Nordic Semiconductor has been granted a patent for a method and apparatus for accessing a memory circuit. The method involves initializing a wait state counter, monitoring its output, receiving a memory ready signal, and providing an ON-state data ready signal based on specific conditions. GlobalData’s report on Nordic Semiconductor gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on Nordic Semiconductor, M2M communication interfaces was a key innovation area identified from patents. Nordic Semiconductor's grant share as of January 2024 was 30%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Memory access method with wait state counter and synchronizer

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Nordic Semiconductor ASA

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11881285B2) discloses a method and apparatus for providing access to a memory circuit. The method involves receiving a read enable input, initializing a wait state counter to count a predetermined number of clock cycles, monitoring the output of the wait state counter, receiving a memory ready signal from the memory circuit at a synchronizer input, monitoring the synchronizer output, and providing an ON-state data ready signal based on the elapsed wait state counter or the synchronizer output being in the ON-state.

Furthermore, the method includes provisions for providing stop signals between the synchronizer and the wait state counter based on the state of the synchronized ready signal output and the wait state counter. The apparatus comprises a wait state counter, a synchronizer, and a circuitry connected to the outputs of the wait state counter and the synchronizer, configured to provide the ON-state data ready signal. The wait state counter is designed to count clock cycles based on a worst-case estimate for memory access delay, ensuring efficient access to data output from the memory circuit.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.