Abstract: A monolithic class AB (push-pull) low noise amplifier having feedback and self bias. The low noise amplifier exhibits low power, high intercept point, low noise figure, well matched terminal impedances over wide range of frequency, and may be monolithically implemented. The amplifier may be produced using CMOS process technologies. The amplifier comprises NMOS and PMOS transistors serially coupled between a voltage rail and ground. The amplifier uses self biasing embodied in a bias resistor coupled between an input shunt capacitor and respective drains of the NMOS and PMOS transistors, which allows for maximum gate-to-source voltage and higher transconductance for a minimum aspect ratio (W/L). This results in a wider bandwidth and reduced power for the amplifier.

Abstract: A digital signal processor is provided which is compatible with a large variety of modulation processes (e.g., BPSK, QPSK,.pi./4 QPSK, M-ary FSK and M-ary PSK). The processor has a transmit section which can convert input data streams into baseband I and Q signals and a receive section which can recover data streams from input baseband I and Q signals. The transmit section includes a direct I/Q modulator and a common phase modulator and the receive section includes an M-FSK to M-PSK converter and a common phase demodulator. The processor is particularly suited for realization as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which can be integrated in multiband, multimode transceivers.

Abstract: An array (41) is comprised of a plurality of radiation detectors (10, 10') each of which includes a first photoresponsive diode (D1) having an anode and a cathode that is coupled to an anode of a second photoresponsive diode (D2). The first photoresponsive diode responds to electromagnetic radiation within a first band of wavelengths and the second photoresponsive diode responds to electromagnetic radiation within a second band of wavelengths. Each radiation detector further includes a first electrical contact (26) that is conductively coupled to the anode of the first photoresponsive diode; a second electrical contact (28) that is conductively coupled to the cathode of the first photoresponsive diode and to the anode of the second photoresponsive diode; and a third electrical contact (30) that is conductively coupled to a cathode of each second photoresponsive diode of the array. The electrical contacts are coupled during operation to respective bias potentials.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a flexural plate sound transducer (150), including: a housing (152) having an open central volume (172); a flexural plate (154) attached around an inner surface of the housing (152) and extending across the central volume (172); at least one piezoelectric element (162, 164) attached to a surface of the flexural plate (154); and a mechanical hinge (194) formed in the flexural plate (154) and extending around the flexural plate (154) near an outer periphery thereof, the mechanical hinge (194) being formed such as to cause the flexural plate (154) to move in a substantially piston-like manner when the piezoelectric element (162, 164) is energized.

Abstract: An approach that minimizes ground plane effects affecting planar inductors is disclosed. A magnetic disk is inserted between an inductor and a ground plane to isolate the magnetic field of the inductor and preserve its magnetic characteristics. The present invention isolates the inductor from the ground plane to maintain or improve inductor electrical performance. The magnetic material serves to increase the inductance to its original value (prior to adding the ground plane) with only a slight degradation in Q due to an increase in AC resistance. This approach permits development of higher current, higher power printed networks, components and circuits whose circuit designs have decreased volume, weight, and cost.

Abstract: Epoxy dispensing apparatus and methods that prevent separation of epoxy resin and filler particles that make up an epoxy adhesive dispensed by the apparatus. The dispensing apparatus is in the form of a syringe having epoxy adhesive disposed therein. A vibrating mechanism is coupled to the body of the dispensing apparatus. A controller is connected to the vibrating mechanism that controls the amount of vibration imparted to the dispensing apparatus by the vibrating mechanism. The dispensing apparatus is periodically vibrated during dispensing of the epoxy adhesive to mix the epoxy resin and filler particles and homogenize the epoxy adhesive.

Abstract: Autocalibration circuitry and an algorithm (method) for aligning interstage gain within a high resolution multipass analog-to-digital converter. The interstage gain alignment technique maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio and spurious free dynamic range of the multipass analog-to-digital converter. The multipass analog-to-digital converter uses an m-bit course analog-to-digital converter and an n-bit fine analog-to-digital converter whose input is derived from an m-bit digital-to-analog converter. Output words of the course and fine analog-to-digital converters are combined to produce an output word of the multipass analog-to-digital converter. The present invention applies a random signal into the m-bit digital-to-analog converter. The digital output of the n-bit fine analog-to-digital converter is statistically examined to discern the gain misalignment error.

Abstract: A frequency upconversion circuit in a millimeter wave radio transmitter uses a low frequency synthesizer and a parallel frequency mixing and multiplication network for converting a low frequency signal to a millimeter wave radio frequency (RF) signal. A frequency downconversion circuit in a millimeter wave radio receiver uses a low frequency synthesizer and a parallel frequency mixing and multiplication network for converting a millimeter wave RF signal to a low frequency signal.

Abstract: A portable, low cost, laser detection system which generates an alarm signal that can be used to produce visual and/or audible warnings indicating the range, location and type laser energy detected. Such laser detection system utilizes a cooperating quadraplex sensor assembly, to provide a complete 360 degree laser detection coverage, mounted on a helmet assembly which includes a helmet shell, a cushioned impact liner coextensive with the interior surface of the helmet shell and a suspended crown support liner the combination of which provides enhanced protection of the user and stabilization of the laser detection system.

Abstract: An adaptive signal level detector. The inventive detector includes a first circuit for receiving an input signal and providing a second signal identical to said input signal and delayed relative thereto. The amplitude of the delayed signal is compared to the maximum amplitude of the input signal. When the second signal is at a predetermined level relative to the input signal an output signal is provided. In a specific implementation, the invention (10) includes a first circuit (18) for detecting the signal level of the transmitted signal and providing a second signal in response thereto. The second signal is a logarithmic representation of the input signal The second signal is delayed (20) to provide a third signal. The third signal is subtracted (24) from the second signal to provide a fourth signal. When the fourth signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, an output signal is provided.

Abstract: A phase locked loop that enables highly precise tracking and phase locking of a synthesized clock signal to a reference clock signal. The phase locked loop has a memory that enables highly precise tracking and phase locking of a synthesized clock signal to its reference clock signal. The phase locked loop predicts the exact delay setting required for a frequency match, so that over-shoots and under-shoots around a desired frequency are minimized, and correction sizes are bounded to a relatively small region in the proximity of the desired frequency. The phase locked loop uses a dynamically programmable digital delay line to implement a variable frequency oscillator. The programmable delay line is used to produce a desired synthesized clock period. The phase locked loop provides an oscillator source whose period is determined by a delay derived from a clock distribution circuit plus a delay derived from the programmable delay line.

Abstract: A three-dimensional circuit structure that interconnects an integrated circuit chip, along with additional active devices and passive components to a substrate by way of a high density multichip interconnect decal disposed on the integrated circuit chip. The three-dimensional circuit structure thus comprises the substrate, an integrated circuit attached to the top of the substrate, and the high density multichip interconnect decal attached to the integrated circuit. One or more passive components and relatively small active devices are attached to the top of the high density multichip interconnect decal. A plurality of three-bond, daisy-chained wedge bonds are used to interconnect the active devices and passive components to the substrate by way of the HDMI decal. Each wedge bond comprises a wire that initiates at an HDMI decal bond pad, an intermediate stitch bond at an integrated circuit bond pad, and terminates at a substrate bond pad.

Abstract: A system and technique for directing intensity modulated electromagnetic energy. The inventive system (10) includes an intensity modulated source of electromagnetic energy (12). Individual elements (22) in an array of energy directing elements (15) are activated in sync with the modulation of energy source (12). In a particular implementation, the source (12) is a laser. The intensity of the laser is reduced during each successive field per frame. The energy directing elements (15), in this case--light directing elements, are implemented with an array of digital micromirrors. The light source (12) is modulated in intensity in accordance with a fixed modulation scheme. The mirrors (22) are selectively activated relative to the light source modulation scheme. Hence, the invention provides a gray scale output while allowing the time between mirror flips to be constant.

Abstract: A radiation-hard isoplanar cryo-CMOS process suitable for submicron device fabrication reduces channel length to submicron levels. A channel stop (52) is formed after a first polysilicon gate (50) is formed to reduce the space between a n-/n+ source/drain region (67, 68) and the channel-stop region (52). Double gate oxidation steps are performed to increase polyoxide thickness. A thermal oxide masking step is carried out to obtain a thin layer of gate oxide under a second polysilicon gate (60A) for CMOS devices. The process includes two different second polysilicon masking steps to provide dimension control of second polysilicon gates (60A) and to remove bridging of the second polysilicon where the second polysilicon layer (58) is over the first polysilicon layer (48).

Abstract: A process for metallizing semiconductor devices is provided, wherein a plurality of aluminum contacts is formed. The plurality of aluminum contacts is at least partially nitrided in a nitrogen-containing plasma at a temperature of less than about 350.degree. C. The aluminum nitride layer or cap is capable of eliminating aluminum corrosion without affecting the electrical properties of the aluminum contacts.

Abstract: A monolithic flip chip microwave integrated circuit module formed using titanium coated copper circuitry and a processing method. A dam is formed on a substrate by forming a thin protective layer such as titanium or other metal on a copper layer formed on a surface of the substrate to which a monolithic microwave integrated circuit is to be attached. The protective layer is oxidized upon exposure to air. Vias or openings are then formed in the oxidized protective layer. Solder is disposed in the openings in the oxidized protective layer, and is confined to the openings while solder is reflowed to attach the integrated circuit to the substrate. The oxidized protective layer serves a dual function that provides both a solder dam and a protective coating for the underlying copper circuitry. Copper surfaces not covered by the oxidized protective layer may be environmentally protected by depositing a thin layer containing electroless plated nickel and electroless plated gold.

Abstract: A method of position encoding in convergent beam scanned imaging systems (10) is provided that reduces distortion. Distortion of a scanned image is introduced in convergent beam systems through the application of mirror "pullback" at the limits of the scanning sector, which is required to retain focus over the field of view or scanning sector. The rotational position of a scanner mirror (14) is not proportional to the spatial scanned angle or object space angle (.delta.) due to this pullback, and thus introduces distortion. Various components of the pullback motion are utilized to provide the compensation required to overcome this distortion. A process is provided that determines the position of a mirror position detector such that the pullback translation motion of the scanner mirror (14) is used to compensate for the nonlinear rotational motion of the scanner mirror (14).

Abstract: A digital receiver apparatus and method, designed for multiple simultaneous users, digitizes a received analog RF signal and tunes to multiple desired frequencies of the received signal on a time division multiplexed basis. After filtering by a finite impulse response (FIR) filter that also operates in time division multiplexing for multiple service bands, the selected signals are digitally demodulated and signal processed, again on a time-shared basis. Different service bands are accommodated at the same time by separate FIR filters, each including a coefficient memory for its particular service band. The multiplexed frequency signal for each band is multiplied by the coefficients of its respective FIR filter memory in a common complex multiplier. The results are demultiplexed and directed to respective accumulators for decimation in accordance with the FIR coefficient characteristics.

Abstract: There is described an integrated reconfigurable man-portable communication system, adapted particularly for use in military or law enforcement tactical situations, including a modular compact computer with mission oriented hardware and software which provides the focal point for integration of various peripheral systems. The reconfigurable man-portable system provides a ballistic helmet with an integrated audio headset assembly. The helmet also includes a modular heads-up display assembly for providing remote viewing via a helmet mounted laser detection system, weapon mounted thermal weapons site, remote video system, and laser range finder/digital compass assembly.

Abstract: The radio frequency unit of a millimeter wave terrestrial radio includes a housing with a front face and a back face, a microwave radio frequency transceiver electronics package within the housing, an antenna affixed to the front face of the housing, and appropriate signal connections and feeds. One portion of a dovetail support structure, preferably the male dovetail fitting, is affixed to the back face of the housing. The other portion of the dovetail support structure, preferably the female dovetail fitting, is mounted to a mounting structure. The dovetail support structure allows the radio frequency unit to be readily mounted to and demounted from the mounting structure. A reference plane defined between the radio frequency unit and the mounting structure allows the radio frequency unit to be precisely oriented relative to the mounting structure.