Abstract: A method of forming a high quality silicon on insulator semiconductor device using wafer bonding. The annealing time for the wafer bonding process is substantially reduced through the use of a rapid thermal annealer, thereby resulting in minimizing the redistribution of the doping concentration resulting from the annealing process.

Abstract: A programmable logic circuit which can be implemented on a single integrated circuit in conjunction with other associated circuitry. The circuit includes programmable fuses whereby the circuit can be programmed to implent AND, NAND, OR, or NOR functions. Additionally, the circuit can be programmed to accept either a high or low true logic on each individual input as well as providing either a high true or low true output.

Abstract: A high efficiency integrated power converter adapted for direct connection to line voltage and having on chip protection from overcurrent may be implemented utilizing a GTO-SCR as the switch element in a switching power converter such that the converter requires no external transformer or inductor based voltage reducing circuitry. The input voltage may vary over a wide dynamic range without deterioration in circuit performance due to the extremely high anode to cathode breakdown voltage of the switching element and further due to the on chip protection from excess current flow through the switching element.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a bipolar semiconductor device having self-aligned contact regions. The process avoids the need for a masking step for the application of interconnecting contacts by providing a dielectric material having a low melting point over the emitter region of the semiconductor. The dielectric material is heated to its melting point such that it covers and encapsulates the emitter. Conductive contact material is then subsequently provided using the self-alignment feature of the melted dielectric which isolates the base from the contacts.

Abstract: A logic transition detection circuit for detecting logic signal changes. The circuit includes both positive and negative transition detectors for providing a charge at the input of an output stage of the detection circuit when the logic signal changes. A reset circuit is coupled between the output stage and the respective transition detectors for discharging the input of the output stage of the detector, thereby resetting the detector circuit. The output stage resulting provides a pulse denoting that a transition in the logic signal has occurred.

Abstract: A method of planarizing a semiconductor layer by use of a plasma etch step which also etches vias having a tapered profile is made possible by selecting a conformal layer preferably of a different material than the material through which the via is to be provided such that a plasma etch will establish differing etch rates in the conformal and underlying layers.

Abstract: Photoresist apertures having tapered sidewalls can be provided by first opening the aperture in accordance with ordinary practice followed by the exposure of the photoresist to a suitable energy source such as a flood exposure to wideband light, the heating of the photoresist to round the peripheral edges of the aperture and the exposure of the thus pretreated photoresist to an environment which removes photoresist from the inside wall of the aperture until the desired tapered profile is obtained. In the preferred practice of the invention, the pretreated photoresist is removed from the inside wall of the aperture through exposure to a dry oxygen plasma etch.

Abstract: The lead finish can be greatly improved on leaded electronic components in a vapor phase reflow process without extra process steps by providing an improved conveyor belt having supports for carrying the components in bug down orientation while preventing the leads from substantially protruding through the plane of the conveyor mechanism and simultaneously allowing for the free flow of the heated vapor through the conveyor belt and on top of the belts such that the leads of the electronic components rest on the tape. The remaining portion of the belt is of a large grid mesh to permit the free flow of vapors in the upper portion of the reflow chamber.

Abstract: A high reliability, low power fuse programmable DC level generator is implemented by providing at least one fuse in each branch of a resistive bridge such that programming of the level generator results in providing a blown fuse in the current path and as a consequence results in low current and low power under all operating conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of forming semiconductor fuses involving the use of silicide formation by a low temperature process which avoids heat related damage to other device components and circuitry and which provides better electrical reliability than fuses formed by alternative porcesses. According to the present invention, silicides of noble and refractory metals can be formed by solid phase diffusion to form vertical fuses which are conductive after silicide formation.

Abstract: Programmable chip select decoder including a higher level of integration such that the entire chip select decoder circuitry is provided on a single integrated circuit to avoid the problems previously associated with multi-chip approaches. The CMOS implementation provides lower power yet provides higher speed than alternative implementations due to the optimized device architecture requiring minimum fuse programming.

Abstract: Stress is eliminated between a dielectrically passivated silicon wafer and a thick polycrystalline silicon layer by depositing a low melting transition layer such as a doped silica glass over the passivated silicon wafer.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus for reducing problems due to water condensation in mobile or portable electronic instruments through the use of a controlled air path into an otherwise sealed enclosure. The apparatus includes a screen with a fine mesh for condensing water particles contained in the air that flows through the path with the screen positioned so that the condensed water flows out of the enclosure, and a dehydrating material located in series with the screen for absorbing additional moisture from the air. The apparatus is designed to fit almost entirely within the enclosure while being readily accessible for easy replacing of the filtering components.

Abstract: A piece of flexible tubing is positioned within the cover of a crystal mount and surrounds a planar crystal without engaging the crystal or obstructing its vibration due to electrical signals applied to the crystal. The shape of the tubing is such that it resiliently engages the cover walls at a plurality of locations and provides free portions therebetween that function as cushions for limiting the movement of the crystal in response to accelerating or decelerating shock forces applied to the crystal in a direction transverse to the plane of the crystal.

Abstract: A tubular shaped aperture extends through a mounting base and includes two aligned sections of different sizes so that the junction of the two sections provides an abutment. A mirror is positioned within the larger section with the reflective side facing the smaller section and abuts against a ring-shaped spring device therebetween. A plurality of adjustable screws engage the reverse side of the mirror to control the orientation of the mirror relative to the axis of the aperture and to adjust the position of the mirror along the axis.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for positioning an acousto-optic modulator in a beam of radiation so that it is adjustable to pivot the modulator unit in a plane including the beam and thereby to accurately position the angle of entry of the beam into the modulator unit. The mounting arrangement includes a planar base member, secured at one end, and adapted to be pivoted along at least one line of flexure to control the position of the modulator relative to the beam.

Abstract: A report register, for use in conjunction with radio receiver-transmitter of a mobile unit, such as a ship, for receiving, storing and displaying stored data, and being responsive to interrogation signal from a distant station for automatically outpulsing the stored data. A mode switch selects the storage location and identifies the data to be stored and includes an output position for enabling the register to automatically outpulse the data, in a preset sequence including the identity of the mobile unit, in response to the interrogation signal.