Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of calibrating an N-port multiport test system for measurement of a DUT. The method consists of coupling each port of an N-port automatic calibration device to a respective port of the N-port multiport test system, and presenting three reflection standards with the automatic calibration device to each port of the N-port multiport test system. The method also consists of providing with the automatic calibration device, N−1 through conditions of a possible N(N−1)/2 possible through conditions, between corresponding ports of the N-port multiport test system, and making measurements with the N-port multiport test system of the three reflection standards at each port and the N−1 through conditions between the corresponding ports. The method further consists of determining all of systematic error coefficients for all of the ports of N-port multiport test system.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus adapted for supplying a plurality of clock signals. The apparatus comprises a set of clock signal circuits for generating m clock signals of at least two different signal periods, with m being a natural number, and a superperiod signal-generating unit adapted for deriving, from a dedicated clock signal of said set of clock signals, a first superperiod signal. The signal period of said first superperiod signal is a common multiple of the clock signals' signal periods.

Abstract: A clock gating circuit reduces the power dissipation in a digital circuit including at least one functional block by gating the clock signal at an input to a clock tree feeding the functional block. The clock gating circuit includes a logic gate that receives a clock signal and a clock disable signal generated by the functional block, and gates the clock signal at the input to the clock tree feeding the functional block. Further, a global signal generator is provided to transmit a global signal to each of the functional blocks to prevent the generation of clock disable signals, when necessary, such as during testing of chips.

Abstract: MALDI sample holders and methods of using and making the same are provided. The MALDI sample holders are configured for use in matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization and include a planar substrate having a surface and at least one fluid retaining structure present on the surface. The fluid retaining structure includes a material that changes from a first fluid state to a second solid state in response to a stimulus. Also provided are methods of using the subject MALDI sample holders in a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization protocol, as well as methods of producing the subject MALDI sample holders. Kits for use in practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving image quality in a digital imaging device such as a digital video or still camera. A method for improving image quality of the device has steps of providing a digital image signal, and selecting a color corrector based, at least in part, on a signal-to-noise ratio of the digital image signal. The method and apparatus enables the image quality of an electronic output image output by the digital imaging device to be optimized over a wide range of signal values.

Abstract: The switch device includes first and second cavities, a passage extending between the cavities, a conductive liquid located in the passage and movable therein, a conductive path that includes the conductive liquid, an actuating liquid enclosed in each of the first and second cavities and covering the inner surfaces thereof and an actuating gas enclosed in each of the first and second cavities and existing as a bubble therein. At least one of the cavities includes a constriction element shaped to constrain the expansion of the actuating gas bubble in the cavity. This limits expulsion of the actuating liquid into the passage and movement of the conductive liquid along the passage.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer having an ion accelerator and an ion detector utilizing a finite impulse response filter is disclosed. The ion accelerator generates an ion pulse in response to a start signal. A clock increments a register that indicates the time that has elapsed since the start signal. The ion detector is spatially separated from the ion accelerator and generates a measurement signal indicative of ions striking the detector. The measurement signal is filtered through a finite impulse response filter to form a filtered measurement signal. The finite impulse response filter has a filter function that depends on the impulse response of the ion detector. In one embodiment, the mass spectrometer includes a memory that is addressed by the register value and an adder. The adder forms the sum of the data value specified by the register value and the output value from the finite impulse response filter.

Abstract: An electronic test system with a progress window that enables the user to observe in one glance the progress and status of a test. The progress window is preferably comprised of graphical elements representing test results grouped along a progress axis representing the length of the test procedure. Each graphical element is preferably displayed as a bar, with the length of the bar perpendicular to the progress axis representing the value of the result. The specifications limits are represented by lines parallel to the progress axis. A line above the progress axis represents the upper specification limit and a line below the progress axis represents the lower specification limit. The bars are color coded to display the pass, fail and marginal status of the test.

Abstract: A heterojunction for a semiconductor device. The heterojunction has a first region formed from a first semiconductor material having a first conductivity type, a second region formed from a second semiconductor material having a second conductivity type, and an intermediate layer between the first region and the second region. The band line-up of the first region, the intermediate layer, and the second region has no bound states in its conduction band and no bound states in its valence band. The intermediate layer has a thickness small enough to allow electrons to tunnel from the first region to the second region with negligible attenuation. The semiconductor device may be a heterojunction bipolar transistor. The conduction band of the intermediate layer has a higher energy level than the conduction bands of the first and second regions.

Abstract: Interpolation along an axis is performed on a Correlation Surface Array that was created from counting the instances of difference (XOR) between corresponding pixels of single bit resolution images having trial displacements. The interpolation is performed by finding the intersection of two straight line segments that are identified by the shape of the cross section of the Correlation Surface along the axis of interest. In the case of nine trial shifts there are three values in such a cross section, and they may seen as representing three points whose abscissas are the pixel shift amounts minus one, no shift, and plus one, and whose ordinates are the corresponding correlation values. In situations where navigation (and interpolation) is possible, these three points will have certain properties. The ususal case is that two of the points determine one line having a slope m, and the other point determines the other line (assumed to have slope −m).

Abstract: A circuit and method are disclosed for adjusting the clock skew in a synchronous system. The circuit and method include initially applying an offset voltage to a data input of a device in the system. Next, the clock skew between a device and a data source providing data thereto is adjusted to approximately 180 degrees, by selecting the clock skew resulting in an approximately maximum DC offset appearing at the output of the device. Thereafter, the clock skew is shifted from approximately 180 degrees to the desired clock skew amount.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming a seal between members of an assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, a seal is formed between a first member and a second member by establishing within the members a bounded volume and creating within the bounded volume a pressure differential with respect to the ambient pressure outside the bounded volume. The pressure differential results in a uniformly applied clamping force to the members thereby creating a reliable seal. A sealing member (such as solder, epoxy, or other sealant) is positioned between the first and second members and the resulting assembly is mechanically positioned such that heat can then be applied to melt the solder. Concurrently, the pressure differential is created which allows the externally applied mechanical positioning to be relaxed while the members are being sealed together. This system and method can be used to create hermetic seals.

Abstract: Switchable path length coupler/dividers. Coupler/divider operation over multiple frequency bands is provided by using switchable path lengths. In one implementation, a Wilkinson-style device with switches to select different path lengths and therefore operating frequencies. In a rat-race style device, switches select races of different lengths, and therefore operating frequencies.

Abstract: An alignment/retention device. The device includes a housing having a first side and an opposing second side. The housing includes an opening which extends from the first side to the second side. Multiple alignment pins are imbedded in the housing and extend external to both the first and second sides. On the first side the alignment pins are capable of insertion into matching holes on an electronic probe, and on the second side the alignment pins are capable of insertion into matching holes on an electronic circuit assembly.

Abstract: A contiguous gasket provides an electromagnetic and environmental seal between the base and lid of a microcircuit housing. The base has a flat surface that allows easy access of tools for assembling electronic components. Channels are cut into a corresponding flat portion of the lid to accommodate the electronic components mounted on the base. High-frequency feedthroughs are brought through sidewall connector features of the base that rise above the assembly surface. Feedthroughs are optionally brought through the flat portion of the base as well. When the microcircuit housing is assembled, the lid compresses the gasket against the base to form an electromagnetic and environmental seal.

Abstract: A connector detacher for removing a connector, which is connected at a connecting portion to a connecting part of an electrical or an optoelectronic device, from said connecting part, whereby the connector detacher comprises a base body which has a recess for receiving the connector, the recess providing a connection passage open to the outside in a direction towards the connecting portion of the connector received within the recess, thereby allowing the connector to be connected at the connecting portion to the connecting part through the connection passage. Furthermore, the connector detacher has holding means for holding the connector within the recess and mechanical linkages arranged on the base body, said mechanical linkages having a sliding block pushing portion which is moveable relative to the base body in direction towards the connection passage and which is provided for pushing against the connecting part in order to strip the connector therefrom.

Abstract: Pulse width modulation systems and methods are described. In one aspect, a pulse width modulation system includes a register and a code word generator. The code word generator has an input for receiving a specified output frequency and a specified duty cycle and is operable to generate code words of different lengths. The code word generator is operable to generate a base code word having a length set to achieve the specified output frequency and having a thermometer code value set in accordance with the specified duty cycle. The code word generator is further operable to load the register with a code word pattern including a sequence of one or more copies of the base code word.

Abstract: A switch device and method for manufacturing the switch device in which substrates are provided collectively having defined therein a liquid metal switch and a sub-channel connected to the liquid metal switch. A cavity filled with sacrificial material is formed in a first one of the substrates. A heater element is formed at least in part over the sacrificial material and conductive vias are formed extending through one of the substrates to the heater element. The sacrificial material is removed and the substrates are joined with an adhesive seal.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source for projecting imaging radiation onto a sampled object that is secured by a support member and a detector support assembly having multiple detecting modules distributed in a sparse configuration for detecting imaging radiation that has passed through the object. The x-ray source and the detector support assembly are on opposite sides of the support member. Relative displacement is provided between the object and the imaging radiation. By providing the relative displacements and illuminating the object with pulses of imaging radiation at selected intervals, a time series of successive sub-images corresponding to overlapping regions of the object is captured by each module. Computational algorithms combine the captured sub-images to form a composite three-dimensional description of the sampled object. There are multiple pulses of x-ray illumination for each region of the object, and each pulse irradiates more than one detecting module.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which provide for flexible and accurate test apparatus error value calculation. Error value calculation of a testing apparatus requires at least one unique measurement for each unknown error value using the equation that relates the measured response, the predicted response and the error value. When more equations than unknowns can be acquired, the system of equations is over-determined and an improvement of accuracy is possible, but accuracy may be lost when the predicted responses are not trusted to the same degree. The disclosed system and method provide the increased accuracy of an over-determined system, while accounting for predicted responses of varying degrees of trust.