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:
Aug. 30, 2016
Filed:
Jun. 19, 2015
Stmicroelectronics S.r.l., Agrate Brianza, IT;
Roberto Canegallo, Rimini, IT;
Luca Perilli, Teramo, IT;
Luca Perugini, Bologna, IT;
Salvatore Valerio Cani, Agrigento, IT;
Eleonora Franchi, Bologna, IT;
STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L., Agrate, Brianza, IT;
Abstract
A communication cell for an integrated circuit includes a physical interface configured to supply an input signal (for example, a capacitive signal or an ohmic signal). A receiver circuit operates to receive the capacitive signal and generate a first intermediate signal. A buffer circuit operates to receive the ohmic signal and generate a second intermediate signal. An output stage including a selector device (for example, a multiplexer) configured to receive the first and second intermediate signals and selectively pass only one of those signals to the integrated circuit based on operating condition. The input signal may further be an inductive signal, with the output stage further functioning to selectively pass that signal based on operating condition.