Abstract: An anti-cross conduction driver control circuit and method prevent the occurrence of race conditions and avoid cross-conduction between series-connected power devices, typically MOSFETs, controlled in accordance with the present invention. Individual state machines are connected across the inputs and outputs of each power device driver, and are arranged to accurately determine when the driver has completed a task requested of it. Each state machine produces a “lockout” signal based on driver status, which is used to inhibit the operation of the opposite driver under prescribed conditions, and to thereby prevent cross-conduction between the series-connected power devices.

Abstract: A directional borehole drilling system employs a controllable drill bit, which includes one or more conical drilling surfaces. Instrumentation located near the bit measures present position when the bit is static, and dynamic toolface when the bit is rotating. This data is processed to determine the error between the present position and a desired trajectory, and the position of one or more of the bit's leg assemblies is automatically changed as needed to make the bit bore in the direction necessary to reduce the error. The controllable drill bit preferably comprises three leg assemblies mounted about the bit's central axis, each leg having a “toed-out” axle. In response to a command signal, a lower leg translates along the bit axis to cause it to bear more of the bit weight, thus excavating more deeply over the commanded toolface sector and causing the bit to bore in a preferred direction.

Abstract: Universal signal modulators structures are shown which are particularly useful for selectively generating polar-modulated digital sequences from input phase and amplitude symbols and for generating quadrature-modulated digital sequences from input first and second quadrature symbols. Significantly, the modulation structure (quadrature modulation or polar modulation) of these embodiments can selected by simply changing the state of a mode command.

Abstract: A frequency synthesizer includes a circuit which selectively outputs multiple output signals having different respective periods to drive the average period of a combined output signal to substantially equal a desired period.

Abstract: SiC at least about 400 micrometers thick, and preferably within the range of about 400-2,000 micrometers thick, is employed to detect electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength less than about 10 micrometers via an acoustic absorption mechanism. The SiC body preferably has a non-dopant impurity level low enough that it does not interfere with a single crystal structure for the SiC, and an approximately uniform thickness with an approximately flat radiation receiving surface.

Abstract: Transmission loss compensation is provided for receiver circuits in general, including an ATE receiver circuit having a voltage-to-current converter, such as a transconductance amplifier, that receives a distorted DUT signal and provides an output to a current-to-voltage converter, such as a transimpedance amplifier. The compensation circuit injects a compensation current into the current-to-voltage converter to compensate for transmission losses. The compensation circuit can be configured to inject a plurality of transient compensation currents with different respective time constants and peak values.

Abstract: A semiconductor switch includes a thyristor and a current shunt, preferably a transistor in parallel with and controlled by the thyristor, which shunts thyristor current at turn-off. The thyristor includes a portion of a bottom drift layer, with a p-n junction formed below a gate adjacent to the bottom drift layer to establish a depletion region with a high potential barrier to thyristor current flow at turn-off. The bottom drift layer also provides the transistor base, as well as a current path allowing the transistor base current to be controlled by the thyristor. The switch is voltage-controlled device using an insulated gate for turn-on and turn-off.

Abstract: Clock sources are provided which are especially useful for reducing phase noise in signal samplers that typically provide samples of an analog input signal in signal-conditioning systems such as analog-to-digital converters. This phase noise reduction is realized with the recognition that sampler noise is related to clock jitter by a ratio of the input signal's slew rate to the clock's slew rate. Clock embodiments include a frequency divider and a signal gate. The divider divides a first signal to provide a second signal with a slew rate lowered from the slew rate of the first signal and the gate passes the second signal when commanded by the first signal to thereby generate a clock signal.

Abstract: A switched current temperature sensing circuit comprises a BJT arranged to conduct a forced emitter current IE of the form Ifixed+(Ifixed/?), such that the base current is given by Ifixed/? and the collector current is given by Ifixed+(Ifixed/?)?(Ifixed/?)=Ifixed. Base current Ifixed/? is mirrored to the emitter, and a current source provides current Ifixed, which is switched between at least a first value I and a second value N*I such that the BJT's base-emitter voltage has a first value Vbe1 when Ifixed=I and a second value Vbe2 when Ifixed=N*I, such that: ?Vbe12=Vbe1?Vbe2=(nFkT/q)(ln N), where nF is the BJT's emission coefficient, k is Boltzmann's constant, T is absolute temperature, and q is the electron charge.

Abstract: Reference signal generators are provided that automatically adjusts a reference signal's amplitude when that signal is delivered into system loads having unknown capacitances. The amplitude is preferably initiated at a maximum amplitude to insure operation of system elements that require the reference signal. It is subsequently adjusted downward to a controlled reference amplitude which is predetermined to be an amplitude sufficient to sustain proper operation of the system elements but sufficiently reduced to minimize the spurious signals typically generated by fast high-level current transitions. In addition, the reduction to the controlled amplitude reduces the system current drain. The level control is realized in a buffer amplifier so that the amplitude level of an oscillator signal can be set independently to maximize its signal-to-noise performance. Accordingly, requirements for the reference amplitude do not compromise requirements for the amplitude level of the oscillator signal.

Abstract: A male urinary incontinence device comprises a cylindrical sheath with an open first end to receive the penis and a tubular connector at a second end for discharge of collected urine. A viscous gel strip is applied to the penis of a user and then to the upper inner circumference of the sheath as the sheath is applied to the penis. An elastic strap is applied to the upper outer circumference of the sheath, the gel strip and strap acting cooperatively to retain the sheath on the penis and to render the sheath leak proof in use. The sheath also includes a connector assembly for attachment of tubing and a urine collection vessel.

Abstract: A current-mode instrumentation amplifier (IA) includes first and second buffer amplifiers which receive a differential voltage (VINP?VINN) and provide output voltages at respective output nodes; a resistance R1 is connected between the nodes and conducts a current IR1 that varies with VINP?VINN. In one embodiment, each amplifier includes a transistor connected in series with R1 which conducts current IR1; these currents are coupled to the input and output terminals of a current mirror, preferably via respective virtual ground nodes such that the IA requires only one current mirror, to produce the IA's output voltage. To minimize DC mismatch errors, the IA is chopper-stabilized, with the buffer amplifiers and signal current paths chopped using a two-phase chopping cycle.

Abstract: An optical system employs an optical coating on a substrate positioned relative to an optical collection system. The thickness of the coating is tailored such that light perceived by the collection system over prescribed angles of acceptance has a spectral content that is unchanged, or changed in a prescribed manner, from that entering the system when the sensor is oriented in the “look ahead” direction. The thickness of the coating is varied so that the wavelengths transmitted or reflected correspond to those required by a specific application. The invention is adaptable to system requirements that are centered about a single wavelength, or that require multiple wavelengths. The optical coating can take any of a number of forms, including stacked dielectric layers and rugate filters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved system and method in which a pen-sized and shaped device detects, recognizes and stores handwriting as it is written by the device. The invention employs both an active feedback network and a character recognition methodology of partitioning detected input into character components. The active feedback network continually monitors device output to determine the sufficiency of the data input. If the data input is insufficient, the device modifies its detection methodology to obtain data the device readily recognizes. Data recognition is performed in multiple asynchronous processes. Elements of individual characters are sampled by the detector. Character elements are processed and recognized on this elemental level. Recognized character elements are stored for subsequent assembly and recognition on a character level. Thus, preferably two recognition sub-processes take place, one on a character element level and another on a character level.

Abstract: A method and circuit for deriving a set of multichannel audio signals from a conventional monaural or stereo audio signal uses an auxiliary multichannel spectral mapping data stream. Audio can be played back in stereo and multichannel formats from a conventional stereo signal on compact discs, FM radio, or other stereo or monaural delivery systems. The invention reduces the data rate needed for the transmission of multichannel digital audio.

Abstract: A three-dimensional integrated capacitance structure comprises at least two arrays of “unit cells” on respective layers of an IC, with each unit cell comprising a center conductor and a conducting ring which surrounds the center conductor. Each array comprises a plurality of unit cells, tiled on a given IC layer at a predetermined pitch. The arrays are arranged vertically such that adjacent vertical arrays are offset in the x and y dimensions by a predetermined fraction—preferably ½—of the unit cells' pitch. The structure includes vias arranged to interconnect the arrays such that each center conductor is connected to a conducting ring of the array immediately above and/or below the center conductor, and such that each conducting ring is connected to a center conductor of the array immediately above and/or below the conducting ring.

Abstract: A current mirror circuit includes a current input node for receiving an input current, an upper, cascoded current mirror, a lower current mirror, and a biasing means. In a FET implementation, the upper mirror includes first and second cascoded FETs which are connected together at the current input node, and third and fourth cascoded FETs connected to mirror the current conducted by the first and second FETs. The lower current mirror receives the mirrored current and mirrors it back to the upper mirror, thereby providing positive feedback. The net loop gain is between zero and one. When so arranged, the third and fourth FETs conduct a current which is proportional to an applied input current. The upper mirror transistors are biased such that the voltage at the current input node is substantially closer to the supply voltage than the voltages at the gates of the first and third FETs.

Abstract: A male urinary incontinence device comprises a cylindrical sheath with an open first end to receive the penis and a tubular connector at a second end for discharge of collected urine, the sheath having a longitudinal opening along at least one side to allow ready placement of the penis therein. A viscous gel strip is applied to the upper inner circumference of the sheath and an elastic strap is applied to the upper outer circumference of the sheath the gel strip and strap acting cooperatively to retain the sheath on the penis and to render the sheath leak proof in use. The sheath also includes a connector assembly for attachment of tubing and a urine collection vessel. Placement of the device may also include a mounting ring and a strap assembly.

Abstract: A chopper-stabilized current mirror includes a pair of FETs connected to mirror an input current Iin. In one embodiment, switching networks S1 and S2 have their respective inputs connected to the FETs' drains, and are operated with clock signals CLK1 and CLK2, respectively. An ro boost amplifier A1 has its inputs connected to the outputs of S2 and its outputs connected to the gates of a pair of cascode FETs via a switching network S3 which is operated with clock signal CLK2S, with the drain of one cascode FET connected to Iin and the drain of the other providing the mirror's output Iout. S1 is clocked to reduce mismatch errors and S2 and S3 are clocked to reduce errors due to A1's offset voltage, with CLK2 and CLK2S shifted with respect to CLK1 to reduce errors due to parasitic capacitances.

Abstract: A 1:N MEM switch module comprises N MEM switches fabricated on a common substrate, each of which has input and output contacts and a movable contact which bridges the input and output contacts when the switch is actuated. The input contacts are connected to a common input node, and the output contacts are connected to respective output lines. Each output line has an associated inductance and effective capacitance, and is arranged such that its inductance is matched to its effective capacitance. The switches are preferably arranged symmetrically about the terminus point of the signal input line. A phase shifter employs at least two switch modules connected together with N transmission lines having different lengths, operated such that an input signal is routed via one of the transmission lines to effect a desired phase-shift.