Abstract: A trigger function display system and methodology for trigger definition development in a signal measurement system having a graphical user interface. The system displays a plurality of graphically selectable icons and an associated protocol profile window. The protocol profile window includes at least a protocol descriptor field and a protocol editors field. The user inputs data into the protocol editors field which causes the system to automatically construct a bit sequence utilizing a plurality of event definitions stored in memory. The event definitions are two bit blocks resulting from the parsing of protocol definition text files. The bit sequence is used to then construct a series of trigger primitives. An optimizing routine is used to consolidate consecutive multiple occurrences of identical bit patterns in the bit sequence into single trigger primitives.

Abstract: A self-adhesive flexible circuit for printed circuit assembly repair is provided. The flexible circuit comprises a carrier film, a circuit trace and an adhesive. The flexible circuit is placeable on a printed circuit board having a circuit assembly and allows simple repair of boards not designed or manufactured correctly and which contain undesirable short or open circuits or misrouted traces. The flexible circuit allows for placement in a desired location, adherence to the circuit board using its own adhesive. The flexible circuit can then be electrically attached, i.e. solder or conductively adhered, to the board.

Abstract: A system that allows an end user to optimize the performance of a logic analyzer quickly and easily is disclosed. A visual display allowing a user to see a data valid window and relative sample positions is provided. Direct graphical manipulation of the sample position allows for quick and accurate setting of sample positions. The present invention provides a graphical user interface generally comprised of the following components: a stable and transitioning data display; bus/signal labels; sample position time scale; an information icon; a timestamp icon; a graphical representation of suggested and selected sample position; a text display of selected sample position; and a legend. The present invention sets up the logic analyzer to correctly sample data from high speed, low margin systems. It measures data signals from the device under test relative to the user's state clock and automatically suggests the sampling position offset for each channel of the analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention uses a piezoelectric method to actuate a liquid metal relay. The method described here uses the piezoelectric element in an extension mode to cause the switch actuator to insert into a cavity in the static (i.e. nonmoving) switch contact structure. The cavity has sides and a pad on its end that are wettable by the liquid metal. The cavity is filled with liquid metal. Insertion of the switch actuator into the cavity causes the liquid metal to be displaced outward and come in contact with the contact pad on the switch actuator. The volume of liquid metal is chosen so that when the actuator returns to its rest position, the electrical contact is maintained by surface tension and by wetting of the contact pads on both the static switch contact structure and the actuator.

Abstract: A probe assembly provides the capability to test integrated circuit (“IC”) packages mounted onto ball grid arrays. The method comprises the step of first creating the lay out of the flexible attachment. Top and bottom rigid PC Boards are lain out and drilled. The drill creates holes that are the press fit diameter of nail pin. The holes are then plated with an annular ring on the outer exposed surface. The next step comprises laminating the flexible circuit between the two rigid PC Boards. Press fit nail pins are inserted through the holds in one side of the laminate sandwich until flush with the surface of the PC Board. Solder preforms are soldered the bottom surface of the laminate sandwich. The preforms mechanically and electrically attach the pins to the bottom rigid PC Board. A BGA socket can then be attached to the pins extending from the bottom of the laminated Flex-Rigid-Flex assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a piezoelectrically actuated relay that switches and latches by means of a liquid metal is disclosed. The relay operates by means of a plurality of shear mode piezoelectric elements used to cause a pressure differential in a pair of fluid chambers. Differential pressure is created in the chambers by contracting and expanding the chambers due to action by the piezoelectric elements. The differential pressure causes the liquid metal drop to overcome the surface tension forces that would hold the bulk of the liquid metal drop in contact with the contact pad or pads near the actuating piezoelectric element. The switch latches by means of surface tension and the liquid metal wetting to the contact pads.

Abstract: The present invention uses the deflection of a piezoelectric element to move an optical element into contact with the face of an optical path to redirect an optical signal. In its undeflected state, the optical signal is reflected from the angled face of the optical path by internal reflection. When the piezoelectric actuator moves the optical element into contact with the angled face of the optical path, the index of refraction of the optical path is matched and the optical signal enters the optical element and passes through.

Abstract: An integrated probe assembly provides the capability to test integrated circuit (IC) packages mounted onto ball grid arrays. The present invention comprises an unsealed BGA socket (102), nail head pins (107) which can be inserted flush into a pin carrier to produce a PGA header (103), a Flex circuit assembly comprising a piece of flexible circuit (104) with various passive resistors and connectors attached and solder preforms (113) used to solder the flex assembly to the pin grid array. Matched impedance connectors (105) are attached at an end of the flexible circuit.

Abstract: A trigger function display system for trigger definition development in a signal measurement system having a graphical user interface. The system displays a plurality of graphically selectable icons and an associated protocol profile window. The protocol profile window includes at least a protocol descriptor field and a protocol editors field. The user inputs data into the protocol editors field which causes the system to automatically construct a series of trigger primitives utilizing a plurality of event definitions stored in memory. The event definitions are two bit blocks resulting from the parsing of protocol definition text files.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises the steps of soldering a BGA socket onto a PGA header, inserting a flex assembly onto the BGA-PGA assembly, placing solder preforms over the PGA pins and then reflowing the flex assembly to the BGA-PGA assembly.

Abstract: A flat panel display rack mount is disclosed comprising a bar, two side brackets fastenable to an existing equipment rack and a hanging bracket. The side brackets are fastenable to and equipment rack using existing rack dress screws in the rack. The side brackets are fastenable at any vertical level on the rack. The bar has grooves in both ends that are capable of locking into key lug slots contained in the side brackets. The hanging bracket is formed to match the backside contours of a typical flat panel display and is affixed thereto forming a display and bracket assembly. The hanging bracket has a hook assembly for hanging on the bar. The assembly can slide onto the bar during assembly of the side brackets. The assembly slides either direction and swings upw7ard to allow access to equipment and cables contained in the equipment rack.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a piezoelectrically actuated relay that switches and latches by means of a liquid metal is disclosed. The relay operates by means of a plurality of bending mode piezoelectric elements used to cause a pressure differential in a pair of fluid chambers. The piezoelectric elements act upon a membrane which in turn acts upon a fluid which fills the chambers. The differential pressure causes the liquid metal drop to overcome the surface tension forces that would hold the bulk of the liquid metal drop in contact with the contact pad or pads near the actuating piezoelectric element. The switch latches by means of surface tension and the liquid metal wetting to the contact pads.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a piezoelectrically actuated relay that switches and latches by means of a liquid metal is disclosed. The relay operates by means of a longitudinal displacement of a piezoelectric element in extension mode displacing a liquid metal drop and causing it to wet between at least one contact pad on the piezoelectric element or substrate and at least one other fixed pad to close the switch contact. This motion of the piezoelectric element is rapid and causes the imparted momentum of the liquid metal drop to overcome the surface tension forces that would hold the bulk of the liquid metal drop in contact with the contact pad or pads near the actuating piezoelectric element. The switch latches by means of surface tension and the liquid metal wetting to the contact pads.

Abstract: A probe apparatus for use with analyzing devices, primarily oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, which uses pole-zero cancellation to provide a probe with low capacitance and wide bandwidth. Pole-zero cancellation enables the probe to have constant gain at all frequencies. In one embodiment, the coaxial cable between the probe tip and the replication amplifier is terminated in its characteristic impedance to provide constant gain at all frequencies regardless of cable length. Use of pole-zero cancellation and thick film technology enables building a probe with a small, durable tip.

Abstract: A module retention adapter for attaching enabled heat sinks to the user target system while validating a processor with an LAI tool. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an adapter and a clip. A user attaches an adapter to each retention module on a target system. Once a processor is loaded into the LAI tool and a heat sink solution is loaded onto the processor between the adapters. The heat sink clips are then clipped onto the adapters. The clips retain the heat sink to the adapters while also retaining the heat sink to the motherboard retention modules.

Abstract: Edge mounting flexible media to a rigid PC board construction can be achieved by various methods. In any method used, there is a desire to create solderable pads on the edge of the rigid PC board. In accordance with the invention, the solderable pads are created by edge plating the PC Board or by a sliced via method. Depending on the type of flexible transmission line used, the construction will differ accordingly. For terminating flexible circuit media, the flex pads are laid out in such a way that the pads are etched in a configuration that matches up with the edge pads on the rigid PC Board. Solder past is then applied to the pads on the flex. The rigid PC Board is fixtured at a right angle to the flex and run through the reflow oven.