Abstract: A magnetic, solid state memory cell or sensor includes a magnetoresistive, ferromagnetic layer and a resistive layer overlying the magnetoresistive layer. The resistivity and dimensions of the resistive layer are such that, preferably, only a small fraction of any sense current flowing through the cell or sensor will flow between input and output contacts by way of the resistive layer, yet the magnitude of the sense current will not be reduced below a desired signal level due to the presence of the resistive layer. The resistive layer is comprised of a material which will not diffuse into the magnetoresistive layer. A compound or mixture of a metal and either nitrogen or oxygen, such as tantalum and nitrogen, is preferred as the resistive layer. It is also preferred that the resistive layer be nonmagnetic.

Abstract: An accelerometer switch which has cantilever beams carrying integral end masses formed in a silicon die which is sandwiched between a contact plate and a support plate. Each beam provides switching at a different threshold acceleration level. The fixed contact face of the contact plate is configured with a relief space to permit accelerometer switch operation even though the input acceleration is off-normal and there is twisting of the accelerometer beam.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter is provided based on supplying various multiplexed inputs, including analog input signal samples, to a voltage-to-current converter charging and discharging an integrated capacitor. A comparator determines the status of this capacitor to a control counter to provide digital representations.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant digital integrated circuit includes functionally identical circuit blocks, each of such identical circuit blocks having an input region and an output region. The input regions receive identical input signals and the output regions are electrically connected to a combining logic gate, typically an OR gate. In this way a defect in any one of the identical blocks will not prevent operation of the circuit.

Abstract: A bipolar transistor with a laterally elongated emitter and base so a laser can diffuse dopant from that emitter through that base to the corresponding collector.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor using a plurality of magnetoresistive material strips having conductors positioned over the strips near the ends but isolated therefrom, the strips being interconnected with interconnections located between the conductors. Strip ends may be tapered outside of the conductors. A plurality of such arrangements may be interconnected.

Abstract: A reconfigurable digital register that can be serially loaded has an additional bit associated with the register which holds information indicative of a mode of operation of the register. The mode control bit is located such that it can be serially loaded along with the other bits. A particularly useful embodiment is to use the mode control bit to configure the register as either a test pattern generator or a signature analysis register in support of integrated circuit self-test functions.

Abstract: A fuse status detection circuit for determining the conduction of fuses used in integrated circuits is disclosed based on a flip-flop circuit containing the fuses which is set to an initial state during operation.

Abstract: A voltage reference generator based on a pair of differentially connected transistor devices, having a current sink at that connection, with one leg of the differential pair adapted for connection to a first voltage and the other leg having a pair of series-connected impedances connected thereto and adapted at the opposite end for connection to a second voltage supply.

Abstract: An integrated circuit using interconnection of opposite plates of multiple capacitors formed therein to stabilize composite capacitor parameters.

Abstract: A submersible ROV removes extraneous material from the surface of submerged metal with a cleaning tool and measures the thickness of the metal with an ultrasonic probe. A camera allows visual operation of the ROV. The cleaning tool and ultrasonic probe can reach areas of limited access making the ROV useful for inspecting the interior of holding tanks. A submersible, electrical power supply can be combined with the ROV to provide an intrinsically safe system which is particularly useful in environments where sparks pose a substantial hazard.

Abstract: An oscillator in which a selected portion of selected oscillatory cycles can be synchronized with a corresponding selected feature occuring in an externally supplied signal using logic gates with feedback thereabout and an input capacitance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device comprising the step of defining metal interconnect features in a metal layer so that a metal feature having a size substantially larger than a predetermined feature size comprises an array of metal features. Each of the metal features in the array has a size not substantially larger than the predetermined feature size.

Abstract: A temperature compensation scheme for a piezoresistive pressure sensor utilizing resistors with carefully chosen temperature coefficients of resistivity to provide a totally passive network.

Abstract: A digital memory based on a memory cell having two magnetoresistive, ferromagnetic film portions separated by an intermediate layer, all of limited thickness. Each of the magnetoresistive film portions is less than 300 .ANG. thick and the intermediate layer is less than 100 .ANG. thick. Conductive wordlines separated from the upper magnetoresistive film by an insulating layer are utilized, in conjunction with sense current which passes through the cells, to select particular cells for read or write operations.