U.S. PTO
`12/284672
`
`
`Express Mailing Label No. EM 211516997 US
`09/23/2008
`PTO/SB/05 (08-08)
`heck No. 29528
`Approvedfor use through 06/30/2010. OMB 0651-0032
`
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 _no personsare required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays
`a valid OMB control number.
`
`
`
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`
`
`TRANSMITTAL
`
` Express Mail Label No.
`
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR 1.53(b))
`EM 211516997 US
`
`Commissionerfor Patents
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`P.O. Box 1450
`ADDRESSTO:
`
`Alexandria VA 22313-1450
`See MPEPchapter 600 concemingutility patent application contents.
`
`
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`
`
`2. Cc] Applicant claims small entity status.
`9. C) AssignmentPapers (cover sheet & document(s))
`See 37 CFR 1.27.
`25
`(Total Pages
`Specification
`
` Name of Assignee
`Both the claims and abstract must start on a new page
`{For information on the preferred arrangement, see MPEP 608.01(a)}
`
`
`4. [7] Drawing(s)(35 U.S.C. 113)
`[Total Sheets
`WwW
`
`
`
`
`
`§. Oath or Declaration
`[Total Sheets
`10. [] 37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement
`[]Powerof
`a.
`Newly executed (original or copy)
`(when there is an assignee)
`Attorney
`b.
`Acopy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63(d))
`
`
`
`for continuation/divisional with Box 18 completed)
`
`
`
`DELETION OF INVENTOR(S)
`
`Signed statement attacheddeleting inventor(s)
`infopmation Disclosure Statement (PTO/SB/08 or PTO-1449)
`12.
`
`
`namein the prior application, see 37 CFR
`“J Copies of citations attached
`4463(d)(2) and 1.33(b).
`
`
`
`
`
`6.[_] Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1.76
`43. Cj Preliminary Amendment
`
`7.(-]
`cp-Roti or CD-R in duplicate, farge table or
`
`
`14.
`Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`nee Program (Appendix)
`(Should be specifically itemized)
`Landscape Table on CD
`
`
`
`
`15. [_] Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
`'
`?
`yore
`‘
`8. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(if foreign priority is claimed)
`(if applicable, items a. - c. are required)
`
`a.
`Computer Readable Form (CRF)
` 16. C) Nonpublication Request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i).
`
`
`
`b.
`Specification Sequence Listing on:
`
`
`
`i LJ
`cp-Romor CD-R(2 copies);or
`
`
`17.
`Other: Unsigned Declaration (4 pages)
`ii. LC)
`Paper
`
`
`c. C) Statements verifying identity of above copies
`
`18. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropriate box, and supply the requisite information below andin thefirst sentence of the
`Specification following thetitle, or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1.76:
`
`
`O Continuation
`CI Divisional
`LJ Continuation-in-part (CIP)
`of prior application No.: ..........
`Examiner
`
`Art Unit:
` Prior application information:
`
`
`
`19. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`
`
`
` Address
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Registration No.
`ame
`Print/Type
`40,341
`Attorney/Aaent
`STEVENC. PATRICK
`
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.53(b). The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public whichis to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to
`complete, including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer,
`U.S, Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED
`FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissionerfor Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`ff you need assistance in completing the form,call 1-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`The address associated with Customer Number:
`Name
`
`
`
`
`OR [| Correspondence address below
`
`a5 N
`
`Xilinx Exhibit 1003
`
`Page 1
`
`g0€z60AOA
`
`1.
`
`3.
`
`
`
`
`
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`ASGN3237US
`
`Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/SB/17)
`
`]
`
`]
`
`i.
`
`11. [-] English Translation Document(if applicable)
`
`Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/35 or equivalent.
`
`

`

`
` Express Mailing Label No. EM 211516997 US
`PTO/SB/17 (10-07)
`Check No. 29528
`
`
`Approved for use through 06/30/2010. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no pe
`TSONS are required to respondto a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number
`
`
`Effective on 12/08/2004.
`
`
`Fees pursuantto the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (H.R. 4818).
`
`Complete if Known
`
`Application Number
`Filing Date
`
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT(checkall that apply)
`
`
`Check LJ Credit Card C]Money Order CJ None CJOther(pleaseidentify):
`[v] Deposit Account Deposit Account Number:11-1580 (Deposit Account Name: STEVEN C. PATRICK
`For the above-identified deposit account, the Director is hereby authorized to: (check all that apply)
`["Jonarge fee(s) indicated below
`[] Chargefee(s) indicated below, exceptforthefiling fee
`Charge any additional fee(s) or underpaymentsof fee(s)
`|” Credit any overpayments
`under 37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17
`¥ overpay
`WARNING:Information on this form may becomepublic. Credit card information should not be included on this form. Provide credit card
`information and authorization on PTO-2038.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`For FY 2008
`SCOTT GREGORY BARDSLEY
`
`
`
`feamnrtane[|
`
`
`
`
`oO Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27 TatuntSCOTSSCSC~“s~S~“SsSCsSsSsSSSSS
`ni
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1. BASIC FILING, SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`
`
`FILINGFEES ‘i
`SEARCH FEES
`EXAMINATION FEES
`Application Type
`Fee ($} Tan Fee ($)
`“Tee i)
`Fee ($)
`"Fee is)
`Fees Paid ($)
`mail
`Enti
`Small Entity
`Small Entity
`
`
`
`
`Utility
`310
`155
`510
`255
`210
`105
`$1,030.00
`Design
`210
`105
`100
`50
`130
`65
`
`
`Plant
`210
`105
`310
`155
`160
`80
`
`
`Reissue
`310
`155
`510
`255
`620
`310
`
`
`Provisional
`210
`105
`0
`0
`0
`0
`
`
`Small Entity
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEES
`
`Fee DescriptionFee($) Fee ($)
`
`
`Each claim over 20 (including Reissues)
`50
`25
`
`
`
`
`Each independent claim over 3 (including Reissues)
`210
`105
`Multiple dependent claims
`370
`185
`
`
`Fee ($)
`Total Claims
`Extra Claims
`Multiple Dependent Claims
`50
`x
`20
`- 20 or HP =
`0
`Fee ($)
`Fee Paid ($)
`
`
`HP = highest numberoftotal claimspaid for, if greater than 20.
`Fee Paid ($)
`Indep. Claims
`Extra Claims
`Fee ($)
`=_ ge
`x
`2
`-3orHP =
`0
`210
`HP = highest numberof independentclaims paid for, if greater than 3.
`
`
`;
`3. APPLICATION SIZE FEE _
`If the specification and drawings exceed 100 sheets of paper (excluding electronically filed sequence or computer
`listings under 37 CFR 1.52(e)), the application size fee due is $260 ($130 for small entity) for each additional 50
`
`
`sheets or fraction thereof. See 35 U.S.C. fi(ay(1(G) and 37 CFR 1 16(s).
`
`
`
`Total Sheets
`Extra Sheets
`Numberof each additional 50 or fraction thereof
`- 100 =
`/50 =
`(round up to awhole number)
`x
`
`
`
`4. OTHER FEE(S)
`Fees Paid ($)
`Non-English Specification,
`$130 fee (no small entity discount)
`
`
` Other(e.g., late filing surcharge):
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`snare|MAPat ere40,341 Telephoneaos) 373-0060
`]
`Registration No.
`
`
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.136. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public whichis to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 30 minutes to complete,
`including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upontheindividual case. Any comments
`on the amountoftime you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent
`and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS
`ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissionerfor Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`if you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PTO-9199 and selectoption 2.
`
`TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT
`
`FEE CALCULATION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fee Paid ($)
`Q
`
`=
`
`
`
`
`Fee ($)
`
`Fee Paid ($)
`
`Name(Print/Type)| STEVEN C. PATRICK
`
`Date September 23, 2008
`
`Page 2
`
`

`

`Complete if Known
`
`Application Number
`
`
`
`
`
`CO Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27
`
`TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT|(3) 1,030.00 Attorney Docket No.
`
`A5GN3237US
`
`
`
`
`
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT(checkallthat apply)
`
` Express Mailing Label No. EM 211516997 US
`
`PTO/SB/17 (10-07)
`Check No. 29528
`Approved for use through 06/30/2010. OMB 0651-0032
`
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no personsare req
`uired to respond to a collection of information unlessit displays
`a valid OMB control number
`
`Effective on 12/08/2004.
`
`
`Fees pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (H.R. 4818).
`FEE TRANSMITTAL
`For FY 2008
`First Named inventor|SCOTT GREGORY BARDSLEY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Check CJ Credit Card LJMoney Order LJ None Cc]Other(please identify):
`
`
`[| Deposit Account Deposit Account Number:11-1580= Deposit Account Name: STEVEN C. PATRICK
`For the above-identified deposit account, the Director is hereby authorized to: (checkall that apply)
`
`
`[-]charge fee(s) indicated below
`[] Charge fee(s)indicated below, exceptforthefiling fee
`
`Charge any additional! fee(s) or underpayments of fee(s)|4] Credit t
`
`
`under 37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17
`redit any overpayments
`WARNING:Information on this form may become public. Credit card information should not be included onthis form. Provide credit card
`Information and authorization on PTO-2038.
`
`
`
`FEE CALCULATION
`
`
`
`1. BASIC FILING, SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`SEARCH FEES
`EXAMINATION FEES
`FILINGFEES 4
`Small Enti
`Small Enti
`mall
`Entity
`
`
`Application Type Fee ($)Smalentty3)Fee ($) Fee ($) Fee ($) a3) Fees Paid ($)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`310
`155
`510
`255
`Utility
`210
`105
`$1,030.00
`Design
`210
`105
`100
`50
`130
`65
`
`
`Plant
`210
`105
`310
`155
`160
`80
`
`
`Reissue
`310
`155
`510
`255
`. 620
`310
`
`
`Provisional
`210
`105
`0
`0
`0
`0
`
`
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEESSmallEntity
`Fee DescriptionFee($)Fee($)
`Each claim over 20 (including Reissues)
`50
`25
`
`
`Each independentclaim over 3 (including Reissues)
`210
`105
`Multiple dependent claims
`370
`185
`
`
`Fee ($)
`Total Claims
`Extra Claims
`Multiple Dependent Claims
`
`
`50
`x
`20
`- 20 of HP =
`0
`Fee ($)
`Fee Paid ($)
`HP = highest numberoftotal claims paidfor, if greater than 20.
`Indep. Claims
`Extra Claims
`Fee ($)
`
`
`=
`x
`2
`-3orHP =
`(0)
`210
`
`
`HP = highest numberof independentclaimspaid for, if greater than 3.
`.
`.
`3.. APPLICATION SIZE FEE
`If the specification and drawings exceed 100 sheets of paper (excluding electronically filed sequence or computer
`listings under 37 CFR 1.52(e)), the application size fee due is $260 ($130 for small entity) for each additional 50
`sheets orfraction thereof. See 35 U.S.C. 41a) and 37 CFR 1. 16(s).
`Total Sheets
`Extra Sheets
`Numberof each additional 50 or fraction thereof
`- 100=
`1/50 =
`(round up to awhole number)
`x
`
`Fee Paid ($)
`Q
`
`=
`
`Fee Paid ($)
`0
`
`-
`
`Fee ($)
`
`=
`
`Fee Paid ($)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`4. OTHER FEE(S)
`$130 fee (no small entity discount)
`Non-English Specification,
`
`
`Other(e.g., late filing surcharge):
`
`
`=
`Registration No.
`
`
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`.
`
`.
`
`‘a
`V
`
`Fees Paid ($)
`
`Name(PrintType)) STEVEN C. PATRICK
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.136. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public whichistofile (and by the
`USPTOto process)an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 30 minutes to complete,
`including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending uponthe individual case. Any comments
`on the amountof time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the ChiefInformation Officer, U.S. Patent
`and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMSTO THIS
`ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissionerfor Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`if you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`Date September23, 2008
`
`Page 3
`
`

`

`g0€z60AOA
`
`1.
`
`3.
`
`
`
`
`
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`ASGN3237US
`
`Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/SB/17)
`
`]
`
`]
`
`i.
`
`11. [-] English Translation Document(if applicable)
`
`Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/35 or equivalent.
`
`U.S. PTO
`12/284672
`
`
`Express Mailing Label No. EM 211516997 US
`09/23/2008
`PTO/SB/05 (08-08)
`heck No. 29528
`Approvedfor use through 06/30/2010. OMB 0651-0032
`
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 _no personsare required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays
`a valid OMB control number.
`
`
`
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`
`
`TRANSMITTAL
`
` Express Mail Label No.
`
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR 1.53(b))
`EM 211516997 US
`
`Commissionerfor Patents
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`P.O. Box 1450
`ADDRESSTO:
`
`Alexandria VA 22313-1450
`See MPEPchapter 600 concemingutility patent application contents.
`
`
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`
`
`2. Cc] Applicant claims small entity status.
`9. C) AssignmentPapers (cover sheet & document(s))
`See 37 CFR 1.27.
`25
`(Total Pages
`Specification
`
` Name of Assignee
`Both the claims and abstract must start on a new page
`{For information on the preferred arrangement, see MPEP 608.01(a)}
`
`
`4. [7] Drawing(s)(35 U.S.C. 113)
`[Total Sheets
`WwW
`
`
`
`
`
`§. Oath or Declaration
`[Total Sheets
`10. [] 37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement
`[]Powerof
`a.
`Newly executed (original or copy)
`(when there is an assignee)
`Attorney
`b.
`Acopy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63(d))
`
`
`
`for continuation/divisional with Box 18 completed)
`
`
`
`DELETION OF INVENTOR(S)
`
`Signed statement attacheddeleting inventor(s)
`infopmation Disclosure Statement (PTO/SB/08 or PTO-1449)
`12.
`
`
`namein the prior application, see 37 CFR
`“J Copies of citations attached
`4463(d)(2) and 1.33(b).
`
`
`
`
`
`6.[_] Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1.76
`43. Cj Preliminary Amendment
`
`7.(-]
`cp-Roti or CD-R in duplicate, farge table or
`
`
`14.
`Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`nee Program (Appendix)
`(Should be specifically itemized)
`Landscape Table on CD
`
`
`
`
`15. [_] Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
`'
`?
`yore
`‘
`8. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(if foreign priority is claimed)
`(if applicable, items a. - c. are required)
`
`a.
`Computer Readable Form (CRF)
` 16. C) Nonpublication Request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i).
`
`
`
`b.
`Specification Sequence Listing on:
`
`
`
`i LJ
`cp-Romor CD-R(2 copies);or
`
`
`17.
`Other: Unsigned Declaration (4 pages)
`ii. LC)
`Paper
`
`
`c. C) Statements verifying identity of above copies
`
`18. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropriate box, and supply the requisite information below andin thefirst sentence of the
`Specification following thetitle, or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1.76:
`
`
`O Continuation
`CI Divisional
`LJ Continuation-in-part (CIP)
`of prior application No.: ..........
`Examiner
`
`Art Unit:
` Prior application information:
`
`
`
`19. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`The address associated with Customer Number:
`Name
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Address
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Registration No.
`ame
`Print/Type
`40,341
`Attorney/Aaent
`STEVENC. PATRICK
`
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.53(b). The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public whichis to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to
`complete, including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer,
`U.S, Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED
`FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissionerfor Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`ff you need assistance in completing the form,call 1-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`OR [| Correspondence address below
`
`a5 N
`
`Page 4
`
`

`

`
` Express Mailing Label No. EM 211516997 US
`PTO/SB/17 (10-07)
`Check No. 29528
`
`
`Approved for use through 06/30/2010. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no pe
`TSONS are required to respondto a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number
`
`
`Effective on 12/08/2004.
`
`
`Fees pursuantto the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (H.R. 4818).
`
`Complete if Known
`
`Application Number
`Filing Date
`
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT(checkall that apply)
`
`
`Check LJ Credit Card C]Money Order CJ None CJOther(pleaseidentify):
`[v] Deposit Account Deposit Account Number:11-1580 (Deposit Account Name: STEVEN C. PATRICK
`For the above-identified deposit account, the Director is hereby authorized to: (check all that apply)
`["Jonarge fee(s) indicated below
`[] Chargefee(s) indicated below, exceptforthefiling fee
`Charge any additional fee(s) or underpaymentsof fee(s)
`|” Credit any overpayments
`under 37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17
`¥ overpay
`WARNING:Information on this form may becomepublic. Credit card information should not be included on this form. Provide credit card
`information and authorization on PTO-2038.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`For FY 2008
`SCOTT GREGORY BARDSLEY
`
`
`
`feamnrtane[|
`
`
`
`
`oO Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27 TatuntSCOTSSCSC~“s~S~“SsSCsSsSsSSSSS
`ni
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1. BASIC FILING, SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`
`
`FILINGFEES ‘i
`SEARCH FEES
`EXAMINATION FEES
`Application Type
`Fee ($} Tan Fee ($)
`“Tee i)
`Fee ($)
`"Fee is)
`Fees Paid ($)
`mail
`Enti
`Small Entity
`Small Entity
`
`
`
`
`Utility
`310
`155
`510
`255
`210
`105
`$1,030.00
`Design
`210
`105
`100
`50
`130
`65
`
`
`Plant
`210
`105
`310
`155
`160
`80
`
`
`Reissue
`310
`155
`510
`255
`620
`310
`
`
`Provisional
`210
`105
`0
`0
`0
`0
`
`
`Small Entity
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEES
`
`Fee DescriptionFee($) Fee ($)
`
`
`Each claim over 20 (including Reissues)
`50
`25
`
`
`
`
`Each independent claim over 3 (including Reissues)
`210
`105
`Multiple dependent claims
`370
`185
`
`
`Fee ($)
`Total Claims
`Extra Claims
`Multiple Dependent Claims
`50
`x
`20
`- 20 or HP =
`0
`Fee ($)
`Fee Paid ($)
`
`
`HP = highest numberoftotal claimspaid for, if greater than 20.
`Fee Paid ($)
`Indep. Claims
`Extra Claims
`Fee ($)
`=_ ge
`x
`2
`-3orHP =
`0
`210
`HP = highest numberof independentclaims paid for, if greater than 3.
`
`
`;
`3. APPLICATION SIZE FEE _
`If the specification and drawings exceed 100 sheets of paper (excluding electronically filed sequence or computer
`listings under 37 CFR 1.52(e)), the application size fee due is $260 ($130 for small entity) for each additional 50
`
`
`sheets or fraction thereof. See 35 U.S.C. fi(ay(1(G) and 37 CFR 1 16(s).
`
`
`
`Total Sheets
`Extra Sheets
`Numberof each additional 50 or fraction thereof
`- 100 =
`/50 =
`(round up to awhole number)
`x
`
`
`
`4. OTHER FEE(S)
`Fees Paid ($)
`Non-English Specification,
`$130 fee (no small entity discount)
`
`
` Other(e.g., late filing surcharge):
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`SUBMITTED BY
`
`snare|MAPat ere40,341 Telephoneaos) 373-0060
`]
`Registration No.
`
`
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.136. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public whichis to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 30 minutes to complete,
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`TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT
`
`FEE CALCULATION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fee Paid ($)
`Q
`
`=
`
`
`
`
`Fee ($)
`
`Fee Paid ($)
`
`Name(Print/Type)| STEVEN C. PATRICK
`
`Date September 23, 2008
`
`Page 5
`
`

`

`Complete if Known
`
`Application Number
`
`
`
`
`
`CO Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27
`
`TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT|(3) 1,030.00 Attorney Docket No.
`
`A5GN3237US
`
`
`
`
`
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT(checkallthat apply)
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` Express Mailing Label No. EM 211516997 US
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`PTO/SB/17 (10-07)
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`First Named inventor|SCOTT GREGORY BARDSLEY
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`Check CJ Credit Card LJMoney Order LJ None Cc]Other(please identify):
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`FEE CALCULATION
`
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`
`1. BASIC FILING, SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`SEARCH FEES
`EXAMINATION FEES
`FILINGFEES 4
`Small Enti
`Small Enti
`mall
`Entity
`
`
`Application Type Fee ($)Smalentty3)Fee ($) Fee ($) Fee ($) a3) Fees Paid ($)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`310
`155
`510
`255
`Utility
`210
`105
`$1,030.00
`Design
`210
`105
`100
`50
`130
`65
`
`
`Plant
`210
`105
`310
`155
`160
`80
`
`
`Reissue
`310
`155
`510
`255
`. 620
`310
`
`
`Provisional
`210
`105
`0
`0
`0
`0
`
`
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEESSmallEntity
`Fee DescriptionFee($)Fee($)
`Each claim over 20 (including Reissues)
`50
`25
`
`
`Each independentclaim over 3 (including Reissues)
`210
`105
`Multiple dependent claims
`370
`185
`
`
`Fee ($)
`Total Claims
`Extra Claims
`Multiple Dependent Claims
`
`
`50
`x
`20
`- 20 of HP =
`0
`Fee ($)
`Fee Paid ($)
`HP = highest numberoftotal claims paidfor, if greater than 20.
`Indep. Claims
`Extra Claims
`Fee ($)
`
`
`=
`x
`2
`-3orHP =
`(0)
`210
`
`
`HP = highest numberof independentclaimspaid for, if greater than 3.
`.
`.
`3.. APPLICATION SIZE FEE
`If the specification and drawings exceed 100 sheets of paper (excluding electronically filed sequence or computer
`listings under 37 CFR 1.52(e)), the application size fee due is $260 ($130 for small entity) for each additional 50
`sheets orfraction thereof. See 35 U.S.C. 41a) and 37 CFR 1. 16(s).
`Total Sheets
`Extra Sheets
`Numberof each additional 50 or fraction thereof
`- 100=
`1/50 =
`(round up to awhole number)
`x
`
`Fee Paid ($)
`Q
`
`=
`
`Fee Paid ($)
`0
`
`-
`
`Fee ($)
`
`=
`
`Fee Paid ($)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`4. OTHER FEE(S)
`$130 fee (no small entity discount)
`Non-English Specification,
`
`
`Other(e.g., late filing surcharge):
`
`
`=
`Registration No.
`
`
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`.
`
`.
`
`‘a
`V
`
`Fees Paid ($)
`
`Name(PrintType)) STEVEN C. PATRICK
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.136. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public whichistofile (and by the
`USPTOto process)an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 30 minutes to complete,
`including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending uponthe individual case. Any comments
`on the amountof time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the ChiefInformation Officer, U.S. Patent
`and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMSTO THIS
`ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissionerfor Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`if you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`Date September23, 2008
`
`Page 6
`
`

`

`Ty
`
`ray
`
`APPLICATION
`
`of
`
`SCOTT GREGORY BARDSLEY
`
`BRYAN SCOTT PUCKETT
`
`MICHAEL RAY ELLIOTT
`
`RAVI KISHORE KUMMARAGUNTLA
`
`AHMED MOHAMED ABDELATTYALI
`CARROLL CLIFTON SPEIR
`and
`
`JAMES CARROLL CAMP
`
`for
`
`UNITED STATES LETTERS PATENT
`
`on
`
`PIPELINED CONVERTER SYSTEMS
`
`WITH ENHANCED LINEARITY
`
`DOCKET NO. A5SGN3237US
`
`ASSIGNED TO
`
`ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
`
`Page 7
`
`

`

`PIPELINED CONVERTER SYSTEMS
`
`WITH ENHANCEDLINEARITY
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`FieldoftheInvention
`
`[0001}
`The present disclosure relates generally to pipelined signal converters.
`Description of the Related Art
`{0002}
`Pipelined analog-to-digital signal converter systems are often used in
`high-speed, high-resolution conversion applications. These systems generally
`realize a desired numberof conversion bits with a cascade(i.e., a pipeline) of lower-
`resolution converter stages and thus achieve high resolution at sampling speedsthat
`are difficult to realize with other converter systems. Each stage of a pipelined
`system quantizes that stage’s input signal to a predetermined numberofdigital bits .
`and forms an analog output signal which is presented to a succeeding stage for
`further signal processing.
`[0003]
`The advantages of sampling speed may, however, be negated if.
`conversion linearity is
`insufficient. For example,
`the multistage structure of
`pipelined converter systems causes certain portions of the converter structure to be
`used repetitively as an analog input signal is swept over the system’s input range
`and converter nonlinearity in these portions can significantly degrade the
`conversion of low-level dynamic signals.
`{0004]|Conversion linearity is generally characterized with a variety of linearity
`parameters such as differential nonlinearity (DNL),
`integral nonlinearity (INL),
`signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SINAD), and
`spurious free dynamic range (SFDR). DNL error indicates the difference between
`an actual step width of a least-significant bit and the ideal value while INL error
`measures the deviation of an actual transfer function from a straight line. SNRO is
`computed by taking the ratio of the rms signal to the rms noise wherein the noise
`includes all spectral components minus the fundamental, the first four harmonics,
`and the DC offset. SINADis the ratio (in dB) of the signal powerto the powerofall
`
`°
`
`Page 8
`
`

`

`spectral components minusthe fundamental and the DC offset. Finally, SFDR is the
`ratio of the fundamental component to the rms value of the next-largest spurious
`component(excluding DC offset).
`[0005}
`Although a variety of linearizing techniques have been proposed for
`pipelined converter systems, increasing demands on these systems continue to exert
`a need for further improvementsin linearity.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present disclosure is generally directed to pipelined converter
`[0006]
`systems with enhanced linearity. The drawings and the following description
`provide an enabling disclosure and the appended claimsparticularly point out and
`distinctly claim disclosed subject matter and equivalents thereof.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a diagram of a pipelined converter system;
`FIG. 2 is a diagram of a signal converter embodiment in the system of
`
`[0007]
`[0008]
`FIG. 1;
`[0009]~~FIG. 3 is a diagram of clock signals for use in the signal converter of FIG.
`2;
`.
`[0010}
`FIG. 4 is a reference signal generator which maybeusedin the system of
`FIG.1,
`.
`[0011]
`FIG. 5 is a transfer-function diagram that corresponds to the signal
`converter of FIG.2;
`[0012]
`FIG. 6 is a diagram of a converter system embodiment of the present
`disclosure;
`[0013]
`FIG. 7A illustrate transfer functions of signal-processing stages in the
`system of FIG. 6 and possible dither levels in these stages;
`[0014]
`FIG. 7B is similar to FIG. 7A andillustrates preferred dither levels;
`[0015]
`FIG. 7C illustrates comparator levels in a back-end stage that succeeds
`the stages of FIGS. 7A and 7B;
`[0016]
`FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams of a signal sampler embodiments for use
`in the system of FIG.6;
`[0017]
`FIG. 9 is a diagram of a signal converter embodiment for use in the
`system of FIG. 6;
`,
`[0018]
`FIG.10 is a diagram of another converter system embodiment; and
`{0019}
`FIG. 11 is a diagram of a frontend signal converter embodimentforusein
`the system of FIG. 10.
`,
`
`Page 9
`
`

`

`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`introduce signal converter system embodiments which
`1-11
`FIGS.
`[0020}
`substantially enhance conversion linearity. Signal-processing stages of these
`embodiments may include an initial signal sampler in addition to successively-
`arranged signal converters. Typically,
`the signal sampler provides a respective
`analog output signal in the form of successive samples of a system’s analog input
`signal and all but a back-end oneofthe signal converters processes an analog output
`signal from a preceding one of the stages into a corresponding digital code and a
`respective analog output signal (i.e., a gained-up residue signal). The back-end
`signal converter processes an analog output signal from a preceding one of the
`stages into a corresponding digital code but has no need to provide a respective
`analog output signal.
`{0021}
`In different system embodiments ofthe disclosure, at least a selected one
`of the signal-processing stages is configured to simultaneously process two
`combined analog signals — the system’s analog input signal and an injected analog
`dither signal. The combined signal
`is thus processed down randomly-selected
`signal-processing paths of the converter system to thereby induce different
`magnitudes and signs of INL errors. The errors of these processing paths are
`averaged to thereby provide significant
`improvements in system linearity. This
`processing, however, provides a combined digital code in which a first portion
`corresponds to the analog input signal and a second portion corresponds to the
`injected analog dither signal. The final system digital code is realized by subtracting.
`out the second portion.
`{0022}
`~=In particular, system embodiments of the present disclosure are directed
`to analog-to-digital converter systems such as the system 20 of FIG.
`1 which is
`formed with M successively-arranged signal-processing stages 22 that include a
`signal sampler 24 followed by M-1 successive signal converters 25. Except for a-
`back-end signal converter 25B, each of the stages 22 generates a respective analog
`output signal-and passesthis signal to a succeeding stage for further processing.
`[0023]
`Signal conversion begins with the signal sampler 24 which captures
`samples of an analog input signal from a system input port 26 at a sample rate.
`These samples form the signal sampler’s respective analog output signal which is
`passed to the successive signal converters 25, All but the back-end one of these
`signal converters processes an analog output signal from a preceding one of the
`stages into a corresponding digital code Cagu and a respective analog output signal
`which is passed to the succeeding converter
`stage. The back-end signal
`converter 25B processes an analog output signal from a preceding oneofthe stages
`into a corresponding digital code Cggy but does not form a respective analog output
`signal.
`
`Page 10
`
`

`

`The system 20 includes an aligner/corrector 27 which receives and
`(0024)
`temporally aligns the digital codes Cagy. Each sample from the signal sampler 24 is
`successively processed through the signal converters at the sample rate and, only
`after the aligner/corrector 27 has received the digital codes Cagu from all of the
`signal converters 25, does it provide a system digital code at an output port 28 that
`corresponds to the original
`sample. The signal converters 25 are generally
`configured to provide redundant code bits and the additional conversion information
`in these redundantcode bits is used by the aligner/corrector 27 to correct co