Abstract: A shape-based layout beautification operation can be performed on an IC layout to correct layout imperfections. A shape is described by edges (and vertices) related according to specified properties. Each shape can be configured to match specific layout imperfection types. Corrective actions can then be associated with the shapes, advantageously enabling efficient formulation and precise application of those corrective actions. Corrective actions can include absolute, adaptive, or replacement-type modifications to the detected layout imperfections. A concurrent processing methodology can be used to minimize processing overhead during layout beautification, and the actions can also be incorporated into a lookup table to further reduce runtime. A layout beautification system can also be connected to a network across which shapes, actions, and IC layout data files can be accessed and retrieved.

Abstract: Status/error reporting is implemented using a doorbell system. A plurality of flag registers are included on a system device, such as a serial buffer. Each flag register has a corresponding address, and stores a plurality of flags. A flag scan controller accesses the flag registers in a predetermined priority order, using the flag register addresses. Upon detecting that one or more of the flags of a flag register are activated, the flag scan controller causes a doorbell command to be generated. The doorbell command includes the flag register address and the corresponding flags. A system processor receives the doorbell command and services the activated flags. Once the activated flags are serviced, the system processor performs one or more software write operations to clear the flags within the system device. The system processor can simultaneously service multiple flags. The system processor can also simultaneously clear multiple flags.

Abstract: An analog soft-start circuit for a switching regulator (e.g., a buck converter) including an analog ramp circuit and an open-loop analog voltage clamp circuit. The voltage ramp circuit utilizes a two-stage current divider circuit to generate a very low, stable current signal, and an integrator circuit including a relatively small, integral capacitor to generate the ramp voltage signal in response to the very low current signal. The analog voltage clamp circuit clamps the regulated output signal to the ramp voltage until the ramp voltage signal increases to a predetermined voltage level, thereby causing the regulated output voltage to exhibit the desired soft-start characteristics. The analog clamp circuit includes a current mirror circuit that generates a clamp current that pulls down the error amplifier output stage via a clamping element (e.g., a diode) until the ramp voltage signal reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A test system for positioning and measuring the far-field pattern of a laser diode under test (LDUT) using a single objective lens and two relay lenses. Positioning is achieved by passing light from the LDUT through a video microscope formed by the objective lens and a first relay lens, which focuses the light onto an image plane for capture by a first camera. Far-field pattern measurement is performed by reflecting a portion of the focused light through a second relay lens, which collimates the light and directs the unfocused light onto an infinity image plane, where it is captured by a second video camera. Angular orientation is achieved using a laser collimator that reflects beam energy from a datum plane of the LDUT. The reflected beam energy forms a point image at the infinity image plane that is used to determine and/or adjust the angular orientation of the LDUT.

Abstract: An immersive video system is provided which enables a user to interact with immersive video on a variety of platforms. To accommodate different types of platform components, the resolution of the immersive video may be changed. In one embodiment, a pair of immersive videos, one of the immersive videos having a 360° field of view, are simultaneously played in a standard display software program. In another embodiment, a single immersive video mapping an environment greater than 360° is played in a standard display software program. The display software program can be chosen such that it is supported by a variety of platforms. A view window associated with the standard display software program defines the portion of the immersive video shown to the viewer. A control adjusted by the viewer pans the view window around one of the pair of immersive videos.

Abstract: Efficient methods for lithographically fabricating spring structures onto a substrate containing contact pads or metal vias by forming both the spring metal and release material layers using a single mask. Specifically, a pad of release material is self-aligned to the spring metal finger using a photoresist mask or a plated metal pattern, or using lift-off processing techniques. A release mask is then used to release the spring metal finger while retaining a portion of the release material that secures the anchor portion of the spring metal finger to the substrate. When the release material is electrically conductive (e.g., titanium), this release material portion is positioned directly over the contact pad or metal via, and acts as a conduit to the spring metal finger in the completed spring structure. When the release material is non-conductive, a metal strap is formed to connect the spring metal finger to the contact pad/via.

Abstract: A memory system that includes a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cell including an access transistor and a capacitor structure fabricated in a semiconductor substrate. The capacitor structure is fabricated by forming a cavity in a shallow trench isolation region, thereby exposing a sidewall region of the substrate below the upper surface of the substrate. A dielectric layer is formed over the upper surface and the sidewall region of the substrate. A polysilicon layer is formed over the dielectric layer and patterned to form a capacitor electrode of the capacitor structure that extends over the upper surface and the sidewall region of the substrate. The capacitor electrode is partially recessed below the upper surface of the substrate. The polysilicon layer is also patterned to form the gate electrode of the access transistor.

Abstract: An environment map creation system creates an environment map from one or more images representing an environment. The environment map creation system includes a texture projection generation unit, which produces a texture projection having polygonal curved surfaces as facets. An environment map rendering unit uses the texture projection to create the environment map from the one or more images. Specifically, the environment map creation system determines an image area in the one or more images corresponding to each polygonal curved surface. The polygonal curved surface is colored based on the corresponding image area. The environment map is formed from the polygonal curved surfaces which become texels in the environment map.