Abstract: Control system for controlling at least one part of a vehicle includes a plurality of sensor systems mounted at different locations on the vehicle, each sensor system providing a measurement related to a state thereof system or a measurement related to a state of the mounting location. A processor is coupled to the sensor systems and diagnoses the state of the vehicle itself and optionally its dynamic motion based on the measurements of the sensor systems. The processor controls each part based at least in part on the diagnosed state of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing signals via directional couplers embedded in a package are disclosed and may include generating via a directional coupler, one or more output RF signals that may be proportional to a received RF signal. The directional coupler may be integrated in a multi-layer package. The generated RF signal may be processed by an integrated circuit electrically coupled to the multi-layer package. The directional coupler may include quarter wavelength transmission lines, which may include microstrip or coplanar structures. The directional coupler may be electrically coupled to one or more variable capacitances in the integrated circuit. The variable capacitance may include CMOS devices in the integrated circuit. The directional coupler may include discrete devices, which may be surface mount devices coupled to the multi-layer package or may be devices integrated in the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may be flip-chip bonded to the multi-layer package.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of preventing collisions between readers in an RFID system. The method includes a first step of RFID readers selecting transmitting channels by examining channels, a second step of transmitting signals via the selected transmitting channels, a third step of receiving signals via channels having the same frequencies as the selected transmitting channels; a fourth step of determining whether a collision has occurred by examining the status of the signals that are received via the transmitting channels; a fifth step of, if, as a result of the determination at the fourth step, it is determined that a collision between the readers has occurred, repeating the first to fourth steps after delays of random time periods based on a predetermined equation, and a sixth step of, if, as a result of the fourth step, no collision between readers is detected, communicating with the corresponding RFID tags.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for reducing transceiver power via a variable signal constellation are provided. In this regard, an Ethernet PHY device may receive one or more signals indicative of a current state of an Ethernet link to which the PHY device is coupled and/or indicative of resources, such as power, available to the PHY device. Accordingly, a number of points comprising a signal constellation utilized to communicate data via the Ethernet link may vary based on the one or more signals. A current state of the link may comprise a bit error rate, a packet error rate, and/or utilization, in terms of bandwidth for example, of the link. Aspects of the invention may enable controlling, at least in part, power consumption of the PHY device may altering the number of points comprising the signal constellation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for receiving signals via a multi-port distributed antenna are disclosed and may include selectively enabling one or more low noise amplifiers (LNAs) coupled to the antenna. The selective enabling may be based on a desired gain level applied to a signal received from the antenna. The LNAs may be coupled to ports on the antenna based on an input impedance of the LNAs and an impedance of the ports. Each of the LNAs may be configured for optimum linearity in different gain ranges, which may be proportional to the input impedance of the LNAs. The antenna may be integrated on a chip with the LNAs, or may be located external to the chip. The antenna may include a microstrip antenna. The LNAs may include variable gain and may be enabled utilizing a processor. Linearity on demand may be enabled via the selective enabling of the LNAs.

Abstract: There is presented a system and method for unlocking a content associated with media. In one aspect, the method comprises identifying the media, generating an authentication key using at least one key data from a set of key data contained in the media, determining an address in the media of at least one content unit corresponding respectively to each of the at least one key data used to generate the authentication key; requesting the at least one content unit by providing the address; receiving user data in response to the requesting; comparing the user data with the at least one key data used to generate the authentication key; and unlocking the content associated with the media if the user data matches the authentication key.

Abstract: According to an embodiment disclosed herein, a microelectronic device to be encapsulated is built on, or alternatively in, a substrate. The device is then coated with a sacrificial layer. A lid layer is deposited over the sacrificial layer, and then appropriately perforated to optimize the removal of the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer is then removed using one of several etching or other processes. The perforations in the lid layer are then sealed using a viscous sealing material, thereby fixing the environment that encapsulates the device. The sealing material is then cured or hardened. An optional moisture barrier may be deposited over the cured sealing layer to provide further protection for the encapsulation if needed.

Abstract: There is provided a method for encrypting a data stream using multiple algorithms. In one embodiment, a first portion of the data stream is encrypted with a first algorithm utilizing a first key to generate a first encrypted portion. The first algorithm can be, for example, a Triple Data Encryption Algorithm (TDEA). Data indicating the first algorithm and the first key is then transmitted. Then, the first encrypted portion of the data stream is transmitted. Thereafter, a second portion of the data stream is encrypted with a second algorithm utilizing a second key to generate a second encrypted portion. The second algorithm can be, for example, a Single Data Encryption Algorithm (SDEA). Next, data indicating the second algorithm and the second key is transmitted. Thereafter, the first encrypted portion of the data stream is transmitted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closed-loop class-D amplifier circuit including a modulated reference signal generator that provides a modulated reference signal in a feed-forward path, where the reference signal is modulated corresponding to an input signal. The closed-loop class-D amplifier circuit further includes a comparator to generate a control signal based on a comparison of the modulated reference signal and a correction signal, which in turn is produced by filtering a combination of the input signal and a feedback signal. The closed-loop class-D amplifier circuit also includes a pulse generator to generate a pulse-width-modulated signal to drive an output stage of the closed-loop class-D amplifier based on the control signal.

Abstract: There is provided a method for use by a content processing device for facilitating the analysis of audience ratings data for content. In one embodiment, content is received from a source. Then, the content is encoded into a target format to enable insertion of a first number of markers in the content, each of the first number of markers indexing a time period of the content. Thereafter, a content records database that includes the audience ratings data corresponding to the content are accessed. The audience ratings data are then associated with the first number of markers. The audience ratings data are displayed during playback of the content.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating a backside through-wafer via in a processed wafer includes forming a through-wafer via opening through a substrate and extending the through-wafer via opening through at least one interlayer dielectric layer situated over the substrate. The method further includes forming a metal layer in the through-wafer via opening, where the metal layer forms an electrical connection to substrate. The metal layer is also in electrical contact with an interconnect metal segment situated above the at least one interlayer dielectric layer. The method further includes performing a thinning process to reduce the substrate to a target thickness before forming the through-wafer via opening. The method further includes forming an electrically conductive passivation layer on the metal layer and over a bottom surface of the substrate, where the electrically conductive passivation layer is in electrical contact with the metal layer and the substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a method of managing a plurality of data files using a plurality of schemas. The method comprises selecting a first schema from the plurality of schemas, determining current data files of the plurality of data files with respect to the first schema, identifying an outdated data file of the plurality of data files with respect to the first schema, selecting a transform file configured to transform the outdated data file into a current data file with respect to the first schema, transforming the outdated data file into a current data file with respect to the first schema by applying the transform file to the outdated data file. The method may further comprise validating the current data file against the first schema after transforming the outdated data file. The data files, schema, and transform file may comprise, respectively, an XML file, an XSD file, and an XSLT file.

Abstract: Various approaches are disclosed for generating an output graphical object from an input graphical object. In one approach, vector graphics data representing the input graphical object in a memory are stored. A first subset of the vector graphics components of the vectors graphics data to leave unchanged for the output graphical object, a second subset of vector graphics components to alter for the output object, and a third subset of vector graphics components to discard from the output object are determined. Each vector graphics component in the second subset is altered, and the first and altered second subsets of vector graphics components as the output graphical object.

Abstract: A method of providing an interactive game through playback of video, the method comprising the steps of providing a video player with a processor, the processor capable of accepting user input, drawing graphics or text on top of video playback, and controlling playback of sounds; providing media with a primary video stream for standard playback, and game instructions working in cooperation with the video stream, and an edit decision list; reading the edit decision list into the CPU and playing the portions of the video stream as instructed by the edit decision list; and superimposing other graphics onto the video to create an interactive game experience.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a laser beam formatting module for use in a lithographic system to fabricate a semiconductor wafer comprises an aperture plate having, for example, a circular aperture and capable of being situated between a laser source and a target, and a lens assembly, in a light path between the aperture plate and the target. The laser beam formatting module can produce a substantially uniform laser beam intensity across a target during fabrication of a semiconductor wafer in a laser-produced plasma (LPP) lithographic process using, for example, extreme ultraviolet light (EUV). In one embodiment, a laser beam formatting module improves energy conversion efficiency, reduces out-of-band radiation emission, avoids heating of reflective optics, and eliminates the need for an out-of-band radiation filter.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for configurable antenna in an integrated circuit package are provided. In this regard, a phased array antenna embedded in a multi-layer integrated circuit (IC) package may be utilized for transmitting and/or receiving signals. An IC enabled to transmit and/or receive signals may be bonded to the multi-layer IC package and may communicate a reference signal and/or one or more phase shifted versions of said reference signal to the antenna. One or more phase shifters (fabricated, for example, in planar transmission line) may be embedded in the multi-layer IC package and may be controlled via an IC bonded to the multi-layer IC package. The phased array antenna may comprise a plurality of antenna elements which may each comprise an interconnection for communicatively coupling to an associated transmitter and/or receiver, a feeder line, a quarter wavelength transformer, and a radiating portion (e.g., a folded dipole).

Abstract: A sealed semiconductor power module that may include a rectifier, such as a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), is provided. The module includes an AlN substrate having a bottom surface positioned on a metallic base plate and a top surface that includes a first pad and a second pad, the substrate including a copper body on both of the two major surfaces. The module also includes a first die and a second die positioned on top of the first and second pads, respectively, the first die and the second die each including a main contact area on a top surface thereof, the first die including an isolated gate area on the top surface to which is coupled a gate terminal; and first and second power terminals in direct wirebondless electrical connection via molybdenum tabs with the main contact areas of the die.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for configuring a transformer embedded in a multi-layer integrated circuit package are provided. In this regard, a windings ratio of a transformer embedded in a multi-layer IC package bonded to an IC may be configured, via logic, circuitry, and/or code in the IC, based on signal levels at one or more terminals of the transformer. The transformer may comprise a plurality of inductive loops fabricated in transmission line media. The integrated circuit may be flip-chip bonded to the multi-layer package. The IC may comprise a signal strength indicator enabled to measure signal levels input to or output by the transformer. The windings ratio may be configured via one or more switches in the IC and/or in the multi-layer package. The IC and/or the multi-layer package may comprise ferromagnetic material which may improve magnetic coupling of the transformer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the device are disclosed in which the semiconductor device includes ohmic contacts on different planes and the method for manufacturing the device includes etching a semiconductor stack of different conductivity semiconductor layers in successive steps to create a first opening of a first width in a first semiconductor layer to expose another semiconductor layer, and then a second opening of a narrower width in the another layer, whereby a portion of the another layer remains exposed for receiving an ohmic contact.

Abstract: A driving circuit for a half bridge utilizing bidirectional semiconductor switches in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a high side driver operable to control a high side bidirectional semiconductor switch, wherein the high side driver provides a negative bias voltage to the bidirectional semiconductor switch to turn the high side bidirectional semiconductor switch OFF. A low side driver may be operable to control a low side bidirectional semiconductor switch. An external voltage source with a negative terminal of the voltage source connected to the high side driver may be provided. A high side driving switch may be positioned between the negative terminal of the voltage source and the high side driver and operable to connect the high side driver to the negative terminal of the voltage source when the low side driver turns the low side bidirectional semiconductor switch ON.