Abstract: A method for forming a plurality of solder bumps on an electronic component substrate utilizes a transfer plate to electrodeposit solder deposits and subsequently reflow the deposits onto the substrate. The plate comprises discrete pad electrodes formed of a ceramic material that is suitably electrically conductive to permit electroplating of the solder alloy, but is not wet by the molten solder to permit reflow onto the substrate. A preferred electrode material is an indium oxide compound. The solder deposits are plated onto the electrodes, and the transfer plate is superposed on the substrate such that the bumps rest upon bond pads on the substrate. The assembly is heated and cooled to melt and resolidify the solder alloy, whereupon the solder bonds to the substrate pads to form the bumps.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for significantly increasing the coding gain of a system used for data communications while still maintaining a high code rate (net data rate/gross data rate) and throughput by using a concatenated coding arrangement wherein error correction capabilities are optimized, having an encoder for encoding data to be transmitted with a first code type to form an outer code which is capable of correcting burst errors and further detecting if the remaining data is error free, and for encoding the data and the outer code with a second code type to form an inner code which is capable of correcting random errors and detecting multiple bit errors.

Abstract: An arrangement for high speed data detection and clock recovery in a multi-level data signal is disclosed wherein the received signal wavform is sampled at periodic preselected locations and the samples so obtained are compared to set values representing the expected levels at those locations. In within a permitted tolerance range over a given window of time, an indication of the presence of data is determined. Futher, if such correlation is determined to occur at a periodic rate, symbol-timing (clock) recovery is also indicated. A further embodiment with a dual recovery capability is also disclosed and described.

Abstract: A fine stoichiometric superconductor powder may be co-precipitated from the addition of appropriate metal compound powders in ammonium carbonate. The co-precipitated powder is very homogeneous because the reaction progresses in liquid solution. For example, YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x superconducting powder may be prepared by the co-precipitation of yttrium oxide, copper (I) acetate, copper (II) acetate and barium acetate. The acetates precipitate by nucleating on the yttrium oxide particles. The process permits a relatively wide window of starting reactant proportions yet still produce ceramics having superconductive properties.

Abstract: A multidielectric electrical filter is adapted for passing a primary electrical signal at a first frequency while attenuating higher frequency signals, most notably harmonic spurs. The filter comprises an elongated transmission line and one or more radial pads overlying a first surface of a dielectric support opposite a ground plate. The support is formed of a first dielectric material to achieve a desired capacitive coupling between the pad and the ground plate effective to attenuate the higher frequency signals. The support further comprises a region underlying the transmission line and containing a second dielectric material having a dielectric constant distinct from the first material. Preferably, the region includes one or more slots containing air to minimize the capacitive coupling between the transmisison line and the ground plate and thereby reduce insertion loss of the primary signal that would otherwise lessen the power of the signal to the antenna.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for accommodating diverse signalling methods and protocols within a single, unified Radio Data Communications system without interference. In this way, improvements and new products may be integrated within a pre-established communications system without the need of discarding older equipment. Further, separate operating systems may be effectively merged without permanently modifying the merged system to one or another of the previous systems' signalling formats.

Abstract: A data processing device is disclosed which includes automatic screen blanking and keyboard deactivation during those times whenever the associated vehicle in which the data device is installed is detected as being in motion. Further, when a message is received while the vehicle is in motion and the display screen blanked, an audible signal is generated to announce the receipt of such received message as well as providing an indication to the user/driver of the vehicle as to the nature of such received call. All keyboard interrupts generated during the time the vehicle is in motion and the visual display blanked are simply ignored.

Abstract: An integral diversity antenna especially suited for use in a laptop computer device without the need for changing or otherwise altering such devices pre-established form factor. Two separately located printed circuit board antenna structures are orthogonally mounted in an associated counterpoise. One such antenna structure is vertically polarized and the other horizontally polarized. In this manner, both spatial and polarization diversity is achieved. The counterpoise serves the additional purpose of affecting both RFI and EMI shielding of the laptop computer's LCD display and driven circuitry.

Abstract: A phase locked loop frequency synthesizer with DC data modulation capability is described. This synthesizer includes an arrangement for detecting one of a plurality of FSK data levels (61), generating a corresponding predetermined compensation signal (71) and utilizing the compensation signal to substantially continuously compensate the frequency synthesizer for normal response to the detected data modulation level.

Abstract: A shared data/voice communication system wherein data traffic may be guaranteed priority at a set, but programmable, level of system capacity and wherein interference between such data and voice traffic is effectively minimized. The system operates on standardized channel access rules in the data mode, as well as requesting permission to operate in the voice mode, which if granted, effects a specific protocol to condition the system for voice traffic and manage the same during such pendency. Long and short timers are selectively activated depending upon whether the system is in the voice or data mode to minimize collisions of the system radio data terminals requesting channel access.

Abstract: An improved interconnection for mounting an electrical component to a substrate, such as a printed circuit board or the like, comprises an interwoven copper film mat embedded within a solder alloy matrix. The solder alloy is bonded to the component and to the substrate and extends continuously therebetween to provide a strong mechanical joint. The copper mat enhances electrical and thermal conductivity through the interconnection and improves compliant to relieve stresses of the type generated by differential thermal expansion of the component and the substrate during use.

Abstract: A body formed of a lead-tin solder alloy is pretreated to deposit palladium thereon prior to soldering to a metallic substrate. It is found that the palladium deposit enhances wetting of the substrate by the solder liquid during reflow and thereby, upon cooling, produces a strong metallurgical bond. In a preferred embodiment, lead-tin solder balls are pretreated by applying tin-palladium colloidal particles and dissociating the particles to form a discontinuous metallic palladium deposit.