DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
1. The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Priority
2. Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55.
Specification
3. The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities: on the second line of paragraph [0002], --which is-- should be inserted before the word "capable". On the second line of paragraph [0003], the word "to" should be changed to
--with--. On the last line of paragraph [0003], the word "increases" should be changed to --increased--. On line 3 of paragraph [0004], the word "improve" should be changed to
--overcome--. On line 3 of paragraph [0007], the comma after the word "that" should be deleted. On line 3 of paragraph [0025], "VIN" should be changed to --VIP--, and on line 8 of this paragraph, the word "embodiment" should be changed to --embodiments--. On line 6 of paragraph [0027], the word "he" should be changed to --the--. On line 5 of paragraph [0031], a comma should be inserted after the word "example", and on line 10 of this paragraph, the word --input-- should be inserted after "and". On line 7 of paragraph [0033], the word "multiple" should be deleted. On lines 3 and 4 of paragraph [0035], commas should be inserted after the word "example". On the second line of paragraph [0039], the word "voltage" should be changed to --voltages--, and on line 9 of this paragraph, the word --the-- should be inserted before "transmission". On lines 8 and 9 of paragraph [0044], commas should be inserted after the word "example". On line 4 of paragraph [0046], a comma should again be inserted after the word "example". On line 3 of paragraph [0048], the word "signals" should be changed to --signal--, and on line 5 of this paragraph, --a-- should be inserted before "handshake". On line 4 of paragraph [0049], a comma should be inserted after "example. On line 9 of paragraph [0053], "corresponding among" should be changed to --of--, and note that the same change should also be made on line 10 of this paragraph. On the second line of paragraph [0064], the word "referred" should be changed to --obtained--. On line 3 of paragraph [0065], the word "one" should be changed to --a--. On the last line of paragraph [0066], the word "with" should be deleted.
Appropriate correction is required.
Drawings
4. The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, the reference voltage generator outputting the common-mode voltage, as recited on line 5 of claim 1, must be shown or the feature canceled from the claims. The originally filed drawings do not show the limitation recited on line 5 of claim 1, i.e., the reference voltage generator outputting the common-mode voltage, the reason being that the "common-mode voltage" is actually output by the termination resistor circuit, note what is indicated on the second line of claim 1. As illustrated in figure 2, the reference voltage generator 220 and the termination resistor circuit 210 output two different common-mode voltages, i.e., reference voltage generator 220 outputs a first common-mode voltage VCM and termination resistor circuit 210 outputs a second common-mode voltage VCM, and therefore it is incorrect in independent claim 1 to recite that the termination resistor circuit and the reference voltage generator both output the common-mode voltage.
Also not shown in the originally filed drawings is the comparator performing an offset calibration in response to an offset calibration signal, as recited on lines 8-9 of claim 1. As shown in figure 2 of the originally filed drawings, the offset calibration signal OC is output from digital circuit 250 to the digital-to-analog converter 260, but no offset calibration signal is illustrated between DAC 260 and comparator 230. No new matter should be entered.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Claim Objections
5. Claim 5 is objected to because of the following informalities:
On line 4 of claim 5, the word "and" should be deleted (note the recitation of "and" at the end of line 6 of this claim).
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112(a)
6. The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a):
(a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention.
Claims 1-13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) as failing to comply with the enablement requirement. The claims contain subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to enable one skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and/or use the invention.
The originally filed specification and drawings do not enable the limitation recited on line 5 of claim 1, i.e., the reference voltage generator outputting the common-mode voltage, the reason being that the "common-mode voltage" is actually output by the termination resistor circuit, note what is indicated on the second line of claim 1. As illustrated in figure 2 of the originally filed drawings, the reference voltage generator 220 and the termination resistor circuit 210 output two different common-mode voltages, i.e., reference voltage generator 220 outputs a first common-mode voltage VCM and termination resistor circuit 210 outputs a second common-mode voltage VCM, and therefore it is incorrect in independent claim 1 to recite that the termination resistor circuit and the reference voltage generator both output the common-mode voltage, as recited on lines 2 and 5 of this claim. The originally filed specification and drawings also do not enable the limitation recited on lines 8-9, i.e. the comparator performing offset calibration in response to an offset calibration signal. As shown in figure 2 of the originally filed drawings, the offset calibration signal OC is output from digital circuit 250 to the digital-to-analog converter 260, but no offset calibration signal is illustrated between DAC 260 and comparator 230.
Claims 2-13 are rejected in view of their dependencies on non-enabled claim 1.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112(b)
7. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
Claims 1-13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
On line 5 of claim 1, the recitation that the reference voltage generator performs the function of outputting the common-mode voltage is misdescriptive of the invention and therefore indefinite, the reason being that the "common-mode voltage" is actually output by the termination resistor circuit, note what is indicated on the second line of claim 1. More specifically, as illustrated in figure 2 of the originally filed drawings, the reference voltage generator 220 and the termination resistor circuit 210 output two different common-mode voltages, i.e., reference voltage generator 220 outputs a first common-mode voltage VCM and termination resistor circuit 210 outputs a second common-mode voltage VCM, and therefore it is incorrect in independent claim 1 to recite that the termination resistor circuit and the reference voltage generator both output the common-mode voltage, as recited on lines 2 and 5 of this claim.
Also in claim 1, it is inconsistent to recite that the comparator performs an offset calibration in response to an offset calibration signal, as indicated on lines 8-9 of this claim, i.e., as shown in figure 2 of the originally filed drawings, the offset calibration signal OC is output from digital circuit 250 to the digital-to-analog converter 260, but no offset calibration signal is illustrated between DAC 260 and comparator 230.
Claims 2-13 are indefinite in view of their dependencies on indefinite claim 1.
Allowable Subject Matter
8. Claims 1-13 would be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome the rejections under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) and 35 U.S.C. 112(b) set forth in this Office action.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: none of the prior art of record discloses or suggests a receiver comprising a termination resistor circuit, a reference voltage generator, a comparator, a filter and a digital circuit configured as recited in independent claim 1. The closest prior art uncovered during the examiner search is Jin et al (USPAP 2024/0303214) which discloses a receiver 1100 (figure 1) with offset calibration (note offset calibrator 1300), where the receiver has a normal transmission mode and an offset calibration mode (see figure 6), and the normal transmission mode includes multiple transmission modes, i.e., a first transmission mode when the data input signal is applied to a comparator 1150, and a second transmission mode when reference voltage VREF is applied to the comparator (figure 11). Jin et al also discloses a termination resistor circuit (resistor Rt), as shown in figure 1, and a reference generator 1200 also shown in figure 1, which outputs one of a pair of reference voltages VREF and VREF_AMP. Jin et al also discloses an offset calibration circuit 1300 which outputs an offset calibration signal OC_CTRL, has also shown in figure 1. However, Jin et al does not disclose or suggest that the termination resistor circuit outputs a common mode voltage when in the calibration mode and outputs a plurality of input signals when in the normal transmission mode, as recited on lines 2-4 of claim 1. Nor does Jin et al disclose or suggest that the reference voltage generator outputs the common mode voltage when in the calibration mode or provides plurality of reference voltages when in the normal transmission mode, as recited on lines 5-7 of claims of claim 1. Nor does Jin et al disclose or suggest that comparator 1150 generates a first signal according to the common mode voltage as recited on lines 8-10 of claim 1. Nor does Jin et al disclose or suggest the claimed filter for outputting the first signal when the receiver is in the calibration mode and generating the output signal according to the first signal when the receiver is in the normal transmission mode, as recited on lines 12-14 of claim 1. Nor does Jin et al disclose or suggest the claimed digital circuit for generating the offset calibration signal according to the output signal, as recited on the last two lines of claim 1.
Additional Prior Art Not Relied Upon
9. The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
USPAP 2014/0029702 discloses, in figures 2 through 4, a receiver 20 including a variable termination resistance unit 202 which outputs a common mode voltage or a plurality of input signals to comparator 402.
Conclusion
10. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KENNETH B WELLS whose telephone number is (571)272-1757. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, REGIS J BETSCH, can be reached at (571)270-7101. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/KENNETH B WELLS/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2836 June 12, 2026
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