Abstract: A decoder (115) generates a multi channel audio signal, such as a surround sound signal, from a received first signal. The multi-channel signal comprises a second set of audio channels and the first signal comprises a first set of audio channels. The decoder (115) comprises a receiver (401) which receives the first signal. The receiver (401) is coupled to an estimate processor (405) which generates estimated parametric data for the second set of audio channels in response to characteristics of the first set of audio channels. The estimated parametric data relates characteristics of the second set of audio channels to characteristics of the first set of audio channels. The decoder (115) furthermore comprises a spatial audio decoder (403) which decodes the first signal in response to the estimated parametric data to generate the multi-channel signal comprising the second set of channels. The invention allows use of spatial audio decoding with signals that are not encoded by a spatial audio encoder.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture for performing wire-bonding operations in an integrated circuit. In one aspect, the operations include the steps of bonding a wire to a first bond site in the integrated circuit and terminating the wire at a second bond site. The bonding and terminating steps are repeated for at least two differential wire bond pairs, and proximate differential wire bond pairs of the at least two differential wire bond pairs have substantially different wire bond profiles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit for adjusting a voltage supplied to an IC by a power supply circuit that produces a regulated-output voltage based on an output-control signal generated by a resistive voltage divider. The circuit includes a PVT detector configured to generate an interface control signal and an interface circuit (i) connected to PVT detector and to the resistive voltage divider and (ii) configured to adjust its resistance in response to the interface control signal. Adjusting the resistance of the interface circuit causes the voltage of the output-control signal to be adjusted, thus causing the power supply circuit to adjust the regulated output voltage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a buffer-based method for generating codes (such as Orthogonal Variable Spreading Factor (OVSF) codes) for spreading and despreading data, without using a chip-rate counter. First, a buffer is populated with initial values based on a received spreading factor and desired code index. Next, a timing strobe is received, and the values in the buffer are changed upon receipt of the timing strobe based on an algorithm that is independent of any count value associated with the timing strobe. Finally, a code sequence value is generated based on the values in the buffer.

Abstract: A process for forming isolated active device regions on a silicon substrate comprises the steps of forming at least one trench in a silicon substrate to define at least two active device regions on the substrate to be isolated from each other, depositing an electrically insulative material on the substrate to fill the trench with the material, planarizing the surface of the substrate, performing a masking and etching operation to expose at least one active device region on the substrate, selectively growing a first epitaxial layer of silicon on the exposed active device region, masking the substrate to leave exposed at least one other active device region on the substrate, selectively growing a second epitaxial layer of silicon on the other exposed active device region, the first epitaxial layer and second epitaxial layer being doped with dopant atoms to the same or different dopant concentration to provide, at least two isolated active device regions on the silicon substrate.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an optical fiber system comprising a laser source an optical fiber including a reflective input end for receiving light from the source is provided with a polarization quarter-wave plate between the laser and the reflective end for minimizing power fluctuations from back reflection. The quarter-wave plate does not prevent back reflection but rather rotates the polarization of the back reflected light so that it does not interfere with the polarized light within the cavity. In an advantageous embodiment the quarter-wave plate is disposed within a receptacle laser package.

Abstract: A stabilized single-longitudinal-mode laser where stabilization is performed through a pair of Bragg reflector mirrors slightly displaced in wavelength to either side of the longitudinal mode selected for operation. Transmitted signals through each Bragg reflector are detected and used in an electrical servo loop to control the relative positions of the longitudinal mode selected for operation and the peak wavelengths of the two Bragg reflector mirrors.

Abstract: A micro-machined transducer having a structure in which an acoustic enclosure is formed on a substrate above the plane of the substrate surface is disclosed. Forming the acoustic enclosure on the substrate above the plane of the substrate surface, rather than an acoustic cavity in a surface of the substrate, provides an acoustic cavity whose size is not limited by the thickness of the substrate.