The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 21, 2010
Filed:
Feb. 23, 2007
Philip J. Crawley, Sacramento, CA (US);
John Camagna, Eldorado Hills, CA (US);
Charles Cai, Mather, CA (US);
Philip J. Crawley, Sacramento, CA (US);
John Camagna, Eldorado Hills, CA (US);
Charles Cai, Mather, CA (US);
Akros Silicon, Inc., Folsom, CA (US);
Abstract
A network interface apparatus is disclosed that includes a connector coupled to a plurality of communication lines. A Physical Layer (PHY) device coupled to the communication lines and to a first ground level. A transient event suppression module coupled between the communication lines and a low impedance path to earth ground. During a transient event the transient event suppression module provides a low impedance path to the earth ground to protect the PHY device from the transient event. A power circuit that delivers power from a second ground level to the PHY device is coupled to the first ground level. The first ground level and the second ground level are coupled to provide a low impedance path during normal operation and high impedance during transient events.