Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining and applying configuration settings (CS) of a broadcast application apparatus (1) being connected to the internet (99) The method comprises: i) putting a request for geographical information (Loc) of the broadcast application apparatus (1) by submitting at least an externally visible IP address (9) to a geographical information server (4) on the internet (99); ii) receiving the geographical information (Loc) from the geographical information server (4); iii) determining location-specific settings (SL) of the broadcast application apparatus (1) based upon the geographical information (Loc), and iv) applying the configuration settings (CS) of the broadcast application apparatus (1) in conformity with the location-specific settings (SL). The invention provides for more user-friendliness, because a user does not need to specify where he is located.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a MEMS device comprises forming a MEMS device element (12). A sidewall (20) is formed around the MEMS device element, and a sacrificial layer (14) is formed over the device element and within the sidewall. A package cover layer (16) is provided over the sacrificial layer, and the sacrificial layer is removed. This method provides additional sidewalls to the cap provided over the MEMS device. These additional sidewalls can then be deposited by a different process and be formed of a different material to the top part of the package cover layer. The sidewalls can prevent reflow of the sacrificial layer and improve the sealing properties of the sidewalls.

Abstract: The invention provides a communications device which uses a clock circuit for generating a clock signal, the clock circuit comprising a tuneable oscillator. The clock frequency is varied to make sure it remains within a tolerance range, so that the device can continue to receive messages correctly. An error rate of received messages is determined, and in response to the error rate exceeding a threshold, a setting of the resistor arrangement and/or the capacitor arrangement is changed to change the clock signal frequency thereby to lower the error rate.

Abstract: Tampering with an electricity network is detected from an electricity meter by transmitting a probe signal over at least part of the electricity network (12) from a signal source (106a) in the electricity meter (10). A reflected signal produced by reflection of the probe signal in the electricity network (12) is received back. The reflected signal is compared with a reference signal. An alarm signal is generated when said comparing detects a deviation between the reflection signal and the reference signal, in particular when reflections from a new position on the electricity network near the electricity meter are detected.

Abstract: A receiver can handle different types of reception signals, such as, for example, TV and FM-radio signals. In the receiver, a mixer (MIX) mixes a reception signal with an oscillator signal (OOS) so as to obtain a mixer output signal (MOS), which comprises a frequency-shifted version of the reception signal. An intermediate frequency amplifier (IFAMP) applies an amplified mixer output signal (MOSA) to two different intermediate frequency filters: one for first type reception signals and another for second type reception signals. A switchable coupling section (DBTP, SWA) is coupled between the mixer (MIX) and the intermediate frequency amplifier (IFAMP). The switchable coupling section (DBTP, SWA) is switchable to a first state and a second state. In the first state, the mixer output signal (MOS) substantially reaches an input (IAD) of the intermediate frequency amplifier (IFAMP) via a first coupling path (DTBP).

Abstract: A finFET-based non-volatile memory device on a semiconductor substrate includes source and drain regions, a fin body, a charge trapping stack and a gate. The fin body extends between the source and the drain region as a connection. The charge trapping stack covers a portion of the fin body and the gate covers the charge trapping stack at the location of the fin body. The fin body has a corner-free shape for at least ¾ of the circumference of the fin body which lacks distinct crystal faces and transition zones in between the crystal faces.

Abstract: A processing device (D) is dedicated to image frame stabilization of digital video sequences in an electronic equipment (E1), such as a digital camera, for instance. This processing device (D) comprises processing means (PM) arranged, for each current image frame of a video sequence, for determining a type of motion present in the video sequence from global motion parameters of the current image frame and the ones of at least one preceding image frame of this video sequence. These parameters are determined from a motion estimation between the current image frame and the preceding one of the video sequence. The motion determination is followed by a selection of a jitter extraction technique amongst at least two jitter extraction techniques depending on this determined motion type. The jitter extraction technique thus chosen is used to determine a jitter intended to be removed from the determined global motion parameter(s) in order to remove unwanted motion(s) present into the current image frame.

Abstract: An inorganic solder mask (48) for use as a surface treatment in masking a connection conductor (32) of a semiconductor chip package (10) against solder wetting when mounting the chip package (10) to a printed wiring board (50) or other substrate. The connection conductor (32) is partially covered by a metallization contact (42) formed from a distinct metal. The inorganic solder mask (46) is applied to an exposed portion (44) of the connection conductor (32) not covered by the metallization contact (42). The metallization contact (42) is not coated by the inorganic solder mask (46). The presence of the inorganic solder mask (46) significantly reduces or prevents wetting of the exposed portion (44) when molten solder is present on the connection conductor (32) without affecting the solidified solder layer (48) formed on the metallization contact (42). As a result, an extraneous mass of solder does not solidify on the exposed portion (44) of the connection conductor (32).

Abstract: A processing device (1; 14) having a housing (4) includes first communication means (2, 6) for receiving and/or transmitting an information signal (AS) and processing means (7) for processing the information signal (AS) received and/or to be transmitted, as well as second communication means (10, 11) for the contactless retrieval of control information (BI, TI) stored in a data carrier (12) which is detachably connected to the housing (4) of the processing device, which processing of the information signal (AS) by the processing device (1; 14) can be influenced with the aid of the retrieved control information (BI, TI).

Abstract: The electronic device comprises an ESD device (20) for protection against electrostatic discharge and provided with suitable protection elements (22) in combination with an integrated circuit (10). The integrated circuit (10) is particularly a so-called bridging circuit or driver circuit for external devices such as SIM cards, memory sticks, USB busses or 12C busses. The ESD device (20) is provided with a chip scale package in that the bumps (40) can be placed on a printed circuit board directly. The integrated circuit (10) is stacked on the ESD device (20).

Abstract: A tunnel field effect transistor and a method of making the same. The transistor includes a semiconductor substrate. The transistor also includes a gate located on a major surface of the substrate. The transistor further includes a drain of a first conductivity type. The transistor also includes a source of a second conductivity type extending beneath the gate. The source is separated from the gate by a channel region and a gate dielectric. The transistor is operable to allow charge carrier tunnelling from an inversion layer through an upper surface of the source.

Abstract: A circuit for a dimmer system is disclosed, in which a phase-cut dimmer output signal is converted to a dimming control level signal. The phase-cut dimmer output signal is used to generated a pulse modulated signal indicative of the duty cycle of the phase cut dimmer output signal, and the pulse modulated signal is directly converted to a piece-wise linear dimming control level signal. By directly converting the pulse modulated signal to a piece-wise linear dimming control level signal, no further processing is necessary to produce a dimming signal which closely resembles the ideal logarithmic response of the human eye. A corresponding method for a dimmer system is also disclosed, as is a dimmer system.

Abstract: A device for bio-sensing applications is disclosed, comprising a substrate such as a semiconductor chip having Cu electrodes thereon, and a self assembled monolayer bonded to at least one of the Cu electrodes, wherein molecules of the self-assembled monolayer comprise a head group which bonds to Cu, a carbon-comprising chain comprising a chain of at least 12 C atoms, and a terminal group which is hydrophilic and for binding a bio-receptor. The terminal group is hydrophilic to allow binding to the bio-receptor, and inclusion of the carbon-comprising chain, limits or avoids corrosion of the copper. Also disclosed is a method of providing such a device, activating the terminal group and coupling a bio-receptor to the activated terminal group. Disclosure further extends to use of such a device for bio-sensing applications.

Abstract: A lighting system for exterior lights of an automobile comprises a first lighting unit (10,12,14,16) primarily for outputting a first automotive light signal and a failure detection system (26) for detecting a failure of the first lighting unit (10,12,14,16). A second lighting unit is primarily for outputting a second automotive light signal. The second lighting unit comprises an LED light unit. A controller (30) is adapted to determine if there is failure of the first lighting unit, and if there is failure of the first lighting unit, to use the second lighting unit to generate the first automotive light signal. This is in response to an output request from the first lighting unit (10,12,14,16).

Abstract: A piezoresistive MEMS oscillator uses an output circuit to control the voltage across the resonator body. This results in a DC bias of the resonator. A current path is provided between the output of the output circuit and the resonator body such that changes in current through or voltage across the resonator body, resulting from changes in resistance of the resonator body, are coupled to the output. This arrangement uses the bias current flowing through the resonator to derive the output. In this way, the same DC current is used to provide the required DC resonator bias and to drive the output circuit to its DC operating point. The benefit of this arrangement is a reduced power-consumption. In addition, when using an arrangement where a virtual-earth for the resonator to amplifier connection is employed, a reduced sensitivity for bond pad capacitances and other stray capacitances is obtained.

Abstract: A low-power high dynamic range RF input stage (200) with a noiseless degeneration component, such as a capacitor (201), is provided. High dynamic range means a combination of low noise contribution by the stage (200) and a low level of intermodulation products occurring especially at high input levels. Low power means that the power consumption of a conventional input stage is about 5 times higher than the power consumption of the stage according to the invention, for the same noise, gain and distortion level. This new stage can be used in amplifiers, but also in the lower stage of double balanced mixers (300-400) commonly used in RF receivers, examples of which are applications, are provided.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, there is method (100) for manufacturing a semiconductor device in an air-cavity package. For a device die having an active surface, a lead frame is provided (5), the lead frame has a top-side surface and an under-side surface, the lead frame has predetermined pad landings on the top-side surface. A laminate material is applied (10) to the top-side surface of the lead frame. In the laminate material, an air-cavity region and contact regions are defined (15, 20, 25, 30, 35). The contact regions provide electrical connections to the predetermined pad landings on the lead frame. With the active circuit surface in an orientation toward the laminate material, the device die is mounted (40, 45). The bond pads of the active surface circuit are connected with ball bonds to the predetermined pad landings on the lead frame. An air-cavity is formed between the active surface of the device die and the top-side surface of the lead frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protection circuit and method of protecting a semiconductor circuit against a temporary excessive voltage on a supply line, wherein a first trigger signal is generated in response to a detection of an excessive voltage on the supply line and a clamp element (M1) is activated by applying a boosted second trigger signal at a voltage higher than the first trigger signal to a control terminal of the clamp element (M1) in response to said first trigger signal, to thereby generate a low resistive path between said supply line and a lower reference potential. Thereby, the clamp element (M1) is activated with a higher voltage and can thus be made smaller in width. Because the clamp element is smaller, a remote trigger circuit can be sized tighter and faster.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination RF tuner capable of receiving signals from the FM radio band and from the TV band. Prior art combination tuners had to compromise in quality resulting in combination tuners that neither exhibited high-end FM nor TV-signal reception behavior. A combination RF tuner capable of optimal receiving an FM-radio signal type and a TV signal type, comprising a switch-able tuned input filter (440), is proposed. One response of the input filter (440) provides a sufficient big bandwidth for enabling reception of the TV-signal type. The input filter (440) of the invention can be switched, providing a second response that has a smaller bandwidth for enabling reception of the FM-radio signal type. The second response can be realized by substantially bypassing an 10 inductive element (450) (e.g., comprising a inductor, L21, in series with a damping resistor, R3) of the input filter (440).

Abstract: A power supply circuit and a method for operating a power supply circuit involves selecting a normal operational mode or a pass-through operational mode for a switched mode power supply, in the normal operational mode, converting an input voltage of a power supply circuit to an intermediate voltage using a switching regulator of the switched mode power supply, in the pass-through operational mode, disabling the switching regulator such that the input voltage of the power supply circuit is unchanged by the switching regulator and an electric current consumption of the switching regulator approaches zero, and converting the intermediate voltage or the input voltage of the power supply circuit to an output voltage using a linear voltage regulator.