Abstract: A read channel (18) having a waveform sampler (58) is provided for use in a disk drive mass storage system (30). The disk drive mass storage system (30) includes a disk/head assembly (12), a preamplifier (14), and a control circuitry (11). The read channel (18) is coupled to the control circuitry (11) through a data/parameter path (13). The read channel (18) includes a plurality of circuit modules for processing a waveform data signal received from the preamplifier (14) and to generate a digital data signal in response. The read channel provides the digital data signal to the control circuitry (11) through the data/parameter path (13). The read channel (18) also includes the waveform sampler (58) for receiving and sampling a processed waveform signal from one of the plurality of circuit modules and for generating a digital waveform sampler signal in response. The read channel can provide either the digital data signal or the digital waveform sampling signal as an output onto the data/parameter path (13).

Abstract: A multiple peak resonant tunneling diode (10) includes multiple vertical semiconductor structures (12, 13). The vertical structures (12, 13) include a resonant tunneling diode having a predetermined cross-sectional area and a series resistor of a predetermined resistance. The vertical structures (12, 13) are spaced from one another and interconnected in parallel. Additionally, the vertical semiconductor structures (12, 13) are fabricated such that their predetermined diode cross-sectional areas and series resistances have values that vary by predetermined amounts to adjust the respective peak currents and/or peak voltages of the vertical semiconductor structures (12, 13).

Abstract: A method and system are provided for distinguishing objects. Signals representative of the objects are input. From the signals, measurements of multiple types are acquired. At least one of the measurement types is continuously variable. In response to the measurements, respective amounts of mutual information of the measurement types are determined. In response to the respective amounts of mutual information, at least one measurement type is selected for evaluation in distinguishing the objects.