Grouwstra's latest inventions focus on low-power fractional-N PLL technology. His first patent describes a PLL comprising an oscillator, a counter, and a register designed to sample the oscillator phase as an integer number. Utilizing a fractional-N frequency control word (FCW), the phase predictor calculates a predicted phase, from which the integer difference between the sampled and predicted phase is utilized as loop filter input. This innovation allows for the generation of an oscillator control signal that effectively adjusts the oscillator frequency. Moreover, his design introduces various sleep modes to minimize power consumption by blocking reference clocks, freezing loop filter parameters, and potentially halting the oscillator altogether.

The second patent touches on similar concepts but with additional flexibility for implementation. Grouwstra's PLL can be configured with dedicated or off-the-shelf circuitry, programmable processors, or within an FPGA. These inventions emphasize the significance of low-power consumption in modern electronics, catering to the growing demand for energy-efficient technologies.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, André Grouwstra has worked with reputable companies, including Perceptia Devices, Inc. and Perceptia IP Pty Ltd. His experiences in these organizations have contributed to his innovative capabilities and have provided a solid foundation for his work in patent development.

Collaborations

Collaboration has been a vital aspect of Grouwstra's journey as an inventor. Notably, he has worked alongside Julian Jenkins, a fellow innovator, to push the boundaries of technology in the field of electronics. This partnership highlights the importance of teamwork in driving innovation forward.

Conclusion

André Grouwstra exemplifies the spirit of innovation through his relentless pursuit of advancements in phase-locked loop technology. His work not only contributes significant patents to the field but also resonates with the growing demand for energy-efficient solutions in electronics. As technology continues to evolve, inventors like Grouwstra will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of technological innovation.