Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) lightwave communication system having allocated wide bands of wavelengths within which the respective optical pump light employed to amplify the optical signals must stay. As the temperature of the pump laser varies, its lasing wavelength is allowed to wander anywhere within its allocated wavelength band. Preferably, the pump lasers are wavelength stabilized within its respective allocated wavelength band by means of a fiber Bragg grating having an appropriately wide spectral width. Extending the lasing wavelength range of the pump laser advantageously, in turn, may be used to extend the temperature range over which the pump laser can be operated or locked.

Abstract: A mounting technology that increases the cw operating temperature of intersubband lasers, without increasing the risk of hot spots near the facets and short circuits near the perimeter of the laser chip, is described.

Abstract: An optical signal processing circuit including one or more modules. Each module performs a particular optical signal processing function such as filtering, switching, multiplexing/demultiplexing, monitoring or amplifying one or more optical signals. The modules can be combined to form a wide variety of optical signal processing circuits and systems.

Abstract: A polishing pad conditioner used in the removal of slurry and semiconductor thin film build-up in the polishing pad in a chemical and mechanical polishing (CMP) process used to planarize a semiconductor wafer surface. The conditioner is pressed against the polishing pad, often while de-ionized water is applied, to remove the material build-up. The conditioner of the present invention has a convex lower surface covered by diamond crystals that are bonded to the underside of the nickel alloy conditioner. Typically, the difference between the center and the edge of the conditioning surface will range from a minimum of about 0.2 mm (very slightly convex) to a maximum of the entire thickness of the conditioning surface (more convex). The convex shape reduces the friction between the pad and conditioner and allows the slurry to reach the center of the conditioner. This more uniformly conditions the pad surface which yields more uniformly polished wafers and also increases pad life.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling overload at a network processor in a communications system. Messages relating to a plurality of types of calls, functions or processes (collectively, “calls”) received at a processor seeking access to processor resources are granted normal access when the delay in processing such messages does not exceed threshold values. When such delay exceeds a threshold, messages are blocked in numbers relating to, among other things, the number of messages allowed in a reference interval, message delay, the total number of blocked calls, the number of blocked calls of each type, the number of calls allowed in one or more preceding intervals and preferences between types of calls.

Abstract: A duplex controller with a pair of redundant processor circuits connected by an update bus for use in a system which requires high reliability. Each of the redundant processor circuits is individually capable of performing the tasks of the duplex controller, so that the controller remains operable when one of the processor circuit members fails. The update bus is connected so that when the active circuit member executes a write command, the write command is also effected at the standby circuit. In this manner the memory state of the standby is dynamically maintained so that when control of the duplex controller is transferred from the active to the standby to the standby circuit, the standby circuit is instantaneously ready with up to date information to assume all processing responsibilities of the duplex controller without unnecessary delay.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical connector having a housing assembly comprised of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). PPSU has several characteristics that make it suitable for use with optical connectors including good flexibility, low sensitivity to molding parameters, good environmental properties, and compatibility with anaerobic adhesives, which are often used to attach the optical fiber to the ferrule in private networks. The connector preferably comprises a one-piece housing, which enhances the side-loading characteristics of the connector. The connector preferably comprises a ferrule assembly and an insert that are housed within the one-piece housing. The insert has a keying mechanism formed thereon that is adapted to mate with a keying mechanism formed in the housing. When the insert is inserted into the first end of the housing, the keying mechanism of the insert interlocks with the keying mechanism of the housing to lock the insert into place within the housing.

Abstract: A point-to-multipoint protected network and related equipment for providing protection against fiber and/or interface failures while reducing or eliminating fiber redundancy requirements. The head end is coupled to a ring network comprised of one fiber via a passive splitter which sends the downstream signal out in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Each network terminal is coupled to the ring through an optical circuit comprising a 1:2 optical switch and two passive optical taps. The terminal is coupled to the single terminal side of the 1:2 switch while the two terminals of the double terminal side of the switch are coupled to the ring in opposing directions, i.e., clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively. The two terminals of the double terminal side of the optical switch are each coupled to the ring via a passive optical tap. Other ring and star network embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A terminal bobbin, a magnetic device employing the terminal bobbin and a method of manufacturing therefor. The terminal bobbin includes: (1) a plurality of leads terminating in winding terminal portions; and (2) a bobbin formed about the plurality of leads, composed of a dielectric material and having a winding guide, the winding terminal portions spatially separated and the bobbin essentially free of guide channels thereby to allow windings terminating at the winding terminal portions to be spatially separated to enhance a breakdown characteristic between the windings, ends of the leads distal from the winding terminal portions extending from the bobbin to allow the terminal bobbin to be mounted to a substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for performing hardware realization process assessment (HRPA). In an illustrative embodiment, a processing system receives response data, in response to a request for HRPA information, from users associated with a company, organization or other entity to be evaluated. The system transforms the response data in accordance with a predefined transformation including, e.g., a transformation of particular consensus responses to corresponding numerical values, and an averaging of the numerical values across a given analysis category. The system retrieves stored calibration data representative of responses of one or more related entities, and then generates a graphical display including a plot indicative of the transformed response data for the users associated with the entity and including at least a subset of the retrieved stored calibration data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modulation method for wireless signal transmission. Each message that is transmitted is made up of a sequence of signals, each selected from a constellation of L such signals, L a positive integer. Each transmitted signal is distributed spatially across a transmitting antenna array, and is also distributed in time. Thus, each signal may be represented as a T×M matrix, in which each of the M columns represents a distinct antenna of the array, and each of the T rows represents a distinct time interval. Each entry in this matrix represents a complex baseband voltage amplitude. Each of these signal matrices is proportional to a matrix having orthonormal columns.

Abstract: A connector for an optical fiber includes a fiber holder for positionally aligning and retaining the end of the optical fiber and a clamp for selectively clamping the optical fiber against movement in and relative to the connector. The connector is insertable into a coupler for optically coupling the optical fiber with another optical fiber held in the connector or with an optical device.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing internal ROM code is disclosed for use in applications where software code is being developed for a ROM device inside a device and there is a need for the application to cause code from an external memory to be executed at the same time as internal ROM code. Accessing code from an external memory requires the use of the external bus interface. In order to free the external memory for use and the external bus interface for accessing code from external memory yet still allow testing of ROM code from an external memory before it is implemented on a ROM chip inside the device, an additional memory is used outside the device, and internal control logic is added.

Abstract: Computer and telecommunication systems employing workflow (contact flow) processes are enhanced by employing dynamic random differential treatment of so-called instances (contacts) entering the workflow (contact flow). This is realized, for example, by associating a prescribed distinguishing function with the workflow (contact flow), and to use a value given by this prescribed distinguishing function in one or more decisions relating to how the object instance (contact) should be processed. Each decision is essentially a choice between two or more paths in a workflow (contact flow), or a choice between two or more workflows (contact flows). For example, the prescribed distinguishing function could associate a distinguishing value having an integer value between 1 and 100 with object instances (contacts), and a selection function for making a decision to use one or more of a plurality of workflows (contact flows) is related to a prescribed parameter “x” that has a value from 0 to 100.

Abstract: A telecommunication system network having a public telephonic network switch which communicates signaling information in accordance with Signaling System 7 protocol with a signal transfer point. A primary message signaling interface at the public telephonic network switch receives signaling information under normal operating conditions via a link set from the signal transfer point. Another secondary message signaling interface at the same network switch receives signaling information via another link set parallel to the one link set from the signal transfer point upon the occurrence of certain preselected conditions and in which both link sets terminate on the same pair of signaling point codes.

Abstract: A method for data transmission in a wireless communication network utilizes an on-demand multiple access method with a fair queuing service discipline for efficient utilization of the limited bandwidth available in the network by sharing bandwidth among the remote hosts. In one embodiment, the base station broadcasts the system virtual time and the assigned shares of service classes to each of the wireless remotes. Each remote host computes its own service tag and reports it to the base station, which assigns transmit permits based on the service tag values and the available data slots. If a packet is lost or in error, the sending remote recomputes the service tag values of all its queued packets, including the packet whose transmission failed. Alternatively, the remote informs the base station of its queue size and the base station computes service tags for each remote based on the service shares of the remote and the available data slots.

Abstract: High storage densities using a holographic system are achievable using a stratified medium while maintaining a relatively high selectivity upon reconstruction of the stored images. Such combination of high density and high selectivity is achievable by employing a stratified medium and a recording process where selectivity does not vary with recording thickness.

Abstract: An intersubband semiconductor light source comprises a core region that includes a unipolar, radiative transition (RT) region having upper and lower energy levels, an injector-only (I) region disposed on one side of the RT region, and a reflector/extractor-only (R/E) region disposed on the other side of the RT region. The I region has a first miniband of energy levels aligned so as to inject electrons into the upper energy level, and the R/E region has a second miniband of energy levels aligned so as to extract electrons from the lower energy level. The R/E region also has a minigap aligned so as to inhibit the extraction of electrons from the upper level. A suitable voltage applied across the core region is effective to cause the RT region to generate light at a wavelength determined by the energy difference between the upper and lower energy levels. Low voltage operation at less than 3 V is described.

Abstract: A jacket for a communication cable is made from a resin that has high aspect ratio filler materials, and possibly coupling agents, dispersed therein. The fillers and the coupling agents reduce the post-extrusion shrinkage of the jacketing compound such that the strength members used in the communication cable need have only negligible compressive stiffness.

Abstract: An impedance transforming device includes a first port capable of receiving first signals. A first switching device is electrically connected to the first port. The first switching device is electrically and dynamically connected to an input of one of at least two impedance transforming devices. A second switching device is electrically and dynamically connected to an output of the impedance transforming device. A second port, electrically connected to the second switching device, is capable of outputting second signals. The impedance transforming device is determined at least as a function of respective impedance transformations of the impedance transforming devices.