Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, in which a pn-junction (2) is provided in a semiconductor wafer (1) of a first conduction type by providing doping atoms of a second conduction type, which is opposed to the first conduction type, via a first main face (3) of the main faces (3, 5) of the wafer (1), subdividing said wafer (1) into individual semiconductor bodies (10) having a pn-junction (2) between and substantially parallel to two opposing connection faces (3, 5), connecting said connection faces (3, 5) to connection bodies (11, 12) by means of a connection layer (15) and covering the semiconductor bodies (10) with a glass (20) A glass-covered semiconductor device is also described. After the pn-junction (2) has been provided on the first main face (3) of the semiconductor wafer (1), a monocrystalline silicon layer (7) having atoms of the second conduction type is epitaxially provided, whereafter the wafer (1) is subdivided into semiconductor bodies (10).

Abstract: A power supply includes a transformer (TR) having a first winding (N1) for receiving an input signal (U.sub.i) and a second winding (N2) for supplying an output signal (U.sub.o). Switching means (SM) are coupled in series with the first winding (N1) for switching on and switching off a current through the first winding (N1). A parallel arrangement of a freewheel diode (D) and a field effect transistor (T) is coupled in series with the second winding (N2). The gate of the field effect transistor (T) is controlled from an amplifier (AMP). The amplifier (AMP) compares the drain-source voltage of the field effect transistor (T) with the voltage of a reference voltage source (RF1) and ensures that the drain-source voltage is equal to the voltage of the reference voltage source (RF1) as long as an adequate current flows in the second winding (N2).

Abstract: A power device circuit comprises a power semiconductor device (MPWR) in series with a load (LD) between a power supply line (1) and a return line (2), and a short-circuit detector (R1, R2, . . . R1', R2', . . . CP) for determining whether the load (LD) is short-circuit. The short-circuit detector examines the distribution of the supply-to-return voltage (Vbg) between the device (MPWR) and the load (LD) by comprising a comparator (CP) which has a first input (+) coupled to a series node (11) between the device and load and a second input (+) from circuit means (R1, R2, . . . , R1', R2', . . . ) coupled between the supply and return lines (1 and 2) to provide the second input (-) with a voltage supply signal (Vbg') which is a predetermined function of the supply-to-return voltage (Vbg).

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical unit (17) for synchronizing clock signals. The unit (17) comprises at least two ring lasers (1', 1"), each ring laser (1', 1") generating a repetitive optical pattern at a different repetition frequency f.sub.i. The repetition frequency of at least one of the ring lasers (1', 1") is variable. The unit (17) comprises detection means (19) adapted to simultaneously receive the optical patterns from two ring lasers (1', 1") to be synchronized with each other and to compare these patterns. The ring laser, whose repetition frequency is variable, is controllable on the basis of a signal from the detection means, by which the optical path length of this laser is changed. The invention also relates to a high-frequency carrier transmission system comprising an optical unit as described hereinbefore.

Abstract: A line driver comprising a first transistor (M1), a first operational transconductance amplifier (A1) and a reference resistor (10) for converting an input voltage (Vin) to a first current (i1) through the first transistor (M1). A second current i2=n*i1 flows through a second transistor (M2) which forms a 1:n current mirror with the first transistor (M1). The current i2 flows to a load (6), if so required via a transmission line (TL). The impedance of the load (6) is equal to the characteristic impedance RL of the transmission line (TL). Thus, the impedance seen by the line driver is equal to RL. A second operational transconductance amplifier (A2) counteracts reflected signals in the output signal (Vout) caused by mismatch between the output impedance of the current mirror (M1, M2) and the impedance seen by the line driver.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the discharging/charging cycles of a rechargeable battery which includes adaptive calculation means for providing a predictive indication of when the battery will reach a critical discharge voltage. The adaptive calculation means includes parameters which can be modified by other adaptive calculation means so as to optimize the monitor's performance depending on the battery's actual use. The adaptive calculation means may be neural networks formed by a microprocessor and memory, and the monitor system may be coupled to a host system.

Abstract: An operational amplifier includes two differential amplifiers, one of which is driven directly while the other is driven via two potential shifting members. Using a control stage, currents are derived from common differential current output nodes of the differential amplifiers, and are mirrored as a current difference on an output of the operational amplifier. A larger input and output driving range is thus obtained, and the operational amplifier is also capable of operating with a low supply voltage. Furthermore, the operational amplifier can be constructed using a relatively simple configuration and also has an output which is suitable for high-impedance switching.

Abstract: A power supply circuit, particularly a flyback converter, comprises a transformer having a secondary winding that powers a load device and/or a rechargeable battery via a rectifier diode. The secondary winding is short circuited by means of a switch connected in series with a diode. The short-circuit is detected by a measurement circuit comprising a measurement winding and a comparator which compares the amplitude variation of the voltage across the measurement winding with a threshold voltage. When a short-circuit is detected a control circuit for the control of the switching transistor of the flyback converter is changed over to a mode in which a given small current is supplied, which flows almost exclusively through the switch. As soon as the short-circuit ends the flyback converter resumes its normal mode of operation. If desired, the load device can control the desired current and/or voltage for powering the load device and charging the battery by turning on and turning off the switch.

Abstract: A transmitter provided with a subband coder is disclosed. The transmitter receives a wideband digital information at an input 1 and provides an output signal for transmission at an output (30). The input signal may have a varying sampling frequency (f.sub.g). The bitrate of the output signal is substantially constant. In order to compensate for the varying sampling frequency of the input signal, the transmitter is provided with a buffer memory (8) and a detector (18) for determining the filling degree of the memory (8). The control signal so derived, which is representative of the filing degree, is supplied to the bitallocation information generation unit (10). The bitpool B is varied in response to the control signal so as to control the filling degree to a nominal value, such as half full (FIG. 1). Further a receiver is disclosed for receiving the transmitted wideband digital information signal.

Abstract: A deflecting element (1) includes a first substrate (3) and a second substrate (5). The two substrates (3) and (5) enclose a liquid crystalline material (7) which is switchable. A surface (13) of one of the substrates (3) facing the liquid crystalline material (7) is provided with a grating structure (15). The other substrate (5) is provided with a plurality of microlenses (21) on a surface (23) facing the liquid crystalline material (7).

Abstract: In a method of processing input fields (I) of a picture signal to obtain interpolated fields (O) located temporally between the input fields (I), motion vectors (MV) are provided (30) between input fields (I), whereafter a quality (Err) of the motion vectors (MV) is assessed (40). In dependence upon the assessed quality (Err), the motion vectors (MV) are adapted (50, 60) such that both decreased and increased motion vector lengths occur in respective interpolated fields (O). The interpolated fields (O) are obtained (20) from the input fields (I) in dependence upon the thus adapted motion vectors (k*MV).

Abstract: An illumination system has an active layer which includes an electroluminescent material, the active layer being located between an optically transparent electrode layer and a reflective electrode layer. A reflective polarizer is present at a side of the transparent electrode layer facing away from the active layer. A sub-beam incident on the polarizer and having an unwanted polarization is reflected back to the active layer, where it is again partially depolarized to recover a component having the desired state of polarization. The invention also relates to a flat-panel picture display device which includes such an illumination system.

Abstract: In a device comprising an amplifier with short circuit protection, and a resistor-capacitor (RC) filter connected to the amplifier output, an inductor is arranged in parallel with the filter resistor to protect the resistor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device with a pn junction, whereby an epitaxial layer (2) with a first zone (3) of a first conductivity type and with a second zone (4) of a second conductivity type opposed to the first is provided on a silicon substrate (1), a pn junction (5) being formed between the second and first zones (3, 4, respectively). According to the invention, the method is characterized in that the epitaxial layer (2) is provided by means of a CVD process at a temperature below 800.degree. C., the epitaxial layer (2) being provided in that first the first zone (3) and then the second zone (4) are epitaxially provided on the substrate (1), while no heat treatments at temperatures above 800.degree. C. take place after the epitaxial layer (2) has been provided.

Abstract: An array of electrical elements is arranged in rows and columns, signals being read out from the column conductors. Each column has a multiplexer switch so that signals from a number of columns may be switched to a common output. Each multiplexer switch comprises a diode bridge (36-39) having an input (60) and an output (34). Current is supplied to the diode bridge through a supply diode (52) and drained from the bridge through a drain diode (54), for controlling the switching of the bridge. The all-diode switch may be integrated on the substrate of the array and has a substantially linear switching response.

Abstract: It is possible for electrical breakdown to occur at a lower voltage in the case of a strong current in a lateral DMOST having a conventional interdigitated source/drain configuration as compared with lower current values. The invention is based on the recognition that this breakdown arises at the end faces of the drain fingers owing to current convergence at the ends of the fingers and the Kirk effect associated therewith. To increase the SOAR (safe operating area) of the transistor, the tips 11 of the drain fingers 7 are rendered inactive in that the source fingers 6 are locally interrupted. In an optimized embodiment, the source fingers are shorter than the drain fingers at the ends of these drain fingers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an A/D conversion device having an amplifier (A) which receives an analog input signal (Vin), in which device the voltage level of reference thresholds in the output signal (Vout?0:7!) resulting from the A/D conversion of the input signal (Vin) is maintained constant by means of a regulation module (CMP1, IS), controlling the voltage which is present at the terminals of a storage capacitor (Cs). According to the invention, such a device controls the average DC component of the input signal (Vin) in the purpose of limiting the amplitude of the variations of said signal (Vin), which variations might lead to a saturation of the amplifier (A).

Abstract: A video amplifier includes three amplifier circuits (TR, TG, TB) for the red, the green and the blue signals which are each provided with a different feedback signal which changes value when the signal exceeds a certain threshold, by a feedback resistor circuit having two cascade-arranged resistors (R4R in cascade with ?R1+R2+R3!), with their central junction being connected by a diode (Tth) to a fixed voltage (DZ). The ratio value between the two cascade-arranged resistors is different between the amplifier circuits, and moreover, a part (R1 or ?R1+R2!) of the resistor at the base of a cascade arrangement of resistors may be common for several amplifier circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wave soldering machine with at least one device for generating at least one solder wave (10a) consisting of liquid solder (10) for wetting assembled units (22) which are conducted over the solder wave (10a). To achieve a reproducible adjustment and control of the wave height (24), it is proposed to mount at least one temperature-compensated pressure sensor (18) in the transport path of the solder (10), preferably in the immediate vicinity of the nozzle opening (13).

Abstract: A flyback converter including a transformer (6) having a primary winding (4) and a switching transistor (2), arranged in series therewith; control device (14) for closing the switching transistor (2) during a primary interval and opening the switching transistor (2) during a secondary interval in response to a control signal (U.sub.c), an auxiliary winding (12) for generating a feedback signal (U.sub.FB), measurement device (20) for unidirectionally measuring the feedback signal (U.sub.FB), a comparator (16) and a logic circuit (18) for deriving from the feedback signal (U.sub.FB) a first timing signal (TM.sub.1) which is representative of the secondary interval; comparison device for comparing the unidirectionally measured feedback signal (I.sub.FB) with a reference signal (I.sub.R) during the secondary interval, and an integrator (28) for generating the control signal (U.sub.C) in response to the comparison.