Abstract: The architecture and the method of operation of a receiver core are described. The core performs clock and data recovery on an incoming serial data stream transmitted across a wired media, such as a chip-to-chip or card-to-card interconnect. The bit error rate and accuracy of the recovery are optimized without centering of oversampling. Further, random errors due to edge mis-tracking are minimized. The receiver utilizes a phase rotator to detect the edge position of the bits of the data stream, select the optimum data sample and generate early and late signals if the detected edge is not in the expected position. A phase locked loop provides a frequency source for the phase rotator. At least three evenly spaced samples are detected for each bit. A sample processing algorithm, preferably an adaptive behavior algorithm, is used for centering the bit edge between two of the samples.

Abstract: A unified serial link system and method for transmitting digital data across wired media including a transmitter and a receiver. The system comprises a phase locked loop (PLL) control circuit, a phase rotator circuit, a phase buffer circuit, and an equalization driver circuit. The phase rotator circuit is configured to acquire a clock phase from the phase locked loop control circuit and modulo shift the clock phase into a desired phase angle. One embodiment comprises a dual loop PLL having a digital coarse loop and an analog fine loop, a multi-stage voltage controlled oscillator, a voltage comparator, a PLL control logic, a digital to analog counter and a low pass filter. The fine loop includes the oscillator, a frequency divider, a phase-frequency detector, a charge pump and a loop filter.

Abstract: An electronic subassembly comprises a printed circuit board and an electronic module, particularly a ceramic module, electrically connected to one another through a planar interposer. The interposer comprises an insulator sheet and electrical spring elements joining contact sites on the module with contact pads on the PCB. The invention includes modifications that improve the integrity of electrical connections between the printed circuit board and the electronic module. This is achieved by compensating for non-planarity between the surfaces of the interposer and the module, particularly resulting from a convex curvature of the module, by minimizing relative movement, such as rocking in the x-z and y-z planes. It also includes modifications to the suspension of the module within the interposer housing to reduce the effects caused by any sliding that may occur between the interposer and the module in the x-y plane.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a multi-probe tester to test an electrical device having a plurality of contact pads. Multi-probe tester test probes and electrical device contact pads are arrayed in a common distribution pitch, wherein at least one test probe is masked, thereby preventing the at least one test probe from returning a test result to the testing apparatus. In one embodiment mask membrane physically prevents at least one test probe from making contact with the electrical device. In another embodiment at least one software command is provided configured to cause an input from at least one test probe to be disregarded during a test routine. Another embodiment features both mask membrane and software command probe masking.

Abstract: Peripheral devices are connected to the receptacle of a central processing unit (CPU) or to a hub using an “A” type universal serial bus (USB) connector plug and receptacle that ensures a positive connection regardless of the relative orientation of the two components. This is achieved mechanically, electronically, or through a combination of both. In one embodiment, the receptacle includes a bidirectional backplane that permits electrical contacts within the receptacle to slide or move in a direction that is perpendicular to the linear direction of the connector and its connecting cables. Another option is to use an orientation sensor such as a pressure transducer which serves to detect the orientation of the plug with respect to the receptacle. Another feature is the use of a multi-layer printed circuit board to cross or reverse the pins in the plug, such as D+ to D? and Power to Ground.

Abstract: The details of a printed wiring board (PWB) sub-assembly and the method of producing the same are described. The sub-assembly comprises a printed circuit board electrically joined through a plurality of connections to one or more area array devices, such as modules or printed wiring boards. The sub-assembly can serve as a part of an original assembly. The sub-assembly can function as an after market item that can be readily substituted as a replacement for a failed component wherein the dimensional space between the printed circuit board and one or both of the area array devices must provide sufficient clearance for surface mounted devices.

Abstract: An antenna unit is provided in a wireless communication apparatus which performs wireless communication. The antenna unit has a radio wave resonance part through which a radio wave is transmitted or received, an antenna ground part electrically connected to the radio wave resonance part, and a connection part which fixes the antenna ground part at such a position that the antenna ground part is closer to the radio wave resonance part than other ground parts of the wireless communication apparatus.

Abstract: A method of forming a member for joining to form a composite wiring board. The member includes a dielectric substrate. Adhesive tape is applied to at least one face of said substrate. At least one opening is formed through the substrate extending from one face to the other and through each adhesive tape. An electrically conductive material is dispensed in each of the openings and partially cured. The adhesive tape is removed to allow a nub of the conductive material to extend above the substrate face to form a wiring structure with other elements.

Abstract: A unified, unidirectional serial link is described for providing data across wired media, such as a chip-to chip or a card-to-card interconnect. It consists of a transmit section and a receive section that are operated as pairs to allow the serial data communication. The serial link is implemented as part of a VLSI ASIC module and derives its power, data and clocking requirements from the host modules. The logic transmitter portion contains a phase locked loop (PLL), a dibit data register, a finite impulse response (FIR) filter and a transmit data register. The phase locked loop comprises both a digital coarse loop and an analog fine loop. The digital receiver portion contains a PLL, an FIR phase rotator, a phase rotator control state machine, and a clock buffer. The transmitter and the receiver each preferably utilize a pseudo-random bit stream (PRBS) generator and checker.

Abstract: A method and system for a pipelined bus interface macro for use in interconnecting devices within a computer system. The system and method utilizes a pipeline depth signal that indicates a number N of discrete transfer requests that may be sent by a sending device and received by a receiving device prior to acknowledgment of a transfer request by the receiving device. The pipeline depth signal may be dynamically modified, enabling a receiving device to decrement or increment the pipeline depth while one or more unacknowledged requests have been made. The dynamic modifications may occur responsive to many factors, such as an instantaneous reduction in system power consumption, a bus interface performance indicator, a receiving device performance indicator or a system performance indicator.

Abstract: A structure and method for a locking nut with a deformable member is provided. The locking nut has an elongated body relative to a comparable standard non-locking nut, allowing the nut to provide a standard length of thread for engaging bolt members while also defining a void for carrying the deformable locking member. The void has a forged side-wall structure that substantially engages the locking member within the void while shipping or handling the lock nut. The locking member deforms and flows into thread areas, thereby providing locking and vibration dampening functions, and also deforms or flows into the side-wall structures, thereby enabling the lock nut to impart sufficient frictional forces to the member to remove the deformed member from an assembly when the nut is removed. The locking forces imparted to the structure by the member may be varied and, therefore, increased by user-applied forces.

Abstract: The escape of signals from a semiconductor chip to a printed wiring board in a flip chip/ball grid array assembly is improved by repositioning the signals from the chip through the upper signal layers of the carrier. This involves fanning out the circuit lines through the chip carrier from the top surface that communicates with the chip, through the core to the bottom surface where signals exit the carrier to the printed wiring board. This fanning out is achieved by making better utilization of the surface area of the signal planes between the core and the chip. The signals are fanned out on each of the top signal planes so that many more of the signals are transmitted through the vias in the core to the bottom signal planes where they can escape outside of the footprint area of the chip thereby increasing the density of circuits escaping the footprint area.

Abstract: An image processing system comprises a plurality of memories to which image data is input, a control circuit for selecting areas for image processing from the image data input to the memories, and a plurality of DSPs connected to the memories and performing image processing of the selected image data selected by the control circuit. The present invention provides a an image processing system and method where selected image data including overlap areas can be sent from memories to DSPs by entering the same image data into a plurality of memories, without requiring transfers of overlap areas between DSPs, such that the image processing speed is improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus (20) for cathodic protection of reinforced concrete using discrete anodes (22) in or on the reinforced concrete member (14) to improve performance and service life of the discrete anodes. The discrete anode (22) is embedded in a cementitous grout or mortar (24) to encapsulate the anode (22) and provide contact to complete the cathodic protection circuit. A lithium salt is added to the cementitous grout or mortar (24) in an amount of at least about 0.05 gram per cubic centimeter. The lithium salt functions to enhance the performance of the cathodic protection system (20) by minimizing the deleterious effects of the anode reaction products on the grout or mortar adjacent to the anode and increasing the protective current delivered to the reinforcing steel.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system, method and device for attachment to a golf flagstick. Through interaction with a golf hole cup, the invention prevents indentation damage to the earthen rim of the golf hole, and abrasion damage to the flagstick itself. It also provides a means for retaining the flag in the cup, preventing high winds or other lateral pressures from unwanted removal from the cup.

Abstract: A protective guard is used to cover the gap formed between a hinged door and a door frame or doorjamb when the door is in the open position. The guard comprises several elements that are pivotally joined to one another using a C-clamp. One element is mounted on the face of the door and another element is joined to the frame or jamb. Each of these is joined to a transition element which in turn may be joined in succession to one or more channel elements. Optionally, the guard may include a retainer spring that serves to preserve the convex shape of the guard when the door is being pivoted between the open and the closed positions. The safety guard may be made out a wide variety of materials including metal, plastic, rubber and foam.

Abstract: A new and distinct strain of apple, designated ‘Walden’, originated as a whole tree mutation in a ‘Honeycrisp’ planting. The fruit are more attractively colored and glossier than parent tree fruit, which will greatly improve fresh fruit packout. Fruit color is solid scarlet red over 90 to 98 percent of the fruit surface compared to patchy red over a yellow-green background from parent trees. Color development is seven days earlier than ‘Honeycrisp’.

Abstract: A new and distinct all-male asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) hybrid denoted ‘NJ 854’ was developed through extensive breeding and selection. Asparagus hybrid ‘NJ 854’ has many desirable traits including vigorous plant growth, high yield, good resistance to rust (Puccinia asparagi) and good field tolerance to asparagus root rot (Fusarium oxysporum) and asparagus crown rot (Fusarium moniliforme). The plants and plant parts of ‘NJ 854’ are described as well as the hybrid asparagus seeds and plants produced by crossing asparagus plant ‘NJ 854’ with another asparagus plant.

Abstract: An interspecific hybrid of Cornus kousa×C. nuttallii exhibits the vigorous nature and the floral display of large, white bracts of plants of C. nuttallii and the dark, glossy green foliage and disease and insect resistance of plants of C. kousa. The hybrid thus provides a new, unique, and superior large-bracted dogwood for landscaping purposes. Plants of C. nuttallii become very large in nature in areas where they are indigenous but seldom thrive in other areas. Plants of this novel hybrid are expected to thrive in many regions of the world where plants of C. kousa perform well.

Abstract: An advanced generation interspecific hybrid of (Cornus kousa×C. nuttallii) that is distinguished by its exceptionally high vigor, superior foliage, floriferous display of very attractive and exceptionaly large white floral bracts, high level of winter hardiness, good drought tolerance and high resistance to the incitants of powdery mildew and dogwood anthracnose.