Abstract: A decoder for recovering data signals and clock signals from an encoded data stream includes: a delay circuit responsive to an encoded data stream for producing a delayed data stream, the delayed data stream being delayed a predetermined period of time from the encoded data stream; a D-type flip-flop responsive to the encoded data stream and to a clock signal for producing a data signal; and a phase comparator responsive to the delayed data stream and to the data signal for producing a clock signal.

Abstract: An electric drive system uses a multiphase alternating current motor and inverter to convert power from a battery source to provide propulsion. The phase sets defined by the motor stator winding are excited by a corresponding plurality of inverters. Time harmonic currents in the windings are effectively suppressed by providing the drive motor in a configuration having high leakage inductance in the stator winding. The windings are arranged in sets of multiples of three-phase windings. In the illustrated embodiment, the inverters are arranged to define three-phase inverters for exciting m sets, where m.gtoreq.2, of three-phase windings of the motor stator. The number of multiphase winding sets is determined in a manner that eliminates the need for paralleling of inverter switching devices.

Abstract: A data transfer controller allows data to be transferred from a network bus to a system bus in a host computer. The controller has a network bus interface for communicating with the network bus and a system bus interface for communicating with the system bus. The system bus interface has first and second buffers. A dual port memory is utilized and has one port operatively connected to one of the buffers in the system bus interface and to a microprocessor. The direct access channel is established and operatively connected to the other buffer of the system bus interface as well as coupled to the microprocessor and associated control logic. A switch under control of the control logic establishes connections between the second port of the dual port memory and either the direct access channel or the network bus interface.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the reliability of an electronic system formed of subsystems which perform different functions. The electronic system is analyzed to determine which of the subsystems is most likely to cause a system failure and these subsystems are targeted for monitoring and/or correction by a microcontroller unit. The microcontroller unit monitors the inputs and outputs of the targeted subsystems and determines when an output is inappropriate for the corresponding input. When an error is detected, an error code is stored in memory for future reference. When the microcontroller is in a correcting mode, open collector drivers are used to make corrections for an error in a digital output. Where the error generated is for an analog output, a digital to analog converter circuit and voltage followers are employed to impress the correct analog signal on the inappropriate output.

Abstract: A terminal pattern is disclosed for an assembly of reactive metal electrochemical cells which includes a plurality of bipolar electrodes arranged in stacked, spaced relationship and connected in series between a pair of spaced conductive end plates. The terminal pattern on each end plate of the assembly includes an array of interconnected terminal segments of high conductive material disposed outwardly of a center point of the respective end plate in a generally uniform pattern with respect to the area configuration of the end plate. The pattern of terminal segments enlarge the terminal area and provide more uniform current distribution and active metal consumption over the areas of the bipolar electrodes.

Abstract: A multiple layer connection system for compactly connecting a plurality of surface mount integrated circuit packages to a printed circuit board is disclosed. A plurality of staggered metal legs is respectively inserted into a plurality of slots formed along an edge of an intermediate plastic sheet. A first outside sheet and a second outside sheet sandwich the intermediate sheet between themselves. The first outside sheet has a plurality of foil conductors formed on an inside layer thereof to connect with a first portion of the staggered legs. A plurality of feed through holes are in electrical connection with the first conductive traces and with a plurality of first outside foil traces which are connectable by soldering to the legs of a surface mount integrated circuit package. A second plurality of inside foil traces is formed on an inside layer of the second plastic sheet and contacts a second group of the legs.

Abstract: A pressure transducer, which includes a silicon diaphragm with ion-implanted resistors in Wheatstone Bridge configuration and in insulating layer covering the diaphragm, is provided with temperature compensation for differences in thermal expansion coefficients of the layers by depositing a layer of aluminum onto the central portion of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing both clear and opaque defects in a photomask having a metal film pattern on a glass plate in which a visible laser light source is pulsed at selected frequencies to direct an optically focused laser beam into a gas sealed cell containing a mask. At one frequency, the laser pulses ablate opaque mask defects. At another frequency, and with the cell filled with a metal bearing gas, the laser beam causes thermal decomposition of the gas and deposition of metal to cure clear defects.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently coupling laser light to multi-mode fiber uses a solid state laser focussed by a spherical microlens onto a partially reflecting mirror. The mirror is formed by polishing the ends of two fibers at 45 degrees and assembling them such that the ends abut and are substantially parallel. High efficiency is obtained by using the spherical lens to direct most of the laser light into the acceptance cone of the fiber and by orienting the laser such that the electric vector of the light is perpendicular to the fiber axis.

Abstract: A temperature compensated complementary metal-insulator-semiconductor oscillator receives a temperature independent reference voltage from an external source. The temperature independent reference voltage is attenuated and summed with a threshold voltage in order to bias a gate electrode of MOSFET. A bipolar p-n junction diode is connected to the MOSFET at a source electrode in order to bias the MOSFET with a temperature dependent forward voltage drop to compensate for temperature variations therein. The MOSFET controls a temperature independent current. A current mirror assembly receives the current and controls a Schmitt trigger oscillator. The Schmitt trigger oscillator generates a signal having a temperature independent constant period.

Abstract: A power module of the type including a plurality of power cells arranged in a longitudinal stacked relation. Each power cell includes a frame, a gas-consuming cathode supported at one end of the frame and a consumable anode supported intermediate the ends of the frame by a flexible diaphragm spanning the frame. The diaphragm divides the frame into a chamber for the introduction thereinto of an electrolyte between the anode and the cathode, and an expansion chamber on the opposite side of the anode for the introduction thereinto of fluid under pressure. The pressurized fluid biases the anode toward the cathode during anode consumption, and the diaphragm provides for longitudinal and angular movement of the anode to accommodate uneven corrosion of the anode. The frames of adjacent cells define a third chamber therebetween for the introduction of consumable gas to the cathode.

Abstract: A circuit for measuring small propagation delays associated with a digital logic circuit has first and second signal paths. The first signal path in the digital logic circuit has at least a first predetermined number of devices and has an input and an output. Similarly, the second signal path in the digital logic circuit has at least a second predetermined number of devices and also has an input and an output. The first predetermined number of devices is different than the second predetermined number of devices. An input multiplexer multiplexes a predetermined input signal to the inputs of the first and second signal paths. First and second output signals are thereby produced on the outputs of the first and second signal paths, respectively. An output multiplexer causes the output signals to be combined into a single multiplexed output signal. An average propagation delay is determined from the differential area between the output signals in the multiplexed output signal.

Abstract: A method for fabricating thin-film multilayer interconnect signal planes for connecting semiconductor integrated circuits is described. In this method, a first pattern of thin-film metallic interconnect lines is formed on a surface of a substrate. Then a first dielectric layer is formed over the entire surface of the substrate covering the pattern of thin-film metallic interconnect lines. A portion of the dielectric layer is then removed to expose the thin-film metallic interconnect lines so that a series of trenches is formed above each interconnect line. The interconnect lines are then electroplated to form a series of thicker metal interconnect lines such that the thicker metal interconnect lines and the dielectric layer form a substantially planer surface. This process can then be repeated in its entirely to form a plurality of interconnect signal planes. In the preferred embodiment, metallic vias are provided between each layer of metallic interconnect lines for electrical connection purposes.

Abstract: A system and a method useful in the formation of electrodes for use in electrochemical cells are disclosed. The system includes a pair of conductive metallic terminal electrodes spaced apart from one another and disposed in an aqueous electrolyte. The terminal electrodes are in electrical contact with a power supply to effect a flow of current in the electrolyte away from the first of the terminals and toward the second of the terminals. At least one precursor electrode comprising a material to be reduced or oxidized in electrical contact with a conductive backplate is disposed in the electrolyte between the terminals. The precursor electrode is oriented relative to the terminal electrodes so as to effect the reduction or oxidation of the material thereof. Restraining forces are applied to the precursor electrode to substantially maintain the dimensions of the precursor electrode during its reduction/oxidation.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a novel semiconductor device and the method of making it. A novel field effect transistor (FET) has a channel region which is heavily doped under the gate and between the gate and the source of the FET. The channel region between the gate and the drain is lightly doped. The FET is formed on a heavily doped semiconductor substrate. The method of making the novel FET comprises providing a mask layer over a lightly doped channel region and forming openings in the mask layer such that a portion of the mask is located at the gate location and has a predetermined width and height. Ion implanting is performed at a predetermined angle such that a first portion of the channel adjacent the source is heavily doped and a second portion of the channel adjacent the drain is not exposed due to the height of the mask at the gate.

Abstract: A package for thermal dissipation of heat from multiple integrated circuit chips is described. The package includes a silicon substrate for electrical connection to silicon integrated-circuit chips. The silicon substrate provides a high degree of thermal dissipation of heat generated by the chips. In addition, the invention comprehends that the silicon substrate is attached to a heat dissipating means. In the preferred embodiment, the heat dissipating means includes a metal heat sink. The package is capable of dissipating up to six watts per square centimeter of heat from the chips.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure having at least three types of wells which may be of different doping levels and methods of manufacturing such a structure, are disclosed. In one method, regions which will become active devices are protected with a nitride layer as the associated well-regions are implanted. In another method, previously implanted wells are covered with thick oxide which in combination with the nitride layer provides automatic alignment of adjacent wells. In yet another method, implanted wells are covered with oxide while a last well is implanted with this last well being defined by both thick oxide and photoresist. All methods avoid a masking step and avoid the need for aligning the edge of a later photoresist mask with the edge of an earlier photoresist mask. The structures formed by these methods may have heavily-doped P wells, heavily-doped N wells, and lightly-doped P or N wells, or both, for forming higher breakdown voltage devices on the same chip with lower breakdown voltage devices.

Abstract: A fillerless electric fuse having a wire-like fusible element is provided with a body of thermoplastic material which cooperates with the fusible element to establish an impermeable barrier within the fuse between the fuse end terminals. The thermoplastic material is preferably a hot melt adhesive introduced into the casing in a fluid state.

Abstract: A physiological pressure sensing and monitoring system including a sterile throwaway pressure transducing device. The device includes a pressure transducer mounted together with a flow control valve in a housing. The device includes a first connector for connecting the device to a source of sterile solution, a second connector for electrically connecting the pressure transducer to a monitoring device, and a third connector for selectively connecting the device to a catheter inserted into a patient's circulatory system. The device, including the connectors, is made to be low cost so as to permit the entire device to be installed and discarded as a unit so as to constitute a throwaway pressure sensing and flow regulator. The pressure transducer includes a novel mounting of the strain gage beam to the isolator which has been found to effectively avoid cracking and breaking of the beam from the stress forces applied thereto in the operation of the device.

Abstract: A method of power generation and associated system therefor employing an electrochemical cell including a reactive metal anode, a cathode spaced from the anode and an electrolyte comprising an aqeuous solution of the hydroxide of the reactive metal is disclosed. The method of the invention utilizes the thermal coefficient of solubility of the metal hydroxide anode reaction product as a means by which electrolyte management is accomplished. The electrolyte, after passing through the electrochemical cell to generate electric power, is cooled to precipitate at least a portion of the reactive metal hydroxide. The precipitate is then separated from the electrolyte, thereby reducing the concentration of the reactive metal hydroxide in the electrolyte. The resulting electrolyte is then recirculated to the electrochemical cell.