Abstract: One aspect provides a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB can include a plurality of layers and a plurality of plated through-hole (PTH) vias extending through the plurality of layers. The plurality of layers can include at least a top layer for mounting components, a second surface layer, and a first power layer positioned between the top layer and the second surface layer. The plurality of PTH vias can include at least one power via coupled to the first power layer to provide power to components mounted on the top layer. A stub length of the power via can be less than a distance between the power layer and the second surface layer.

Abstract: One aspect of the instant application provides techniques to reduce the amount of crosstalk on single-ended signals in the pin field region of an integrated circuit device on a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB can include a plurality of layers and an array of vias comprising a plurality of rows configured to route signals across layers. An inner layer of the PCB can include first and second signal traces positioned between first and second adjacent rows of the vias, the first signal trace positioned adjacent to the first row and the second signal trace positioned adjacent to the second row. The first signal trace can include at least one curved segment that curves around a substantial portion of a corresponding via in the first row such that separation between the first and second signal traces varies along the curved segment.

Abstract: An output buffer circuit is disclosed that minimizes ground bounce problems. The buffer circuit provides for an output pull-down pre-driver circuit that can be controlled by a programmable signal to minimize the ground bounce. By placing a strong and weak transistor on the gate of the output driver transistor and providing control circuitry for disabling the stronger transistor appropriately, an output signal is provided that can be driven quickly or slowly to its active level. By disabling the stronger transistor, ground bounce problems associated with high to low transitions of output drive transistor are significantly reduced.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for stabilization of pulse energies produced by a continuously pumped, Q-switched, solid-state or gas laser, through control of the optical power delivered by an optical pump to the laser, in order to limit the energy emitted in any single laser pulse as a result of Q-switching. The laser pump is driven at full strength for a selected initial refresh time t.sub.r. If a Q-switch trigger signal is received by the laser before the elapsed time .DELTA.t has reached the refresh time t.sub.r, the laser emits a pulse with the reduced energy stored in the laser at that time. If the elapsed time reaches or exceeds the refresh time t.sub.r, the optical pump power subsequently delivered to the laser is reduced to a lower level, which may be time-dependent, that is sufficient to maintain the net energy stored in the laser at a predetermined value so that the energy in a subsequently emitted laser pulse does not exceed a selected limit.

Abstract: Digital dilution apparatus is disclosed which performs multiple processing functions such as pipetting, diluting, titrations and the like under microprocessor control. The apparatus is responsive to operator-entered processing requests and performs complex and accurate processing functions. The disclosed apparatus is quite simple and easy to operate and does not require a highly skilled operator.