Abstract: A semiconductor device process for forming a multilayered nitride structure. The nitride is used as either isolation or as part of a dielectric structure. The deposition rate for the nitride is varied to form a multilayered structure with stress accommodation at the interface between sub-layers in the multilayer structure. In addition, the sub-layered structure reduces pin-holes and microcracks in the nitride film and improves the overall uniformity in thickness of the final nitride film.

Abstract: The invention discloses techniques for providing automatic retransmission query (ARQ) functions in a communication system. A transmitter in the system applies an input data packet to a first convolutional encoder operating at a first rate to generate an inner code including multiple encoded packets. The encoded packets are interleaved and applied to a second convolutional encoder operating at a second rate which generates an outer code including a transmit packet generated from each of the encoded packets. A first transmit packet is sent to a receiver, which decodes the transmit packet in a Viterbi decoder operating at the second rate to generate a decoded version of the first transmit packet. The decoded version is inverted to provide a first provisional decoding of the input packet. If a cyclic redundancy code (CRC) check of the first provisional decoding is passed, the receiver sends an ACK signal to the transmitter and no retransmission is required.

Abstract: A contention-based network which allows real-time traffic to be assembled into multiple linked-list chains. A time separation is enforced between the various multiple chains, which are limited to a predetermined maximum number of stations that each can have in order to allow non-real-time stations to obtain timely access to the medium. Ones of the multiple chains may also be joined into a single chain. Blackburst contention is used to enable a chain to be reconstituted robustly from non-anticipated interruptions, such as the failure of one of its stations.

Abstract: Improved plasma displays utilize electrodes including low electron affinity (LEA) materials such as diamond. In dc displays the LEA materials are disposed on the cathode. In ac displays the LEA materials are disposed on the dielectric layers of both electrodes. The improved displays exhibit reduced operating voltage, higher resolution, and enhanced robustness.

Abstract: A communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored list of preferred service providers, the list has a plurality of uniquely identified sublists, each sublist is associated with a different geographic area and identifies a more preferred service provider and a less preferred service provider. Information received from an initial service provider is used to select a sublist from the plurality of sublists. A preferred service provider is selected by registering with an available service provider having a highest preference of available service providers as specified in the selected sublist.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a gain control circuit employs variable gain circuitry and a variable frequency converter, both controlled by a processor. The processor controls the carrier frequency of an RF modulated output signal of the circuit by controlling the frequency converter. The processor also preferably controls the gain of the variable gain circuitry as a function of both the output carrier frequency and temperature, as measured by a temperature sensing element. Preferably, the gain is controlled to maintain a constant gain over specified operating frequency and temperature ranges. The gain control circuit can be employed within a transceiver of a wireless communication terminal. Similar gain control circuitry can be utilized within a base station transceiver in which frequency channels are dynamically allocable among a plurality of gain-controlled amplification circuits.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an address arithmetic unit provides a modulo addressing technique for addressing memory locations in a circular buffer. The address arithmetic unit includes a first selector adapted to receive as a first input a value representative of one greater than an ending address, a second input that is a beginning address, and a select input that is the sign of a displacement for stepping through addresses in a circular buffer. The first selector is adapted to select one of its inputs as an output. A first adder combines an address pointer and displacement to produce a first potential next address pointer. A second adder combines the address pointer, the displacement, and a length modified by the sign of the displacement to produce a second potential next address pointer.

Abstract: Thin films of isotropically conductive material are formed from Sr.sub.1-x Ca.sub.x RuO.sub.3. This material is easily deposited as a thin film by methods such as 90.degree. off-axis sputtering and laser ablation. The materials are epitaxially deposited on a wide variety of substrates and allow overlying epitaxial growth of an equally large number of significant oxides such as superconducting oxides, dielectric, and ferroelectric materials.

Abstract: A flexible energy-carrying circuit device has reduced flame retardancy while maintaining desired levels of adhesion between the energy-carrying filaments and the substrate with use of a flame-retardant pressure-sensitive adhesive comprised of a polymer of one or more acrylic esters with bromine and phosphorous compounded into the polymer to provide an adhesive having inherent flame retardancy. Small quantities of antimony trioxide may be dispersed in the adhesive to enhance flame retardancy.

Abstract: In a digital filter, data is received through an input path, and data in the filter is transported to an output through an output path. At least one delay element is disposed on the input path, and at least another delay element is disposed on the output path. The specific positions of the delay elements on the respective paths are selected to yield an optimal combination of filter parameters including the maximum computation delay, cost, and power consumption of the filter.

Abstract: Call-center (FIG. 1) performance is improved by assigning different service-time objectives (222) to different types of calls or to call queues (21) for different types of calls, and then selecting (212), for an agent (25) who has just become available (200) to handle a call, a waiting call that is farthest along in exceeding its assigned service-time objective. The objectives represent limits on the amount of time that calls should spend waiting for agents before being handled. For example, a video call may need to be serviced within tens of seconds of its arrival, and a voice-only call may need to be serviced within minutes, while e-mail may need a response within hours of its arrival. Relative distance of calls from their assigned service-time objectives is preferably determined by determining (206) the calls' present or anticipated wait times and computing (210) weighted percentages of the assigned service-time objectives that are represented by the present or anticipated wait times.

Abstract: A wireless terminal and wireless telecommunications system are disclosed that prevent a thief of a wireless terminal from using the stolen wireless terminal to steal wireless service. A PIN is stored in the wireless terminal and the wireless terminal itself checks that a candidate PIN matches the stored PIN before the wireless terminal will initiate a call or will establish an incoming call. Thereafter, however, the user is permitted to call that telephone number or to receive a call from that telephone number without having to enter a candidate PIN again.In the wireless telecommunications system, a PIN is stored in a subscriber database for each user. The subscriber database also contains a history list of the telephone numbers that each user has previously called or received calls from.

Abstract: The specification describes methods for making T-shaped metal gates for Schottky gate devices such as MESFETs and HEMTs. The method uses a bi-level photoresist technique to create a T-shaped feature for the gate structure. The metal gate is evaporated into the photoresist T-shaped feature and a lift-off process is used to remove unwanted metal. The photoresist is the dissolved away leaving the T-shaped gate. An important aspect of the process is the use of a plasma treatment of the first patterned resist level to harden it so that it is unaffected by the subsequent deposition and patterning of the second level resist.

Abstract: A dual-mode network access point device for enabling a user to select between at least two telecommunication service providers using the user's existing telecommunications wiring. The device includes a wireless interface circuit adapted for coupling one or more antennas which are used for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from a wireless service provider and a switching circuit for selectively coupling a first telecommunication device between a wireline service provider and the wireless interface circuit is provided in the device. The device further includes a controller circuit which enables the switching circuit automatically in response to an incoming call and on command to select either the wireline service provider or the wireless interface circuit.

Abstract: The power dissipation in a circuit, e.g., a CMOS circuit, is reduced through hazard pulse suppression. More particularly, hazard-producing gates are those gates whose delays are smaller than the differential path delays for their inputs. The adjustment to the delay of these gates is made by increasing the gate delay as a function of the corresponding differential path delays to eliminate the production of hazard pulses. Thus, by suppressing the hazard pulses in a circuit the power dissipation of the circuit is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A laser markable Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) terpolymer formulation suitable for a number of applications and in particular, telecommunications terminals and keypads. The ABS terpolymer comprises Acrylonitrile (20-24%), Butadiene (14-17%), Styrene (59-63%), Medium Color Furnace Black (0.008-0.015 PPH), Iron Oxide Red (0.003-0.005 PPH), Titanium Dioxide (0.6-3.50 PPH), Silicon Dioxide (0.07-0.2 PPH), Zinc Carbonate (0.05-0.70 PPH) and Aluminum Hydroxide (0.05-0.25 PPH). The ABS so produced is characterized by desirable performance characteristics, e.g., mechanical strength, impact resistance, gloss, stain resistance, molding processing properties and color, as defined in a 3D color system of the color value (L-star (=67.53)), hue (a-star (=1.15)), chroma (b-star (=3.46)).

Abstract: A system comprising a personal computer card and an interchangeable extension consists of a personal computer card a card information storage (CIS) system and a coaxial connection socket. First logic means are arranged to control an interrogation means comprising a digital-to-analog current converter, comparator and reference voltage source in order to supply a series of DC currents to the socket. The extension has a coaxial connection pin and grounded resistor having a value which identifies the type of extension so that when a DC current is applied to the pin by the socket, a characteristic voltage is generated across the resistor which is compared by the comparator with the reference voltage. The comparator indicates the value of resistor as a digital value to the CIS system which communicates the characteristics of the extension to a host PC. A second logic means disables power upon removal of a previous extension from the socket.

Abstract: A bipolar transistor and a method of manufacturing the transistor. The transistor includes: (1) a substrate having a base region, an emitter region and a base-emitter junction between said base and emitter regions and (2) a substantial concentration of an isotope of hydrogen located in said biploar transistor.

Abstract: For use with a grounded power plant, capable of powering a load, having a power supply and a power distribution system, a protective circuit, including a voltage clamping device, coupled between a return conductor of the power distribution system and the ground, that attenuates voltage transients present in the return conductor of the power distribution system thereby preventing the voltage transients from damaging the load.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for testing an array of optical fibers. According to the invention, modulated light is projected through individual fibers of a fiber array onto a photo-sensitive position sensor. The photo-sensitive sensor will provide position information relative to the position of the light projected upon its surface to a system computer. The positions of the optical fibers within the array relative to each other may thus be found. A loop is introduced into the optical fibers to lower the wavelength at which the fiber is multi-moded. The actual positions of the optical fibers are compared to desired positions and the fiber array is accepted or rejected based on whether it meets predetermined limits.