Abstract: A high efficiency non-dissipative snubber circuit suitable for most power supplies used in international markets is disclosed. Circuit uses diode-capacitor-inductor structure to capture input voltage equivalent and reverse polarity on snubber capacitor. No external voltage source is required.

Abstract: A probe apparatus for use with analyzing devices, primarily oscilloscopes, which uses pole-zero cancellation to provide a probe with low capacitance and wide bandwidth. Pole-zero cancellation enables the probe to have constant gain at all frequencies. In one embodiment, the coaxial cable between the probe tip and the replication amplifier is terminated in its characteristic impedance to provide constant gain at all frequencies regardless of cable length. Use of pole-zero cancellation and thick film technology enables building a probe with a small, durable tip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for random repetitive sampling in digital oscilloscopes is disclosed using a psuedo-random noise generator to vary randomly the beginning of a search for a trigger event to enable the acquiring of data which has no gaps.

Abstract: A regulated power supply that provides two desired direct current voltages at respective outputs thereof, the supply maintaining the difference between voltages appearing at the outputs the same as the difference between the desired values, series regulators respectively coupled to each output that are in a saturation mode when a voltage that is a fraction of the voltage between the outputs lies within a given range, where one of the series regulators is placed in a linear mode when the voltage is at or beyond one edge of the range, and the other series regulators is placed in a linear mode when the voltage is at or beyond the other end of the range.

Abstract: An alias detector for digital oscilloscopes is provided to detect inaccurate reconstructions of waveforms. Testing may be done according to the Nyquist criterion of a minimum of two points per period of the waveform or according to a user-specified criterion. The testing may be useful for detecting perceptual aliasing. The alias detector may automatically correct the error or display a warning to the user. The time frame for testing may be varied with reference to the time frame displayed to the user.

Abstract: A printed circuit board connector is disclosed in which contacts of the connector are self-cleaning as the board is inserted into or extracted from the connector.

Abstract: A printed circuit board connector is disclosed in which contacts of the connector are self-cleaning as the board is inserted into or extracted from the connector.

Abstract: A method of fabricating sub-micrometer gates in a semiconductor device is disclosed in which a pre-passivation layer is formed over the gate region during fabrication. This pre-passivation layer protects the gate and underlying gate trough region from surface contamination during device fabrication. Sub-micrometer gate lengths are obtained by use of optical lithography, e.g., angle-shadow metal evaporation techniques and chemical lift-off methods.