Electronics encompasses a broad range of technologies, including radio communications and microprocessors. Optoelectronics, semiconductors and solid-state devices are the most commonly used technologies in electronic devices.
The Current Industry: Electronic Patents
Some examples include:
- Circuit board electronic
- Computer
- Wireless communication device
- Electronic component (e.g. transistor)
You may be able to patent electronic patents with software patent features. Additionally, you might need to protect the algorithms in an electronic patent.
An “electronics Patent” covers the design and construction of electronic devices or systems that use electricity as energy source. An electronic patent protects the device’s physical structure, its operation, or both.
An electronics patent might protect one or more circuits that perform specific functions, such as transmitting data between devices or processing data.
There is an increase in innovation in this sector. However, the USPTO is publishing a lot of new examples of electronics patents. But the process for patenting technology including electronics, is unchanged.
This article has analyzed many of the most recent electronics patents.
Electronics Patents in the Semiconductor Industry
Patent protection has been a support for innovation in semiconductor technology over the years.
Moore’s Law will remain the standard for CMOS transistor density scalings for the next eight to ten year. This will be possible thanks to advancements in EUV patterning and the introduction new device architectures that allow logic standard cell scaling.
Growth in Semiconductor Electronics Patents
Moore’s Law cannot be sustained without innovations in front-end of-line (FEOL), device architecture. FinFET has become the dominant transistor architecture. Transistor density will follow Gordon Moore’s path, which includes the mentioned innovations.
Two-dimensional materials such as tungsten disulfide (WS2) in the channel promise performance improvements because they allow for more aggressive gate size scaling than Si or SiGe. 2D-based devices are made up of multiple sheets, which can be stacked and connected together from one side.
Semi-damascene modules for metallization will simultaneously increase resistance as well as capacitance, even in the most tight pitch metal layers. Semi-damascene allows you to adjust the aspect ratio to lower resistance, and also use air gaps between lines to control capacitance rise.
Future systems will be reliant on heterogeneous integrations that leverage 3D and 2.5D connectivity to overcome the memory wall, improve functionality in form-factor constrained systems, and increase yields for large chip system. High-bandwidth memories (HBM) are stacked dynamic access (DRAM) that can be connected directly to a CPU/GPU via a short interposer.
It could be advantageous to use 3D partitioning of on-chip memory at lower levels of the cache hierarchy. What happens to the system level if static random access memory (SRAM) is replaced by magnetic RAM? In the traditional layout, the CPU would be located near the caches in an ordered configuration.
Electronics Patent Analysis: The Current State of Semiconductor Chip Innovation
Future chips will move the caches between one chip and another. This stack was made using 3D wafer bonding methods. Signals between the caches and CPU travel shorter distances, so it is possible to expect a decrease in latency as well as speed. To enable partitioning at higher levels of the cache hierarchy, a high-density wafer to wafer stacking technology must be used.
At 700nm interconnect pitch, wafer-to-wafer hybrid bonding was demonstrated. In the near future, we expect bonding technology advancements to allow interconnects with 500nm pitch.
Heterogeneous integration is enabled by 3D integration technologies such as die-to-die or die-to-Si-interposer stacking using Sn microbumps or die-to-silicon using hybrid Cu bonding. Different functions, such as logic, memory, and I/O interfaces, can all be performed on different chips because SoCs are becoming increasingly heterogeneous.
This is because different SoCs may use different CMOS technologies. It may be cheaper and more efficient to use different process technologies for different sub-systems in order to optimize design cost and yield. This could address the need to increase chip variety and customize.
NAND storage will grow incrementally over the next few decades without any architectural changes. Today’s most advanced NAND products have 128 layers of storage capacity. Additional layers of 3D scaling could be possible by wafer-to-wafer bonding.
Electronics will continue to advance in the next few years. All aspects of electronics will improve, from Smart grids to IoT to Digital twins and power electronics. These technologies will change the world in many ways. However, you need to be able to keep up with the latest developments if you want stay on top of all the changes.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT), a technology that connects billions of objects, is called the Internet of Things. It allows devices to exchange information, allowing people to manage their properties and homes.
Although IoT is not new, it has experienced significant growth in popularity. The number of connected devices will triple in the next three-years.
IoT is not only a way to increase connectivity but it can also help an organization run more efficiently. This can improve the quality of services as well as decision-making. IoT can also help organizations better understand their customers. This data can be used to make better business decisions.
A health monitoring system, for example, can send data to a doctor online and monitor vital signs. It can also be used for monitoring the patient’s progress in treatment.
A smart meter, which can monitor your energy consumption, is another example. This device will help users reduce their energy consumption.
An IoT device can also be used by pharmacists to monitor the temperature of medicine bottles. These are just some of the many uses IoT has.
IoT has many key applications, including military, health, and consumer electronics. While privacy concerns are valid, IoT has many benefits.
Wearable devices, for example, can give more precise and immediate information about an individual’s exercise or other activities. They can be used to monitor blood flow and oxygen levels, as well as the movement of the hands.
A sensor that detects changes in a building or infrastructure or in workflows is another example. An organization can cut its energy costs by monitoring this information.
Smart grids
The smart grid is a new era in electronics. The new power distribution system will give consumers and businesses real-time information about energy, as well as improve efficiency and reliability. It will allow consumers to manage their energy bills.
Smart grid technologies are rapidly gaining popularity. The market for them is expected to grow to $400 billion by 2020. These technologies are being developed by a variety of companies. These technologies include on-load tapping chargers, advanced protective relays, and smart meters.
Smart grids can reduce carbon emissions, increase power quality, and minimize outages. Smart grids will be able to provide additional power for peak demand.
Smart grids can also include self-healing technology. These features allow utilities to detect and solve problems automatically.
These technologies have long-lasting benefits that are both immediate and lasting. The United States Department of Energy refers to this initiative as an ‘unprecedented chance’ to improve the efficiency of electricity use.
The “Internet of Things” plays a major role in the advancement of the smart grid. Utility companies can use IoT sensors to unlock new energy management options.
Smart grids are more resilient and reliable than traditional power distribution systems. Smart grids can also be integrated with a variety of information technologies to communicate with customers and each other.
The demand for smarter grids will increase as green energy becomes more important. Utilities can make use of data to determine when to switch on or off power supplies. Artificial Intelligence can be used to make predictions.
Digital twins
Digital twins are a powerful technology that links physical assets and digital information. This technology allows companies to improve their operations and increase system performance. This technology is used in many industries including engineering, manufacturing, and architecture.
Different analytics platforms provide real-time visibility to the digital twins’ performance. These platforms can be deployed either on-premises or in the cloud.
A sophisticated digital twin can provide many benefits, including improved root cause tracking and fewer false positives. Advanced analytics technologies like machine learning and artificial Intelligence solutions can automate the operation of a digital twin.
Digital twins can also be used to predict future performance. This allows companies to anticipate potential problems and make better decisions.
Digital twins are being used by companies to improve customer service and operations. They can also help to lower operational costs. You can determine whether a solution is right to your business by looking at its pricing and user reviews.
Beamo allows you to quickly create a digital Twin in just minutes. Then you can access and navigate to your virtual facilities easily.
There are many other tools, technologies, and techniques in the digital twin space. This is a fantastic technology, but it doesn’t mean that it will be easy for people to use. These systems are often based on outdated code and rules.
To make better decisions, sophisticated digital twins utilize evolving asset and environment data. These models have more positives than negatives. For example, they reduce the number of prototype variations.
Smartwatches
Smartwatches are becoming more popular due to the advancement of technology. These smartwatches can give you real-time information about your health, fitness, and other pertinent information. These devices can alert you to potential problems.
These devices can be worn with your smartphone. Many watches have GPS built in. These watches can monitor your movements and provide weather information. These wearables also have the ability to set timers or use voice commands.
It can be difficult to choose the right smartwatch. It is important to determine what features the smartwatch offers. Some models can monitor a range of health metrics such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels. Some models can even monitor your exercise sessions.
Smartwatches that are the best will have cellular connectivity. They can send texts, phone calls, and receive app alerts from your smartphone. Many models are waterproof so you can take a swim or shower without worrying.
Smartwatches that have LTE are available at a higher price can be bought. Many smartwatches can send and receive text messages, make payments, and post to social media. Another important feature to be aware of is the battery life.
Many of the most expensive watches have GPS tracking and notifications so that you can track your steps. Many models allow you to store music from different streaming services. The Samsung Galaxy Watch is a smart watch that allows you to pay with your phone.
Garmin VivoactiveHR has a long history of many useful features. An action button can be customized to launch apps and take splits.
Power electronics
An electrical device that converts electric power from one source into another, called power electronics. These devices are used in many industries, including consumer electronics, cars, clean energy, and railways. These technologies can also be used to produce renewable energy, such as wind and solar power.
Between 2022 and 2028, the market for power electronics will grow at 3.1% CAGR. The global power electronics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% between 2022 and 2028. It is also projected that it will reach USD 34010 millions by 2021.
Several major players in power electronics will showcase their latest innovations during CES 2023. Smart power storage, intelligent edge system, and 5G/6G infrastructure are just a few of the products being displayed. Power Electronics will also showcase its DC fast charging technology to charge electric vehicles.
The demonstration of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), for electric vehicles will also be a highlight. Power Electronics will also present a complete range of DC fast chargers to the EV market. The company will also display the most recent technologies in AC charging, and AC power systems.
The power electronics market has been divided into three major categories. Each category has a forecast and revenue, as well as information about the application and type of product. This report gives a complete overview of the industry. It highlights important trends and future opportunities. It also helps industry players to gain a strong position on the global power electronics market.
Electronics Patents in the AI and IoT Industry
Artificial Intelligence and IoT have been growing semiconductor technologies. IoT/AI has led to a significant increase in innovation within the semiconductor industry. Manufacturers who can meet both IoT- and AI requirements for semiconductor chip chips will dominate future markets.
In tandem with increasing demand for high-performance computing equipment, 5G networks will be implemented. If innovation can keep up with consumer demand, this new market presents huge opportunities for semiconductor producers.
Hardware-assisted AI systems, which allow computers to “think” and “learn” using artificial intelligence with large neuron network networks that consume low power consumption, are also in the future. So semiconductor technology must adapt to these changes. Instead of prioritizing speed and power, semiconductor manufacturers must be focused on efficiency.
There are two strategies you can use when it comes to electronic inventions: defensive and offensive patenting.
Intense patenting is the process of actively seeking patents for new technologies or innovations to stop others from using them. Companies that develop new technologies or want to be a leader in their market use this strategy. Companies can obtain patents on key technologies to prevent others from using them without having to pay licensing fees. This can create a substantial revenue stream.
On the other hand, defensive patenting is a way to obtain patents as a defense against possible infringement lawsuits from others. Companies that have a strong market position and wish to prevent their technology from being copied by others will often use this strategy. Companies can obtain patents on existing technologies to make it more difficult for others to enter the market.
Combining defensive and offensive patenting can make electronic companies more successful. Companies can secure a market-leading position by obtaining patents for new technologies. They also protect their existing technologies against being copied by other companies. Cross-licensing and licensing agreements can also be used to monetize patents and reduce the risk of litigation. Important to remember that IP protection strategies in the electronic space should align with the overall business strategy of the company and its mission. It is also important to remember that the electronic market is highly competitive. Any new technology must be able compete with existing products on the market.
Powerpatent is focused on the use of the intellectual property to assist electronics clients in achieving their business goals and increasing shareholder value. Our integrated IP model combines the expertise of our team across procurement, defense, and enforcement to optimize all aspects of our clients’ IP strategies.
We understand that success depends on our larger team of both our professionals and our clients. We work closely with the top management of our clients when providing advice on technology patenting and deals. This includes strategic, patent procurement, licensing negotiation, litigation, and other critical stages. This collaboration includes optimizing clients’ IP, including training technical teams and in-house counsel, creating enforcement-ready portfolios, negotiating licensing agreements, performing IP due diligence for investment and acquisition opportunities, and protecting or enforcing their intellectual property rights.
Our IP professionals are able to offer counsel and assist clients in a wide range of electronic sectors. They draw on years of experience, thought leadership, advanced educational training, and decades of practical business and engineering knowledge to develop the necessary skills to help clients achieve business goals in a variety of electronics sectors, including:
- Digital and analog circuits
- Computer architecture and computer systems
- Coding, cryptography and compression
- Data storage
- Electronic design automation
- Flexible electronics
- Architecture and applications for graphics processing units
- Integrated circuits
- Applications and e-commerce via the Internet
- Lighting — Plasma and solid-state
- Systems, memory circuits and technologies
- MEMS Manufacturing and applications
- Mobile communication and computing
- Materials engineering, nanotechnologies and quantum-effect devices
- Communications and networking
- Optoelectronics & photonics
- Near-field and RF communications
- Semiconductor structures, processes, devices, lithography, and manufacturing equipment
- Software
- 3-D printing
We represent both emerging and mature companies in the technology space. Our focus has always been on innovation. Some of the most significant technological breakthroughs have been made by our team.