Abstract: This invention provides a multi-stage amplifier incorporating DC offset cancellation. The amplifier has a plurality of series-connected gain stages each of which comprises a differential amplifier unit generating a pair of differential outputs from a pair of differential inputs. In particular, a trailing stage in the plurality of gain stages comprises a digital DC offset cancellation module configured to compensate for a DC offset of the trailing stage's differential amplifier unit. The digital DC offset cancellation module comprises a comparator coupled to the pair of differential outputs of the trailing stage's differential amplifier unit for receiving such differential outputs as inputs for the comparator. Preferably, the comparator has an inherent DC offset that is substantially small. It is preferable that a non-trailing stage of the amplifier comprises an analog DC offset cancellation module for compensating for a DC offset of the non-trailing stage.

Abstract: A circuit and method for a bandgap voltage reference operating at 1 volt or below is disclosed, wherein the operational amplifier (A1) drives resistors (R2, R3) only so that both the flicker noise contribution and the process sensitivity due to the conventional metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices used as a current mirror within the proportional-to-absolute-temperature (PTAT) loop are eliminated. Two symmetric resistive divider pairs formed by (R1A/R1B, R2A/R2B) are inserted to scale down both the base-emitter voltages (VEB1, VEB2) of bipolar transistors (Q1, Q2) and the PTAT current (IPTAT) so that an output reference voltage (VREF) becomes scalable. Proper bias currents through transistors (M3, M4), which are used to bias (Q1, Q2) and (R1A/R1B, R2A/R2B) respectively, are produced by an additional V-I converter (319) using VREF itself, resulting in a final process, voltage and temperature (PVT) insensitive output reference voltage.

Abstract: A system and a method for evaluating transport of data segments of media content bitstream over a peer-to-peer network by streaming data chunks of a media content through a peer-to-peer network, generating network transport distortion on the data chunks using live experiments, simulation, or artificial generation, determining a playback strategy of each of the data segment at the receiver end, and evaluating a playback performance of the media content bitstream under the playback strategy.

Abstract: This invention discloses a backside illuminated image sensor without the need to involve a mechanical grinding process or a chemical-mechanical planarization process in fabrication, and a fabricating method thereof. In one embodiment, an image sensor comprises a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of light sensing elements in the semiconductor substrate, and a cavity formed in the semiconductor substrate. The light sensing elements are arranged in a substantially planar manner. The cavity has a base surface overlying the light sensing elements. The presence of the cavity allows the image to reach the light sensing elements through the cavity base surface. The cavity can be fabricated by etching the semiconductor substrate. Agitation may also be used when carrying out the etching.

Abstract: Systems and methods in which antenna system configurations use over-coupling between a plurality of antenna elements for effectively providing wide-band operation are shown. Such over-coupling comprises a multiple antenna element configuration in which adaptation to one antenna element (e.g., an influencing antenna element) results in substantial operational frequency band adaptation to a second antenna element (e.g., a respondent antenna element). Over-coupling results in a frequency split at the second antenna, whereby the resonate frequency of the antenna element is split into a plurality of frequency bands. By implementing such frequency splitting with respect to otherwise narrow band antenna elements, the over-coupled antenna system may be made to effectively provide wide-band operation.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides a focusing apparatus and method for a fluorescence microscope which is capable of shortening the time in focusing, increasing system throughput and avoiding from undesirable photo-bleaching. The fluorescence microscope of the present invention employs a portion of excitation light to form images of a sample to determine a focus plane for fluorescence imaging. As intensity of the portion of the excitation light is much higher than that of fluorescence light, the exposure time is highly reduced for image formation used for focusing purpose. The fluorescence microscope of the present invention enables to perform both predictive focusing and multiplex focusing.

Abstract: An online content publishing and consumption environment can be modeled such that communities of content consumers (users), such as educational institutes and libraries, are categorized as Content Brokers; content providers, such as book, music, and multimedia publishers, and news sources, are categorized as Content Providers; and a Content Bridge, a standalone component providing the functionalities of the presently claimed invention in the online content publishing and consumption environment. The Content Bridge allows a simpler and loosely-coupled integration with lowered integration cost and effort, as the Content Broker is required to integrate once only with the Content Bridge instead of having to integrate individually with every Content Provider.

Abstract: A sine wave generator for a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) converts a digital phase input into a digital sine wave output. Sine values and slopes are stored in read-only memory (ROM) for coarse upper phase bits in a first quadrant. A quadrant folder and phase splitter reflects and inverts values from the first quadrant to generate amplitudes for all four quadrants. Each sine value and slope is stored for a range of lower phase bits. A Delta bit separates upper and lower phase bits. Delta conditionally inverts the lower phase bits, the sine value, and the final polarity. A reduced AND logic array multiplies the slope by the conditionally inverted lower phase bits. A reconstructed ADD logic array then adds the conditionally inverted sine value. The conditionally inverted polarity is added to generate the final sine value. Sine generation logic is streamlined with conditional inversion based on the Delta bit.

Abstract: A bridge rectifier operates on low A.C. input voltages such as received by a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) device. Voltage drops due to bridge diodes are avoided. Four p-channel transistors are arranged in a transistor bridge across the A.C. inputs to produce an internal power voltage. Another four diode-connected transistors form a start-up diode bridge that generates a comparator power voltage and a reference ground. The start-up diode bridge operates even during initial start-up before the comparator and boost drivers operate. A comparator receives the A.C. input and controls timing of voltage boost drivers that alternately drive gates of the four p-channel transistors in the transistor bridge with voltages boosted higher than the peak A.C. voltage. Substrates are connected to the power voltage on the power-voltage half of the bridge and to the A.C. inputs on the ground half of the bridge to fully shut off transistors, preventing reverse current flow.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an optical module that includes interchangeable lenses to adjust a zoom level or focus of the optical module.

Abstract: A standoff range, sense-through-obstruction radar system is capable of detecting micro-Doppler, or life form signatures, and movements through obstructions at stand-off ranges and displaying the target information over a live video feed of the area under surveillance. The sense-through-obstruction radar system comprises an antenna assembly that includes a horn antenna and a reflector configured to reflect radio frequency (RF) energy to/from the horn antenna. An antenna pointing assembly supports the antenna assembly. The antenna pointing assembly is configured to move the antenna assembly to point the antenna assembly toward an obstruction. A sensor assembly is mounted to the antenna assembly so that the sensor assembly is aligned with the RF beam formed from the RF energy reflected from the reflector to the horn antenna. The sensor assembly is configured to detect the location of the obstruction and to provide information to assist pointing of the antenna assembly toward the obstruction.

Abstract: This invention discloses a through-silicon via (TSV) structure for providing an electrical path between a first-side surface and a second-side surface of a silicon chip, and a method for fabricating the structure. In one embodiment, the TSV structure comprises a via penetrated through the chip from the first-side surface to the second-side surface, providing a first end on the first-side surface and a second end on the second-side surface. A local isolation layer is deposited on the via's sidewall and on a portion of the first-side surface surrounding the first end. The TSV structure further comprises a plurality of substantially closely-packed microstructures arranged to form a substantially non-random pattern and fabricated on at least the portion of the first-side surface covered by the local isolation layer for promoting adhesion of the local isolation layer to the chip. A majority of the microstructures has a depth of at least 1 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides phosphor inks configured to achieve high efficiency in converting LED light from one wavelength to another. The phosphor ink composition for deposition on an LED device comprises a phosphor component having nano-phosphor particles on the order of 100 to 1000 nanometers, and a curable resin component. In particular, the nano-phosphor particles are uniformly dispersed throughout the ink composition. The nano-phosphor particles may be formed by a size reduction process carried out on larger phosphor particles on the order of 1 to 50 micrometers. Preferably, the size reduction process is based on solvent wet milling. Methods for preparing the phosphor inks based on forming the nano-phosphor particles from larger particles by solvent wet milling are also provided.

Abstract: A fly-back power converter has a current-estimating control loop that senses the primary output current in a transformer to control the secondary output. A primary-side control circuit switches primary current through the transformer on and off. A discharge time when a secondary current through an auxiliary winding of the transformer is flowing is generated by sampling a voltage divider on an auxiliary loop for a knee-point. A normalized duty cycle is calculated by multiplying the discharge time by a current that is proportional to the switching frequency and comparing to a sawtooth signal having the switching frequency. The peak of a primary-side voltage is sensed from the primary current loop and converted to a current and multiplied by the normalized duty cycle to generate an estimated current. An error amp compares the estimated current to a reference to adjust the oscillator frequency and peak current to control primary switching.

Abstract: A multilayer microelectronic device package includes one or more vertical electrical contacts. At least one semiconductor material layer is provided having one or more electrical devices fabricated therein. An electrical contact pad can be formed on or in the semiconductor material layer. Another material layer is positioned adjacent to the semiconductor material layer and includes a conductive material stud embedded in or bonded to the layer. A via is formed through at least a portion of the semiconductor material layer and the electrical contact pad and into the adjacent layer conducting material stud. The via is constructed such that the via tip terminates within the conducting material stud, exposing the conducting material. A metallization layer is disposed in the via such that the metallization layer contacts both the electrical contact pad and the conducting material stud exposed by the via tip.

Abstract: A low power, high accuracy calibration circuit for filter calibration is provided. The calibration circuit includes a chargeable voltage storage element. A first measurement and adjustment circuit determines a charge time required for the voltage of the chargeable voltage storage element to substantially match a reference voltage. The circuit adjusts the voltage storage element to make the charge time approximately equal to a predetermined filter time constant value, the adjustment circuit updating the reference voltage to make the charge time substantially equal to the predetermined filter time constant value and iteratively updating the reference voltage to refine the charge time. A second circuit is configured to have substantially the predetermined filter time constant value based on the adjustment configuration determined by the adjustment of the voltage storage element and the reference voltage of the first circuit.

Abstract: This invention provides a multi-stage amplifier incorporating DC offset cancellation. The amplifier has a plurality of series-connected gain stages each of which comprises a differential amplifier unit generating a pair of differential outputs from a pair of differential inputs. In particular, a trailing stage in the plurality of gain stages comprises a digital DC offset cancellation module configured to compensate for a DC offset of the trailing stage's differential amplifier unit. The digital DC offset cancellation module comprises a comparator coupled to the pair of differential outputs of the trailing stage's differential amplifier unit for receiving such differential outputs as inputs for the comparator. Preferably, the comparator has an inherent DC offset that is substantially small. It is preferable that a non-trailing stage of the amplifier comprises an analog DC offset cancellation module for compensating for a DC offset of the non-trailing stage.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide generation of image depth maps which more accurately represent the local depth discontinuity within images through use of image global depth maps adapted based upon image global motion and/or localized depth analysis utilizing relative relationships of attributes across depth discontinuities in the image are disclosed. Embodiments utilize a full global depth map which is larger than or equal to the image being converted in order to accommodate image global motion, in generating an image global depth map. In operation according to embodiments, an image global depth map is identified within the full global depth map, such as based upon global motion within the image. Localized depth analysis, using pixel attribute relative relationships, is applied with respect to the image global depth map according to embodiments to generate an image depth map which more accurately reflects the local depth discontinuities within the image.

Abstract: A method for packing data over a power line communication channel is disclosed herein. The method comprises packing data into symbol body, adding a first pad in front of the symbol body to form a full symbol and determining the time instance in which the peak absolute voltage point of the AC electric power occurs. And subsequently it is to send the full symbol through the power line in a manner synchronized with the time instance aforesaid. Based on the interference condition detection, the invention allows receiver side adaptation.

Abstract: This invention, which relates to retrieving an object from a video or a photo where the object matches a hand-drawn sketch, discloses a method for automatically estimating a perceptual bias level with respect to a feature of the sketch. The method allows estimation based on the sketch alone without involving an extra database. In one embodiment, the method comprises using an expectation-maximization tensor voting (EMTV) method to analyze a statistical distribution of the feature. The statistical distribution is analyzed by forming an objective function having the statistical distribution's information parameterized by the perceptual bias level, and then maximizing the objective function according to a set of iterative update rules. In another embodiment, the method for automatically estimating a perceptual bias level is incorporated into a method for retrieving one or more objects from an image or video database where the one or more objects match a hand-drawn sketch.