Michael Figueiredo

Title: Michael Figueiredo: Semiconductor Inventions and Patent Contributions.

Introduction

Michael Figueiredo is an inventor based in Amora, Portugal. His patent work focuses on semiconductor circuits, including fault detection in switching converters and voltage comparison techniques.

Latest Patents

Figueiredo’s listed patent portfolio includes 2 patents, covering the following inventions.

Communicating Faults by a Power Stage of a Multi-Phase Switching Converter

This invention describes a power stage that detects and communicates faults in a multi-phase switching converter. A fault logic block examines internal circuit states and uses a delayed control signal to determine when to sense deviations. Because the delay exceeds the settling time of ringing at the power and ground terminals, the circuit can avoid interference and report faults more reliably.

Single Comparator Based Comparison of an Input Voltage Against Multiple Reference Voltages

This invention uses a single comparator to compare an input voltage against multiple reference voltages. A mode selector determines which circuit branch to use based on whether the input is below or above a mid-voltage. The selected branch adjusts the comparator input, enabling comparisons against different references with one comparator.

Career Highlights

Figueiredo’s patent contributions address practical challenges in semiconductor design, including reliable fault signaling and efficient voltage comparison. He is associated with Ningbo Aura Semiconductor Co., Ltd.

Collaborations

Figueiredo’s listed coworkers include Arnold J. D’Souza and Shyam Somayajula.

Conclusion

Michael Figueiredo’s two listed patents reflect a focus on improving the reliability and efficiency of semiconductor circuits, particularly in power conversion and voltage comparison.