Abstract: A generalized form of a multimodulus algorithm (GMMA) is described for use in blind equalization. A receiver uses a signal point constellation representing 256 levels. This signal space is divided into sample, or data, subsets. Cost function minimization is done with respect to each sample subset.

Abstract: The specification describes a process for growing device quality III-V heteroepitaxial layers without the use of buffer layers, i.e. largely defect free layers with thicknesses greater than 50 Angstroms directly on the III-V substrate. These high quality heteroepitaxial layers are grown by low temperature MBE.

Abstract: A unique simple and generic ABR-MAC interoperability approach is employed which minimizes the impact of a Host Digital Terminal (HDT) ATM switch ABR connection on individual Information Appliances (IAs present at customer premises) and by employing a suitable MAC protocol to transfer data to an ATM network interface buffer (ATM-NI) located at the HDT. To this end, a unique arrangement is employed to regulate the buffer storage unit status in an ATM-NI. More specifically, the arrangement monitors upstream data traffic from active IA-HDT connections and, additionally, any incipient IA-HDT connections. This is realized by employing dual ATM-NI buffer storage unit threshold values that are selected depending on a particular ATM-NI buffer storage providing the particular information appliance on an active connection with information to allow the information appliance to adjust its transmission unit capacity, namely, a low, i.e., first, threshold value and a high, i.e., second, threshold value.

Abstract: A Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) duplex radio communication system uses an Interrogator to generate a first radio signal by modulating a first information signal onto a radio carrier signal which is sent to at least one remote Tag of the system. The remote Tag receives and modulates a second information signal onto a second radio carrier signal to form a second modulated signal which is transmitted, in a time-slotted manner, back to the Interrogator. The remote Tag selects, or is instructed, how many times it should repetitively transmit the second modulated signal; and selects, or is instructed, over how many of the time slots following receipt of the first radio signal the remote Tag should repetitively transmit the second modulated signal. Other embodiments use Modulated Backscatter to transmit the second modulated signal, and use homodyne detection to demodulate the second modulated signal.

Abstract: A phased-array antenna in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention advantageously includes a plurality of radiating elements and a phase-shifter array integrated into a feed line of the antenna's series feed network. The phase-shifter array advantageously comprises a plurality of phase-shifting slabs each of which includes a phase-shifting member, advantageously comprised of a dielectric material. When placed in electromagnetic fields generated by signals propagating through different regions of a feed line, the phase-shifting members affect the phase of such signals. Each slab in the phase-shifter array also advantageously incorporates at least one impedance-matching member that decreases or eliminates an impedance mismatch between air-suspended and dielectric-loaded regions of the transmission line over the full phase-shifting range of the phase-shifting members.

Abstract: A system and method for reliable transmission of information using asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) through a noisy transmission path such as a wireless or satellite transmission link. To efficiently adapt ATM to such wireless links requires the ability to discern ATM cell addresses in a high noise environment. The system and method provides multiple redundant addressing to reduce or eliminate misrouting of ATM cells transferred through such a noisy transmission link. The multiple redundancy addressing realizes multiple virtual circuits to the same destination. The multiple redundant addresses for the circuits are within the error space of a principal address used for actual transmission. Thus, the most probable error patterns occurring in the ATM address field will change the principal address to a redundant address to the same destination, thus avoiding misrouting of the ATM cell.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling establishment of telecommunications call connections in a telecommunications network. The network comprises a plurality of switches each with its own switching processor means, and a plurality of switching processing platforms each comprising at least one call processor. The switches and switching processing platforms are interconnected by a data network. SS7 signaling messages are received in one of the platforms and a call is assigned to a call processor. The call processor communicates with one or more switching processor means for controlling establishment of the call. Call features are processed under the control of the call processor. Advantageously, any call processor can be used for serving any call in the network and can control all legs of a multi-leg connection. Advantageously, in a large network, the number of platforms may be significantly less than the number of switches which reduces the cost and complexity of administration of the network.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the common-node output voltage of a differential buffer is disclosed. According to the invention, the common-mode output voltage of the differential buffer is controlled to a desired value by supplying a first current to the output of the differential buffer and supplying a second current to the output of the differential buffer, the second current being opposite in polarity and lower in magnitude than the first current. The common-mode output voltage of the differential buffer is sensed and an adjustment current is added to the second current to adjust the common-mode output voltage to the desired value.

Abstract: For use in a power converter having a power switch and a synchronous rectifier device coupled between an input and an output thereof, a transient response network, method of disabling a synchronous rectifier device and power converter employing the network and method. In one embodiment, the transient response network includes a synchronous rectifier controller, coupled to the power switch and the synchronous rectifier device, that senses a state of the power switch and disables the synchronous rectifier device when the power switch has remained in a nonconducting state for at least a specified period of time.

Abstract: A system for positioning an article at a predetermined angular orientation with respect to a vacuum collet comprising a vacuum collet having an article pickup surface; and an alignment ledge overhanging the pickup surface, wherein the alignment ledge is at a predetermined angular orientation with respect to the vacuum collet.

Abstract: A time-domain signal processing system for displaying, classifying, and recognizing temporal and spectral features in terahertz waveforms returned form materials. Specifically, novel techniques are described for classifying and analyzing the free induction decay exhibited by gases excited by far-infrared (terahertz) pulses. Illustratively, a simple geometric picture may be used for the classification of the waveforms measured for unknown gas species and gas mixtures.

Abstract: In a cellular telephone terminal having increased storage capability, ease of entry and access for data stored therein is provided through utilization of a computer equipped with a modem, a wired telephone network and the cellular telephone network. A user utilizes the ease of data entry implicit to modern computers through dedicated or existing personal information organizers to input data into a database, such as a personal dialing directory, at the computer. For the entering of data at the cellular telephone terminal, first the terminal, also equipped with a modem, is configured in a data download mode where data can be received from the computer and entered into on-board storage. The computer then places a modem telephone call to the terminal, either directly or through a network translator, and transfers the data into the terminal. The data is then accessible through standard data recall techniques using a display and interface keys on the telephone terminal.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present intention, an adaptive feedback controller is configured to substantially reduce an error control signal defined by the difference between a command signal and the output signal of a controlled device. The adaptive controller comprises a step generator circuit configured to provide a control signal which is employed to vary the input signal received by the controlled device, The control signal is substantially in the shape of a ramp signal having a given slew rate. An adaptive slew rate computation circuit is coupled to the step generator so as to provide a slew rate compensation signal to the step generator to increase the slew rate of the control signal, when the controlled device is responding to a substantially fast varying input signal. The slew rate compensation circuit decreases the slew rate of the control signal, when the controlled device is responding to a slow varying input signal.

Abstract: A device for providing product information to customers of a retail establishment. The device is a hand-held unit which contains a detector which identifies a product located nearby. The identification can be accomplished through scanning a bar code affixed to the product. Once the product is identified, the device retrieves descriptive information about the product from memory, and displays the information to the customer.

Abstract: A system for, and method of, empirically determining stress in a molded package and a power module embodying the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a sensor, having a magnetic core exhibiting a known complex permeability in a control environment, that is embedded within the molded package and therefore subject to the stress and (2) a measurement circuit, coupled to the sensor, that applies a drive signal to the sensor, measures a response signal received from the sensor and uses the drive signal and the response signal to determine a complex permeability under stress of the core. The magnitude of the stress can then be determined from the core's complex permeability under stress.

Abstract: A field-effect photo-transistor, being a three-terminal photosensing electrical device, based on integrated metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) technology. The device features a high output impedance which makes it particularly suitable as a photosensor for active pixel imaging arrays. Unlike the bipolar photo-transistor, which is a device well known in the art, the field-effect phototransistor is more compatible with MOS VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technology by inherently being a unipolar type device. Active pixel imaging arrays based on the disclosed invention can be integrated on the same semiconductor substrate with conventional digital or mixed signal processing functions to produce single-chip image processors for video or still picture cameras.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively amplifying an optical signal depending upon the amplification needs of an optical system at one point in time. The optical amplifier has an adjustable gain that can be controlled by a remote systems controller. As a result, if an optical path in an optical system is changed, the needed degree of amplification associated with that new optical path can be provided for by adjusting the optical amplifier. The output at the end of the optical system can therefore be kept within a predetermined operational range regardless to how the optical signal is switched within the optical system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method performs a carrier signal acquisition operation in a receiver of a wireless portable unit. In order to locate and lock onto a carrier signal, a processor in the receiver is configured to sequentially examine each of a plurality of designated frequency bands within a predetermined frequency range, starting with the frequency band having the highest probability of containing the carrier signal. Through this acquisition operation, the carrier signal is easily located when outside of the normal search range of the processor. Since frequency errors due to, for example, the effects of variation and aging of hardware circuits are easily corrected, an inexpensive temperature compensated crystal oscillator may be employed in the receiver of the portable unit.

Abstract: PCS switching system processes the movement of a wireless set from one paging zone to another paging zone or from one base station to another base station at the lowest software layer in the PCS switching system thereby reducing the amount of processing required of the PCS switching system. Each base station is interconnected to the wireless switching network by communication links. When a wireless set registers on the wireless switching network via a base station, a physical object is established that will control the physical protocol used to communicate with the wireless set. In addition, a software object is established that will control the first layer of software protocol to communicate with the wireless set. When the wireless set moves to a new base station that interconnects to the wireless switching network, it initiates contact with the new base. This initialization causes a new physical object to be established.

Abstract: An improved method of coating an optical fiber is disclosed. A transducer is submerged in a container of liquid coating material and activated so that it causes the formation of a wave of coating material within the container. The optical fiber is then drawn through the container and through the wave, the wave counterbalancing the negative meniscus produced by drawing the fiber through the container. A curved housing also may be placed in the container and surrounding the transducer for controlling the size, amplitude, shape, or direction of the wave. A plurality of transducers also advantageously may be used.