Abstract: In an embodiment, a semiconductor wafer includes a front surface, a plurality of active component positions, and at least one composite alignment mark arranged on the front surface and indicating a unique orientation of the semiconductor wafer. The composite alignment mark includes a first portion that has at least one raised section formed of a first material and a second portion that is positioned laterally adjacent the first portion. The second portion has at least one raised section formed of a second material that is different form the first material.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a main surface over which a plurality of die pads and at least one alignment pad for optical process control for semiconductor wafer probing are arranged. The alignment pad has a hardness smaller than a hardness of the plurality of die pads.

Abstract: A semiconductor die is described. The semiconductor die includes a semiconductor body having an active region, a metallization formed on the semiconductor body, and a passivation formed on the metallization. The metallization includes at least one of a titanium layer, a titanium nitride layer, and a tungsten layer. The passivation includes a silicon oxide layer. Corresponding methods of manufacturing and using the semiconductor die are also described.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a main surface over which a plurality of die pads and at least one alignment pad for optical process control for semiconductor wafer probing are arranged. The alignment pad has a hardness smaller than a hardness of the plurality of die pads.

Abstract: A system for enabling betting during the course of an event such as an automotive or horse race. The system includes a physical arena having a track and devices that move in a pattern around the track, a cinematic display corresponding to the physical arena for displaying events and for displaying odds during the course of a particular event, a computer in operative communication with the physical arena and the cinematic display for generating basic outcome probabilities of event outcomes for the set of events. The computer initially, and during the course of an event, determines a win bet probability for a particular event, transforms the win bet probability based on a transformation function to enable real-time betting during the course of the particular event.

Abstract: A system for for enabling betting during the course of an event such as an automotive or horse race. The system includes a physical arena having a track and devices that move in a pattern around the track, a cinematic display corresponding to the physical arena for displaying events and for displaying odds during the course of a particular event, a computer in operative communication with the physical arena and the cinematic display for generating basic outcome probabilities of event outcomes for the set of events. The computer initially, and during the course of an event, determines a win bet probability for a particular event, transforms the win bet probability based on a transformation function to enable real-time betting during the course of the particular event.

Abstract: A betting system for handling betting events, comprising means for determining natural probability values assigned to the events based on a statistical method; and transformation means for applying a transformation function to the natural probability values to get transformed probability values; and means for providing the transformed probability values to betting clients of the betting system. The betting system may provide real-time betting events in comparable short time intervals.

Abstract: A betting system for handling betting events, comprising means for determining natural probability values assigned to the events based on a statistical method; and transformation means for applying a transformation function to the natural probability values to get transformed probability values; and means for providing the transformed probability values to betting clients of the betting system. The betting system may provide real-time betting events in comparable short time intervals.