Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate having a recess, and growing an epitaxial feature in the recess. The method of growing the epitaxial feature includes: (a) growing a sub-layer of the epitaxial feature; (b) selectively etching the sub-layer of the epitaxial feature while providing a first UV radiation; and (c) repeating step (a) and step (b) alternately multiple times.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient includes a plurality of electrodes adapted to be placed in the patient and in communication with a heart chamber of the patient for measuring conductance and blood volume in the heart chamber of the patient; and a processor for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle based on measurement of complex admittance at a plurality of frequencies to identify mechanical strength of the chamber, the processor in communication with the electrodes. A method for determining cardiac performance in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient includes a plurality of electrodes adapted to be placed in the patient and in communication with a heart chamber of the patient for measuring conductance and blood volume in the heart chamber of the patient; and a processor for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle based on measurement of complex admittance at a plurality of frequencies to identify mechanical strength of the chamber, the processor in communication with the electrodes. A method for determining cardiac performance in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient includes a plurality of electrodes adapted to be placed in the patient and in communication with a heart chamber of the patient for measuring conductance and blood volume in the heart chamber of the patient; and a processor for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle based on measurement of complex admittance at a plurality of frequencies to identify mechanical strength of the chamber, the processor in communication with the electrodes. A method for determining cardiac performance in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient includes a plurality of electrodes adapted to be placed in the patient and in communication with a heart chamber of the patient for measuring conductance and blood volume in the heart chamber of the patient; and a processor for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle based on measurement of complex admittance at a plurality of frequencies to identify mechanical strength of the chamber, the processor in communication with the electrodes. A method for determining cardiac performance in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient. The apparatus includes a conductance catheter for measuring conductance and blood volume in a heart chamber of the patient. The apparatus includes a processor for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle by applying a non-linear relationship between the measured conductance and the volume of blood in the heart chamber to identify mechanical strength of the chamber. The processor is in communication with the conductance catheter. Methods for determining cardiac performance in a patient. Apparatuses for determining cardiac performance in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient. The apparatus includes a conductance catheter for measuring conductance and blood volume in a heart chamber of the patient. The apparatus includes a processor for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle by applying a non-linear relationship between the measured conductance and the volume of blood in the heart chamber to identify mechanical strength of the chamber. The processor is in communication with the conductance catheter. Methods for determining cardiac performance in a patient. Apparatuses for determining cardiac performance in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient. The apparatus includes a conductance catheter for measuring conductance and blood volume in a heart chamber of the patient. The apparatus includes a processor for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle by applying a non-linear relationship between the measured conductance and the volume of blood in the heart chamber to identify mechanical strength of the chamber. The processor is in communication with the conductance catheter. Methods for determining cardiac performance in a patient. Apparatuses for determining cardiac performance in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient. The apparatus includes a conductance catheter for measuring conductance and blood volume in a heart chamber of the patient. The apparatus includes a processor for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle by applying a non-linear relationship between the measured conductance and the volume of blood in the heart chamber to identify mechanical strength of the chamber. The processor is in communication with the conductance catheter. Methods for determining cardiac performance in a patient. Apparatuses for determining cardiac performance in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient involving a conductance catheter (12) for measuring conductance and blood volume in a heart chamber of the patient. The apparatus includes a processor (14) for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle by applying a non-linear relationship between the measured conductance and the volume of blood in the heart chamber to identify mechanical strength of the chamber. The processor (14) is in communication with the conductance catheter (12).

Abstract: A digital power supply controller is disclosed for controlling the operation of a switched power supply. The controller is contained within an integrated circuit package enclosing an integrated circuit chip. A plurality of inputs are provided on the package for interfacing with the switched power supply for receiving sensed inputs therefrom. A plurality of outputs provide switch control signals for turning on and off switches in the switched power supply. An integrated digital controller on the chip receives the inputs and generates the outputs, and includes an integrated instruction based processing engine for providing a portion of the digital control of the digital controller. A memory associated with the processing engine stores instructions for the processing engine.

Abstract: A digital power supply controller is disclosed for controlling the operation of a switched power supply. The controller is contained within an integrated circuit package enclosing an integrated circuit chip. A plurality of inputs are provided on the package for interfacing with the switched power supply for receiving sensed inputs therefrom. A plurality of outputs provide switch control signals for turning on and off switches in the switched power supply. An integrated digital controller on the chip receives the inputs and generates the outputs, and includes an integrated instruction based processing engine for providing a portion of the digital control of the digital controller. A memory associated with the processing engine stores instructions for the processing engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient involving a conductance catheter (12) for measuring conductance and blood volume in a heart chamber of the patient. The apparatus includes a processor (14) for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle by applying a non-linear relationship between the measured conductance and the volume of blood in the heart chamber to identify mechanical strength of the chamber. The processor (14) is in communication with the conductance catheter (12).

Abstract: A digital controller for controlling the operation of a DC-DC switching converter is disclosed. A digital feedback control system is provided for receiving an analog input voltage representing the output of the switching converter and digitally processing the analog input voltage by comparing it to a reference voltage and then determining analog drive signals to control the operation of the switching converter to provide a regulated output. The digital feedback control system operates in accordance with predetermined operating parametrics. The digital feedback control system also has monitoring inputs and control inputs. A microcontroller monitors the operation of the digital feedback control system and is able to change the operating parametrics under certain predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A monolithic digital power supply controller is disclosed for controlling the operation of a switched power supply. The controller is contained within an integrated circuit package enclosing an integrated circuit chip. A plurality of inputs are provided on the package for interfacing with the switched power supply for receiving sensed inputs therefrom. A plurality of outputs provide switch control signals for turning on and off switches in the switched power supply. An integrated digital controller on the chip receives the inputs and generates the outputs, and includes an integrated instruction based processing engine for providing a portion of the digital control of the digital controller. A memory associated with the processing engine stores instructions for the processing engine.

Abstract: A system for controlling a soft start for a switching power converter includes a digital controller that enables the programming of a plurality of input voltage profiles during a soft start condition of the switching power converter. The programming of the plurality of input voltage profiles is parameterized by a control parameter. A microcontroller determines the control parameter used by said digital controller and operates independently of the operation of the digital controller.

Abstract: A digital controller for controlling the operation of a DC-DC switching converter is disclosed. A digital feedback control system is provided for receiving an analog input voltage representing the output of the switching converter and digitally processing the analog input voltage by comparing it to a reference voltage and then determining analog drive signals to control the operation of the switching converter to provide a regulated output. The digital feedback control system operates in accordance with predetermined operating parametrics. The digital feedback control system also has monitoring inputs and control inputs. A microcontroller monitors the operation of the digital feedback control system and is able to change the operating parametrics under certain predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A system for controlling a soft start for a switching power converter includes a digital controller that enables the programming of a plurality of input voltage profiles during a soft start condition of the switching power converter. The programming of the plurality of input voltage profiles is parameterized by a control parameter. A microcontroller determines the control parameter used by said digital controller and operates independently of the operation of the digital controller.

Abstract: A monolithic digital power supply controller is disclosed for controlling the operation of a switched power supply. The controller is contained within an integrated circuit package enclosing an integrated circuit chip. A plurality of inputs are provided on the package for interfacing with the switched power supply for receiving sensed inputs therefrom. A plurality of outputs provide switch control signals for turning on and off switches in the switched power supply. An integrated digital controller on the chip receives the inputs and generates the outputs, and includes an integrated instruction based processing engine for providing a portion of the digital control of the digital controller. A memory associated with the processing engine stores instructions for the processing engine.