Abstract: Techniques for the generation of tests for detecting specified faults in circuits that include non-Boolean components and for identifying these undetectable faults that are logically redundant. The main features are: (1) only one Boolean variable is used to represent the value on a signal and all signals assume only Boolean values during the test generation procedure, (2) function of non-Boolean components is separated into Boolean and non-Boolean states, and energy functions are derived only for the Boolean state, and (3) non-Boolean states are implicitly considered in the energy minimization procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus (30) and method (70) for predicting the future performance of a semiconductor power module, power device, or high power integrated circuit for the purpose of planning its repair or replacement before it actually fails. The apparatus provides a central processor (33), output device (37), user interface (39), system memory (35), and data base (41). The method is provided by an application specific integrated circuit (45) or custom software program (45). The method provides a measurement and testing procedure for device parameters such as thermal resistance R.sub.thJC, power supply voltage V.sub.DD, and power supply current I.sub.DD. These device parameters typically characterize various chip components including the die attached interface, chip structure, and bonding wires. As these components degrade, the method via monitoring device parameters turns-off the device and its peripheral circuits and apparatus in an orderly manner.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for: (a) matching a machine-implemented process simulator with an actual fabrication line, (b) using the matched model to simulate the statistical results of mass production by the modeled production line, (c) using the model to predict cross-reticle variance from collected data for in-scribe features, (d) using the model to decompose the variance contributions of each process parameter and identify the more prominent contributors, and (e) using the model to identify the process parameter adjustments which would provide best leverage when taken one at a time.

Abstract: Multiple applications or versions of an application in different languages are distributed on a single mass storage medium, such as a CD-ROM. The BIOS is programmed to emulate different drives individually or simultaneously with data read from prescribed regions of the CD-ROM. To prevent access to unauthorized emulated images, each image is provided with an encryption key used as the seed to a pseudorandom number generator. Pseudorandom decryption of each block of data read from the CD-ROM is performed at the BIOS level only or at both the BIOS and application levels. For enhanced security, the algorithm decrypts each block of encrypted image data at a starting index that is pseudorandomly derived.

Abstract: A method for simulating distributed effects within a device such as a power semiconductor device, more particularly a method for generating a simulation program for automatically simulating time dependent characteristics of a device to enable the operation of the device within a larger circuit to be simulated by a circuit simulator program which contains a computer model of the device to facilitate the designing of circuits incorporating such a device is described.

Abstract: A system and method of pass through in a heterogeneous distributed database environment allows a client to specify syntax that is only understood and processed by a database instance of a back-end server even if it is not understood by an interface module. A hybrid pass through feature provides a combination of both a pass through mode and a native mode allowing statements to be passed through to the database instance or to be processed by the interface module. To accomplish this, a pass through session is established. The scope of the pass through session is defined by statements that establish and terminate the session. Rules determine whether dynamic statements are handled in pass through mode or in native mode based on whether the statements are within or outside of the scope of the pass through session. Input host variable support is provided to database instances that don't otherwise support host variables.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for: (a) matching a machine-implemented process simulator with an actual fabrication line, (b) using the matched model to simulate the statistical results of mass production by the modeled production line, (c) using the model to predict cross-reticle variance from collected data for in-scribe features, (d) using the model to decompose the variance contributions of each process parameter and identify the more prominent contributors, and (e) using the model to identify the process parameter adjustments which would provide best leverage when taken one at a time.

Abstract: A general set of timing constraints, along with methods for computing the "critical" elements of the set, i.e., the elements of the set that, if satisfied, are sufficient to guarantee proper circuit timing, enables retiming of VLSI systems incorporating gated clock signals and/or precharged circuit structures without changing the input/output behavior of the system. In one method, either the clock signal used by a system component is changed or alternatively, a new clock signal is generated for use in the system. In another method, a system component is retimed by retiming other system components. In a further method, multiple critical paths for each pair of components comprising the system are computed. The most critical path for each pair of components is selected and if the most critical path for a pair of components is not properly timed, one component of the pair is retimed in order to properly time the pair of components.

Abstract: The system is provided for controllably monitoring data associated with operational characteristics of an engine. The system determines a maintenance activity requirement based on such characteristics. The system includes a plurality of transducers associated with the engine and connected to a programmable logic device. Signals from the transducers are continuously monitored and stored in an associated storage device. In response to predetermined sets of operational characteristics, an indication of when maintenance is due on the engine is produced by the logic device.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for simulating a physical process. The method includes storing in a memory a state vector for each of a number of voxels. Each state vector includes a plurality of integers, each of which corresponds to a particular momentum state of a number of possible momentum states at a voxel and represents the number of elements having the particular momentum state. Each integer has more than two possible values. The method also includes performing interaction operations that model interactions between elements of different momentum states and include interaction rules that operate on a subset of the integers of a state vector. The interaction rules comprise a collision operator that transfers between integers representing a first set of momentum states and integers representing a second set of momentum states a number of elements that is determined based on the number of elements in the first and second sets of momentum states.

Abstract: A cell placement is generated for a microelectronic circuit chip. Interconnect points for cell nets are calculated, for example, as gravity points of the cells of the respective nets. Optimal positions for external connection terminals or pads along the border of the circuit are calculated as being the closest positions to the respective interconnect points. The total wirelength of the placement is calculated as including the distances between the interconnect points and the respective pads. Where initial location of the pads results in overlap thereof, clusters of pads are identified and expanded to remove the overlap. Concatenated overlapping clusters resulting from expansion are treated as new clusters and subsequently expanded until all overlap is eliminated. The centers of gravity of the clusters are preserved. During the overlap removal process, initial rectangular coordinates of the pad positions are converted into linear coordinates along the border.

Abstract: On integrated circuit designs employing large, pre-defined circuit blocks, chip area utilization and signal routing is improved by permitting signals between circuit blocks surrounding (e.g., on opposite sides of) a large circuit block (megacell) to physically pass through the megacell. The megacell is laid out so that a "parting line" is defined through the megacell. Circuits within the megacell are laid out so that no circuit "straddles" the parting line. The megacell can then be split or stretched about the parting line to create a wiring channel. The wiring channel is used for routing signals from the surrounding cells (circuit blocks) through the large circuit block (megacell). Signals between the separated portions of the stretched or split megacell on opposite sides of the parting line may be routed in one metal layer, while connections of surrounding cells through the megacell may be routed in another metal layer.

Abstract: An electrical control apparatus for the air bag system capable of inhibiting the diagnosis of back-up capacitors when a diagnosing routine is initiated by an extraneous noise. In a main routine executed by a microcomputer provided in an electrical control apparatus for an air-bag system, data stored in a specific address of a volatile memory is read out, and it is determined whether or not its value is the same as a fixed value. If the result is affirmative, it is determined that the main routine is started by an extraneous noise, an ignition flag IG is reset, and the diagnosis of the back-up capacitors is inhibited. On the other hand, if the data does not have the same value as the fixed value, it is determined that the ignition switch is turned on again after it has been turned off, the IG is set, and the diagnosis for back-up capacitors is carried out.

Abstract: A method for producing printed wiring board (PWB) fabrication drawings obtains (20) design information for existing PWB fabrication requirements. If a new PWB design is needed PWB fabrication files are produced (18). Next project file information is obtained (24), if a drawing change is necessary. New project file information including drill hole information (30), custom notes (32) and placement and size of drawing symbols (34) are generated. This new project information is transferred (38) to a program for production of the PWB fabrication drawings.

Abstract: A multi-level hierarchical bus architecture implemented with a multi-chip package and a modular shared-bus provides high bandwidth. All IC components are mounted on standardized multi-chip packages. Each multi-chip package includes bus interface chips for providing communication from the integrated circuits to a board bus. One multi-chip package contains additional bus interface circuitry for providing communication from the board bus to a backplane bus.

Abstract: An occupant protecting device for a motor vehicle, which inflates an air-bag system reliably to protect occupants in the event of a collision with high reliability. The occupant protecting device includes an acceleration sensor for sensing an acceleration signal of a vehicle in the event of collision with another vehicle or the like, a signal processor for detecting a collision waveform from an acceleration signal output from the acceleration sensor, a comparator for determining whether or not the output signal of the signal processor exceeds a preset level to produce a trigger signal when it exceeds the preset level, a latch circuit for latching the trigger signal from the comparator, and a firing circuit for operating an occupant protecting unit in response to a drive signal from the latch circuit.

Abstract: A device for displaying cartographic information, such as traffic situations with navigation data in the case of use in a navigation system, contains a memory for cartographic data, a location-determining unit and a display, is provided with a selection unit for the repeated selection, on the basis of data from the location-determining unit, from the memory of data relating to a traffic situation to be anticipated and is provided with a processing unit for an analysis of the selected data and the generation, on the basis of the analysis, of a stylised display, which can be interpreted rapidly, of the traffic situation to be anticipated, optionally incorporating a symbol which indicates the route to be followed.

Abstract: A method and system for converting the format of computer mail messages using a dynamic set of conversion routines is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a message format conversion engine uses an updatable registry to access an extensible set of available conversion routines. The registry contains selection information and invocation information for each of the available conversion routines. The selection information in each case describes the classes of messages that the conversion routine is potentially capable of converting. The invocation information comprises information necessary to invoke the conversion routine. When a message is submitted to the conversion engine, the engine reads the selection information stored in the registry. The engine then uses the read selection information to select one of the available conversion routines likely to be capable of converting the message.

Abstract: The functional design of logical circuits is represented using different types of functional components. The unification of the database and the interface permits the unification of functional design automation tools. These functional components are a data transfer component, an external pin component, a register component, a terminal component, a constant component, a function component, a memory component, a submodule component, a state machine component, and a logical expression component. An HDL (Hardware Description Language) file containing functional operation descriptions or functional design data is input, and the input functional data is assigned to each functional component stored in a functional component library through a functional component assignment process. The functional data records assigned by functional component are written into a function database by means of corresponding write sections provided in a functional data input interface.

Abstract: A scheduling system and method for moving plural objects through a multipath system described as a freight railway scheduling system. The achievable movement plan can be used to assist in the control of, or to automatically control, the movement of trains through the system.