Abstract: An apparatus for providing GPS/GPRS based vehicle alarm information to a vehicle operator is disclosed. The wireless vehicle alarm system includes at least a GPS receiver; a GPRS transceiver; an interface unit having a GPS antenna communicating with the GPS receiver, a GPRS antenna communicating with the GPRS transceiver, and plural inputs and plural outputs communicating with the vehicle protecting unit for providing a set information to remote vehicle operator; and a guarding unit connected to the interface and having a bottom for enabling to record a current position and use a pre-defined radius as a circular region to guard a vehicle, wherein if the vehicle moves out of the circular region, a report is generated to the set information and a self-guard procedure is executed.

Abstract: A sensor signal conditioner for temperature compensating, linearizing, and amplifying sensor signal output in electronic instrumentation circuits includes a programmable gain instrument amplifier having an input connected to a sensor; and a comparator for comparing an output voltage of the amplifier to a desired output voltage value. A micro-controller controls the instrument amplifier gain and offset. A mode switch converts an I/O pin to input the desired output voltage value in programming mode and connects the I/O pin to the amplifier output in user mode. A memory stores a programming protocol in the sensor signal conditioner so that in programming mode, the protocol stores programmed values and linearly fits the programmed values to set trim values for temperature compensating, linearizing, and amplifying the instrument amplifier output. The I/O pins and mode switches of several sensor signal conditioners can be controlled simultaneously to mass produce transducers using the sensor signal conditioner.

Abstract: A feedback control system for an optical switch includes a reference mirror that reflects a signal wavelength of light and transmits a reference wavelength. A detector array indicates positions, on the reference mirror, of first and second reference light beams transmitted through the reference mirror onto the detector array. An array of adjustable mirrors is controlled by a controller for adjusting each mirror in the array. The controller receives the position of the first reference light beam and adjusts a first mirror so that the first position is moved to a pre-determined location on the detector array, and receives the position of the second reference light beam and adjusts a second mirror so that the second position is moved to the same pre-determined location on the detector array, forming an aligned optical path on which a signal light beam can be transmitted through the optical switch.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect switch includes a switching mirror, a lens mount for securing an optical fiber collimating lens so that a light path from the optical fiber collimating lens is in an alignment relative to the switching mirror and a second lens, and an actuator. The actuator is connected to the switching mirror. The actuator comprises a flexure, and a mechanical motion amplifier. The switching mirror is attached to the mechanical motion amplifier in a thermally stable manner. Mechanical motion of the actuator is damped using a damping fluid. Repeatability of actuator motion is provided for switching the switching mirror into and out of the light path.

Abstract: A transistor having a gate electrode with a T-shaped cross section is fabricated from a single layer of conductive material using an etching process. A two process etch is performed to form side walls having a notched profile. The notches allow source and drain regions to be implanted in a substrate and thermally processed without creating excessive overlap capacitance with the gate electrode. The reduction of overlap capacitance increases the operating performance of the transistor, including drive current.

Abstract: A sensor signal conditioner for temperature compensating, linearizing, and amplifying sensor signal output in electronic instrumentation circuits includes a programmable gain instrument amplifier having an input connected to a sensor; and a comparator for comparing an output voltage of the amplifier to a desired output voltage value. A micro-controller controls the instrument amplifier gain and offset. A mode switch converts an I/O pin to input the desired output voltage value in programming mode and connects the I/O pin to the amplifier output in user mode. A memory stores a programming protocol in the sensor signal conditioner so that in programming mode, the protocol stores programmed values and linearly fits the programmed values to set trim values for temperature compensating, linearizing, and amplifying the instrument amplifier output. The I/O pins and mode switches of several sensor signal conditioners can be controlled simultaneously to mass produce transducers using the sensor signal conditioner.

Abstract: An optical communication system includes an input optical fiber, an output optical fiber, and first and second Risley prism pairs disposed in an optical path between the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber. A first actuator is configured to independently rotate a first and a second prism of the first Risley prism pair so that a first light beam is steered to be incident on the second Risley prism pair by adjusting the first Risley prism pair. A second actuator is configured to independently rotate a third and a fourth prism of the second Risley prism pair so that a second light beam is steered to be incident on the first Risley prism pair by adjusting the second Risley prism pair, providing optical beam alignment of the optical path for communication and optical switching.

Abstract: A feedback control system for an optical switch includes a reference mirror that reflects a signal wavelength of light and transmits a reference wavelength. A detector array indicates positions, on the reference mirror, of first and second reference light beams transmitted through the reference mirror onto the detector array. An array of adjustable mirrors is controlled by a controller for adjusting each mirror in the array. The controller receives the position of the first reference light beam and adjusts a first mirror so that the first position is moved to a pre-determined location on the detector array, and receives the position of the second reference light beam and adjusts a second mirror so that the second position is moved to the same pre-determined location on the detector array, forming an aligned optical path on which a signal light beam can be transmitted through the optical switch.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect switch includes a switching mirror, a lens mount for securing an optical fiber collimating lens so that a light path from the optical fiber collimating lens is in an alignment relative to the switching mirror and a second lens, and an actuator. The actuator is connected to the switching mirror. The actuator comprises a flexure, and a mechanical motion amplifier. The switching mirror is attached to the mechanical motion amplifier in a thermally stable manner. Mechanical motion of the actuator is damped using a damping fluid. Repeatability of actuator motion is provided for switching the switching mirror into and out of the light path.

Abstract: An improved method of forming an MOS transistor, which includes forming a polysilicon layer on a silicon dioxide layer, which is formed on a substrate. After etching the polysilicon and silicon dioxide layers to define a gate electrode and a gate oxide, dopants are implanted into the substrate. Following that implantation step, the exposed portion of the gate oxide is cleaned and sealed.