Abstract: A CMOS imager system including an active pixel sensor having an access supply which provides distributed feedback, a column buffer (having gain and FPN suppression), and an A/D converter co-located with the sensor such that the effective transmission path between the column buffer (or optional analog PGA) and the A/D converter acts as a resistor, rather than a reactance. The system may further include both an analog gain amplifier stage and a digital programmable amplifier stage.

Abstract: A BJT device configuration includes an emitter finger and via arrangement which reduces emitter finger width, and is particularly suitable for use with compound semiconductor-based devices. Each emitter finger includes a cross-shaped metal contact which provides an emitter contact; each contact comprises two perpendicular arms which intersect at a central area. A via through an interlevel dielectric layer provides access to the emitter contact; the via is square-shaped, centered over the center point of the central area, and oriented at a 45° angle to the arms. This allows the via size to be equal to or greater than the minimum process dimension, while allowing the width of the emitter finger to be as narrow as possible with the alignment tolerances still being met.

Abstract: The present invention is a reversible electrodeposition optical modulation device employing an ionic liquid electrolyte, which is comprised of a mixture of an ionic organic compound and the salt of an electrodepositable metal. The solventless ionic liquid can contain very high concentrations of electrodepositable metal ions and provides the high current carrying capability needed for fast device switching. Switching uniformity is also significantly improved since the electrolyte resistance is at least an order of magnitude higher than that of typical solvent-based electrolytes. Fast switching and good cycle life for high quality mirror electrodeposits in reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) devices was demonstrated. Best results were obtained for novel silver halide electrolytes employing pyrrolidinium and N-methylpyrrolidinium cations.

Abstract: A converter and rectifier circuit comprises a magnetic core, a first secondary winding, a second secondary winding, a third secondary winding, a first rectifier, a second rectifier and an output capacitor. The first, second and third secondary windings are wound around the magnetic core and are connected to each other. The first rectifier is connected to the first secondary winding and the second rectifier is connected to the second secondary winding. The output capacitor is connected to the first and second rectifiers and is connected in series with the third secondary winding.