Abstract: An apparatus is provided for identifying a property value of a fluid which is to be measured, a method for operating such an apparatus, and a method for manufacturing such an apparatus. The apparatus encompasses: a measurement capacitor device bringable into contact with the fluid, the measurement capacitor device having a first electrode, a second electrode, a first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer; a first dielectric constant of the first dielectric layer being dependent, in a context of contact with the fluid, on the property of the fluid to be measured; a second dielectric constant of the second dielectric layer being substantially independent of the property of the fluid which is to be measured; a compensation capacitor device that has the second dielectric layer, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode; the compensation capacitor device connected in parallel, or connectable in parallel, with the measurement capacitor device.

Abstract: Switchable base feed circuit for radio-frequency (RF) power amplifiers. In some embodiments, an RF power amplifier (PA) circuit can include a transistor having a base, a collector, and an emitter, with the transistor being configured to amplify an RF signal. The PA circuit can further include a bias circuit configured to provide a base bias signal to the base of the transistor. The PA circuit can further include a switchable base feed circuit implemented between the bias circuit and the base of the transistor. The switchable base feed circuit can be configured to provide a plurality of different resistance values for the base bias signal between the bias circuit and the base of the transistor. Such a PA circuit can be implemented in products such as a die, a module, and a wireless device.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure is an apparatus including an oscillator that includes a secondary LC circuit to increase a tuning range of the oscillator and/or to reduce a phase noise of the oscillator. Another aspect of this disclosure is an apparatus that includes oscillator with a primary LC circuit and a secondary LC circuit. This oscillator can operate in a primary oscillation mode or a secondary oscillation mode, depending on whether oscillation is set by the primary LC circuit or the secondary LC circuit.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an oscillator circuit comprises, a first pad associated with a first terminal of an oscillator and a second pad associated with a second terminal of the oscillator. The oscillator is configured to generate an oscillating signal and communicate the oscillating signal from the second terminal to a clock distributor coupled to the second pad. The oscillator circuit further comprises an oscillator gain element comprising an output node coupled to the first pad and an input node coupled to the second pad. The oscillator circuit also comprises a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) coupled to the first pad. The oscillator circuit additionally comprises a switching circuit coupled to the gain element. The switching circuit is configured to enable the gain element when the oscillator comprises a resonator and disable the gain element when the oscillator comprises a voltage controlled oscillating module.

Abstract: The described embodiments provide a configurable pulse generator circuit. More specifically, the described embodiments include a pulse generator circuit; an inverting difference oscillator (IDO) enabling circuit coupled to the pulse generator circuit; and a disable signal coupled to the IDO enabling circuit. When the disable signal is asserted, the IDO enabling circuit is disabled and the pulse generator circuit is configured as a pulse generator. In contrast, when the disable signal is deasserted, the IDO enabling circuit is enabled and the pulse generator circuit is configured as part of an IDO.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to an exemplary aspect of the invention is capable of being selectively switched between an oscillation circuit and a signal input-output circuit, and includes first and second external connecting terminals that are connectable to an oscillation device; an inverting amplifier an input side of which is electrically connected to the first external connecting terminal through a coupling capacitor and an output side of which is electrically connected to the second external connecting terminal; a feedback resistor connected to the input side and the output side of the inverting amplifier; a bias stabilization circuit that stabilizes a bias applied to the coupling capacitor; a first signal input-output portion connected to the first external connecting terminal; and a second signal input-output portion connected to the second external connecting terminal.

Abstract: A calibration system may be provided for calibrating wireless communications circuitry in an electronic device during manufacturing. The calibration system may include data acquisition equipment for receiving an amplitude-modulated calibration signal from the electronic device. The calibration system may include calibration computing equipment for extracting pre-distortion coefficients from the amplitude-modulated calibration signal. The calibration computing equipment may be configured to detect a bulk phase drift in the amplitude-modulated calibration signal. The calibration computing equipment may be configured to remove the bulk phase drift from the amplitude-modulated calibration signal. The wireless communications circuitry may include a power amplifier that distorts a signal generated by the wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include a pre-distortion compensator for countering the distortion.

Abstract: A signal processing device includes a signal processing chip and a conducting path. The signal processing chip includes: a first port capable of receiving a first oscillating signal; a second port capable of outputting a second oscillating signal derived from the first oscillating signal; and a third port. The conducting path is external to the signal processing chip and coupled to the second port and the third port, and the conducting path is capable of transmitting the second oscillating signal outputted from the second port to the third port.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an oscillator circuit comprises, a first pad associated with a first terminal of an oscillator and a second pad associated with a second terminal of the oscillator. The oscillator is configured to generate an oscillating signal and communicate the oscillating signal from the second terminal to a clock distributor coupled to the second pad. The oscillator circuit further comprises an oscillator gain element comprising an output node coupled to the first pad and an input node coupled to the second pad. The oscillator circuit also comprises a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) coupled to the first pad. The oscillator circuit additionally comprises a switching circuit coupled to the gain element. The switching circuit is configured to enable the gain element when the oscillator comprises a resonator and disable the gain element when the oscillator comprises a voltage controlled oscillating module.

Abstract: A mode-switching LNA generally includes an input unit, an output unit and a bias voltage generator. The input unit amplifies an input signal to generate an amplified signal. The output unit receives the amplified signal from the input unit and operates either in an oscillation mode or in an amplification mode in response to a control signal to generate an output signal having a center frequency equal to a target frequency. The control signal indicates whether the center frequency of the output signal is the same as the target frequency. The bias voltage generator provides an input bias voltage to the input unit in response to the control signal, where the input bias voltage includes a first bias voltage in the amplification mode and a second bias voltage in the oscillation mode.

Abstract: A master clock generation unit for satellite navigation systems, comprises a plurality of frequency inputs for receiving a respective atomic clock signal, each having a first or a second reference frequency, and a number of frequency converters each having an input connected to one of the frequency inputs and an output. Each of the frequency converters receives an offset frequency (selected according to the first and second reference frequency at the assigned frequency input) from at least one frequency synthesizer, for providing the same intermediate frequency at each of the converter outputs. A switching matrix is connected to each of the converter outputs for selecting one of the intermediate frequencies as a primary clock provided at a first matrix output, and another of the intermediate frequencies as a secondary clock provided at a second matrix output.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to an exemplary aspect of the invention is capable of being selectively switched between an oscillation circuit and a signal input-output circuit, and includes first and second external connecting terminals that are connectable to an oscillation device; an inverting amplifier an input side of which is electrically connected to the first external connecting terminal through a coupling capacitor and an output side of which is electrically connected to the second external connecting terminal; a feedback resistor connected to the input side and the output side of the inverting amplifier; a bias stabilization circuit that stabilizes a bias applied to the coupling capacitor; a first signal input-output portion connected to the first external connecting terminal; and a second signal input-output portion connected to the second external connecting terminal.

Abstract: Constant and accurate signal gain systems based on controlling oscillator loop gain. A constant gain positive feedback network and an amplifier form an oscillator. Only when the oscillator loop gain is at least one does the oscillator produces an AC signal. Negative feedback of the oscillator's AC signal level is used to keep the loop gain close to or at the value of one by controlling the loop gain of the oscillator circuit. By maintaining the loop gain of the oscillator circuit substantially constant the signal gain is also maintained substantially constant.

Abstract: A method for tuning a filter is provided. The method includes: enabling a VCO circuit, wherein at least a portion of the VCO circuit is selected from the filter; generating an oscillation signal by the VCO circuit according to a driving signal; comparing the oscillation signal with a reference signal and generating a comparison result; and adjusting the driving signal according to the comparison result.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided to switch between transmit and receive modes in wireless hearing aids. One aspect relates to an apparatus for use within a communication system that has an inductive coil connected to a tuning capacitor at a node. An amplifier is connected to the node through a DC blocking capacitor to receive an induced signal in the inductive coil in a receive mode. A driver energizes the inductive coil with a driven signal in a transmit mode. According to various embodiments, the apparatus transforms the inductive coil, the tuning capacitor and the DC blocking capacitor into an equivalent series resonant circuit to reduce an inductive load in the transmit mode, and transforms the inductive coil, the tuning capacitor and the DC blocking capacitor into an equivalent parallel resonant circuit to increase an inductive load in the receive mode.

Abstract: Calibrating a filter is disclosed. The filter is reconfigured as an oscillator during calibration. Switches and/or other implementations of reconfiguring a filter are used to reconfigure the negative feedback loop of the filter to a positive feedback loop. The oscillation parameters are then measured to adjust the components of the filter to achieve an oscillation that corresponds to a desired filter characteristic.

Abstract: A method for tuning a filter is provided. The method includes: enabling a VCO circuit, wherein at least a portion of the VCO circuit is selected from the filter; generating an oscillation signal by the VCO circuit according to a driving signal; comparing the oscillation signal with a reference signal and generating a comparison result; and adjusting the driving signal according to the comparison result.

Abstract: A tuning method and a tuning apparatus for tuning a filter are disclosed. The tuning method includes: configuring the filter as a VCO; utilizing the VCO to generate an oscillation signal according to a driving signal; comparing a frequency of the oscillation signal with a reference frequency to generate a comparison result; converting the comparison result into the driving signal in order to establish a feedback mechanism. Therefore, the inner components such as the gm and capacitance inside the VCO are completely tuned when the VCO generates an oscillation signal having a wanted frequency. Since the VCO is inside the filter and the components of the filter and the VCO are similar, the driving signal can be utilized to make the filter operate in a desired center frequency under a well-designed relationship between the frequency of the oscillation signal and the center frequency.

Abstract: Inductor-capacitor (LC) RF resonator circuits are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The ratio of the weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers to the weight of the base resin host is between about 0.20 and 0.40. The micron conductive powders are formed from non-metals, such as carbon, graphite, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from metals such as stainless steel, nickel, copper, silver, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from a combination of non-metal, plated, or in combination with, metal powders. The micron conductor fibers preferably are of nickel plated carbon fiber, stainless steel fiber, copper fiber, silver fiber, or the like.

Abstract: Inductor-capacitor (LC) oscillator circuits are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The ratio of the weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers to the weight of the base resin host is between about 0.20 and 0.40. The micron conductive powders are formed from non-metals, such as carbon, graphite, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from metals such as stainless steel, nickel, copper, silver, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from a combination of non-metal, plated, or in combination with, metal powders. The micron conductor fibers preferably are of nickel plated carbon fiber, stainless steel fiber, copper fiber, silver fiber, or the like.

Abstract: Inductor-capacitor (LC) RF resonator circuits are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The ratio of the weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers to the weight of the base resin host is between about 0.20 and 0.40. The micron conductive powders are formed from non-metals, such as carbon, graphite, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from metals such as stainless steel, nickel, copper, silver, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from a combination of non-metal, plated, or in combination with, metal powders. The micron conductor fibers preferably are of nickel plated carbon fiber, stainless steel fiber, copper fiber, silver fiber, or the like.

Abstract: A microcomputer is provided, which eliminates the need of input of a selection signal to select whether an external oscillator element is connected to generate an internal clock signal or an external clock signal is inputted to generate an internal clock signal. In this microcomputer, a delay circuit generates a delayed reset signal from an external reset signal to have a specific delay period. An external clock signal detection circuit detects an external clock signal at a second terminal, outputting a detection signal. An oscillation control signal generation circuit generates an oscillation control signal for an amplifier circuit, where the oscillation control signal is generated corresponding to a detection signal outputted from an external clock signal detection circuit. The oscillation control signal is used to activate the amplifier when the external clock signal does not exist at the second terminal and to inactivate the amplifier when the external clock signal exists at the second terminal.

Abstract: A quadrature output oscillator device (22) includes a first voltage controlled oscillator (40) and a second voltage controlled oscillator (44). The second voltage controlled oscillator (44) generates a first output (C) and a second output (D) to drive a first amplifier (42). The second output (D) of the second voltage controlled oscillator (44) is a quadrature-phase signal component output (Q) of the quadrature output oscillator device (22). The first voltage controlled oscillator (40) generates a first output (A) and a second output (B) to drive a second amplifier (46). The second output (B) of the first voltage controlled oscillator (40) is an in-phase signal component output (I) of the quadrature output oscillator device (22). The first amplifier (42) generates feedback signals for the first output (A) and the second output (B) of the first voltage controlled oscillator (40).

Abstract: An electronic oscillator of the Colpitts type with an amplifying element and a tank circuit. The tank circuit includes a parallel tuned resonant circuit, a series tuned resonant circuit and a switching circuit that selectively connects one of the resonant circuits to the tank circuit. The oscillator operates at a first frequency in the parallel tuned mode and a second frequency that is substantially twice the first frequency in the series tuned mode.

Abstract: An oscillator circuit, having an inverter with input and output terminals interconnected through a feedback resistance, operates in two modes. In a first mode, the input and output terminals are coupled to an external crystal resonator. In a second mode, an external clock signal is supplied to the input terminal. In the second mode, the input terminal is disconnected from the output terminal, and in addition, the output-drive capacity of the inverter is reduced, or the output terminal of the inverter is held at a fixed potential.

Abstract: A single pin integrated oscillator circuit includes an amplifier having a first input terminal to which an external crystal may be connected, and a second input terminal which receives a feedback path from an output terminal of the amplifier. An oscillator output signal having a relatively large voltage swing is provided from the first input terminal through a buffer. The oscillator operates over a wide range of voltages and process variations, and it can accept an input signal from an external crystal or can accept any clock signal having a swing of approximately 1 V.

Abstract: A clock pulse generator has a three-state inverter and a transfer gate forming in combination a feedback loop for oscillating an output clock signal in cooperation with a quartz resonator in an internal oscillation mode, and the three-state inverter enters into high-impedance state in an external oscillation mode so that an external clock signal is transferred to the output node of the three-state inverter without malfunction.

Abstract: A self-configurable clock circuit which automatically detects at power up whether an off-chip crystal oscillator is connected to an integrated circuit including the self-configurable clock circuit, and following such detection generates a system clock signal and a power on reset signal to be used by other circuitry included in the integrated circuit. If the off-chip crystal oscillator is connected to the integrated circuit, then the self-configurable clock circuit provides the system clock signal from a first signal generated from the off-chip crystal oscillator. On the other hand, if the off-chip crystal oscillator is not connected to the integrated circuit, then the self-configurable clock circuit provides the system clock signal from a second signal generated from an on-chip RC oscillator circuit.

Abstract: An integrated oscillator includes an amplifier having first and second voltage inputs, and first and second current outputs, and a current mirror having an input coupled to the second current output of the amplifier and an output coupled to the first current output of the amplifier. The output of the current mirror and the first current output of the amplifier are coupled through a bonding pad to an external capacitor. A first comparator has a first input coupled to the first current output of the amplifier and a second input for receiving a first threshold voltage, and a second comparator has a first input coupled to the first current output of the amplifier and a second input for receiving a second threshold voltage. A flip-flop has a first input coupled to the output of the first comparator, a second input, and an output coupled to the second voltage input of the amplifier.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device having a CR oscillation circuit and a crystal oscillation circuit and capable of selecting either the CR oscillation circuit or the crystal oscillation circuit, includes a unit for receiving an electrical signal, and a unit for selecting either the CR oscillation circuit or the crystal oscillation circuit in accordance with a state of the electrical signal received by the receiving unit. The integrated circuit device also includes a unit for holding the receiving unit at a predetermined level of the electrical signal. The holding unit is adapted to hold the receiving unit at the predetermined level in accordance with a state of the receiving unit. The receiving unit is a selection terminal and the selecting unit is a selection circuit.

Abstract: A circuit has a mask option for choosing between a crystal or an RC oscillator. The RC oscillator is completely fabricated on an integrated-circuit chip and includes a charging path, a discharging path, and a capacitor coupled at a node. The alternating charging and discharging of the node produces the oscillating output voltage signal at certain frequency. The oscillation frequency may be trimmed by coupling a single optional external resistor to either the charging or discharging paths, thereby reducing the output oscillation frequency.

Abstract: A calibration circuit for a linear channel of an optical modem includes circuitry interconnected to the linear channel for causing the linear channel to oscillate. Circuitry is interconnected to the output of the linear channel for monitoring the bandwidth of the linear channel during oscillation and for generating output pulses. The output pulses are counted and are utilized for generating an adjustment signal applied to the linear channel for adjusting the bandwidth of the linear channel.

Abstract: An FM receiver is self tested by connecting a positive feedback network in circuit with a wideband, front end r.f. amplifier of the receiver, so that the amplifier is converted into an oscillator. R.f. and i.f. characteristics of the receiver are determined by comparing the amplitude of an i.f. signal with a predetermined reference value while the amplifier is converted to an oscillator. Noise characteristics of the receiver are determined by comparing the amplitude of an audio frequency signal of the receiver with a predetermined value while the amplifier is converted to an oscillator and the amplifier derives an unmodulated r.f. output. Baseband characteristics of the receiver are determined by varying a reactance in the positive feedback path to impose FM on r.f. oscillations derived by the amplifier and by comparing the amplitude of the output of the audio frequency amplifier with a predetermined value.

Abstract: An oscillator circuit operable in different modes. The oscillator circuit, when operated as a crystal oscillator, is initially operated as a standard inverter oscillator requiring a low start-up voltage. Once the circuit oscillates, an hysteresis feedback network is inserted in the amplifying section of the oscillator providing a clock signal with sharper leading and falling edges. The circuit thus enables the start up of the oscillator at low voltages and ensures greater noise immunity following start-up. The oscillator circuit, when operated as an RC oscillator, may be operated as a Schmitt-trigger oscillator as soon as the oscillator is turned-on.

Abstract: In a microcomputer integrated circuit the option of selecting between an RC oscillator or a crystal oscillator for generating the clock for the microprocessor is made available. By making the selection during the manufacturing process, external pin outs and chip area are minimized.

Abstract: An amplifier-oscillator frequency multiplier apparatus utilizing a pair of servo-connected amplifiers which are electronically switchable to provide either a coherent amplifier or a non-coherent oscillator.

Abstract: This invention is an acoustic feedback peak elimination unit and has as its objective the elimination of unwanted acoustic resonance peaks, also called ring modes, inherent in an enclosed region where a sound amplifying system may be used. A number of separate units embodying the present invention may be used in cascade, each unit being adapted to handle a small frequency range of about an octave within the entire frequency range to be amplified, each such unit functioning at unity gain to eliminate a single feedback peak when present. In addition, the invention includes means for energizing an oscillator within its tunable frequency range so that a particular frequency may be introduced for tuning the entire sound system with desired precision.

Abstract: A self-oscillating mixer circuit suitable for a television receiver is provided using characteristically a single or two switching diodes. During VHF receiving, the mixer circuit operates in a self-oscillating mixing mode under an optimum bias condition, while, during UHF receiving, it operates under an optimum bias condition for intermediate frequency amplification, ceasing its local oscillation.

Abstract: A crystal controlled square wave oscillator requiring a minimum number of components, exhibiting high frequency stability, and operating at substantially a 50% duty cycle. A quartz crystal dual monolithic resonator is provided having a pair of signal electrodes and a reference electrode. The resonator is capable of oscillating in symmetric and anti-symmetric modes, points of minimum attenuation, the symmetric mode exhibiting a 180.degree. phase shift, and the anti-symmetric mode exhibiting a phase shift of 0.degree.. An integrated circuit logic gate is connected between the signal electrodes, the logic gate being of the type having low input and output impedances so as not to degrade the Q of the resonator. The logic gate provides a phase shift of 180.degree. or 0.degree. causing the resonator to oscillate in its symmetric or anti-symmetric modes, respectively, the gate switching between its two logic levels to produce a square wave output at the frequency of the excited mode.

Abstract: In a signal compressor wherein an amplified and smoothed control signal is employed to control a variable gain or variable impedance device, a switch is provided to connect a positive feedback loop across the control signal amplifier, thereby to place the compressor in an oscillator mode for providing an alignment or calibration signal of stable amplitude.