Abstract: A method provides estimations of physical interconnect process parameter values in a process for manufacturing integrated circuits. The method includes fabricating test structures each providing a value of a measurable quantity corresponding to a value within a range of values of the physical interconnect process parameters. In some embodiments, the measured value is used to derive the values of the physical interconnect process parameters, either by a numerical method using a field solver, or by a closed-form solution. The values of physical interconnect process parameters involving physical dimensions are also obtained by measuring photomicrographs obtained using a scanning electron microscope from cross sections of test structures. In some embodiments, a family of test structures corresponding to a range of conductor widths and a range of spacings between conductors are measured.

Abstract: A comprehensive system and method allow an integrated circuit designer to extract accurate estimates of parasitic impedances in interconnection lines of an integrated circuit. The method includes collecting values of electrical characteristic parameters to provide a technology profile for a particular fabrication process. An Interconnect Primitive Library builder provides a collection of interconnect `primitives` that any interconnect structure fabricated under the fabrication process can be broken down into, and combines it with the technology profile for simulations in a 3-dimensional field solver to extract parameterized coupling capacitances and other characteristic impedances for each interconnect primitive. An extraction tool traces a signal path of an integrated circuit and decomposes the interconnect structures on the signal path into interconnect primitives and maps them to the Interconnect Primitive Library.

Abstract: An improved inductor-capacitor device and a power regulating circuit incorporating said improved device, the improvement including integrally formed terminals on the conducting foil which are supported by the dielectric insulating material that separates the strips of conducting foil, and the setting of the foil windings in a rigid structure by interlaying between each foil strip an insulating strip of dielectric material that is coated with a high temperature thermosetting or thermoplastic bonding cement having physical properties similar to the dielectric material. Two improved inductor-capacitor devices are interconnected in a power regulating circuit for a discharge lamp device wherein their separate capacitive and inductive reactance are combined, each device being connected in such a manner to more uniformly distribute current through the conducting layer of each device.

Abstract: A ferro-resonant, voltage-regulating transformer. The transformer has a primary winding formed about a portion of each leg in each of two spaced, juxtaposed cores. A regulated output voltage is produced at a resonant circuit formed by a capacitor and a secondary winding around another leg of the first core. The flux variations in the two cores are continuously out of phase with each other. As the primary voltage changes the magnitude of the total flux in the system, the flux in the second core can vary in magnitude and phase thereby to maintain the flux in the first core at a constant level. Thus, the output voltage at the resonant circuit is substantially constant.

Abstract: A ballast circuit for providing constant power to a high intensity discharge lamp, the ballast including a transformer having two cores separated by a gap, one core being at least partially closed and the other, having an air gap. A primary coil winds around a portion of each core and secondary coils wind around another portion of each core. The secondary coils and a capacitor are in series with the lamp to regulate the current and voltage applied to the lamp.