Abstract: A transmitter and method is provided for digitally upconverting a baseband digital signal to a modulated intermediate frequency (IF) digital signal and sigma-delta modulating the IF digital signal. The baseband digital signal is split into N phases, as can be accomplished using a polyphase interpolation technique (polyphase filter), and modulated. The modulated N phases are not recombined and each phase is further modulated, as can be accomplished using a digital-to-digital sigma-delta modulator that generates digital output signals at the same rate. A high speed digital multiplexer multiplexes the digital output signals into a single bit stream at a higher rate for subsequent power amplification and RF transmission.

Abstract: An automated processing system that includes providing an intelligent module with a composite connection for transmitting information and configuring the intelligent module within the automated processing system for automatic recognition.

Abstract: An automated calibration system that includes providing a three-dimensional calibration tool; engaging the three-dimensional calibration tool with a probe; and determining the position of the probe relative to an optical sensor based on the engagement of the three-dimensional calibration tool with the probe.

Abstract: An automated location system that includes providing the number of rows and columns of a receptacle to the automated location system; scanning the receptacle to determine changes in reflectivity; creating an X values list and a Y values list from the scan; and determining a location for each of a cavity from the X values list and from the Y values list.

Abstract: A receiver and method is provided for sigma-delta converting an RF signal to a digital signal and downconverting to a digital baseband signal. The RF signal is split into N phases, as can be accomplished using a sample and hold circuit, and each phase is digitized, as can be accomplished using an analog-to-digital (A/D) sigma-delta converter. Polyphase decimation techniques and demodulation are applied to the phased signals to generate a demodulated digital signal. The demodulated digital signal is further downconverted to the appropriate baseband signal.

Abstract: A transmitter and method is provided for digitally upconverting a baseband digital signal to a modulated intermediate frequency (IF) digital signal and sigma-delta modulating the IF digital signal. The baseband digital signal is split into N phases, as can be accomplished using a polyphase interpolation technique (polyphase filter), and modulated. The modulated N phases are not recombined and each phase is further modulated, as can be accomplished using a digital-to-digital sigma-delta modulator that generates digital output signals at the same rate. A high speed digital multiplexer multiplexes the digital output signals into a single bit stream at a higher rate for subsequent power amplification and RF transmission.

Abstract: A device, system, and method are provided for a power amplifier arrangement. In embodiments of a Vdd modulated power amplifier arrangement, a memory correction block includes a Vdd predictor for predicting waveform distortions of a Vdd modulated power supply and a main-path corrector for pre-distorting the input to the power amplifier arrangement as a function of the input to the power amplifier arrangement, an input envelope signal determined as a function of the input to the power amplifier arrangement, and an output of the Vdd predictor. Embodiments of the invention provide for operating power amplifier arrangements having memory. In some embodiments, methods of training the Vdd predictor and the main-path corrector of the memory correction block are provided.

Abstract: A method of managing collections accounts is provided. Data associated with a plurality of collections accounts is received from a plurality of data sources and stored in a first data repository. A plurality of business rules are stored in a business rules database. The plurality of business rules are independent of the plurality of collections accounts. One or more of the plurality of business rules are applied to at least a portion of the stored data to determine whether to initiate one or more particular collections activities regarding one or more of the plurality of collections accounts.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for efficiently amplifying or converting a signal. An input signal is decomposed into a plurality of two state signals, each two state signal having a respective on level and off level. This may involve sigma-delta modulation and phase splitting. For amplifier applications, each of the two state signals is amplified with a respective switching power amplifier to produce a respective amplified signal. The amplified signals are combined to produce an amplified version of the input signal. Signals may be adjusted for impairments associated with a subsequent processing operation such as the combining.

Abstract: A control system and method are provided having a control agent controlling a user interface, a robotic control, a programming control, and a job control. The control system is used with a feeder/programming/buffer system which has a feeder mechanism for receiving programmable devices, a robotic handling mechanism for manipulating the programmable devices among the other mechanisms, a programming mechanism for performing a programming operation on the programmable devices at a high rate of speed, and a buffer mechanism for providing the programmed programmable devices to a production assembly line on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A feeder/programming/buffer operating system is provided which controls a feeder mechanism, a programming mechanism, an electronic handling mechanism, a pneumatic handling mechanism, and a plurality of sensors. The operating system programs programmable devices and makes the feeder/programming/buffer system substantially independent of a production assembly system with which it is capable of being integrated yet fully responsive to the requirements of the production assembly system.

Abstract: A microdevice reject handling system is provided for in a microdevice processing/feeder system. The feeder mechanism is immediately adjacent to the processing mechanism for receiving and moving microdevices away from the processing mechanism. It uses a conveyor which has a dead space in which microdevices cannot be placed by a robotic transport system, which moves microdevices from the processing mechanism to the feeder mechanism. The microdevice reject handling system is partially positioned in the feeder mechanism dead space for receiving rejected microdevices. It includes a reject bin with a storage portion for storing rejected microdevices beside the feeder mechanism and rests on a bracket containing an optical sensor system for determining when the storage portion is full.