Abstract: A method includes depositing a high-k gate dielectric layer over and along sidewalls of a semiconductor fin. The method further includes depositing an n-type work function metal layer over the high-k gate dielectric layer and performing a passivation treatment on the high-k gate dielectric layer through the n-type work function metal layer. The passivation treatment comprises a remote plasma process. The method further includes depositing a fill metal over the n-type work function metal layer to form a metal gate stack over the high-k gate dielectric layer. The metal gate stack comprising the n-type work function metal layer and the fill metal.

Abstract: A method includes depositing a high-k gate dielectric layer over and along sidewalls of a semiconductor fin. The method further includes depositing an n-type work function metal layer over the high-k gate dielectric layer and performing a passivation treatment on the high-k gate dielectric layer through the n-type work function metal layer. The passivation treatment comprises a remote plasma process. The method further includes depositing a fill metal over the n-type work function metal layer to form a metal gate stack over the high-k gate dielectric layer. The metal gate stack comprising the n-type work function metal layer and the fill metal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses pertaining to flexible information mapping and modification of data packets are described. A method may involve receiving a data packet, modifying one or more attributes of the data packet, and outputting the modified data packet. In modifying the one or more attributes of the data packet, the method may involve extracting information from the data packet, the information including one or more user-defined fields (UDFs) in a header of the data packet. The method may also involve defining one or more source user-defined fields (SUDFs) according to at least one UDF of the one or more UDFs. The method may further involve performing one or more actions with respect to at least one SUDF of the one or more SUDFs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses pertaining to flexible information mapping and modification of data packets are described. A method may involve receiving a data packet, modifying one or more attributes of the data packet, and outputting the modified data packet. In modifying the one or more attributes of the data packet, the method may involve extracting information from the data packet, the information including one or more user-defined fields (UDFs) in a header of the data packet. The method may also involve defining one or more source user-defined fields (SUDFs) according to at least one UDF of the one or more UDFs. The method may further involve performing one or more actions with respect to at least one SUDF of the one or more SUDFs.

Abstract: A random early drop (RED) based processing circuit includes a scheduler, an RED-based decision logic and a controller. The scheduler generates a trigger event according to an RED-based operation schedule. The scheduler is coupled to a software interface, and the RED-based operation schedule in the scheduler is programmed via the software interface. The RED-based decision logic performs at least a first RED-based operation to generate a first RED decision accordingly. The controller receives at least the trigger event, and triggers the RED-based decision logic to perform the first RED-based operation according to at least the trigger event.

Abstract: A method for processing an audio/video bit-stream includes the steps of receiving an input bit-stream, detecting whether the input bit-stream has a startcode emulation prevention pattern, and removing the startcode emulation prevention pattern from the input bit-stream to generate an output bit-stream and setting a flag signal as a first designated flag value when the startcode emulation prevention pattern is detected. The method further includes the step of detecting whether the input bit-stream includes a startcode, and directly outputting the input bit-stream and setting the flag signal as a second designated flag value when the startcode is detected.

Abstract: A method for processing an audio/video bit-stream includes the steps of receiving an input bit-stream, detecting whether the input bit-stream has a startcode emulation prevention pattern, and removing the startcode emulation prevention pattern from the input bit-stream to generate an output bit-stream and setting a flag signal as a first designated flag value when the startcode emulation prevention pattern is detected. The method further includes the step of detecting whether the input bit-stream includes a startcode, and directly outputting the input bit-stream and setting the flag signal as a second designated flag value when the startcode is detected.