Thomas A Hughes

Title: **Inventor Thomas A. Hughes: Innovator in High-Speed Interface Technology**

Introduction

Thomas A. Hughes, based in Irvine, California, is a distinguished inventor known for his impactful contributions in the realm of high-speed interfacing technologies. With a total of five patents credited to his name, Hughes has significantly influenced the communication between circuits and external devices, often enhancing data transfer efficiency in digital systems.

Latest Patents

Among Thomas A. Hughes's notable inventions are two recent patents that showcase his expertise in high-speed communication technology:

1. **Phase Controlled High-Speed Interfaces**: This patent presents a system and method that facilitate high-speed communication between a circuit and an external device. The innovation employs a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) with multiple phased outputs, digitally controlled, along with a deskew PLL for aligning clock signals of controller and interface circuitry. The design also incorporates a phase-interpolated voltage-controlled delay line to ensure precise timing of incoming signals. This technology is particularly relevant for transmitting and receiving data from external devices, such as DDR DRAM.

2. **System and Method to Align Clock Signals**: This patent addresses the need for precise clock signal alignment within logical devices prior to data transfer. The system includes an aligning device specific for synchronizing clock signals of a sequencer and storage device. A phase detector plays a critical role by comparing clock signals and generating a comparison clock signal that is subsequently filtered and used to maintain synchronization. This technology ensures that subsequent clock signals are aligned, optimizing data transfer efficiency.

Career Highlights

Hughes has made significant advancements in high-speed interface technology during his tenure at Broadcom Corporation, a leading firm in semiconductors and integrated circuits. His ingenuity in developing methods to enhance data transmission has positioned him as a key contributor in the field of electronic communications.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Thomas A. Hughes has worked closely with fellow innovators such as Lionel D'Luna and Sathish Kumar Radhakrishnan. Their collaborative efforts have further advanced Broadcom Corporation's technological initiatives, fostering an environment of creativity and problem-solving in the industry.

Conclusion

With a strong portfolio of patented innovations and a collaborative approach to engineering challenges, Thomas A. Hughes continues to be a pivotal figure in the development of high-speed interfacing technologies. His contributions not only enhance current technological capabilities but also pave the way for future innovations in electronic communication systems.