Abstract: A non-volatile memory (NVM) that can be optimized for data retention or endurance is divided into portions that are optimized for one or the other or potentially some other storage characteristic. For the portion allotted for data retention, the memory cells are erased to a relatively greater extent. For the portion allotted for high endurance, the memory cells are erased to a relatively lesser extent. This is conveniently achieved by simply raising the level of the current reference that is used to determine if a cell has been sufficiently erased for the high data retention cells. The higher endurance cells thus will typically receive fewer erase pulses than the memory cells for high data retention. The reduced erasing requirement for the high endurance cells results in overall faster erasing and less stress on the high endurance cells as well as on the circuitry that generates the high erase voltages.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus and method is suitable for printed wiring assembly (PWA) shielding in an electrical device such as a facsimile machine. The mounting comprises a frame including a substantially flat frame floor, at least one PWA edge card connector, and at least one frame fastener. Continuous shielding walls are positioned immediately adjacent to the frame floor, and the PWA comprises a substantially flat component-mounting surface and a shielding surface, at least one PWA edge card, and at least one frame fastener receiver. The PWA edge card is inserted into the PWA edge card connector and the frame fastener is coupled to the frame fastener receiver such that the PWA component-mounting surface is held within an electromagnetically-shielded volume bounded by the PWA shielding surface, the shielding walls, and the frame floor.

Abstract: A low-power dual voltage drive circuit and method which includes controlling a stepper motor overdriven with a high voltage. The stepper motor drive circuit includes a high voltage supply for overdriving the stepper motor, a low voltage supply, and an overdrive switch mechanism connected between the high voltage supply means and the stepper motor input. The method includes repetitively triggering the overdrive switch in response to a control signal, overdriving the stepper motor with the high voltage, producing an overdrive current, sensing the overdrive current, producing an additional control signal when the overdrive current reaches a preset value, switching off the overdrive current in response to the second control signal, resetting the overdrive switch to enable the overdrive switch to again receive the first control signal, and driving the stepper motor with a nominal low voltage.