Abstract: In an iconic programming computer system, the execution trail of objects is shown. Upon initiation by a user, the icons that have executed are highlighted so that the user, while debugging a program, can trace the path that the program has taken and identify which icons have executed.

Abstract: A data latch system includes a data input for providing a first data bit having a first duration and a second data bit having a second duration, and a data output for providing the first data bit for the first and second durations. First sampling circuitry is connected to the data input and the data output for the first duration to provide the first data bit to the data output. Second sampling circuitry is connected to the data input and the data output for the second duration to provide the second data bit inverted to the data output. Holding circuitry connected to the data output for the second duration holds the first data bit and the second sampling circuitry connects the second data bit inverted to the data output to enhance the held first data bit when the first and second data bits have different states.

Abstract: A method for forming an oxide VCSEL (vertical cavity surface-emitting laser) includes forming a VCSEL structure, forming an oxidation cavity partially through the VCSEL structure, oxidizing a layer in the VCSEL structure, forming a first passivation layer over a surface of the oxidation cavity, and forming a second passivation layer over the first passivation layer. An oxide VCSEL structure includes a bottom mirror region, an active region atop the bottom mirror region, a top mirror region atop the active region, an oxidation cavity partially through the top mirror region, a first passivation layer covering a surface of the oxidation cavity, and a second passivation layer covering the first passivation layer. In both the method and the structure, the first passivation layer can be made of silicon nitride (SiN) while the second passivation layer can be made of silicon oxynitride (SiON).

Abstract: A signal having positive and negative going transitions drives an electro-absorption modulator. The signal is shaped into a waveform having an average value and first wave segments, each derived in response to a positive going transition. Each first wave segment is followed immediately by a second wave segment. Third wave segments are derived in response to each negative going transition. Each third segment is followed immediately by a fourth wave segment. Each first segment has a first magnitude and polarity relative to the average. Each second segment has a second magnitude relative to the average and the first polarity. Each third segment has a third magnitude relative to the average and a second polarity relative to the average. Each fourth wave segment has a fourth magnitude relative to the average and the second polarity. The first and third magnitudes are respectively greater than the second and fourth magnitudes.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing polynucleotides is disclosed. The method involves contacting a first nucleotide with a selected reactive group in the presence of an ionic liquid. The selected reactive group may be on a second nucleotide, a polynucleotide, or on a moiety on an insoluble substrate, for example in an oligonucleotide synthesizer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for aligning components of an ion optics system particularly as applied to mass spectroscopy apparatus. An apparatus comprises a base having a front face, a rear face and at least one side face, and at least two supports. Each of the supports has at least one face. Each of the supports is affixed to the base by alignment of a portion of at least one face of the base and a portion of at least one face of the support thereby resulting in the alignment of the supports relative to one another. At least one of the supports has attached thereto a component of an ion optics system for a mass spectrometer. In a mass spectroscopy apparatus the support mating faces and the base mating faces are configured and dimensioned such that, when the support mating faces are brought together in registration with the respective base mating faces, the components are optically aligned within acceptable tolerances. Also disclosed are apparatus for making electrical in high vacuum environments.

Abstract: Methods for testing integrated circuits (ICs) are provided. An exemplary method, in which the IC has a first pad configured as a signal interface for components external to the IC, the first pad having a receiver configured to receive an input signal from a component external to the IC, comprises: electrically interconnecting automated test equipment (ATE) with the IC; providing at least one stimulus to the IC such that the IC measures a receiver termination characteristic of the first pad; and receiving information corresponding to the receiver termination characteristic of the first pad. Systems and integrated circuits also are provided.

Abstract: A method for packaging a plurality of dies is disclosed. Each die is attached to a corresponding mounting station in a structural member that includes a base member having first and second surfaces and a plurality of mounting stations. Each mounting station has a cavity wall that surrounds that mounting station and extends from the first surface thereby forming an open cavity around the mounting station. After the dies have mounted, a lid sheet is positioned over the structural member. The lid sheet includes a plurality of covers for closing the cavities. The covers are connected to one another by connection members. The structural member with the positioned lid sheet is then placed in a mold with a molding compound in contact with the lid sheet. The mold has a surface that forces the covers against the cavity while forcing the molding compound between the cavity walls.

Abstract: Devices and methods for contactless heating of a fluid in a chamber using a high frequency alternating potential are described. At least two electrodes are coupled to the chamber such that the alternating potential is coupled to the fluid inside the chamber and heats the fluid. A control loop derives a signal from the alternating potential and uses the signal to control the alternating potential. The devices and methods described determine temperature and/or conductivity of the fluid using the signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use with a mass spectrometer. The ion production and enhancement system of the present invention is used to enhance analyte ions for ease of detection in a mass spectrometer. The method of the invention comprises producing and enhancing analyte ions with an ion production and enhancement system and detecting the enhanced analyte ions with a detector.

Abstract: A signal generator produces a signal. The signal generator includes signal hardware that physically produces the signal and signal software that is used to control signal hardware. The signal software includes a higher level object and a plurality of lower level objects. The higher level object processes an instruction from a user to produce the signal such that the signal sweeps through a plurality of frequencies. The plurality of lower level objects serve as an interface between the higher level object and the signal hardware. At least one of the lower level objects communicates with the signal hardware and at least one of the lower objects communicates with the higher level object.

Abstract: An adaptive equalizer for a demodulator includes a filter that generates a filter output signal in response to an information signal according to a transfer function for the filter. The adaptive equalizer includes means for adjusting the transfer function in response to an indication of error in the filter output signal, and means for switching among a set of differing determinations of the indication of error. Switching among the differing determinations may be based upon a variety of indications of the progress of adaptation in the equalizer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for storing a plurality of supports having a plurality of chemical compounds bound to the surfaces of the supports. In the apparatus, a mechanism for diffusively introducing pressurized gas into the apparatus is in fluid communication with an outlet element comprising a plurality of openings. A holding chamber for the supports is in fluid communication with the outlet element. The outlet element and the holding chamber are disposed such that gas flow through the chamber is substantially uniform and unidirectional. The holding chamber comprises an opening sufficient to permit movement of the supports to and from the holding chamber and comprises a plurality of holding elements for holding the supports.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a bi-directional communication path connecting a headend station to a remote station. The communication path is used for sending and receiving messages. Messages in a forward direction are sent by modulating a carrier at a forward frequency, and messages sent in a return direction are sent by modulating a carrier at a return frequency. The system includes a headend unit which sends a sign-on message in the forward direction from the headend station. The headend unit monitors the return frequency for a response message and measures a power level for signals received at the return frequency during the monitoring operation. The headend unit sends an error message in the forward direction if no response message is received on the return frequency, and the power level is greater than a threshold value. If an error message is sent, the power spectrum in a frequency range including the return frequency is measured and sent as part of the error message.

Abstract: A photodiode array includes a plurality of arrayed individual diode devices. The arrayed diode devices include at least one active photodiode and at least one reference diode. A bias control circuit for the array monitors operation of the reference diode at an applied first bias voltage and adjusts that applied first bias voltage until optimal reference diode operation is reached. A second bias voltage having predetermined relationship to the first bias voltage is applied to the active photodiode to optimally configure array operation. More specifically, an operational characteristic of the reference diode at the first bias voltage is monitored and compared to a reference value. As a result of this comparison, the circuit adjusts the applied first and second bias voltage in order to drive the reference diode measured characteristic to substantially match the reference value.

Abstract: Balanced programmable delay element that has a variable incremental delay. A first inverter is provided that has a first electrode for receiving an input signal, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode for providing an output signal and that has a propagation delay that is dependent on a first current. A second inverter is provided that has a first electrode coupled to the fourth electrode of the first inverter for receiving the output signal of the first inverter, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode for providing an output signal and that has a propagation delay that is dependent on a second current. A current switch is coupled to the first inverter, the second inverter, receives at least two control signals, and responsive thereto, selectively varies the incremental delay of the delay element.

Abstract: The output power of a signal generated by a mobile communications device is measured over a short period of time (e.g. one signal burst), and the data modulation carried by the signal is also determined. The measured power value is adjusted to compensate for variations due to the content of the data modulation. This enables the long-term average power output by the device to be determined more quickly than by averaging the power measured over many successive signal bursts.

Abstract: An optical resonator receives a light beam having a first state of polarization. The resonator comprises a polarization modifying device (40) and a polarization dependent coupling device (30) for coupling light having the first state of polarization into a first path and for coupling light having a state of polarization perpendicular to the first state of polarization into a second path. The polarization dependent coupling device (30) is arranged to receive from a first propagation direction the light beam having the first state of polarization and to couple the light beam from the first propagation direction in the first path to the polarization modifying device (40). The polarization modifying device (40) is arranged for modifying the state of polarization of the light beam before reentering the first path of the polarization dependent coupling device (30) from a second propagation direction in order to couple into the second path a portion of the light beam traveling into the second propagation direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a channel plate for a fluid-based switch. The channel plate is produced by 1) forming a plurality of channel plate layers in ceramic green sheet, 2) forming at least one channel plate feature in at least one of the channel plate layers, and 3) laminating the channel plate layers to form the channel plate. Switches using ceramic channel plates, and a method for making a switch with a ceramic channel plate, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system of identifying one or more nets in a digital IC design that are at risk of electromigration comprises selecting a manufacturing process for the digital IC design and obtaining a clock period and process voltage. A voltage waveform transition time and effective capacitance is calculated for one or more of the nets. A maximum allowable effective capacitance for each one of the nets is calculated based upon a peak current analysis or an RMS current analysis. The effective capacitance for each net is compared against the maximum allowable capacitance to identify those nets that are at risk of failure due to the effects of electromigration.