Abstract: An oscillator includes an oscillator circuit and a resonator that produces an output frequency. A temperature compensation circuit is coupled to the oscillator circuit. The temperature compensation circuit stabilizes the output frequency in response to changes in temperature. At least one temperature sensor and a temperature sensor signal modification circuit are coupled to the temperature compensation circuit. The temperature sensor signal modification circuit receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor and generates a modified temperature sensor signal that is transmitted to the temperature compensation circuit.

Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) assembly and module incorporating a ball grid array resonator as part of the tank circuit of the voltage controlled oscillator. The VCO module preferably incorporates at least an oscillator circuit, the tank circuit, and an output buffer stage circuit all defined by a plurality of interconnected electrical/electronic components including the ball grid array resonator which are mounted to a printed circuit board. In another embodiment, the oscillator assembly also includes a phase-locked loop circuit defined at least in part by an integrated circuit mounted to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A resonator/filter adapted for direct surface mounting to the surface of a printed circuit board. The resonator/filter comprises a block of dielectric material including at least one resonator through-hole extending therethrough and respective top, bottom and side surfaces defining respective regions of dielectric material covered with conductive material. The top block surface defines at least a first conductive region. A second conductive region on the bottom surface of the block defines an input/output contact which allows the filter to be mounted on the board with the bottom filter surface seated thereon, thus providing a direct ground contact between the board and the resonator through-hole for improved attenuation performance particularly at higher frequencies. A plurality of transmission line embodiments electrically interconnect the first and second conductive regions.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element suitable for use as a sensor element in a hydrophone. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor element comprises a ceramic lead zirconate titanate substrate defining opposed ends and including at least first and second conductive strip electrodes on opposed top and bottom faces thereof. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the strip electrodes, and preferably at least the end of one of the strip electrodes disposed adjacent one of the opposed ends of the substrate, includes one or more spaced-apart laser cuts created during the manufacture of the sensor element for presetting the capacitance of the sensor element.

Abstract: A filter including at least two resonator through-holes defining apertures in the top surface surrounded by respective plates which in combination with the through-holes associated therewith define primary and secondary shunt zeros adapted to provide low ripple and high rejection adjacent the bandpass. In the embodiment shown, the through-hole of the primary shunt zero is directly capacitively or inductively coupled to an input/output pad, while the through-hole of the secondary shunt zero is indirectly capacitively or inductively coupled to the input/output pad via a coupling bar extending between the input/output pad and the secondary shunt zero. In another embodiment, the secondary shunt zero may be capacitively or inductively coupled directly to the input/output pad.

Abstract: A synthesizer module/oscillator assembly includes a voltage controlled oscillator with a coaxial resonator. In one embodiment, the module measures 20.3 mm×14.8 mm×3.9 mm and the coaxial resonator is positioned on the circuit board of the module between a phase locked loop integrated circuit and a main section of the voltage controlled oscillator. The phase locked loop circuit includes a loop filter and is adapted to receive the frequency signal generated by the voltage controlled oscillator and generate an adjusted frequency signal.

Abstract: A reduced-size VCO/PLL module including a circuit board having a plurality of components positioned, mounted and interconnected thereon in a manner allowing the same to fit in a 10.5 mm×14 mm×2.9 mm package. In one embodiment, an inner lid encloses the VCO portion of the module. In all embodiments, an outer lid is adapted to cover all of the components on the circuit board of the module. The inner and outer lids include tabs adapted to be fitted within respective apertures defined in the board. In a preferred embodiment, the VCO portion occupies one side of the module while an integrated circuit chip and a loop filter occupy an opposite side of the module.

Abstract: A hip support member for packs, bags and other articles including a pair of spaced-apart rigid arms adapted to engage the hips of the wearer of the pack, bag or article. A sleeve or shoulder associated with either the arms or the article secures the arms to the article. In one embodiment, the arms, shoulders and sleeve combine to define a generally U-shape frame adapted to be mounted to an article and wrap around the hips of the wearer. In another embodiment, the shoulders and/or sleeve are adjustable to adjust the width between the arms and the arms are rotatable about the article between disengaged and engaged positions.

Abstract: A ceramic material suitable for use as a microwave band filter for telecommunications equipment comprises oxides of titanium, barium, neodymium, samarium, and optionally, bismuth, and containing, on an elemental weight basis: about 28 to about 31 weight % titanium, about 19 to about 21 weight % barium, about 11 to about 18 weight % samarium, about 7 to about 13 weight % neodymium, up to about 3 weight % of bismuth, and the remainder substantially being oxygen. The ceramic compositions have a resonant frequency, f, in the range of about 2000 MHz to about 2300 MHz, a quality factor, Q, of at least about 4000, a dielectric constant, K, in the range of about 50 to about 70, and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency, Tf, in the range of about 0 ppm to about +20 ppm. Calcined metal oxide powders useful for preparing the microwave ceramic materials, a method of making the ceramic materials, and devices containing the ceramic materials are also described.