Abstract: A method of operating a barcode reader. The method includes (1) detecting a first pulling of the trigger while the barcode reader is at the waiting mode; (2) detecting a first release of the trigger within a first predetermined time period after the first pulling of the trigger is detected, for operating the barcode reader in the aiming mode if the first release of the trigger is detected within the first predetermined time period,; and (3) detecting a second pulling of the trigger while the barcode reader is at the aiming mode within a second predetermined time period after the first release of the trigger is detected, for operating the barcode reader in the decoding mode if the second pulling of the trigger is detected within the second predetermined time period.

Abstract: A THz radiation detector comprising a plurality of antenna arms separated from a suspended platform by an isolating thermal air gap. The detector functions to concentrate THz radiation energy into the smaller suspended MEMS platform (e.g., membrane) upon which a thermal sensor element is located. The THz photon energy is converted into electrical energy by means of a pixilated antenna using capacitive coupling in order to couple this focused energy across the thermally isolated air gap and onto the suspended membrane on which the thermal sensor is located.

Abstract: A tool for analog and mixed signal circuits includes a unit enabling a user to identify one or more critical interconnect lines in a chip architecture and one or more selectable, predefined topologies for said critical interconnect lines. Each topology includes one or more signal wires and a current return path. A majority of the electric field lines are contained within the boundary of the topology. The invention also includes a method for designing analog and mixed signal (AMS) integrated circuits (IC), including defining a chip architecture and a floor plan, identifying one or more critical interconnect lines and selecting pre-designed transmission line topologies for the critical interconnect lines.

Abstract: A communications system according to certain embodiments includes a mobile device and a second type of communications system, such as a landline telephone system, that share usage information. The shared information can include call logs of in-coming and out-going calls, missed calls, text messages, address book information, GPS data, internet browsing data, and the like.

Abstract: A method and system for design and modeling of transmission lines are provided. The method includes providing a set of models of core structures (211) of transmission line cells and expanding each of the models of core structures (211) to include different neighboring elements. The parameter characteristics of the expanded core structures (214a-214c) are compared to determine a model having a minimal sufficiently closed neighborhood environment. A closed neighborhood environment complies with design rules to ensure desired transmission line behavior in a real design environment. A model having a closed neighborhood environment can be used as a stand-alone model of the core structure describing the transmission line behavior in the actual design environment.

Abstract: A novel and useful apparatus for and method of providing noise isolation between integrated circuit devices on a semiconductor chip. The invention addresses the problem of noise generated by digital switching devices in an integrated circuit chip that may couple through the silicon substrate into sensitive analog circuits (e.g., PLLs, transceivers, ADCs, etc.) causing a significant degradation in performance of the sensitive analog circuits. The invention utilizes a deep trench capacitor (DTCAP) device connected to ground to isolate victim circuits from aggressor noise sources on the same integrated circuit chip. The deep penetration of the capacitor creates a grounded shield deep in the substrate as compared with other prior art shielding techniques.

Abstract: A THz radiation detector comprising a plurality of antenna arms separated from a suspended platform by an isolating thermal air gap. The detector functions to concentrate THz radiation energy into the smaller suspended MEMS platform (e.g., membrane) upon which a thermal sensor element is located. The THz photon energy is converted into electrical energy by means of a pixilated antenna using capacitive coupling in order to couple this focused energy across the thermally isolated air gap and onto the suspended membrane on which the thermal sensor is located.

Abstract: Methods are provided for building integrated circuit transformer devices having compact and optimized architectures for use in MMW (millimeter-wave) applications. The integrated circuit transformer devices have universal and scalable architectures that can be used as templates or building blocks for constructing various types of on-chip devices for millimeter-wave applications.

Abstract: Methods are provided for building integrated circuit transformer devices having compact and optimized architectures for use in MMW (millimeter-wave) applications. The integrated circuit transformer devices have universal and scalable architectures that can be used as templates or building blocks for constructing various types of on-chip devices for millimeter-wave applications.

Abstract: A novel and useful apparatus for and method of providing noise isolation between integrated circuit devices on a semiconductor chip. The invention addresses the problem of noise generated by digital switching devices in an integrated circuit chip that may couple through the silicon substrate into sensitive analog circuits (e.g., PLLs, transceivers, ADCs, etc.) causing a significant degradation in performance of the sensitive analog circuits. The invention utilizes a deep trench capacitor (DTCAP) device connected to ground to isolate victim circuits from aggressor noise sources on the same integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: A method of modeling capacitance for a structure comprising a pair of long conductors surrounded by a dielectric material and supported by a substrate. In particular, the structure may be on-chip coplanar transmission lines over a conductive substrate operated at very high frequencies, such that the substrate behaves as a perfect dielectric. It is assumed that the surrounding dielectric material is a first dielectric with a first permittivity (?1) and the substrate is a second dielectric with a second permittivity (?2). The method models the capacitance (C1) for values of the first and second permittivity (?1, ?2) based on known capacitance (C2) computed for a basis structure with the same first permittivity (?1) and a different second permittivity (?2). Extrapolation or interpolation formulae are suggested to model the sought capacitance (C1) through one or more known capacitances (C2).

Abstract: A method of modeling capacitance for a structure comprising a pair of long conductors surrounded by a dielectric material and supported by a substrate. In particular, the structure may be on-chip coplanar transmission lines over a conductive substrate operated at very high frequencies, such that the substrate behaves as a perfect dielectric. It is assumed that the surrounding dielectric material is a first dielectric with a first permittivity (?1) and the substrate is a second dielectric with a second permittivity (?2). The method models the capacitance (C1) for values of the first and second permittivity (?1, ?2) based on known capacitance (C2) computed for a basis structure with the same first permittivity (?1) and a different second permittivity (?2). Extrapolation or interpolation formulae are suggested to model the sought capacitance (C1) through one or more known capacitances (C2).

Abstract: A novel and useful apparatus for and method of providing noise isolation between integrated circuit devices on a semiconductor chip. The invention addresses the problem of noise generated by digital switching devices in an integrated circuit chip that may couple through the silicon substrate into sensitive analog circuits (e.g., PLLs, transceivers, ADCs, etc.) causing a significant degradation in performance of the sensitive analog circuits. The invention utilizes a deep trench capacitor (DTCAP) device connected to ground to isolate victim circuits from aggressor noise sources on the same integrated circuit chip. The deep penetration of the capacitor creates a grounded shield deep in the substrate as compared with other prior art shielding techniques.

Abstract: A method for determining the layout of an interconnect line is provided including: providing a required width for the interconnect line; determining a layout of the interconnect line including slotting the interconnect line to provide two or more fingers extending along the interconnect line with an elongate slot separating adjacent fingers; and determining a number of elongate apertures to be arranged across the width of the interconnect line by comparing the required width with a maximal width for a solid metal feature, and a minimal elongate aperture width. The two or more fingers and elongate slot may be of constant width and equally spaced across the interconnect line width. The method may include selecting the number of fingers and the width of the slots to optimize the layout for a given layer technology.

Abstract: A method and system for design and modeling of transmission lines are provided. The method includes providing a set of models of core structures (211) of transmission line cells and expanding each of the models of core structures (211) to include different neighboring elements. The parameter characteristics of the expanded core structures (214a-214c) are compared to determine a model having a minimal sufficiently closed neighborhood environment. A closed neighborhood environment complies with design rules to ensure desired transmission line behaviour in a real design environment. A model having a closed neighborhood environment can be used as a stand-alone model of the core structure describing the transmission line behaviour in the actual design environment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for a reader transceiver circuit are described. The reader transceiver circuit incorporates a frequency generator, such as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) oscillator. A reader incorporating the reader transceiver circuit is configured to read a tag at very close range, including while being in contact with the tag. The transceiver can be coupled to various host devices in a variety of ways, including being located in a RFID reader (e.g., mobile or fixed position), a computing device, a barcode reader, etc. The transceiver can be located in an RFID module that is attachable to a host device, can be configured in the host device, or can be configured to communicate with the host device over a distance. The RFID module may include one or more antennas, such as a first antenna configured to receive a magnetic field component of an electromagnetic wave and a second antenna configured to receive an electric field component of an electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system, methods and apparatus for determining a direction of motion of an RFID tag. An RFID reader is provided that includes an antenna that is tilted at a tilt angle with respect to a detection path. Response signals from the RFID tag are received at the antenna at different times, and an RSSI sample of each response signal is measured. Based on the RSSI samples, an RSSI/time data point is generated for each of the RSSI samples. Each RSSI/time data point defines a measured RSSI value for a particular RSSI sample versus a time that particular RSSI sample was measured. Based on the plurality of RSSI/time data points, the direction of motion of the RFID tag can be determined.

Abstract: A novel and useful apparatus for and method of providing noise isolation between integrated circuit devices on a semiconductor chip. The invention addresses the problem of noise generated by digital switching devices in an integrated circuit chip that may couple through the silicon substrate into sensitive analog circuits (e.g., PLLs, transceivers, ADCs, etc.) causing a significant degradation in performance of the sensitive analog circuits. The invention utilizes a deep trench capacitor (DTCAP) device connected to ground to isolate victim circuits from aggressor noise sources on the same integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: A method and system for design and modeling of transmission lines are provided. The method includes providing a set of models of core structures (211) of transmission line cells and expanding each of the models of core structures (211) to include different neighboring elements. The parameter characteristics of the expanded core structures (214a-214c) are compared to determine a model having a minimal sufficiently closed neighborhood environment. A closed neighborhood environment complies with design rules to ensure desired transmission line behaviour in a real design environment. A model having a closed neighborhood environment can be used as a stand-alone model of the core structure describing the transmission line behaviour in the actual design environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing a wireless local area network with a wide area, cellular or public switched telephone network including the function of a wireless LAN base station or access point, and a gateway. The interface may contain one or more different types of gateways, including a PSTN voice gateway, an analog modem gateway, and others. The apparatus may also include a well designed to receive the handset or mobile computer device to recharge the battery as well as to automatically transfer data when the phone or device is secured in the well.