Abstract: A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user.

Abstract: A servo writer includes a servo data generation module that generates servo data corresponding to a plurality of servo wedges and a plurality of tracks of a disk, the servo data including track identification data that is repetition coded. A servo write module writes the servo data on the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling functionality of a component, wherein the apparatus includes a random number generating module for generating a random number, and a hash function module in communication with the random number generating module. A host is provided in communication with the random number generating module, and at least one memory in communication with the host is included. An encryption module in communication with the at least one memory is provided, and a comparing device in communication with the encryption module and the hash function module is included. The comparing device of the apparatus compares a first bit string to a second bit string to generate a function enable output for the component.

Abstract: A system and method for providing power control in a power management integrated circuit. A power management integrated circuit may comprise a communication interface module that receives power supply information from at least one electrical device external to the power management integrated circuit. The power supply information may, for example, comprise information related to a first electrical power. The power management integrated circuit may also comprise a power regulator module that determines a regulated power signal based, at least in part, on a portion of the power supply information. The regulated power signal may correspond to the first electrical power. For example, the regulated power signal may comprise the first electrical power or cause another circuit to output the first electrical power. The power management integrated circuit may then output the regulated power signal to at least one electrical device external to the power management integrated circuit.

Abstract: A primary computing device and a secondary computing device couple with an internal storage component of the primary device powered by, and data accessed by either the first or secondary computing device. The internal storage component includes multiple connectors for connecting internal buses and external buses over which data can be accessed, internally or externally. It includes an internal storage unit (in general, at least one storage unit, and multiple storage units are supported) to which data can be written and from which data can be read. It also includes arbitration and isolation circuitry that makes it possible to access the internal storage unit (for read/write data access, etc.) over one of the buses. The arbitration and an isolation circuitry also facilitates powering the internal storage component employing power supplied by an internal power source, or via an external power source, such as power from an USB connection.

Abstract: A balun that includes a first conductor, a second conductor, and a third conductor. The first conductor has a first length. The first conductor also has a first end connected to a first balanced power amplifier output port. The second conductor has substantially the same first length. The second conductor also includes a first end connected to a second balanced power amplifier output port and a second end connected to a second end of the first conductor. The third conductor has substantially the same first length. The third conductor has a first end connected to an antenna port and a second end connected to a ground potential.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a RFIC master are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include configuring an on-chip programmable device that may function as a master on a bus that has at least one device interface, for example, RFIC interface, coupled to the bus. The on-chip programmable device may generate at least one signal to control at least one device coupled to at least one device interface. The on-chip programmable device may communicate the generated signal via the bus upon receiving an input timer signal and may be configured by writing at least one event data and an index-sample data to the on-chip programmable device. The index-sample data may comprise at least a count value and an event data index. When the count value equals a value of the timer signal, event data may be fetched and executed starting with the one specified by the event data index.

Abstract: According to one general aspect, a method of using a network device may include receiving, via an ingress port, a data packet that includes a payload portion, a source network address and a destination network address. In various embodiments, the method may also include determining if the data packet includes a security tag that includes a role based authentication tag. In some embodiments, the method may include, if the data packet includes a security tag that includes a role based authentication tag, transmitting, via an egress port, at least the payload portion and the role based authentication tag towards, in a topological sense, the destination network address.

Abstract: A user of a mobile device with a subscription on a primary network is able to interact with an automated mobile network account setup kiosk to setup a subscription (temporary or permanent) for access to services (one or more) on the secondary network. The billing system of the primary network is used to bill for services subscribed to by the user on the secondary network. Subscriber information and subscription information from the primary network is selectively used to setup a new subscription for the user on the secondary network. A mobile device, built in accordance with the present invention, is capable of interacting with a mobile network account setup kiosk, in order to configure access to a secondary network selectively employing subscription information from a primary network currently subscribed to by the user.

Abstract: A computing network infrastructure supports access to built-in peripheral devices of a first computing device by a second computing device. Internal peripheral devices are communicatively coupled to internal processing circuitry (located in the first computing device), which supports access using an internal data bus. An external bus that provides data and power is used to provide access from the second computing device to the internal peripheral devices. Arbitration is provided for power and for data access. The internal peripheral devices may be accessed by the second computing device even when the first computing device is powered down or not in working condition. In one embodiment, the second computing device may access the internal peripheral devices through the same data bus that the internal processing circuitry uses.

Abstract: Processing text messages by a message processing server to translate the text message from a native language to a preferred language. Operation begins with receiving text message delivery language preferences regarding a wireless device, the text message delivery language preferences identifying at least one preferred language for delivery of text messages to the wireless device. Operation continues with receiving a text message intended for the wireless device, the text message in a native language. Further, based upon the text message delivery language preferences regarding the wireless device, operation determines a preferred language for delivery of the text message, the preferred language different than the native language. Then, the text message is translated from the native language to the preferred language and transmitted in the preferred language for delivery to the wireless device.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided to adjust an output voltage of an integrated circuit (IC) die. For instance, the apparatus can include an on-chip source termination and a bias generator. The bias generator can be configured to provide a source current to the on-chip source termination to adjust the output voltage. In particular, when adjusting the output voltage of the IC die, the bias generator can adjust the source current using a first current with a first adjustable current gain and a second current source with a second adjustable current gain.

Abstract: Devices and methods for receiving, processing and formatting digital video. The devices may include a single semiconductor chip on which is imprinted a radio frequency signal tuner module and a display interface module. The display interface module may be configured to receive programming information from the radio frequency signal tuner module. The display interface module may be configured to communicate the programming information to a digital video recorder. The radio frequency tuner module may include a first radio frequency input channel and a second radio frequency input channel. The radio frequency signal tuner module may include a system oscillator and a phase-locked loop (“PLL”) circuit configured to generate a clock signal. The phase-locked loop circuit may be configured to transmit the signal to the display interface module and to any other suitable modules on the chip.

Abstract: A computing device allows remote access to internal storage component via a remote access interface, e.g., USB, port. The electronic device or computing device contains a motherboard with modified internal circuitry that allows access to the internal storage component via the remote access port. Bus arbitration circuitry, within the motherboard of the computing device, arbitrates between a host CPU and the remote access interface port. Power arbitration circuitry, within the motherboard of the computing device, arbitrates between an internal power supply and power available at the remote access port. The bus arbitration and power arbitration are based upon a predetermined rules as well as an intelligent adaptive set of rules. Internal storage component access is provided based on authorization rules. The internal storage component may be accessed by an external processing circuitry even when the electronic device or computing device is powered down or not in working condition.

Abstract: A wireless device, for each of a plurality of wireless networks, establishes communications with each wireless network and transmits SIM card information to the wireless network. The plurality of wireless networks transmit SIM card authentication information requests to a cash card SIM server computer and, if a service agreement exists with an operator of the cash card SIM server, receives SIM card authentication challenge information. At least two of the wireless networks then authenticate the wireless device and prepare and transmit wireless service terms to the wireless device. The wireless device selects a servicing wireless network from the at least two wireless networks based upon the corresponding received wireless service terms and receives wireless service from the selected wireless network. The wireless network and cash card SIM server coordinate billing for such service and deduct appropriate amount(s) from the account of the SIM card.

Abstract: A bit stream multiplexer and a bit stream demultiplexer of the present invention couples a communication Application Specific Integrate Circuit (ASIC) to a high-speed bit stream media. The bit stream multiplexer includes a first transmit data multiplexing integrated circuit having an input that receives a first plurality of bit streams at a first bit rate from the communication ASIC and an output that produces a second plurality of bit streams at a second bit rate, the second plurality having fewer bit streams than said first plurality. It further includes a second transmit data multiplexing integrated circuit having an input that receives the second plurality of bit streams at the second bit rate and an output that produces a single bit stream at a line bit rate, the single bit stream having a predetermined bit order. The bit stream demultiplexer includes similar demultiplexing integrated circuits.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product is provided for mitigating the effects of burst noise on packets transmitted in a communications system. A transmitting device applies an outer code, which may include, for example, a block code, an exclusive OR (XOR) code, or a repetition code, to one or more packets prior to adaptation of the packets for transmission over the physical (PHY) layer of the communications system, wherein the PHY layer adaptation may include FEC encoding of individual packets. The outer coded packets are then separately transmitted over a channel of the communications system. A receiving device receives the outer coded packets, performs PHY level demodulation and optional FEC decoding of the packets, and then applies outer code decoding to the outer coded packets in order to restore packets that were erased during transmission due to burst noise or other impairments on the channel.

Abstract: A network device for dynamically allocating memory locations to plurality of queues. The network device determines an amount of memory buffers that is associated with a port and assigns a fixed allocation of memory buffers to each of a plurality of queues associated with the port. The network device also shares remaining memory buffers among the plurality of queues, wherein the remaining memory buffers are used by at least one of the plurality of queues after the fixed allocation of memory buffers assigned to the queue is used by the queue. The network device further sets a limit threshold for each of the plurality of queues. The limit threshold determines how much of the remaining memory buffer may be used by each of the plurality of queues. When one of the limit threshold is reached for one of the plurality of queues or all of the remaining buffers are used, a request by the one of the plurality of queues is denied.

Abstract: Electrically and thermally enhanced die-up ball grid array (BGA) packages are described. A BGA package includes a stiffener, substrate, a silicon die, and solder balls. The die is mounted to the top of the stiffener. The stiffener is mounted to the top of the substrate. A plurality of solder balls are attached to the bottom surface of the substrate. A top surface of the stiffener may be patterned. A second stiffener may be attached to the first stiffener. The substrate may include one, two, four, or other number of metal layers. Conductive vias through a dielectric layer of the substrate may couple the stiffener to solder balls. An opening may be formed through the substrate, exposing a portion of the stiffener. The stiffener may have a down-set portion. A heat slug may be attached to the exposed portion of the stiffener. A locking mechanism may be used to enhance attachment of the heat slug to the stiffener. The heat slug may be directly attached to the die through an opening in the stiffener.

Abstract: A search engine selects initial coefficients for a receive equalizer. The search engine may be incorporated into a communication receiver that includes a decision feedback equalizer and clock and data recovery circuit. Here, the search engine may initialize various adaptation loops that may control the operation of, for example, a decision feedback equalizer, a clock and data recovery circuit and a continuous time filter. The receiver may include an analog-to-digital converter that is used to generate soft decision data for some of the adaptation loops.