Dean Allum

Title: Dean Allum: Innovator in Radiation-Hardened Technologies

Introduction

Dean Allum is a notable inventor based in Colorado Springs, CO, with a focus on developing advanced technologies in the field of electronics. He holds a total of four patents, showcasing his commitment to innovation and problem-solving in the industry.

Latest Patents

One of his latest inventions is the "Radiation Hardened Charge Pump." This invention is a radiation-hardened charge-pump system that utilizes polysilicon diodes and metal-to-metal capacitors in a standard CMOS process technology. It provides boosted positive or negative voltages that exceed power supply voltage levels while reducing or eliminating field leakage, bipolar snap-back, and other related issues. The charge-pump system is designed with multiple parallel redundant pumps to ensure continued operation in the event of a single-event transient or polysilicon-diode failure. Additionally, a diode at the end of each redundant pump section allows for charge placement onto the high voltage node without losing charge due to section failure. This hardened charge pump can be reliably used at low power supply voltage levels with the help of auxiliary circuits, such as a voltage doubler.

Another significant patent is the "Circuit and Method for Power-Up Optimization of RFID Transponder." This invention relates to a radio-frequency identification tag that includes an antenna designed to draw voltage from an externally applied RF field. The tag features a tunable antenna resonant circuit with a default resonance frequency and tuning means to shift the resonance frequency to match the RF field. It also includes non-volatile storage means for storing frequency-related data, which can be accessed at a reduced voltage level below the tag's operating unit power-up voltage.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Dean Allum has worked with several prominent companies, including Em Microelectronic-Marin SA and Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in developing innovative electronic solutions.

Collaborations

Dean has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Trevor A. Blyth and David Sowards, further enhancing his contributions to the field of electronics.

Conclusion

Dean Allum's work in radiation-hardened technologies and RFID optimization demonstrates his significant impact on the electronics industry. His innovative patents reflect a deep understanding of complex engineering challenges and a commitment to advancing technology.