Abstract: An integrated probe assembly provides the capability to test integrated circuit (IC) packages mounted onto ball grid arrays. The present invention comprises an unsealed BGA socket (102), nail head pins (107) which can be inserted flush into a pin carrier to produce a PGA header (103), a Flex circuit assembly comprising a piece of flexible circuit (104) with various passive resistors and connectors attached and solder preforms (113) used to solder the flex assembly to the pin grid array. Matched impedance connectors (105) are attached at an end of the flexible circuit.

Abstract: A trigger function display system for trigger definition development in a signal measurement system having a graphical user interface. The system displays a plurality of graphically selectable icons and an associated protocol profile window. The protocol profile window includes at least a protocol descriptor field and a protocol editors field. The user inputs data into the protocol editors field which causes the system to automatically construct a series of trigger primitives utilizing a plurality of event definitions stored in memory. The event definitions are two bit blocks resulting from the parsing of protocol definition text files.

Abstract: Mass spectrometry systems and methods are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment of the mass spectrometry system, among others, includes a mass spectrometer, a laser generator, and a sample substrate. The mass spectrometer includes a first end and a second end and the laser generator produces a laser radiation beam that travels along a first path. The sample substrate holds a sample at the first end of the mass spectrometer, where the sample produces a plurality of ions that travel along a second path that is substantially parallel the first path but towards the second end of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A sensor array is bonded to or molded together with a micro-lens array to form a sensor cartridge. The micro-lenses of the micro-lens array are configured to focus light incident on the sensors, into the sensors. An alignment structure has a mating profile that receives and engages one or more micro-lenses from the micro-lens array to laterally align the cartridge to enable repeatable precise positioning of the cartridge.

Abstract: An optical attenuator for attenuating an incident optical beam comprises at least two attenuating devices, each having a polarization dependent attenuation characteristic with a preferred orientation. The attenuating devices are arranged in the optical beam in a way that the preferred orientations of the polarization dependent attenuation characteristics substantially compensate each other, at least partially in defined locations. At least one attenuating device provides an attenuation characteristic wherein the attenuation for the incoming light beam varies in a defined direction. The preferred orientation of the polarization dependent attenuation characteristic of the at least one attenuating device is substantially in the same direction as the varying attenuation characteristics or substantially perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for enabling reconfiguration of a test system. The test system includes an adapter assembly and a tester electronics assembly. The adapter assembly includes two probe plates, which hold a probe field. The two probe plates include a plurality of holes extending through each probe plate. Each hole includes a flange area for accommodating deflection of the probes, inserted in the holes extending through the probe plates. The flange area and the use of flexible probes facilitate a deflection and an offset of the probes in the probe plates. A tester assembly includes a plurality of wear pads on the topside of a printed circuit board. The wear pads positioned to engage the bottom end of the probes. Configurable logic elements located on the underside of the printed circuit board are used to generating and receive test-signals, depending on where the probes make contact with the wear pads on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a ferroelectric capacitor is disclosed. The method comprises the patterning of a top electrode layer and a dielectric layer to form a capacitor stack structure having sidewalls associated therewith. Prior to patterning the bottom electrode layer, a protective film is formed on the sidewalls of the capacitor stack structure in order to protect the dielectric material from conductive contaminants associated with a subsequent patterning of the bottom electrode layer.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical turn used to the monitor the output of a light source such as a VCSEL. Light incoming to the optical turn is reflected off of a totally internally reflecting surface towards a window-mirror, where the light is partially routed to an output lens, and partially diverted to a monitor lens where the diverted light can be focused onto a monitoring device, such as a photodiode. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the optical turn is modified to monitor an incoming light array. In another alternative embodiment, the optical turn monitors an incoming light array, and further includes a zigzag multiplexer that is used to carry out Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM). CWDM is the combination of different wavelengths of light into one beam.

Abstract: A microanalytical device is provided for conducting chemical processes using small amounts of fluid. The devices include microstructures, e.g., microcavities, microchannels and the like, that are laser ablated or otherwise formed in a support substrate, and can be used in a variety of chemical and biochemical methods, including chromatographic, electrophoretic and electrochromatographic separations, screening and diagnostics, and chemical and biochemical synthesis. The devices are formed from a material that is thermally and chemically stable and resistant to biofouling, significantly reducing electroosmotic flow and unwanted adsorption of solute. Preferred materials are polymeric.

Abstract: A frequency synthesizer that includes an output oscillator, a difference circuit, a reference circuit, a feedback circuit and a comparator. The output oscillator generates an output signal whose frequency, FOUT, is determined by an oscillator input signal. The difference circuit generates a sampled signal having a frequency, Fsif=FOUT−FOFFSET. The reference circuit generates a reference signal having a frequency Fref. The reference circuit includes a reference oscillator for generating a high frequency reference oscillator output signal having a frequency F1 and a first division circuit for generating a signal having a frequency equal to F1 divided by R. The feedback circuit generates a feedback signal having a frequency, Ffb. The feedback signal generating circuit includes a second division circuit having a division factor chosen such that Fsif/Ffb is minimized. The comparator compares the reference signal and the feedback signal and generates the oscillator input signal.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises the steps of soldering a BGA socket onto a PGA header, inserting a flex assembly onto the BGA-PGA assembly, placing solder preforms over the PGA pins and then reflowing the flex assembly to the BGA-PGA assembly.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is coupled to receive messages from a telecommunications network, in order to collate messages relating to the same transaction into a transaction record for further analysis. The apparatus receives messages from the networks having different formats (protocols). For each input message, a protocol adapter manager determines the protocol of the message and a matching key is generated by a protocol adapter supporting the particular protocol. The message is then added by the matching engine to a matching pending context (transaction record) if there is one. If there is no matching pending context, a new context is created by the matching engine. The protocol adapter also includes a timeout value for the particular protocol. If a pending context has had no new messages added to it for a time greater than the timeout value for that protocol, it is assumed to be complete and is output to an output manager.

Abstract: An improved image sensor constructed from a photodiode and a transimpedance amplifier having an input connected to the photodiode. The present invention utilizes a clamping circuit to prevent the potential at the input of the transimpedance amplifier from causing the photodiode to become forward biased. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transimpedance amplifier includes a transistor connecting the input to the output, and the clamping circuit includes a circuit for holding the gate of the transistor at a clamping potential.

Abstract: A microfluidic component having a microfluidic channel is bonded to an electronics component having a circuit for processing signals related to the microfluidic component. In an embodiment, the electronics component is a prefabricated integrated circuit chip that includes signal processing and/or process control functionality. The bonding of the microfluidic component to the electronics component provides a modular architecture in which different combinations of microfluidic components and electronics components can be used to create customized processing and analysis tools.

Abstract: A plurality of Liquid Metal Micro Switches (LIMMS) are mounted on opposite sides of a multi-layer substrate. Vias on the substrate and located within the footprints of the LIMMS serve to make connection with the LIMMS. Traces on the internal layers of the multi-layer substrate are routed around and over each other to arrive at a perimeter surrounding the LIMMS, where they emerge again as vias and are available for interconnection with further circuitry via conventional techniques, such as solder balls, wire bonding, a socket, etc. The multi-layer substrate may also incorporate a ground plane to assist in shielding and the fabrication of any interconnecting transmission lines.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for synthesizing oligonucleotides using carbonate protection of hydroxyl groups and nucleophilic deprotection reagents. The deprotection reagents irreversibly cleave the carbonate protecting groups while simultaneously oxidizing the internucleotide phosphite triester linkage, and can be used in aqueous solution at neutral to mildly basic pH. The method eliminates the need for separate deprotection and oxidation steps, and, since the use of acid to remove protecting groups is unnecessary, acid-induced depurination is avoided. Fluorescent or other readily detectable carbonate protecting groups can be used, enabling monitoring of individual reaction steps during oligonucleotide synthesis. The invention is particularly useful in the highly parallel, microscale synthesis of oligonucleotides. Reagents and kits for carrying out the aforementioned method are provided as well.

Abstract: A high-performance, integrated circuit interconnection laminate. Power/ground layers in laminates fabricated with open areas to permit out gassing of gases generated during high temperature lamination are located such that they do not lie under/over critical traces on signal layers. This placement of the open areas enables a reduction in cross-talk between signal layers lying on opposite sides of a power/ground layer and a reduction in signal delay.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixing apparatus where a fluid is progressing from an Inlet tubing to an Outlet tubing. Every segment of the liquid is part by part transferred to the Outlet channel via numerous restrictor channels. The distances between the restrictor channels determine a dispersion pattern for any segment of the flow, progressing from the inlet chamber in the form of a reservoir channel to the Outlet. The nearer the outlet channels are placed one to another, the higher is the permeability to the outlet collector at the respective location. Delaying partial flows of the fluid with different flow delays and providing different flow volumes for the partial flows results in a predetermined flow distribution function thus determining a dispersion pattern. This allows for a continuous dispersion of a fluid property which is intended to be mixed, in accordance with a predefined fluid distribution function.

Abstract: A CMOS digital integrated circuit digitally captures an image, generates a result surface on which a minima resides, and compares the result surfaces. The correlation of the result surfaces represents a best fit image displacement between image frames.

Abstract: In order to reduce harmonic distortion, a track and hold circuit comprising a MOS transistor switch, a hold capacitor, and a voltage stabilizer for biasing bulk potential of the MOS transistor switch at a certain voltage is disclosed.