Abstract: In order to make it easier to specify the area with a shape other than a rectangle on the image plane of an image pickup device and to analyze an element in the range thereof, a test method of an image pickup device is provided, which comprises the steps of: preparing a plurality of layers in which a rectangular area may be specified; giving a priority for each layer; placing the layers on top of each other so as to divide an image plane of an image pickup device into a plurality of areas; specifying a certain area among the plurality of areas; and performing data analysis on pixels of an image pickup device in a specified area.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for bonding gold wire to gold bond pads at temperatures lower than 125 degrees Celsius, and more particularly at room temperature, defined to be 25 degrees Celsius. By applying compressive force and ultrasonic energy, an intermetallic bond can be formed between a gold wire and a gold bond pad without elevating the temperature. Furthermore, the present invention uses ultrasonic energy with frequencies low enough to be in the range of commercially available wire bonders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for evaluating Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that describe the level of services that are to be provided to customers by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or Enterprise Service Providers (ESPs). The method and apparatus are utilized to measure the quality of service being provided to customers and to determine whether or not the quality of service is in compliance with an SLA that characterizes the level of service to be provided to customers. Such services include, for example, electronic mail (e-mail), Voice-Over-IP (Voice Over Internet protocol), networking services and web hosting.

Abstract: A parallel automatic synchronization system includes a variable delay devices for receiving and variably delaying N parallel transmitted channel data words over repetitive clock cycles in response to a synchronization latch clock and for synchronously clocking out the parallel data words by a local reference clock (FREF); sync logic devices for receiving repetitive control clocks corresponding to the transmitted channel data words, including a remote recovered clock (FFRM) and the local reference clock (FREF) and for generating the synchronization latch clock which determines the delay position of the variable delay of the delay devices; and output latch devices for clocking out the parallel data words from the variable delay devices with the local reference clock (FREF).

Abstract: In order to reduce polarization dependent error, the polarization state of incident light is set to at least two different states of polarization, and a first optical property is determined separately for each of said at least two states of polarization. Then, an averaging procedure is carried out in order to obtain a mean value of the first optical property or of a property derived therefrom. Alternatively, the averaging procedure can be performed with respect to a DUT property of a device under test that is determined as a function of said first optical property.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an end-user operator with the ability to assign temporary control of a set of one or more operator-specified instrument control operations to one, single-action switch on a signal measurement system front panel. The assigned instrument control operations are preferably represented by text strings in a macro text file that is developed and modified with the use of a text editor integrated into or operatively coupled with the signal measurement system.

Abstract: Switchable optical components such as switchable mirrors and variable retarders are fabricated using a unique class of materials. These materials are thin film composites comprising of porous inorganic films imbibed with liquid crystal materials.

Abstract: A heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) having a base-emitter junction that exhibits the desirable properties of a GaAsSb/AlInAs interface, but which includes an intermediate layer in the emitter such that the intermediate layer contacts the GaAsSb base and the AlInAs emitter. The intermediate layer is sufficiently thin to be substantially electrically transparent, but sufficiently thick to provide a surface over which to grow the AlInAs emitter. The intermediate layer may be of a material such as InP, which has a bulk lattice constant that matches the lattice constant of the GaAsSb base and the AlInAs emitter. Alternatively, the intermediate layer may be of a material having a lattice constant different than that of the GaAsSb base and the AlInAs emitter, but may be pseudomorphically grown so as to provide an apparent lattice-match to the GaAsSb base and the AlInAs emitter.

Abstract: An apparatus for the on-chip, soft repair of random access memory arrays. In repesentative embodiments, circuitry is disclosed which provides the ability to soft repair defective random access memory arrays. The disclosed techniques for repair of random access memory arrays do not use techniques such as laser repair in the removal of defective parts of the integrated circuit and its replacement with a redundant part. No additional processing steps are involved. The circuitry necessary to repair defects in random access memory arrays is included on-chip in the input/output blocks of the RAM.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a plug-type connector for simultaneously connecting several coaxial cables, with said plug-type connector comprising a first plug part that is arranged on a first component and contains several first coupling elements in a first housing which are respectively connected to one of the coaxial cables, as well as a second plug part that is arranged on a second component and contains several second coupling elements in a second housing which are respectively connected to one of the coaxial cables. The two components can be separably connected to one another such that the plug parts become inserted into one another in a connecting direction.

Abstract: The flexural device-based suspension suspends a movable element with high compliance in a direction of travel and low compliance in a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel. The suspension comprises two flexural devices and a constraining element. The two flexural devices are connected to the movable element. Each of the flexural devices includes an elongate floating beam disposed substantially parallel to the direction of travel. The constraining element is for constraining relative motion of the floating beams in the direction of travel and for allowing the floating beams to move freely relative to one another in the orthogonal direction.

Abstract: A method for generating a photoresist pattern on top of an object that includes a layer of material that is opaque to light of a predetermined wavelength. The object is first covered with a layer of photoresist material. The layer of photoresist material is then irradiated with light of the predetermined wavelength from a position under the object such that the object casts a shadow into the layer of photoresist. The photoresist material is then developed to generate the photoresist pattern. The layer of photoresist material is irradiated from below the object by providing a reflecting surface below the object and a light source above the object. A mask is positioned between the object and the light source such that the mask casts a shadow that covers the object and a portion of the area surrounding the object.

Abstract: A flow control includes a support having a passage and a seal surface, a deformable seal that is engageable with the seal surface, and a bias member for exerting a variable bias against the deformable seal. The seal surface includes channels formed in its surface that extend beneath the deformable seal. The bias member can exert a bias sufficient to cause the deformable seal to fill the channels, preventing fluid flow through the channels. When the bias member decreases the bias against the deformable seal, the deformable seal gradually moves out of the channels, allowing fluid flow through the channels, and through the passage in the flow control. The deformable seal does not need to separate from the seal surface to allow fluid flow. Instead, fluid flows through the small, controlled flow areas created when the deformable seal withdraws from the channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing two voltage domains is presented. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method and apparatus for interfacing a high voltage domain with a low voltage domain is presented. In one embodiment of the present invention, high output signals and low output signals are generated with a level-shifter. The level-shifter is used to interface the two domains. The low output signals are generated using a low-voltage driver and a first clipping stage. The high output signals are generated using a high-voltage driver and a second clipping stage. Duty-cycle distortion is lowered or eliminated by using an accelerator to accelerate the transition between the high output signals and the low output signals. Bias signals are input into the first and second stage. The bias signals work in a coordinated manner, to constrain the minimum and maximum outputs of various components in the level-shifter.

Abstract: A camera module includes a gradient index lens on a spacer plate attached over an array of pixel sensors and associated micro lenses. The spacer plate and gradient index lens can be formed at the wafer level during the manufacture of multiple camera modules. A process for manufacturing the camera modules thus provides tolerances and yields provided by wafer processing techniques rather than mechanical assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a mixture of sample substances comprises a fluid-guiding structure wherein the sample substances are moving essentially in one dimension along the structure and are subject to at least two separation mechanisms, such as capillary electrochromatography (CEC) and capillary zone electrophoresis using high voltage. The signals from a detection means are supplied to a signal processing means, which derives a parameter therefrom which in turn is used to derive improved measuring results for each of the separation results associated with the various separation mechanisms, respectively. The apparatus can be used for protein analysis, for example in combination with a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An integrated tunable laser structure comprising a substrate made of semiconductor material, the substrate comprising a first, a second, and a third section. The first section provides a low-selective interferometric filtering together with an amplification of a light wave resonating in the laser structure. The second section provides continuous fine-tuning and phase adjustment of the light wave, and the third section provides a wavelength selective reflection of the light wave. Each section allows current injection, wherein a current into the first section causes a wavelength shift of the low-selective interferometric filtering, a current into the second section causes a wavelength shift of resonator modes, and a current into the third section causes a wavelength shift of the wavelength selective reflection.

Abstract: A solution to the word alignment problem in a Serializer Deserializer (SERDES)/Media Access Controller environment is to have for each SERDES lane: a recovered clock, a Write Pointer counter and a FIFO. Misaligned words are simply stored in their FIFO's according to the respective recovered clocks and straightforward increments of the various Write Pointers WP_i. One of the lanes is selected as a reference, and the contents of the other FIFO's are inspected to determine the nature of their misalignment, if any. Then the values from the Read Pointer counters RP_i are individually offset by corresponding amounts to compensate for the misalignment, so that when data is read it is indeed aligned. These offsets by corresponding amounts are simply individual per lane adjustments to the various Read Pointers, and cooperate with the adjustments to those Read Pointer for rate matching.

Abstract: A heat sink comprises a core member comprising at least one core member first surface. The core member first surface is adapted to contact or be located adjacent at least a portion of the heat source. At least one outer peripheral surface is located on the core member. At least one cooling fin is operatively connected to the outer peripheral surface and extends in a direction substantially normal to the core member first surface. At least a portion of the outer peripheral surface is tapered, wherein the circumference of the outer peripheral surface in the proximity of the first surface is greater than the circumference of the outer peripheral surface not in the proximity of the first surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a post-etch cleaning treatment for a semiconductor device such as a FeRAM. The treatment comprises providing an etchant comprising both a fluorine compound and a chlorine compound, and applying the etchant to the semiconductor device in a wet cleaning process.