Abstract: Impedance matching circuit for radio-frequency amplifier. In some embodiments, an impedance matching circuit can include a primary metal trace having a first end configured to be capable of being coupled to a voltage source for the power amplifier, and a second end configured to be capable of being coupled to an output of the power amplifier. The impedance matching circuit can further include a secondary metal trace having first end coupled to the second end of the primary metal trace, and a second end configured to be capable of being coupled to an output node. The impedance matching circuit can further include a capacitance implemented between the first and second ends of the secondary metal trace, and be configured to trap a harmonic associated with an amplified signal at the output of the power amplifier.

Abstract: Methods for determining the presence or absence of expansion of CGG repeat sequence in the FMR1 gene presence or absence of expansion of CCG repeat sequence in the FMR2 gene are provided. The methods are useful in identifying an individual with normal/intermediate, versus premutation or full mutation allele of FMR1 gene and FMR2 gene due to the expansion of CGG repeats and CCG repeats in the 5?-untranslated region respectively. The methods are also useful for screening newborns for fragile X syndrome or for screening women to determine heterozygosity status with full premutation of the CCG repeat tract. The methods are also useful in estimating the premutation and full mutation carrier frequency and estimating the prevalence of FXTAS AND FXPOI in a population. The methods are simple, rapid and require small amount of sample.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a first radio frequency (RF) signal path and a second RF signal path. The first RF signal path can provide a first RF signal when active and the second RF signal path can provide a second RF signal when active. The second RF signal path can include a matching network with a load impedance configured to prevent a resonance in the second RF signal path due to coupling with the first RF signal path when the first RF signal path is active.

Abstract: An embedded optical fiber radiation dose detector, includes: a first optical fiber probe, wherein a first end of the first optical fiber probe is connected to a first light intensity detector, and a second end of the first optical fiber probe is a detecting end, wherein a first fluorescent material is embedded in a terminal of the detecting end of the first optical fiber probe. Advantages are as follows: the optical fiber probes of the present invention have an embedded structure, wherein an optical fiber probe, whose core is hollow inside, is produced with a micro processing technology, and the fluorescent material is embedded therein, so as to significantly improve an efficiency of coupling radiation-generated fluorescent signals into the cores of the optical fibers, and significantly decreases a size of an optical fiber sensor.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a packaging substrate and a die on the packaging substrate. The die includes an integrated passive device and a contact providing an electrical connection to the integrated passive device. A conductive trace of the packaging substrate is in an electrical path between the contact of the die and a ground potential. Such an integrated passive device and conductive trace can be included in a matching network configured to receive an amplified radio frequency signal from a power amplifier, for example. The packaging substrate can be, for example, a laminate substrate.

Abstract: Directional couplers having a chain configuration and devices incorporating same. In some implementations, a chain coupler assembly can include a plurality of couplers each having a driver arm configured to route a respective RF signal and a coupled arm disposed physically proximate to the driver arm to detect a portion of power of the respective RF signal. Portions of the driver arm and the coupler arm can form an overlapping region. At least one of the driver arm and the coupled arm can have a non-straight arm shape, and the coupled arms of the plurality of couplers can be connected together in series.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure is a power amplifier module that includes a power amplifier die, a first bonding pad on a conductive trace, and a second bonding pad on a conductive trace. The die includes an on-die passive device and a power amplifier. The first bonding pad is electrically connected to the on-die passive device by a first wire bond. The second bonding pad is in a conductive path between the first bonding pad and a radio frequency output of the power amplifier module. The second bonding pad includes a nickel layer having a thickness that is less than 0.5 um, a palladium layer over the nickel layer, and a gold layer over the palladium layer and bonded to a second wire bond that is electrically connected to an output of the power amplifier. Other embodiments of the module are provided along with related methods and components thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel mutations of the CFTR gene related to cystic fibrosis or to conditions associated with cystic fibrosis. Also provided are probes for detecting the mutant sequences. Methods of identifying if an individual has a genotype containing one or more mutations in the CFTR gene are further provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems that enhance interference cancellation in communication channels are described. Specialized time domain training sequences and simple cross correlation are used to obtain a channel estimate for use in stacked carrier beamforming and OFDM based spatial beamforming. In certain embodiments, a time domain preamble sequence is provided as an alternative to the conventional frequency domain preamble sequence. The use of a time domain preamble can increase channel estimation performance, facilitating cancellation of co-channel interference. Embodiments include generating a training sequence preamble in the time domain, computing a frequency domain response of the channel using an estimate of its time domain impulse response, and using the frequency domain response of the channel to calculate channel estimation from a cross correlation of data received from the channel against the training sequence.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a packaging substrate and a die on the packaging substrate. The die includes an integrated passive device and a contact providing an electrical connection to the integrated passive device. A conductive trace of the packaging substrate is in an electrical path between the contact of the die and a ground potential. Such an integrated passive device and conductive trace can be included in a matching network configured to receive an amplified radio frequency signal from a power amplifier, for example. The packaging substrate can be, for example, a laminate substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel mutations of the CFTR gene related to cystic fibrosis or to conditions associated with cystic fibrosis. Also provided are probes for detecting the mutant sequences. Methods of identifying if an individual has a genotype containing one or more mutations in the CFTR gene are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel mutations of the CFTR gene related to cystic fibrosis or to conditions associated with cystic fibrosis. Also provided are probes for detecting the mutant sequences. Methods of identifying if an individual has a genotype containing one or more mutations in the CFTR gene are further provided.

Abstract: Impedance matching circuit for radio-frequency amplifier. In some embodiments, an impedance matching circuit can include a primary metal trace having a first end configured to be capable of being coupled to a voltage source for the power amplifier, and a second end configured to be capable of being coupled to an output of the power amplifier. The impedance matching circuit can further include a secondary metal trace having first end coupled to the second end of the primary metal trace, and a second end configured to be capable of being coupled to an output node. The impedance matching circuit can further include a capacitance implemented between the first and second ends of the secondary metal trace, and be configured to trap a harmonic associated with an amplified signal at the output of the power amplifier.

Abstract: To reduce radio frequency losses during operation of a radio frequency integrated circuit module, the radio frequency integrated circuit module is fabricated such that at least one of an edge of the wirebond pad on the copper trace and a sidewall of the copper trace is free from high-resistivity plating material. The unplated portion provides a path for the radio frequency current to flow around the high-resistivity material.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure is a power amplifier module that includes a power amplifier configured to provide a radio frequency signal at an output, an output matching network coupled to the output of the power amplifier and configured to provide impedance matching at a fundamental frequency of the radio frequency signal, and a harmonic termination circuit coupled to the output of the power amplifier. The power amplifier is included on a power amplifier die. The output matching network can include a first circuit element electrically connected to an output of the power amplifier by way of a pad on a top surface of a conductive trace, in which the top surface has an unplated portion between the pad the power amplifier die. The harmonic termination circuit can include a second circuit element. The first and second circuit elements can have separate electrical connections to the power amplifier die. Other embodiments of the module are provided along with related methods and components thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel mutations of the CFTR gene related to cystic fibrosis or to conditions associated with cystic fibrosis. Also provided are probes for detecting the mutant sequences. Methods of identifying if an individual has a genotype containing one or more mutations in the CFTR gene are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides aptamers that specifically bind to the EGF receptor in a sample, and diagnostic and analytical methods using those aptamers. In some embodiments, the aptamers include a 3? cap. In some embodiments, the 3? cap is an inverted deoxythymidine. In some embodiments the aptamers include a spacer and at least one moiety selected from the group consisting of binding pair member and a detectable label, wherein the spacer is attached to the 5?-end of the aptamer and the moiety is attached the 5? end of the spacer. In some embodiments the spacer is hexaethylene glycol. In some embodiments, the binding pair member biotin. In some embodiments the detectable label is a fluorophore.

Abstract: Directional couplers having a chain configuration and devices incorporating same. In some implementations, a chain coupler assembly can include a plurality of couplers each having a driver arm configured to route a respective RF signal and a coupled arm disposed physically proximate to the driver arm to detect a portion of power of the respective RF signal. Portions of the driver arm and the coupler arm can form an overlapping region. At least one of the driver arm and the coupled arm can have a non-straight arm shape, and the coupled arms of the plurality of couplers can be connected together in series.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure is a power amplifier module that includes a power amplifier die, a first bonding pad on a conductive trace, and a second bonding pad on a conductive trace. The die includes an on-die passive device and a power amplifier. The first bonding pad is electrically connected to the on-die passive device by a first wire bond. The second bonding pad is in a conductive path between the first bonding pad and a radio frequency output of the power amplifier module. The second bonding pad includes a nickel layer having a thickness that is less than 0.5 um, a palladium layer over the nickel layer, and a gold layer over the palladium layer and bonded to a second wire bond that is electrically connected to an output of the power amplifier. Other embodiments of the module are provided along with related methods and components thereof.

Abstract: Devices and methods related to directional couplers. In some implementations, a coupler can include a driver arm and a coupler arm implemented relative to the driver arm to detect power of an RF signal. Portions of the driver and coupler arms can form an overlapping region, with at least one of the driver and coupler arms having a non-straight arm shape. The overlapping region can include a non-zero lateral offset between the driver and coupler arms. In some implementations, a coupler can include a driver arm having input and output sides, and a coupler arm having input and output sides and implemented relative to the driver arm to detect power of an RF signal. The coupler can further include a phase-shifting feature implemented with respect to at least one of the driver and coupler arms to reduce phase difference of power ripples associated with the coupler.