Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, an overmolded semiconductor package includes at least one semiconductor die situated over a package substrate. The overmolded semiconductor package further includes a mold compound overlying the at least one semiconductor die and the package substrate and having a top surface. The overmolded semiconductor package further includes a first patterned conductive layer situated on the top surface of the mold compound. The overmolded semiconductor package can further include at least one conductive interconnect situated in the mold compound, where the at least one conductive interconnect is electrically connected to the first patterned conductive layer. The first patterned conductive layer can include at least one passive component.

Abstract: Satellite communications systems, methods, and related devices are described. A satellite communications system may include routing and switching functionality onboard the satellite. Such a system may include a satellite in communication with terminals (e.g., subscriber terminals or gateways) either directly, or via one or more other satellites through an inter-satellite link. The satellite may be configured with different beams which each provide service to a coverage area. A ground-based network control center (NCC) may dynamically allocate bandwidth and process data measured on the satellite. A novel partition of functionality between the satellite and the NCC is described. Routing paths on the satellite, and the distribution of routing tables within the system, are described as well.

Abstract: Satellite communications systems, methods, and related devices are described. A satellite communications system may include routing and switching functionality onboard the satellite. Such a system may include a satellite in communication with terminals (e.g., subscriber terminals or gateways) either directly, or via one or more other satellites through an inter-satellite link. The satellite may be configured with different beams which each provide service to a coverage area. A ground-based network control center (NCC) may dynamically allocate bandwidth and process data measured on the satellite. A novel partition of functionality between the satellite and the NCC is described. Routing paths on the satellite, and the distribution of routing tables within the system, are described as well.

Abstract: Satellite communications systems, methods, and related devices are described. A satellite communications system may include routing and switching functionality onboard the satellite. Such a system may include a satellite in communication with terminals (e.g., subscriber terminals or gateways) either directly, or via one or more other satellites through an inter-satellite link. The satellite may be configured with different beams which each provide service to a coverage area. A ground-based network control center (NCC) may dynamically allocate bandwidth and process data measured on the satellite. A novel partition of functionality between the satellite and the NCC is described. Routing paths on the satellite, and the distribution of routing tables within the system, are described as well.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for novel error detection and retransmission processes are described. These processes may be implemented on intermediate communication links between two end terminals, wherein the intermediate links are via satellite. Error control mechanisms to detect and retransmit lost or corrupted frames may be implemented at the network layer, or between the network and data link layers. Processes for discovering error control protocol-aware terminals are described. Features of these error control processes may include a configurable delay limit, tailored to traffic type or class.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for novel error detection and retransmission processes are described. These processes may be implemented on intermediate communication links between two end terminals, wherein the intermediate links are via satellite. Error control mechanisms to detect and retransmit lost or corrupted frames may be implemented at the network layer, or between the network and data link layers. Processes for discovering error control protocol-aware terminals are described. Features of these error control processes may include a configurable delay limit, tailored to traffic type or class.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for novel error detection and retransmission processes are described. These processes may be implemented on intermediate communication links between two end terminals, wherein the intermediate links are via satellite. Error control mechanisms to detect and retransmit lost or corrupted frames may be implemented at the network layer, or between the network and data link layers. Processes for discovering error control protocol-aware terminals are described. Features of these error control processes may include a configurable delay limit, tailored to traffic type or class.

Abstract: A method of managing a key for encrypted communication over a communication link between first and second modems, each modem having respective first and second master keys. A first key material for the first modem is transmitted to the second modem in an encrypted message using the first master key, via a time divided frame over the link. Upon receipt, a second key material is generated at the second modem and is sent to the first modem. Then, at each of the first and second modems, session keys are generated based on the key materials, preferably using a hashing algorithm. An encryptor at the first modem and a decryptor at the second modem are programmed with an identified key and a session key. Encryption is enabled at the first modem and information is transmitted in encrypted frames using the identified key. The second modem receives and decrypts the encrypted frames when frames with the identified key are received.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an overmolded package includes a component situated on a substrate. The overmolded package further includes an overmold situated over the component and the substrate. The overmolded package further includes a wirebond cage situated over the substrate and in the overmold, where the wirebond cage surrounds the component, and where the wirebond cage includes a number of wirebonds. The wirebond cage forms an EMI shield around the component. According to this exemplary embodiment, the overmolded package further includes a conductive layer situated on a top surface of the overmold and connected to the wirebond cage, where the conductive layer forms an EMI shield over the component.

Abstract: The integration of an improved retransmission protocol into a performance enhancing proxy (PEP) for degraded communication links. Various embodiments of the invention include congestion control, window size adjustment algorithms, connection negotiation features, and connection establishment acceleration features.

Abstract: A method of assembling a plurality of frames including cell/packet-formatted data according to a predetermined frame format for transmission in a communication signal in a wireless or satellite environment. The method begins by assembling a data payload for each frame having a first variable size, including at least one of a partial data cell/packet and a complete data cell/packet. Then, for each frame a block code having a second variable size is generated for use in error correction. Each frame is provided with a frame header which defines aspects of said frame. Finally, the data payload, the block code and the format header are combined to form a frame corresponding to the plurality of frames, the format header defining a first portion of the frame, the data payload defining a second portion of the frame and the block code defining a third portion of the frame.

Abstract: In an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) system, an apparatus is used to improve the transmission and reception of encoded ATM information over a wireless link having an encoder for encoding the information, assembling the information into a frame format and interleaving of the information for transmission over the wireless link. In addition, the apparatus also has a decoder for decoding information received via the wireless link which was encoded by a similar apparatus transmitting the information over the wireless link.

Abstract: A novel method for dynamic load management of random access channels (also known as Aloha channels) in shared communications systems, such as satellite (4), cable, and wireless communications networks is provided. The method provides algorithms and procedures to accurately estimate traffic load offered by multiple distributed terminals (1a, 1b, . . . 1n) into the channel (2). And also provides for regulating traffic so that the channel (2) is not overloaded. The traffic load management algorithms can be done at a central site, such as a Network Control Center (3) or a cable head-end. Alternatively, traffic load management can be done in a distributed manner by all terminals. Traffic regulation is done in a fair manner across all terminals. The algorithms are designed for efficient implementation in software and/or hardware.

Abstract: A high-gain, high-speed differential preamplifier is described, in which a current source is coupled to one input of a differential amplifier and the other input of the differential amplifier is coupled to a sensor. In one implementation, the current source includes a field effect transistor operating in saturation mode and a bipolar junction transmitter in an emitter follower configuration.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an improved feedback amplifier circuit having a variable closed loop gain which avoids including switching elements in its feedback network and maintains a constant output voltage window for an input signal having a wide dynamic range. That is, the switching elements are not on the active feedback path (e.g., they are isolated from the active feedback path). In this manner, the gain of the amplifier circuit may be determined only by the feedback resistance which can be more easily controlled through the use of precision resistors. Additionally, by removing the switches from the feedback network, the parasitics associated with each switch may also be removed from the feedback path of the amplifier circuit. Accordingly, the bandwidth of the feedback amplifier circuit can be controlled more effectively. Specifically, the present embodiment avoids locating the switching functionality in the feedback network by changing the output stage of the feedback amplifier circuit.

Abstract: A circuit comprising a first circuit and a state machine. The first circuit may be configured to generate a plurality of state inputs in response to (i) a first clock signal, (ii) a second clock signal delayed from the first clock signal, and (iii) a data signal. The state machine may be configured to generate a pump up signal and a pump down signal in response to (i) said data signal and (ii) a plurality of quadrants defined by a number of possible combinations of the state inputs. The state machine may be further configured to transition between any of the quadrants.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first circuit, a second circuit and a logic circuit. The first circuit may be configured generate a first output signal having a first data rate and in response to (i) an input signal having a second data rate and (ii) a clock signal having the second data rate. The second circuit may be configured to generate a second output signal having a third data rate in response to (i) a divided version of the input signal and (ii) the clock signal. The logic circuit may be configured to generate the clock signal in response to (i) the first output signal and (ii) the second output signal.