Abstract: A semiconductor device including a current source having a first node coupled to a terminal, and a second node for extracting a current in response to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) on the terminal. The semiconductor device further including a transistor having a control electrode, a first current electrode coupled to the terminal, and a second current electrode coupled to the second node of the current source, and including a resistive element coupled to a first voltage reference node and the second node of the current source. The transistor of the semiconductor device is biased by detecting a negative voltage event (such as an ESD) at a first current electrode of the transistor and biasing a second current electrode of the transistor in response to detecting the negative voltage event, wherein the biasing of the second current electrode is for preventing a forward biasing of an p-n junction associated with the transistor.

Abstract: A data processing system (10) and method is used to recover a CPU from faulty operation. A single timer (38) is used to enable recovery operations. When the timer (38) experiences a first time-out event, a software watchdog interrupt (28) is generated. If the software interrupt (28) is properly handled before another consecutive/subsequent watchdog time out occurs, normal software execution will resume. However, if the software watchdog interrupt is not processed and the watchdog timer (38) experiences a second time-out event while the watchdog time-out interrupt (28) is pending, the timer (38) will generate a bus transfer termination signal (30) and set a status bit (270) within a watchdog status register (44). This assertion of termination signal (30) and the setting of the bit (270) allows the microprocessor to determine that a locked bus state exists.

Abstract: Lithographic Proximity Correction (LPC) shapes are added (503) to a layer of a layout database file (501). Geometric criteria such as feature width are then used to filter the added LPC shapes (502). The LPC shapes are then modified (505) by determining which LPC shapes are within a predetermined distance from a shape in a layer of the second data base (504). The database file, including the modified LPC shapes, is then used to manufacture a set of lithographic masks (506). The lithographic masks are then used to pattern a set of wafers in the manufacture of integrated circuits (507).

Abstract: A single-ended to differential converter (400, 500) has an input terminal (418, 518) which is adapted to be coupled to an inductance (412, 512). A first transistor (402, 502) which terminates an input signal received at the input terminal according to its transconductance has a first current electrode coupled to the input terminal. A second current electrode of the first transistor (402, 502) outputs one current of a differential output current. A second transistor (404, 504) has a control electrode coupled to the input terminal, a first current electrode coupled to a signal ground terminal, and a second current electrode for providing another current of the differential output current. Bias circuits bias the control electrodes of the first (402, 502) and second (404, 504) transistors to maintain the same DC currents through their current electrodes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved termination connection for advanced fiber composite cables of the type comprised of fibers fixed in a matrix binder. In particular, the composite cable is provided with one or more ribs of tension wound binder impregnated fiber cured on the end portion thereof. Potting material is secured over the ribs at the end of the cable preferably having a parabolically curved outwardly tapered contour to distribute the longitudinal and transverse forces over the fibers in the cable.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system for determining the position and depth of downhole equipment in a wellbore which includes an elongate spoolable composite coiled tubing for running the downhole equipment into the wellbore. The composite coiled tubing string has multiple layers of fibers arranged in a generally cylindrical shape, wherein each layer has a plurality of fibers arranged in a predetermined orientation to form a composite coiled tubing string having sufficient strength to be pushed into and pulled and out of the borehole. A plurality of detectable indicia (such as metallic, magnetic or encoded sections) overlay at least one of the layers of fibers and are integral to the composite coiled tubing string and spaced apart along the length of the tubing string at predetermined distances.

Abstract: The interruptive mobile production (IMP) system comprises a floating semisubmersible structure with equipment and facilities for hydrocarbon production in association with a small tension leg wellhead platform (TLWP) having direct vertical access. The small TLWP has an upper deck positioned above the surface of the water with wellhead equipment thereon and has risers generally vertically connecting subsea wells to the upper deck.Lateral bending restraints of the risers and tendons are preferably located at about the same horizontal level as the lower pontoon section. The semisubmersible structure can be conveniently disconnected from its moorings and from the wellhead platform for demobilizing to another location while the TLWP remains tethered in place.