Abstract: Digital signals are transmitted on a bus at given instants selectively in a non-encoded format and an encoded format so as to minimize the switching activity on the bus. Given the same value of switching activity, the decision whether to transmit the signals in non-encoded format or in encoded format is taken according to the choice of maintaining constant, without transitions, the value of the additional signal, which signals that encoding of the signals transmitted each time has taken place or has been omitted.

Abstract: An optical recording medium includes a recording layer containing as a primary component an alloy containing at least two elements selected from the group consisting of Fe, Al and Si and the alloy contained in the recording layer as a primary component has a composition [x1, y1, z1] in terms of the ternary composition diagram that falls within a region of a pentagon defined by straight lines connecting points [57, 43, 0], [0, 55, 45], [15, 0, 85], [89, 11, 0] and [0, 16, 84] in the ternary composition diagram. According to the thus configured optical recording medium, only minimal load is placed on the global environment.

Abstract: The integrated electronic device comprises a protection structure of metal, extending vertically and laterally to and along a predominant part of the periphery of an electronic component integrated underneath the pad region. The protection structure comprises a substantially annular region formed from a second metal layer and absorbing the stresses exerted on the pad during wire bonding. The annular region may be floating or form part of the path connecting the pad to the electronic component.

Abstract: A method measures and analyzes a physical quantity of interest having first and second significant values dependent on a plurality of characteristic parameters. The method includes storing the characteristic parameters in a storage support external of the measuring device and ancillary thereto; automatically measuring the first and second significant values; and analyzing, on a data processor, the measured significant values to produce a classification thereof based on a knowledge of said characteristic parameters. A system measures and analyzes a physical quantity of interest by application of fuzzy rules. The system comprises an apparatus for measuring the physical quantity of interest having its output connected to a fuzzy processor. The system also comprises a storage support, ancillary to the measuring apparatus, which stores the characteristic parameters of a user being tested, which is connected to a smart card reader/writer in turn connected to the measuring system and the fuzzy processor.

Abstract: A monolithically integrated signal processing circuit comprising a signal series branch connected between a signal input terminal and a signal output terminal; a reference potential terminal; a series capacitor inserted in serial manner in the signal series branch and having a parasitic capacitance acting like a capacitor that is connected between a first electrode of the series capacitor directed towards the signal input terminal and the reference voltage terminal; and a first parallel capacitor connected between the first electrode of the series capacitor and the reference potential terminal; with the first parallel capacitor being constituted at least in part by the parasitic capacitance.

Abstract: An illuminated game ball for use in playing a field game at night. The game ball includes an illumination case mounted within first and second shell halves and having batteries that are selectively connected to an LED for illuminating the game ball for nighttime play. A cap in the ball is rotated to one of three selective orientations to either illuminate the LED, extinguish the LED, or be removed to provide access to the battery compartments. Ideally the game ball is formed from translucent or transparent plastic that can be tinted with various colors.