Abstract: A structure is formed from two layers of material having opposite conductivity types. A first region is formed within the structure, and extends at least in part into a layer to be etched. A surface of the structure is then masked and etched. The result is a microstructure which varies with the conductivity type and geometry of the region formed and etchant used.

Abstract: A pressure transducer having means for improving the linearity and sensitivity of an output signal from the pressure transducer. Ribs and bosses are introduced in the diaphragm region to collect the moments caused by a difference in pressure on the two sides of the diaphragm and thus improve device sensitivity. In addition, the ribs and bosses prevent stretching of the piezoresistors thus improving the linearity of the device. A constraint can also be included to improve the alignment of the piezoresistors thus improving the linearity of the device.

Abstract: A bearing seal assembly (10) provides a seal and a low-friction bearing between a shaft (18) and a housing (20); and includes a relatively flexible annular seal (12) circumscribing the shaft (18), a low friction race (14) circumscribing and nonrotatably mounted to the seal (12) and a low friction case (16) rotatably housing the seal (12) and the race (14). The bearing seal assembly can be used to seal the annular area between an automotive steering column and an automotive body.

Abstract: A linear voltage-to-current converter which operates entirely from a single power supply, accepts input voltages as low as one diode-drop from ground, and accepts input voltages greater than the power supply voltage is disclosed. Current mirrors sense an input voltage converted to a current through a resistor and reflect the current as one component of the output current. Additional compensation circuits provide a second component of the output current which compensates for non-linearities.

Abstract: A current switch whose turn-on and turn-off voltages are independent of temperature includes a transistor switch circuit having two input transistors to which a differential voltage is applied, two sensing transistors for sensing turn-on and turn-off voltages respectively, and an output transistor controlled by the sensing transistors. A differential voltage sensing circuit including a differential transistor pair is connected to receive the differential voltage at the inputs of the transistors and to deliver the differential voltage to the transistor switch circuit. A biasing current source is provided to supply biasing currents which vary as a function of temperature to the input and sensing transistors of the switch circuit, and a biasing current source is provided to supply a biasing current which varies as a function of temperature squared to the differential transistor pair.

Abstract: A temperature dependent amplifier which may be used as a system building block in temperature compensation applications is disclosed. A temperature dependent signal source generates a first order temperature dependent signal which is multiplied by an input signal and divided by a temperature reference signal to produce an output which varies in direct proportion with temperature changes. The input signal is multiplied by the temperature reference signal and divided by the temperature dependent signal to produce an output which varies inversely proportional to temperature changes.