Abstract: A single integrated circuit (IC) having one or more regions of mask-programmed device (MPD) logic for implementing permanent functions and one or more regions of field-programmable gate-array (FPGA) logic for implementing user-specified functions. The FPGA-type logic provides programming flexibility, while the MPD-type logic provides size, speed, functionality, and dollar cost advantages. In one embodiment, a hybrid IC has an array of programmable logic cells (PLCs) implemented using FPGA-type logic, an application-specific block (ASB) implemented using MPD-type logic, and a ring of pads. Fast interface switch hierarchy (FISH) cells provide the interface between the PLC array and the pads, between the PLC array and the ASB, and between the ASB and the pad ring.

Abstract: A variable gain amplifier (VGA) may be useful in applications where the input amplitude is constant but the output must vary over a wide range. Some VGAs have a desirable exponential control characteristic, but an undesirable temperature characteristic that causes the gain to change with temperature when the control voltage is held constant with respect to temperature. The present invention is directed to a circuit that will convert a control signal (e.g., a voltage) that is constant with temperature into a voltage that can be applied to a VGA in such a way that the temperature variation of the VGA is eliminated without changing the desirable exponential control characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computing a congestion indicator in a communications switch including monitoring at least one first congestion indicator in the communication switch, computing an arrival rate and a first and a second service rate, incrementing a second congestion indicator using the arrival rate, and decrementing the second congestion indicator using the first and second service rates. The method and apparatus are used for deciding to store the data and electronic code that arrives at a communications switch when the second congestion indicator is below a first threshold, and for deciding not to store the data and electronic code that arrives at a communications switch when the second congestion indicator equals or exceeds the first threshold. The method and apparatus are also used for controlling the data transfer rates of data sources in an ATM-based network when both available bit rate and other traffic is present in a communications switch.

Abstract: A dynamic laser diode drive circuit is formed so that the gain of the final gain stage is controlled in association with the level of the drive current supplied to the laser diode. In particular, the current sources associated with the final gain stage and the output stage and commonly controlled so that the gain tracks the current level. That is, in situations required a relatively low current, the gain is minimized to prevent overdriving the output stage (a situation common in prior art arrangements). When a larger laser drive current is required, the gain of the final stage is adjusted to increase the output from this stage and provide a sufficient voltage differential to drive the output stage.

Abstract: A data visualization method and apparatus permit the representation of multi-dimensional input data sequences as output sequences of closed form visual representations known as blobs. By noting changes in the shape of blobs as processing of the input sequence progresses, changes in characteristics of entities represented by the input sequence can be readily ascertained by observation. In an illustrative embodiment, a plasma etching process used in semiconductor fabrication can be observed and controlled by monitoring changes in blobs corresponding to the etching process variables.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a network utilizing Internet Protocol (IP), Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocol is provided. An intelligent policy mapping database (PMD) accessible at the network level by both the RSVP and ATM protocol stacks maps RSVP parameters to ATM parameters with input from factors outside of the RSVP or ATM protocol stacks, e.g., general customer data. With the basis of customer data or other information outside of the RSVP and ATM protocol stacks, a network reservation message to the PMD contains RSVP flow specifications which are mapped to correlated ATM Quality of Service (QoS) parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a video system such as a video game system through recognition of a visual pattern, or key. For example, the presence and identity of the key may enable and select certain features of the video system. The key may suitably consist of a locator mark and a selector mark, the presence of the locator mark identifying the presence of a key, and the selector mark identifying the particular key present. A key recognition system detects the presence of the locator mark and identifies the selector mark. The locator mark is preferably of a distinctive color, readily distinguishable from background objects. The selector mark may be chosen from a limited set of colors, and the color of the selector mark may then be identified to identify the key being used. In another aspect, the locator mark is located in a particular position within the selector mark and is then used by the key detector to scale a rectangle about the selector mark.

Abstract: An internal diode detection circuit for a device under test (DUT), a method of operating and a test fixture employing the same. In one embodiment, the internal diode detection circuit includes a source of electrical power that applies a reverse bias voltage to the DUT. The internal diode detection circuit also includes a current indicator, series-coupled to the DUT, that generates a signal when a current flows through the DUT. The signal indicates a presence of an internal diode in the DUT.

Abstract: An extendable surface comprising a plurality of triangular leaves is disclosed. The leaves are arranged one above another and are hingedly mounted at the apex of each leaf for rotational motion between a retracted position in which the leaves are arranged in overlapping relation, to an extended position in which the leaves are adjacent to one another. The leaves have interengaging hooks along their edges which link the leaves together in the extended position and seal the surface, preventing water from leaking through the surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for estimating mobile location in a wireless communication system including a plurality of base stations. In a base-to-mobile embodiment, the system base stations periodically transmit location signals to mobile stations during a system-wide blank-and-burst interval during which normal wireless communications are suspended. The interval is made sufficiently short that disruption to normal operation is negligible. Each base station transmits a distinct location signal which can be identified by a mobile station as associated with a particular base station. A given mobile station for which a location estimate is to be generated detects location signals from at least three of the system base stations. The detected location signals are used to generate differential path delay measurements which may be further processed in accordance with a triangulation technique to generate an estimate of mobile location.

Abstract: Improved layouts for switching networks having N.multidot.log N switching circuits, and improved switches incorporating such layouts, are disclosed. An improved layout reduces grid-area requirements for Benes switching network to an area of less than 3N.sup.2 grid units. The improved layout results from positioning the various switching circuits at certain defined locations. Unlike conventional layouts of the Benes network, the switching circuits are aligned in only one direction, e.g., columns but not rows, and the links connecting switching circuits are slanted.

Abstract: A way of synchronizing the contents of commonly-owned mailboxes (108, 111) in disparate messaging systems, such as an e-mail system (100) and a multimedia system (101), networked via the Internet (102). The e-mail system uses the existing auto-forwarding feature (115) of the Internet e-mail community to send a copy of every message arriving at the e-mail mailbox to the other system's synchronized mailbox. The other system applies a 3-part synchronization rule (113) to every message (200) arriving at its synchronized mailbox. If it detects a syncmark (204)--an identifier--of its own mailbox in the header (201) of the message, indicating that the message was previously copy-forwarded from this system, it just deletes the message.

Abstract: A demodulator of a CDMA base station receiver comprises a bank of 64 noncoherent Walsh correlators, each of which are identified by an index value and provide a correlator output signal to a soft decision metric generator. The soft decision metric generator provides a decision metric, D.sub.k, as a function of the L highest energy correlator output signals and their corresponding index values, where L>1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that takes advantage of the connectivity of a unit to speed up communication of needed files to the unit. The method uses each port as a channel to input or pump a portion of the file. If a unit has N equally fast ports, it could possibly pump a file in N portions and take 1/N amount of pumping time. This saves the time of craft personnel performing the load without any degradation of the file. Once all portions are received, the unit has sufficient processing capability to rejoin the portions back into the needed file. The method also allows for the possibility that a port or channel will not be operating properly and automatically sends the portions through the remaining available channel(s) and port(s).

Abstract: A removable transistor clamping fixture is disclosed which comprises an outer housing with a crosspiece configured to sit on top of the transistor. A U-shaped plunger straddles the crosspiece and has feet configured to rest on top of the transistor leads. One or more compression spring are placed between the top of the plunger and a coverplate so as to bias the plunger in a downward manner. When the clamping fixture is placed over a transistor, the crosspiece holds the transistor in place while the plunger feet apply a uniform downward pressure on the transistor leads of sufficient force to place the leads in electrical contact with an underlying printed circuit board. The clamping unit can be made largely from a plastic having a low dielectric constant to reduce the effect of the clamping fixture on the transistor's behavior.

Abstract: A squarer generates an array of partial products. A method of squaring a representation of a number includes generating an array of partial products, combining the partial product on one side of a diagonal of the array with partial products on the other side of the diagonal to form a folded array of partial products, and combining each of at least one more than half of the partial products in the diagonal of the array with a corresponding one of the partial products in the folded array to produce a new folded array of partial products. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is a circuit for squaring an n-bit representation of a number.

Abstract: The length of the tail which results in an optical output from a laser diode after the laser diode is no longer being driven is reduced or eliminated by a laser diode driver with a tail eliminator. More specifically, the laser diode driver includes an energy drainage path that is activated when packet communication is over. In one embodiment of invention, the terminals of the laser diode are short-circuited to provide the energy drainage path. In another embodiment of the invention, the laser diode is reverse biased, so that charges stored in the laser diode are combined with charges which are provided thereto. Advantageously, the tail emission is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an off-axis amplitude and phase encoding optical system, apparatus and method of storage in which a holographic optical element (HOE) is used advantageously to reconstruct optical elements typically used to phaseencode an object beam emanating from a spatial light modulator (SLM). The optical system includes a spatial light modulator (SLM) such as a digital micro-mirror device (DMD), a data storage device such as a holographic memory cell (HMC), and the holographic optical element (HOE) for duplicating the phase-encoding functions typically performed on an object beam emanating from the SLM prior to alignment with the holographic memory cell (HMC). Conventionally, a phase mask along with one or more optical elements comprising a four-F lens system typically are needed to phase encode the amplitude-encoded light pattern that propagates from the SLM.

Abstract: Limiting the base stations to which a wireless terminal will attempt to establish communication. In a first and second embodiment this is done by the wireless switching system or another system having the capability of storing within each individual wireless terminal a list of base stations that can be utilized by that wireless terminal. When a wireless terminal first registers on the wireless switching system, the wireless switching system would be responsive to the identification code of the wireless terminal to transmit a list of base stations that can be utilized by the wireless terminal to the wireless terminal. The wireless terminal then stores that list for future use. In a third embodiment, each tenant would be assigned a group number. Each of the base stations would periodically transmit the numbers of the groups that could access the base station. A wireless terminal monitors these group numbers before attempting to register on a base station.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector is disclosed for terminating an optical cable which has a plastic core and a surrounding jacket. The connector includes a body member which has a central bore extending therethrough within which is a longitudinally extending internally threaded portion dimensioned to grip the plastic jacket when the cable is screwed into the body member. The bore has a tapered section extending from the threaded portion to a cable entrant end of the body to facilitate insertion of an optical cable into the body.