Abstract: A radiation-hard dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device having reduced sensitivity to single event upset and latchup. The radiation-hard DRAM device includes a high-density configuration of transistors that have undergone neutron bombardment. The high-density configuration of transistors reduces sensitivity to single event upset, but increases sensitivity to latchup. Neutron bombardment reduces the increased sensitivity to single event latchup to effectively provide permanent latchup immunity.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a packaging construction for removably mounting and interconnecting semiconductor wafers with minimized interconnection lead lengths between the wafers and with a high packing density. The wafer packaging construction includes a multilayer printed circuit board, an insulating board interposed between each wafer and the circuit board and upper and lower housing sections. Electrical connections between contact areas on each semiconductor wafer and the multilayer circuit board are established by compressing the housing sections together, thus compressing wadded-wire connector elements positioned in openings of the insulating boards against the wafer contact areas and the multilayer circuit board contact areas.

Abstract: An improved demodulator recovers data symbols from a serial data stream comprising digital bits and outputs said data symbol in parallel data format. The demodulator includes sampling means to take multiple samples of each data bit in the received serial data stream, correcting any irregularity in the duration of the bit, and from those samples reconstructs a parallel data stream. A companion modulator serves to transform a parallel data stream in the serial data form. Together the modulator and demodulator are formed within a single substrate of semiconductor material. The modulator demodulator serves preferably as elements of a media access controller for a fiber optic transmission system that transmits data at rates of 100 Mhz.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for accurately removing preselected lengths and thicknesses of insulation from an electrical cable. This is accomplished by making a circumferential cut of preselected depth and distance from the end of the electrical cable, through the use of a guide tool in combination with a first cutting tool. Following the circumferential cut in the insulation, the end portion of the electrical cable is secured in a substantially stationary position through the use of one or more clamping devices in combination with a fixturing body. The insulation layer is then removed through the use of a cylindrical cutting tool guided by a guide body into the end of the electrical cable. This second cutting tool is forced axially along the length of the electrical cable and rotated with respect to the cable so as to perform a circular cutting of the cable insulation in an axial direction from the end of the electrical cable to the location of the previous circumferential cut.

Abstract: A power distribution system for distributing power to an IC is formed by attaching a grid having at least one power bus and one ground bus to the top surface of the IC die. The grid is adapted to be electrically coupled with power and ground pins in the IC's package The grid has an insulative layer on its bottom surface to electrically isolate the grid's bottom surface from the IC. The grid is adapted to cover substantially the entire top surface of the IC and to be electrically coupled directly from the top surface of the grid to terminal or connection points on the top surface of the IC. The connection points can be distributed throughout the IC to reduce the area of metallization in the IC and the path length the current from the power busses must traverse.

Abstract: An integrated waveguide/stripline signal transition structure and method for fabricating the same are provided for allowing high frequency signal transitions. The signal transition structure includes a waveguide which has a conductive cavity for guiding electromagnetic waves therethrough. A first conductive circuit layer is fabricated within the conductive cavity and is electrically connected thereto. A second conductive signal layer is fabricated within the conductive cavity and is isolated from the conductive cavity and the first conductive signal layer. A plurality of dielectric layers are provided which suspend the first and second conductive signal layers within the conductive cavity. The second conductive signal layer and the conductive cavity thereby allow for signal transitions therebetween. The first and second conductive signal layers and dielectric material are integrally fabricated on top of a removable material which is subsequently removed.

Abstract: A "packageless" diode chip is integrated into a microstrip patch antenna. Application of DC current to the device results in efficient radiation of high powered microwave frequency signals directly into free space.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for high speed tuning to a commanded frequency using a low noise high speed frequency synthesizer employing a learning sequence. A phase-locked loop (PLL) generates the commanded frequency. High speed tuning circuitry high speed tunes the PLL to the commanded frequency. Thereafter, the high speed tuning circuitry is substantially isolated from the PLL, while learning circuitry is employed to learn a correction signal which will enable subsequent more accurate high speed tuning to the commanded frequency.

Abstract: A cryogenic radiation-hard dual-layer field oxide of reoxidized nitrided oxide (ONO) which provides radiation hardness for field-effect transistors and other semiconductor devices at cryogenic temperatures. The dual-layer field oxide includes a thin lower dielectric layer of reoxidized nitrided oxide and an upper deposited dielectric layer that remains charge neutral. The upper dielectric layer is preferably silicon nitride or a doped oxide, such as phospho silicate glass or boro phospho silicate glass. The lower dielectric layer can be made very thin since reoxidized nitrided oxide is a much better barrier layer to the diffusion of boron or phosphorous from the upper dielectric layer into the silicon substrate than silicon dioxide. A thin lower dielectric layer allows only a small amount of positive charge buildup, while the upper dielectric layer traps both holes and electrons and remains charge neutral.

Abstract: Multispectral signature analysis techniques are used to reliably separate a missile electro-optical signal from a background. The system provides higher reliability and reduced complexity when compared to conventional approaches.

Abstract: In a large semiconductor memory having multiple memory modules that are addressable by a logical page address and a word address within each page, a technique for automatically testing the modules to establish a pool of good modules; then allocating each logical page of memory to a group of modules, with each module in the group being assigned to a particular bit position in all of the data words in the page. After allocation of each page, the modules in the page are tested in various ways to verify that they are fully functional. Modules not passing any of the tests are replaced by others from the pool of good modules. If the pool is exhausted, a partial page is de-allocated. Tests performed on the modules making up a logical page include a random access memory test, a test on bus connections to each module, and tests on the other major components of each module.

Abstract: A security management system that utilizes bar codes to document inspections made by security officers at various areas being inspected. The system includes software, data scanners, data transmitters, a personal computer and noncopiable bar code labels. Noncopiable bar code labels are placed on security padlocks used to secure lock bar cabinets, on safes containing classified material and on secure area entrances and exits. When making the security rounds, the security officer will scan the bar code label on the padlock, safe or secure area entrance or exit. Later this information is processed by computer to generate a report showing the date, time and location of the inspection, and the identity of the inspecting officer.

Abstract: An apparatus for the bending of a flexible conduit having first and second ends includes first and second assemblies which are fixed for relative rotation with the first and second ends. An axis of rotation passes through the first and second assemblies. The apparatus further includes a driven gear fixed for rotation with the first assembly. The driven gear is adapted to cooperate with a drive gear to rotate the first assembly with respect to the second assembly. The first assembly includes a first extendable portion which attaches directly to the first end. Similarly, the second assembly includes a second extendable portion which attaches directly to the second end. The first and second assemblies function to vary the distance between the axis of rotation and the first and second ends as the first assembly is rotated with respect to the second assembly.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of fabricating a plurality of diamond semiconductor wafers from a single crystal diamond semiconductor boule, where the diamond boule is grown by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Initially, a single crystal diamond seed is polished and an impurity layer is deposited on the polished seed crystal. The CVD growth process is then initiated to deposit a layer of single crystal diamond over the impurity layer to form the diamond boule. At desirable intervals, the CVD growth process is stopped and a surface of the diamond boule is polished in order to accept another impurity layer. Each impurity layer is photolithographically patterned in order to generate an alternating configuration of impurity regions and hole regions. The impurity regions and the hole regions enable the bond between the diamond layers to be weakened without causing the crystalline orientation to deviate.

Abstract: A flight data recorder for reliable, high-speed storage of flight data employs a distributed, modular architecture in which an array of controller/memory modules is arranged in parallel controller/memory chains and the memory in the individual controller/memory modules is partitioned into submodules. This distributed architecture allows failed controller/memory modules or failed memory submodules to be bypassed, thus providing fault tolerances for both controller and memory functions. The modular architecture allows the number of controller/memory modules to be easily configured to accommodate any required storage size, while the number of parallel controller/memory chains can be configured to accommodate any required data rate.

Abstract: This invention discloses a semiconductor bulk acoustic resonator including at least one thin film piezoelectric layer positioned on a semiconductor substrate. The acoustic resonator includes a heating ring positioned around the outer perimeter of the piezoelectric layer in order to heat the piezoelectric layer to a desirable elevated temperature. A heat sensing film fabricated on the piezoelectric layer monitors the temperature of the piezoelectric layer such that the heating ring maintains the piezoelectric layer at a constant temperature. By this, an oscillator circuit using this semiconductor bulk acoustic resonator as the frequency controlling element can maintain a constant frequency over a wide range of temperatures which may affect frequency stability.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for shaping a beam of radiation from a circularly polarized beam shaping antenna to create a predetermined radiation pattern. A circularly polarized feed horn generates the beam of radiation to be shaped. Circularly polarized radiator elements attached to a ground plane are positioned to receive the beam of radiation. Each radiator element is physically rotated about an axis relative to the ground plane to alter its phase. The radiator elements are then operable to individually radiate a beam of radiation to form a combined radiation beam creating the predetermined radiation pattern.

Abstract: A high-Q, gainless external resonant ring cavity for generating high peak power pulses from semiconductor laser diodes and other low-power, continuous-wave laser sources. The resonant ring cavity stores laser energy from a continuous-wave laser source and periodically dumps the stored laser energy in pulses having peak power levels many times greater than that of the laser source.

Abstract: A common input junction, multioctave, printed microwave multiplexer. In a first preferred embodiment the multiplexer is in the form of a microstrip. In an alternative preferred embodiment the multiplexer is provided in the form of a suspended substrate multiplexer. Each of the preferred embodiments include independently formed first, second and third channels each having an input and an output, with the input of each channel being coupled together and to a common input junction. The channels are adapted to simultaneously receive radio frequency (RF) signals in the range of, for example, about 3 to 18 GHz. The first independent channel provides an RF output signal having a frequency range of preferably about 3 to 5.5. GHz. The second independent channel provides an RF output signal having a frequency range of about 5.5 to 10 GHz, and the third independent channel provides an RF output signal having a frequency range of about 10 to 18 GHz.

Abstract: A system for introducing true time delays in a phased array antenna for pulsed signals comprising an active, recirculating delay time system which is selectively activated to introduce variable delays in the signal path between the signal transceiver and the individual antenna array elements.