Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a developing device including two developing rollers arranged in parallel in a direction in which an image carrier moves each for forming a magnet brush thereon. The magnetic poles of the developing rollers for effecting hand-over of a developer between the rollers are provided with the same polarity. An optical writing device optically writes an image on the image carrier in accordance with tonality data of four levels or less for a single dot. The developing device prevents the developer from moving through a gap between the developing rollers and bringing about irregular image density and background contamination. In addition, the optical writing device successfully obviates ghosts, which are likely to appear when a uniform halftone image including solid portions or bold characters is reproduced.

Abstract: In an electronic endoscope system, a scope has a CCD image sensor provided at a distal end thereof to generate image-pixel signals, an image-signal processing unit produces a video signal based on the image-pixel signals, and a monitor displays an endoscope-image according to the video signal output from the processing unit. A scene-changing system changes a scene on the monitor between an endoscope-image-display scene and a patient-data-list-display scene. A storage system stores patient data forming a patient list which should be displayed on the monitor when the scene on the monitor is changed from the image-display scene to the list-display scene by the scene-changing system. A selection system selects individual patient data from the patient data list displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: Shootings for automatic following are previously registered in a memory of a pan head controller. When the automatic following is started, a CPU of the pan head controller chooses a shooting among the shootings registered in the memory according to a center position of a subject inputted from an image processing device so that the subject is in a frame of a camera, and transmits a control signal to a pan head for the shooting.

Abstract: An imaging device comprises a semiconductor substrate including an array of pixel cells. Each pixel cell comprising an individually addressable pixel circuit for accumulating charge resulting from radiation incident on a pixel detector. The pixel circuit and the pixel detector can either be implemented on a single substrate, or on two substrates bonded together. The charge storage device can be a transistor, for example one of a pair of FET transistors connected as a cascade amplification stage. An imaging plane can be made up of one imaging device or a plurality of imaging devices tiled to form a mosaic. The imaging devices may be configured as a slot for certain applications, the slit or slot being scanned over the imaging plane. Control electronics can include addressing logic for addressing individual pixel circuits for reading accumulated charge from the pixel circuits.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a CCD imager. In a successive picture-taking mode, each time a subject is taken once by the CCD imager, a corresponding main image signal is compressed by a JPEG CODEC. The compressed main image signals produced upon each picture taking are accumulated in an SDRAM. A compression process of thumbnail image signals is performed after completing successive picture taking by the CCD imager. That is, each of the compressed main image signals secured in the SDRAM is decompressed by the JPEG CODEC, a thumbnail image signal is produced on the basis of a decompressed image signal so that a produced thumbnail image signal is compressed by the JPEG CODEC. When all the compressed thumbnail image signals are produced, each of a compressed main image signal and compressed thumbnail image signals is recorded onto a memory card.

Abstract: A controlling device, after acquiring a file list, media management information (media generation control) and contents management information (contents generation count) of a removable storage medium connected to a controlled device, transmits a command (ERASE, WRITE etc.) containing the media management information and the contents management information to the controlled device. The controlled device compares the media management information held by the controlled device with the media management information contained in the control information, and executes a process according to the command if both media management information mutually coincide but rejects the command if both media management information do not coincide. Thus the controlled device is rendered capable of managing the removable storage medium in a simple manner and without error.

Abstract: A charge transfer device and a method of driving the charge transfer device are arranged to enable electric charge to be correctly transferred in a short time after starting. An initialization voltage is applied at the time of starting and a portion having a higher impurity concentration is formed below a channel.

Abstract: An imaging device formed as a monolithic complementary metal oxide semiconductor integrated circuit in an industry standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor process, the integrated circuit including a focal plane array of pixel cells, each one of the cells including a photogate overlying the substrate for accumulating photo-generated charge in an underlying portion of the substrate and a charge coupled device section formed on the substrate adjacent the photogate having a sensing node and at least one charge coupled device stage for transferring charge from the underlying portion of the substrate to the sensing node. There is also a readout circuit, part of which can be disposed at the bottom of each column of cells and be common to all the cells in the column. A Simple Floating Gate (SFG) pixel structure could also be employed in the imager to provide a non-destructive readout and smaller pixel sizes.

Abstract: A diaphragm control apparatus for a lens of a CCTV camera having a diaphragm driver for opening or closing a diaphragm in accordance with a diaphragm control signal, includes a remote diaphragm controller which outputs a remote diaphragm control signal to set an optional diaphragm position, a diaphragm control signal setting device which sets a diaphragm control signal in accordance with the remote diaphragm control signal and which outputs the diaphragm control signal to the diaphragm driver to move the diaphragm to a diaphragm position corresponding to the diaphragm control signal, and a power source which supplies power to the diaphragm control signal setting device. The diaphragm control signal setting device is provided with a memory for storing the diaphragm control signal when the power supply is interrupted, so that the diaphragm control signal which has been set at the interruption of the power supply can be output when the power supply is carried out again.

Abstract: A digital camera configurable to obtain an image of a document, the camera comprising: first illumination means for illuminating the document in a first pass of the camera; second illumination means for illuminating the document in a second pass of the camera; image sensing means for capturing an image of the document from the passes; control means for controlling the sensing means, the control means being configured to control capture of a first portion of the image of the illuminated document during the first pass the first pass thereby resulting in a first image data, and the control means being configured to control capture of a second portion of the image of the illuminated document during the second pass the second pass thereby resulting in a second image data; means for storing the first and second image data; and means for processing the first and second image data so as to obtain a final image of the document.

Abstract: There is provided a device for forming, from original sound-attached moving-picture (video) data, sound-attached moving-picture data of a desired reproduction time which has a data amount smaller than that of the original sound-attached moving-picture data and are suitable to output the corresponding sounds and moving pictures at the same time. The original sound-attached moving-picture data are separated into moving-picture data and sound data. When the separated moving-picture data are moving-picture data which are encoded by orthogonal transform coding, for every frame, any portion representing high frequency components in the moving-picture data in each frame of the moving-picture data is deleted.

Abstract: A local language is pre-stored in permanent memory. Equivalent data is transmitted in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) to television receivers. Each equivalent data set comprises a unique language identifier and a foreign language translation of, or graphical representative of, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory. The viewer selects the language to be displayed from an on screen menu with a remote controller. The selected equivalent data is retrieved from the VBI and stored in a RAM for future display. When the microprocessor calls up the text of a command for display, the equivalent data is substituted for the local language data so the foreign language version of the command can be displayed in a seamless manner. If no equivalent data is in the RAM, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory is displayed on the television screen in accordance with the normal operation of the microprocessor.

Abstract: A film mode detection method using a periodic pattern of a video sequence comprises the steps of: computing every absolute value of differences between every pair of corresponding pixels in two fields which are arranged within a predetermined distance on a time line; comparing a sum of the absolute value of differences between every corresponding pixels in two fields with the first predetermined threshold value M1 and limiting the sum to the first threshold value if the sum is greater than the first threshold value; filtering the video sequence and calculating a power of the filtered sum; and comparing the calculated power with the second predetermined threshold value M2 so as to determine the signal as a film mode if the power of the sum is greater than the second threshold value.

Abstract: A storage capacitance Cs0 (=Cs+Csadd) added to a pixel capacitance is set such that a transmittance T1 at a voltage V1 of a pixel electrode becomes substantially equal to a transmittance T2 at a voltage V2 of the pixel electrode when a holding period is terminated. In the case of a normally black type liquid crystal display device, for example, when it is assumed that a white data voltage is VdW, a liquid crystal capacitance in white display is ClcW, and a liquid crystal capacitance in black display is ClcB, a capacitance value of the storage capacitance Cs0 is set such that difference between the transmittance obtained at the pixel voltage, that is changed by an amount of variation &Dgr;Vs of a pixel voltage expressed by &Dgr;Vs=VdW ((ClcW−ClcB)/ (ClcW+Cs0)), and the transmittance obtained at the white data voltage VdW can be reduced smaller than 13% of the transmittance obtained at the white data voltage VdW.

Abstract: In an active matrix type liquid crystal display device, at least material of one element, forming the connecting portion between signal transfer lines related to the scan lines and the data signal lines of the device, is an alloy of at least a chemical element selected from the group consisting of Nb, Mo, Ta, and W, with Cr, the scan lines and means for generating scan pulses are connected to each other via a first opening formed in an insulating film, the data signal lines and the means for generating image data are connected to each other via a second opening formed in an insulating film, a polycrystalline thin film, which is connected to the means for generating scan pulses, is inserted into the first opening, and a polycrystalline thin film, which is connected to the means for generating image data, is inserted into the second opening, and the polycrystalline thin film is composed of indium tin oxide, which is made of mainly indium oxide and added tin oxide, having a specific resistance of, at the utmost,

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus is provided which is capable of realizing a uniform display even at a high definition and offering a widened operating temperature. A signal line is formed on a signal line through an intervening insulating layer in an active-matrix type liquid crystal display apparatus of MIM drive type. MIM devices as two-terminal nonlinear devices are formed between each pixel electrode and the signal lines. The MIM devices are formed to operate in different operating temperature ranges. By selecting one of the signal lines to be supplied with a driving signal to achieve switching between the MIM devices, the pixel electrode associated therewith can operate within a wider operating temperature range. The respective resistances of the signal lines and/or MIM devices associated with each pixel electrode are adjusted so as to be equalized throughout all the pixel electrodes, thereby lessening a non-uniform display to ensure a uniform display.

Abstract: The transmission type liquid crystal display device of this invention includes: gate lines; source lines; and switching elements each arranged near a crossing of each gate line and each source line, a gate electrode of each switching element being connected to the gate line, a source electrode of the switching element being connected to the source line, and a drain electrode of the switching element being connected to a pixel electrode for applying a voltage to a liquid crystal layer, wherein an interlayer insulating film formed of an organic film with high transparency is provided above the switching element, the gate line, and the source line, and wherein the pixel electrode formed of a transparent conductive film is provided on the interlayer insulating film.

Abstract: To form predetermined patterns on flexible substrates made of an inorganic material, in the case where one of substrates in pair is subjected to a processing operation that causes swelling or shrinkage of the substrate, the other substrate is also subjected to the processing operation irrespective of whether or not the other substrate requires the processing operation.

Abstract: Ophthalmic lenses, for example, intraocular lenses, contact lenses, corneal implant lenses and the like, have multifocal characteristics which provide beneficial reductions in at least the perception of one or more night time visual symptoms such as “halos”, and “glare or flare”.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distance measuring device for measuring a distance, comprising a light emitting unit for emitting a measuring light beam toward an object to be measured, and a photodetection unit for receiving a reflected measuring light beam reflected from the object to be measured, wherein said distance measuring device comprises a gain control unit for changing photodetection sensitivity of said photodetection unit by a bias voltage and a light amount switching unit for variably changing a light amount of the light emitting element which emits the light beam toward the photodetection unit.

Abstract: A laser beams inspection apparatus suitable for inspecting electronic components such as ICs mounted on a substrate. The inspection apparatus includes a scan mechanism. The scan mechanism works to move a laser beam emitted from a laser emitter to scan a target one of electronic components in a given scan range. The scan mechanism is designed to change orientation of emission of the laser beam to change the scan range as a function of the type (e.g., the size) of the target electronic component, thereby minimizing inspection errors regardless of the type of the electronic components to be inspected.

Abstract: The apparatus for inspecting a substrate of the present invention comprises substrate holding member for holding a substrate to be inspected, a driving mechanism for raising the substrate holding member to a predetermined angle or less, a position coordinate detecting section provided at side edge of the substrate in at least two directions, for detecting coordinates of a defect present in the substrate, an observation system supporting section provided for supporting a micro observation system and moving on the surface of the substrate, and a controlling section for controlling of the movement of the micro observation system of the observation system supporting section to correspond to a defect present in the substrate, on the basis of the position coordinates of the defect detected by the position coordinate detecting section.

Abstract: In the system for communicating a management message between nodes in a wavelength division multiplexing network 1, each of the nodes has a switching unit 101 for switching a transmission path of an optical channel signal carried by the network. The optical channel signal has a frame in compliance with the SDH/SONET standard that stipulates the Data Communication Channel Bites D4-D12 in the Line Overhead Bite to be allocated for a management message. Each of the nodes includes a termination and generation means for terminating the bites D4-D12 and extracts a management message from the bites when each of the nodes receives the optical channel signal. The node judges an optical channel to carry said management message and incorporates new bites of the same bite structure as bites D4-D12 into the optical channel signal in place for the terminated bites D4-D12. The new bites are entered with a management message to be carried by the same channel as that of the optical channel signal of interest.

Abstract: A device for interactively transmitting optical signals in a first wavelength and receiving optical signals in a second wavelength both through a one-core optical fiber, includes (a) a first photodiode which converts a received optical signal into a first electric signal, (b) a second photodiode which converts an optical signal to be transmitted, into a second electric signal, (c) a first trans-impedance amplifier which amplifies the first electric signal and converts the first electric signal into a first voltage signal, (d) a second trans-impedance amplifier which amplifies the second electric signal and converts the second electric signal into a second voltage signal, (e) a first variable feedback resistor electrically connected in parallel to the first trans-impedance amplifier, (f) a second variable feedback resistor electrically connected in parallel to the second trans-impedance amplifier, (g) a delay line which delays the first voltage signal such that the first and second voltage signals are in phase

Abstract: A device (MS) having an electrical display (DSPL) is equipped with a transparent electrostatic diaphragm (ACT) vibrateably attached in front of the display. The display has been made electrically conductive and used as a stator of thus formed electrostatic speaker (TD1). A fluctuating DC-voltage is conducted to the diaphragm and display in order to resonate the diaphragm and produce sound respective to the fluctuation. The transparency of the diaphragm allows a user to see the display through the diaphragm. Alternatively, the similar arrangement can be used to implement a transparent electrostatic microphone on the display.

Abstract: A lens drive control device includes a zoom lens, a drive mechanism for driving at least one lens unit which constitutes the zoom lens, a control circuit for controlling the drive mechanism, and a switch for switching between a shooting state and a non-shooting state of the zoom lens, wherein, when the zoom lens is switched from the non-shooting state to the shooting state by the switch, the control circuit causes the drive mechanism to drive the zoom lens to a zoom position other than a wide-angle end.

Abstract: A digital signal recording apparatus includes an amble generator for generating an amble signal representing a bit-sequence amble pattern. The bit-sequence amble patter can be detected and reproduced by a partial-response detection system “PR(1, 0, −1)” as a detected amble pattern having a period of state inversions which is shorter than a period of state inversions in a detected amble pattern corresponding to a recorded amble pattern of alternation of “1” and “0”. The amble signal generated by the amble generator and a first digital information signal are combined into a second digital information signal on a time sharing basis. The second digital information signal is recorded on a magnetic recording medium. For example, the bit-sequence amble pattern represented by the amble signal has repetition of six bits of “11000”.

Abstract: A disc device includes a housing, a fixed shaft at least partially disposed in the housing, wherein the fixed shaft is divided into two parts which are joined together. The disc device also includes one or more discs, a hub for loading the discs, at least a head for reproducing information recorded on each of the discs, and a drive system for moving the head to any position on each of the discs. A motor for driving the hub to rotate is provided outside the housing, and at least two fluid film bearings are provided so that the hub is supported by the fixed shaft so as to be rotatable.

Abstract: An MR (Magneto Resistance) effect element includes a free magnetic layer having a small coercive force and therefore reduces the hysteresis of the R-H loop. An MR effect sensor and an MR sensing system using the above MR effect elenient and featuring a desirable noise characteristic are also disclosed.

Abstract: A monolithic assembly includes vertical power semiconductor components formed throughout the thickness of a low doped semiconductive wafer of a first conductivity type, whose bottom surface is uniformly coated with a metallization. At least some of these components, so-called autonomous components, are formed in insulated sections of the substrate, whose lateral insulation is provided by a diffused wall of the second conductivity type and whose bottom is insulated through a dielectric layer interposed between the bottom surface of the substrate and the metallization.

Abstract: A method for reducing particles from an electrostatic chuck, having the steps of: setting a wafer onto an attracting face of an electrostatic chuck, attracting the wafer onto the attracting face by applying a voltage to the electrostatic chuck, releasing stress due to a difference in heat expansion between the wafer and the electrostatic chuck by sliding the wafer relative to the attracting face before the wafer's temperature arrives at a saturated temperature, and increasing the wafer's temperature to a saturated temperature from its lower temperature than that of the attracting face.

Abstract: A tunable capacitor having low loss and a corresponding high Q is provided. The tunable capacitor comprises first and second substrates having first and second capacitor plates disposed, respectively, thereon. The capacitor plates may comprise a high temperature superconductor material. A MEMS actuator, that is either driven by electrostatic force, heat or both, operably contacts the second substrate so that once the actuator is engaged it responds by displacing the second substrate, thereby varying the capacitance between said first capacitor plate and said second capacitor plate. As such, the capacitance can be controlled based upon the relative spacing between the first and second capacitor plates. The MEMS actuator may either be operably attached to the second substrate or detached, yet supporting, the second substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor electronic part comprises a semiconductor ceramic substrate and at least one internal electrode. The internal electrode is disposed inside the semiconductor ceramic substrate and includes an end led out to an end edge of the semiconductor ceramic substrate and at least one cutout region. It is preferable that the internal electrode has a plurality of the cutout regions. Further preferably, the plurality of the cutout regions are arranged to be distanced from one another in a direction of width of the semiconductor ceramic substrate.

Abstract: A support member 1 is previously molded, a hybrid integrated circuit substrate 45 is placed thereon, and the support member 1 on which the hybrid integrated circuit substrate 45 is placed is placed in a metal mold, then again molded of a thermoplastic resin 2. The poured high-temperature thermoplastic resin 2 strikes on the support member 1 whose bottom surface is directly contacted on the metal mold and the surface of the striking portion is melted and integrated without being deformed. Therefore, full mold substantially covering an entire surface of the substrate is enabled. Epoxy potting is applied to a semiconductor chip and a coil derivation part.

Abstract: A mounting device for supporting a printed circuit board on a carrier includes a spacing element attached onto the carrier and an electrically conducting mounting element coupled to the spacing element for forming a mechanical and electrically conducting connection between the printed circuit board and the carrier. The spacing element has a sleeve-type spacing section and a mounting section attached to the spacing sections. Preferably, the section is formed by elastic, finger-type or wing-type mounting sections that are provided for engagement in corresponding recesses of the carrier. The mounting element is preferably a screw that is screwed into the carrier when tightened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining an electronic function card in the receptacle of a host data processing system (host socket) is described. The present invention exerts a retention force on the card in addition to the frictional forces exerted on each of the connector contacts inserted into the host socket. By increasing the retention forces exerted on an electronic function inserted into a host socket, the chance of the card dislodging from the host socket during a mechanical shock event is reduced. The present invention also provides tactile and/or auditory feedback to the user to indicate when the card is fully inserted into the host socket. Further, a card extractor may be coupled to the retainer of the present invention. When disengaged, the card extractor will release the retention force on the card and the card may be easily removed from the host socket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inhibiting EMI leakage is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, an enclosure for surrounding an EMI producing device has protrusions extending from an edge of the enclosure. The protrusions are insertable into a printed circuit board to make contact with a grounding layer in the printed circuit board. In another embodiment, the enclosure is mateable with an EMI containment box, such as a Faraday cage, to fully enclose an EMI producing device.

Abstract: Optical element (9) for deflecting light beams, which enter and re-emerge from the latter, in such a way that their angle of emergence is limited, for use as a luminaire-cover for example, having a plate-like core (1) of transparent material which on one side is occupied by microprisms (2) that taper forming furrows (7), with, for example, all of the top surfaces (4) of the microprisms forming the light-entry face and the other side of the core (1) forming the light-emergence face (3), and with the furrows (7) being covered by a layer (12) that is reflective at least on one side, with, furthermore, a foil (11) of transparent material being provided on the side of the reflective layer (12) that is remote from the element core (1), and also methods for producing the optical element (9) and the reflective element (10) that has the reflective layer (12).

Abstract: A lower reflector (3), disposed in a opening (23) of an upper reflector (2) to reflect conventionally unused light, is rotatable relative to the upper reflector (2), thereby changing a dispersed light-distribution pattern (WP) with respect to a fixed reference light-distribution pattern (LP), with an improvemnent in visibility when the vehicle negotiates a curve.

Abstract: Light for backlight to illuminate an LCD is irregularly reflected on a reflection plate. Part of the light leaks from the reflection plate to a rear surface side thereof. An aspherical lens collects the leakage light. Optical fibers guide the collected light to an object to be illuminated. The leakage light which inevitably leaks from the reflection plate and which has been wasted can be efficiently used. It is also advantageous to positively increase the leakage light such that the quantity of leakage light thus obtained is more than that of the leakage light inevitably appearing in a natural condition. Since the extension of the optical fibers is of side irregular reflection type, light sources can be provided at arbitrary locations thereof. By efficiently using light for the backlight, the user's operating section can be illuminated while completely minimizing power consumption. The leakage part of light for the backlight from the irregular reflection plate can be efficiently used.

Abstract: A charge pump system includes a charge pumping circuit for outputting a high voltage Vpp at a node. An oscillator circuit, coupled to the charge pumping circuit, drives the charge pumping circuit with at least one clock signal. A current source generates a pulldown current. A voltage divider circuit is coupled between the node and the current source. The voltage divider circuit cooperates with the current source to form a feedback loop for controlling the oscillator circuit to run at variable, optimum frequency for controlling the rate-of-rise and the amplitude of the high voltage Vpp while minimizing power-supply current drain.

Abstract: A semiconductor storage device controls crosstalk of write data to read data during reading and writing operations performed in the same cycle. The device has a plurality of word lines WL, a plurality of bit lines LBL, memory cells CELL which are connected to the word lines and the bit lines, reading global bit lines RGBL connected to a sense amplifier SA and writing global bit lines WBGL connected to a write amplifier WA. A selection circuit YSWn selectively connects the reading and writing global bit lines with the local bit lines. For first and second writing global bit lines arranged between first and second reading global bit lines, a distance between the first writing global bit line and the first reading global bit line, or a distance between the second writing global bit line and the second reading global bit line being is longer than a distance between the first and second writing global bit lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DRAM in which a first repetitive unit including a plurality of decoders for selecting a plurality of word lines and a second repetitive unit having the same arrangement as that of the first repetitive unit are arranged symmetrically with respect a boundary region therebetween. The first and second repetitive units have a wire and a contact located on a boundary portion therebetween in common.

Abstract: To improve the efficiency for repairing a defect of a large-scale integrated circuit.

Abstract: To improve the efficiency for repairing a defect of a large-scale integrated circuit.

Abstract: The latching capability of a sense amplifier that senses and amplifies a voltage difference of a bit line pair is set lower when data is written into a selected memory cell. The sense amplifier reduced in latching capability have the latching data easily inverted according to the write data. Therefore, the time required for data writing is reduced to realize high speed writing.

Abstract: An electronic memory device (1) having electrically programmable memory cells, an address bus (30) for addressing the memory cells, and also a controllable programming voltage pump (22) for producing a programming voltage for the memory cells. The electronic memory device is distinguished by a switching device (23) which can be actuated by a test mode signal and which can be used to connect the address bus (30) to the programming voltage pump (22) in a test mode such that a prescribable test programming voltage can be set using supplied address bits.

Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.

Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.

Abstract: The present invention is a current-mirror-based bias generator for a load less four transistor SRAM as well as associated methods of controlling or modifying the current conducted by the access transistors of such an SRAM. The present invention may be thought of as an adjustable temperature coefficient, bias generator that references, via a current mirror, a reference bank of SRAM cells. The bank of reference cells provides an indication of the necessary conduction characteristics (e.g., gate to source voltage) of the access transistors under various conditions. By applying a bias voltage to the word line the desired current is sourced from the digit line. The bank of reference SRAM cells inherently compensates for process variations. The adjustable temperature coefficient bias generator allows the current sourced by the digit lines to vary greatly as a result of temperature variations. Thus, the present invention compensates for both process variations and temperature variations.