Abstract: A heat and shock resistant integrated circuit (IC) of the present invention includes a base material, a metal layer disposed on the base material, a silicon die disposed on the metal layer, additive material disposed on the base material, gas filled filler material disposed between the additive material and the silicon die, and first traces electrically connecting the silicon die to the additive material. Packing of the integrated circuit provides exceptional thermal stress relief and impact protection of circuitry within the packaging.

Abstract: A current-mode, multi-stage oscillator converts an oscillating current to an oscillating voltage using one or more current voltage converters on one or more of the output stages of the multi-stage oscillator. The use of current voltage convertors transforms the low output swing (e.g., transistor threshold limited) of the oscillator into a rail-to-rail voltage oscillation with minimal jitter and operational stability over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: A current-mode, multi-stage oscillator converts an oscillating current to an oscillating voltage using one or more current voltage converters on one or more of the output stages of the multi-stage oscillator. The use of current voltage convertors transforms the low output swing (e.g., transistor threshold limited) of the oscillator into a rail-to-rail voltage oscillation with minimal jitter and operational stability over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: A heat and shock resistant integrated circuit (IC) of the present invention includes a base material, a metal layer disposed on the base material, a silicon die disposed on the metal layer, additive material disposed on the base material, gas filled filler material disposed between the additive material and the silicon die, and first traces electrically connecting the silicon die to the additive material. Packing of the integrated circuit provides exceptional thermal stress relief and impact protection of circuitry within the packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus for programming a fuse includes a programmable branch comprising a fusable element and a reverse-biased diode connected in series. The programmable branch is connected in parallel with a current boost capacitor. An electrical source or input supplies a current that is sufficient to charge the current boost capacitor to a breakdown voltage of the reverse-biased diode and subsequently melt the reverse-biased diode. Melting the reverse-biased diode may induce a reduction in voltage across the current boost capacitor and result in a current surge through the programmable branch that is sufficient to program (i.e. blow) the fusable element. A corresponding method for programming a fuse is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for programming a fuse includes a programmable branch comprising a fusable element and a reverse-biased diode connected in series. The programmable branch is connected in parallel with a current boost capacitor. An electrical source or input supplies a current that is sufficient to charge the current boost capacitor to a breakdown voltage of the reverse-biased diode and subsequently melt the reverse-biased diode. Melting the reverse-biased diode may induce a reduction in voltage across the current boost capacitor and result in a current surge through the programmable branch that is sufficient to program (i.e. blow) the fusable element. A corresponding method for programming a fuse is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit apparatus with heat removal has an electrical interconnection network. The electrical interconnection network has a plurality of electrically and thermally conductive vias in electrical communication with terminals of at least one semiconductor device. An electrically insulating heat spreader is chemically bonded to each of the vias at an upper layer of the electrical interconnection network. At the upper layer the vias are electrically isolated from each other. In some embodiments the electrically insulating heat spreader is a polycrystalline diamond body with a metallized undersurface. The metallized undersurface may be etched away between vias.

Abstract: A method for identifying properties of a downhole electromagnetic network in a downhole tool sting, including the step of providing an electromagnetic path intermediate a first location and a second location on the electromagnetic network. The method further includes the step of providing a receiver at the second location. The receiver includes a known reference. The analog signal includes a set amplitude, a set range of frequencies, and a set rate of change between the frequencies. The method further includes the steps of sending the analog signal, and passively modifying the signal. The analog signal is sent from the first location through the electromagnetic path, and the signal is modified by the properties of the electromagnetic path. The method further includes the step of receiving a modified signal at the second location and comparing the known reference to the modified signal.

Abstract: This invention provides an asynchronous electronic circuit that has an asynchronous memory circuit where the memory cells are arranged in columns and rows. The asynchronous circuit includes a read completion detection circuit and a write completion detection circuit that determines an end of the read cycle or the write cycle for a word byte of information. Upon completion of the read or write cycle an acknowledge signal is generated from the read completion detection circuit or the write completion detection circuit. The read and/or write acknowledge signal is used as a control signal to advance the electronic circuit to the next subsequent step in a process. The invention further provides a method for detecting the end of a read and/or write cycle issuing an acknowledge signal that may be used to provide control to an asynchronous electronic circuit to advance to the next step in a sequence.

Abstract: A state-holding circuit having improved stability at high temperatures includes a bi-stable circuit capable of assuming one of two reversible and stable states. The bi-stable circuit comprises a plurality of logic components (e.g., transistors) arranged into two sides. Because each of the logic components has a leakage current and/or resistance that varies significantly as a function of temperature, one or more stabilization components, such as transistors or other devices, may be connected to a side of the bi-stable circuit to balance the leakage currents and/or resistances of each side. In certain embodiments, the sole function of the stabilization components is to balance the leakage currents and/or resistances of each side.

Abstract: An integrated circuit apparatus with heat removal has an electrical interconnection network. The electrical interconnection network has a plurality of electrically and thermally conductive vias in electrical communication with terminals of at least one semiconductor device. An electrically insulating heat spreader is chemically bonded to each of the vias at an upper layer of the electrical interconnection network. At the upper layer the vias are electrically isolated from each other. In some embodiments the electrically insulating heat spreader is a polycrystalline diamond body with a metallized undersurface. The metallized undersurface may be etched away between vias.

Abstract: A state-holding circuit having improved stability at high temperatures includes a bi-stable circuit capable of assuming one of two reversible and stable states. The bi-stable circuit comprises a plurality of logic components (e.g., transistors) arranged into two sides. Because each of the logic components has a leakage current and/or resistance that varies significantly as a function of temperature, one or more stabilization components, such as transistors or other devices, may be connected to a side of the bi-stable circuit to balance the leakage currents and/or resistances of each side. In certain embodiments, the sole function of the stabilization components is to balance the leakage currents and/or resistances of each side.

Abstract: This invention provides an asynchronous electronic circuit that has an asynchronous memory circuit where the memory cells are arranged in columns and rows. The asynchronous circuit includes a read completion detection circuit and a write completion detection circuit that determines an end of the read cycle or the write cycle for a word byte of information. Upon completion of the read or write cycle an acknowledge signal is generated from the read completion detection circuit or the write completion detection circuit. The read and/or write acknowledge signal is used as a control signal to advance the electronic circuit to the next subsequent step in a process. The invention further provides a method for detecting the end of a read and/or write cycle issuing an acknowledge signal that may be used to provide control to an asynchronous electronic circuit to advance to the next step in a sequence.

Abstract: A method of converting an analog signal to a digital signal includes comparing an input current to one or more reference currents to generate the desired digital signal. An Analog-to-Digital Converter includes a plurality of current comparators; and a plurality of current references providing reference currents to the comparators.

Abstract: A method for identifying properties of a downhole electromagnetic network in a downhole too string, comprising the step of providing an electromagnetic path intermediate a first location and a second location on the electromagnetic network. The method further comprises the step of providing a receiver at the second location. The receiver comprises a known reference. The analog signal comprises a set amplitude, a set range of frequencies, and a set rate of change between the frequencies. The method further comprises the steps of sending the analog signal, and passively modifying the signal. The analog signal is sent from the first location through the electromagnetic path, and the signal is modified by the properties of the electromagnetic path. The method further comprises the step of receiving a modified signal at the second location and comparing the known reference to the modified signal.

Abstract: A high-speed downhole network providing real-time data from downhole components of a drilling strings includes a bottom-hole node interfacing to a bottom-hole assembly located proximate the bottom end of a drill string. A top-hole node is connected proximate the top end of the drill string. One or several intermediate nodes are located along the drill string between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node. The downhole network is configured to include a data rate adjustment module to monitor network traffic traveling in both uphole and downhole directions. The data rate adjustment module is configured to optimize network settings and efficiency by adjusting the allocation of available network bandwidth for data traffic traveling uphole and downhole.

Abstract: A method of converting an analog signal to a digital signal includes comparing an input current to one or more reference currents to generate the desired digital signal. An Analog-to-Digital Converter includes a plurality of current comparators; and a plurality of current references providing reference currents to the comparators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing electromagnetic connectivity in a drill string are disclosed. The method includes transmitting a test signal down a transmission path in a drill string; receiving a reflection of the test signal; and determining from the reflection whether there is an interruption in the electromagnetic connectivity in the transmission path. In general, the apparatus includes a signal generator for generating a test signal into the drill string; a receiver for receiving the reflection of the test signal; and means for determining from the reflection whether there is an interruption in the electromagnetic connectivity in the transmission path. Preferably, a common coil is included through which the test signal generated by the signal generator may be transmitted into a drill string and through which a reflection of the test signal may be received.

Abstract: A method and system by which multiple ADC architectures can be emulated comprises, a number of electrical components commonly used in a variety of ADC architectures, routing an analog input through a number of switches, and selectively connecting and disconnecting the switches to emulate one of multiple possible ADC architectures.

Abstract: A method and system by which multiple ADC architectures can be emulated comprises, a number of electrical components commonly used in a variety of ADC architectures, routing an analog input through a number of switches, and selectively connecting and disconnecting the switches to emulate one of multiple possible ADC architectures.