Abstract: A reference voltage source with linear temperature compensation for use in a band gap voltage reference circuit. The reference voltage source comprises a voltage follower comprising a differential pair. The voltage follower is arranged in cascade with a reference circuit for supplying a compensation voltage in series with a temperature dependent reference voltage of the reference circuit. The voltage follower delivers a temperature independent output voltage between the output of the voltage follower and a reference terminal.

Abstract: An integrated reflector lamp includes a sealed envelope enclosing a high pressure gas discharge device. A shell has a rim portion which receives the sealed envelope and an opposing basal portion carrying a screw base. A ballast for igniting and operating the discharge device is enclosed within the shell between the screw base and the sealed envelope. The sealed envelope includes a reflective surface which directs light emitted by the discharge device. The reflective surface also provides effective heat management for preventing overheating of the ballast by the heat generated by the discharge device. The integrated lamp has photometrics and luminous efficacy which exceeds that of corresponding halogen and halogen IR reflector lamps while having an overall planform which fits within that of the corresponding lamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for providing user-directed operation of a virtual manipulator, such as a simulated hand or claw (30) within a computer-generated virtual environment. The environment comprises one or more objects (32) which may be held, released or impelled by the manipulator under user control. Movement of the virtual manipulator is directed by a suitable hand held device operated by a user, with a simple control directing opening or closing of the claw (30). In operation, actions such as throwing, catching or punching an object (32) are partially automated, with the decision as to the action initiated being determined by the separation (D) between object and manipulator, and the current and previous states of each as recorded in the form of respective state variables. A method for the derivation of an applied velocity for the object acted upon is also described.

Abstract: A method and a device for bonding a first plate-shaped object to a second plate-shaped object with an adhesive. The adhesive is applied to one of the two surfaces of the first object, whereafter said surface of the first object and one of the two surfaces of the second object are pressed together. The plate-shaped objects are rotated at equal rotational velocities about an axis of rotation extending perpendicularly to said surfaces of the objects for at least a time period during which the two objects are being pressed together. In this way, the adhesive present between the two objects spreads homogeneously between the two objects under the influence of the centrifugal force acting on the adhesive, so that a homogeneous, relatively thin and strong layer of adhesive is formed between the two objects. In addition, the pressure with which the objects are to be pressed together is reduced.

Abstract: An amplified MOS biasing apparatus and method for avoiding latch-up within an integrated circuit. An amplifier receives a plurality of voltages and multiplies the voltages by a gain so as to generate a plurality of amplified voltages. A comparator compares the plurality of voltages and generates signals indicating which is greatest and which is smallest. A switch connects the greatest of the voltages to N-wells in PMOS transistors and connects the smallest of the voltages to P-wells in NMOS transistors to discourage parasitic diodes, within the PMOS and NMOS transistors, from conducting excessive amounts of current.

Abstract: A method and a circuit for self-calibration and testing QPSK transmitter/receiver IC's is provided. The method and circuit enable variable error parameters such as gain mismatch, offset voltages, and phase errors inherent in the circuit and signals to be measured and taken into account by the digital signal processors for minimum bit error rates during cellular communications.

Abstract: A gm-C circuit includes a two-stage common mode control loop to limit the common mode voltage during circuit operation. To prevent latch-up in a cross-coupled differential gm-C type filter, the common mode control loop includes a circuit which provides extra current capability to the common-mode control loop without increasing the quiescent, current. This is accomplished by a current boost technique that provides large amounts of current when needed, while running in a low current mode under normal circumstances.

Abstract: A known phase-control loop comprises an oscillator having a controllable frequency, a frequency divider and a phase comparator which compares a reference signal (CKREF) with the signal at the output of the frequency divider and controls the frequency of the oscillator.The circuit also comprises, at the output of the oscillator, a phase shifter which supplies a signal (CKN0) at a multiple frequency of the input frequency and shifted in phase with respect to the signal of the oscillator, and a synchronizing module which may be simply constituted by a D flipflop with the input D connected to the output of the divider, and the input CLK connected to the output of the phase shifter, and which supplies a signal (CKREF0) at the frequency of the input signal (CKREF) but is locked at the output signal of the phase shifter.

Abstract: A ballast includes safety circuitry which senses lamp status through various phases of ballast operation. According to one feature, the ballast is prevented from supplying an output voltage upon initial energization of the ballast when a lamp is not present at the output terminals. The presence of a filament is sensed via a DC path extending through the filament heater windings of an output transformer. When the DC path is not complete, a control input, for example the power supply input of the ballast controller, is not provided with a voltage to start ballast operation. The DC path is also used to restart the ballast if a defective lamp is replaced with a good one. Over-voltage and capacitive mode detection is also disclosed to shut down ballast output upon lamp failure/removal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp (2) provided with a discharge vessel (3) and an outer envelope (30) which encloses a space (6). The lamp is provided with an igniter circuit (10) which comprises a voltage-dependent capacitor (8) and a fuse (7). According to the invention, the voltage-dependent capacitor and the fuse (7) are integrated so as to form a single component (18).