Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2001-2025
Title: Jim Nolan - Innovator in ESD Protection Technologies
Introduction
Jim Nolan is a prominent inventor based in Chandler, AZ (US), known for his contributions to electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection technologies. With a total of 8 patents to his name, Nolan has made significant advancements in the field, particularly through his work at Microchip Technology Inc.
Latest Patents
Nolan's latest patents include a device and system for ESD protection, which focuses on safeguarding sensitive circuits from both positive and negative ESD events. This innovative circuit design features a protection transistor coupled to a pad, along with a protection clamp linked to the protection transistor. The protection transistor is situated in an isolation n-well, and a current limiting resistor connects the pad to the isolation n-well, effectively limiting current during negative ESD events.
Another notable patent is the current sense amplifier architecture and level shifter. This design simplifies and enhances prior art current sensing amplifier circuits by utilizing chopping without the need for auto-zeroing. It incorporates a faster switched capacitor filter instead of an auto-zeroing integrator filter. Additionally, the VIP (positive DC sense node) is merged with the VDDHV (power supply) node, allowing the integrated circuit package to require only a single node for both connections. This innovation results in a smaller integrated circuit package, with a small resistor placed between VIP and VDDHV to significantly reduce offset. A low latency time high voltage level shifter is also included, which is crucial for precise chopping operation.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Jim Nolan has established himself as a key figure in the development of ESD protection technologies. His work at Microchip Technology Inc. has positioned him at the forefront of innovation in this critical area of electronics.
Collaborations
Nolan has collaborated with talented coworkers such as Serban Motoroiu and Dong Wang, contributing to the advancement of technology within their field.
Conclusion
Jim Nolan's innovative work in ESD protection technologies has made a lasting impact on the electronics industry. His patents reflect a commitment to enhancing circuit protection and improving integrated circuit design.