Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include circuits and methods for dividing signals. In one embodiment the present invention includes a divider circuit comprising at least one first divider input receiving an in-phase (I+) signal, at least one second divider input receiving a complement of the in-phase (I?) signal, at least one third divider input receiving a quadrature (Q+) signal, and at least one fourth divider input receiving a complement of the quadrature (Q?) signal. In one embodiment, the lock range of a divider is improved by providing a first bias current greater than a second bias current.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention improve database performance testing. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of testing the performance of an application running transactions against a database comprising specifying performance critical database transaction statements in the application corresponding to one or more tables and separately executing each performance critical database transaction statement against the database a predetermined number of times, wherein the database is in a predetermined initial state at the beginning of each execution.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods of driving an electroluminescent lamp. In one embodiment, the electroluminescent lamp is driven to a first threshold during a first time period and then driven to successive voltages between the threshold and a maximum voltage during successive time. This method of driving the lamp waveshapes the lamp voltage signal. In one example, the thresholds are set to minimize audible noise from the electroluminescent lamp due to the piezoelectric effect.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of fabricating a quad flat no-lead (QFN) chip package. The method includes forming a stamped lead frame; forming a die pad and a lead shrink on one side of the stamped lead frame; mounting a die on the die pad; performing wire bonding; encapsulating the die and the wire bond with a molding compound; removing the stamped lead frame after encapsulating; and sawing the molding compound after the stamped lead frame has been removed. Such method results in improved quality of wire leads, improved lifespan of cutting blades, and reduction of burrs as compared to many existing methods of fabricating QFN chip packages.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an integrated circuit comprising an integrated transmission line, wherein the integrated transmission line is used as a timing reference for a feedback loop and wherein the feedback loop and the transmission line are integrated on a single integrated circuit. The feedback loop and transmission line may be used as a frequency generator or controlled delay, for example. In another embodiment, the present invention includes a timing loop with first and second commutating phase detectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and fabrication of flexures used to guide motion in mechanical systems. A high specific stiffness flexure includes two narrow and thin flexing sections separated by a longer stiffened section. The present invention provides designs and processes for making flexures and flexure systems with monolithic high specific stiffness frame or box structures for the stiffened sections that creates relatively higher self-resonant frequencies.

Abstract: A prototype page for simulating navigation between objects in a computer program. A selection of a distribution of presentation areas is received. A placement of first and second icon symbols in at least one of the presentation areas is received. The first and second icon symbols represent first and second objects, respectively, of a computer program. A placement of a navigation symbol is received. The navigation symbol represents a navigation between the first and second objects. Markup language code is provided for a prototype page. The code includes location indicating code corresponding to the distribution of presentation areas. The code includes picture code for first and second pictures corresponding to the first and second icon symbols, respectively. The markup language code further includes interaction code corresponding to the navigation symbol. The prototype page is capable of simulating the navigation between the first and second objects in the computer program.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include circuits for use in wireless receivers that provide wide band matching with improved gain and noise performance. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a wireless receiver comprising an antenna, a first transistor having a source coupled to the antenna, a second transistor having a gate coupled to the antenna and a network comprising a first terminal coupled to the antenna, a second terminal coupled to the source of the first transistor and a third terminal coupled to the gate of the second transistor, wherein the network has a transimpedance between the second and third terminals so that noise generated by the first transistor is differentially rejected by the system across a predetermined range of frequencies.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a circuit comprising an amplifier having an input terminal, an output terminal, a positive supply voltage, and a negative supply voltage. The amplifier is configured to have a first gain. A variable feedback circuit is coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal. The difference between the voltage on the output terminal and input terminal is received by the variable feedback circuit, which changes the gain of the circuit and reduces distortion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a frequency generator comprising a feedback loop with a transmission line integrated on a single integrated circuit. In one embodiment, a frequency generator comprises a phase detector and a voltage controlled oscillator coupled in series, and a transmission line having an input coupled to an output of the voltage controlled oscillator, the transmission line providing a time delay between the transmission line input and output, wherein the phase detector includes an input coupled to the transmission line output and another input coupled to the transmission line input. The phase detector, voltage controlled oscillator and transmission line are advantageously integrated on a single integrated circuit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a portable speaker including a speaker driver, a first cylindrical ring coupled to the speaker driver, a base plate configured in parallel with the speaker driver, a second cylindrical ring affixed to the base plate, and one or more interposed unaffixed cylindrical rings, wherein in a first expanded state the sidewalls of adjacent rings form frictional seals and a substantially airtight rigid chamber having a height substantially equal to the sum of the sidewall heights of the cylindrical rings, and in an unexpanded state the sidewalls of the cylindrical rings are substantially parallel to one another. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in an audio system including a class-D amplifier.