Abstract: A method and article of manufacture for performing wire-bonding operations in an integrated circuit. In one aspect, the operations include the steps of bonding a wire to a first bond site in the integrated circuit and terminating the wire at a second bond site. The bonding and terminating steps are repeated for at least two differential wire bond pairs, and proximate differential wire bond pairs of the at least two differential wire bond pairs have substantially different wire bond profiles.

Abstract: A system for improving the attenuation of an undesired signal found in a differential signal path through the use of inductive coupling. The system includes a primary inductor, a secondary inductor, and a filter. The primary inductor and the secondary inductor operably couple an input differential signal pair to an output differential signal pair, and the filter attenuates an undesired signal in the output differential signal pair.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture for performing wire-bonding operations in an integrated circuit. In one aspect, the operations include the steps of bonding a wire to a first bond site in the integrated circuit and terminating the wire at a second bond site. The bonding and terminating steps are repeated for at least two differential wire bond pairs, and proximate differential wire bond pairs of the at least two differential wire bond pairs have substantially different wire bond profiles.

Abstract: An integrated circuit comprises an integrated circuit package and one or more circuit elements disposed within the integrated circuit package. The integrated circuit also comprises at least two differential wire bond pairs providing connections for at least one of the one or more circuit elements. Proximate differential wire bond pairs of the at least two differential wire bond pairs have substantially different wire bond profiles.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package having a multi-segment transmission line transformer for impedance matching a packaged integrated circuit, such as a driver or receiver, to a printed circuit board (PCB) transmission line to which the packaged chip is attached by, for example, solder balls. In one exemplary embodiment, a three-segment transmission line transformer provides improved broadband performance with the advantage of having a middle segment with a flexible length for easier routing. The length of each end segment of the three-segment transformer is adjusted to provide at least partial cancellation of reflections between the PCB and the transformer, and between the transformer and a circuit on the integrated circuit, respectively. Further, the inductive reactance of the solder balls and via wiring may be cancelled out by the transformed chip impedance to provide a non-inductive termination to the PCB transmission line at approximately one-half the highest data rate of the channel.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package having a multi-segment transmission line transformer for impedance matching a packaged integrated circuit, such as a driver or receiver, to a printed circuit board (PCB) transmission line to which the packaged chip is attached by, for example, solder balls. In one exemplary embodiment, a three-segment transmission line transformer provides improved broadband performance with the advantage of having a middle segment with a flexible length for easier routing. The length of each end segment of the three-segment transformer is adjusted to provide at least partial cancellation of reflections between the PCB and the transformer, and between the transformer and a circuit on the integrated circuit, respectively. Further, the inductive reactance of the solder balls and via wiring may be cancelled out by the transformed chip impedance to provide a non-inductive termination to the PCB transmission line at approximately one-half the highest data rate of the channel.

Abstract: A system for improving the attenuation of an undesired signal found in a differential signal path through the use of inductive coupling. The system includes a primary inductor, a secondary inductor, and a filter. The primary inductor and the secondary inductor operably couple an input differential signal pair to an output differential signal pair, and the filter attenuates an undesired signal in the output differential signal pair.

Abstract: The useful life of a laser, such as a laser diode, is extended by causing the laser to operate only intermittently when continuous operation is not required. When such a laser diode is used in a scanner for scanning coded symbols, such as bar codes, in merchandise check-out operations, continuous operation is required only when a coded symbol is present in a target area. A sensing device is provided for sensing the transitions in light reflected back from the target area, and a counter is provided for counting the number of such transitions. Since a much larger number of transitions are sensed and counted when a coded symbol is being read than when no such symbol is present in the target area, this difference in number of transitions is used to distinguish between the two conditions and to cause the laser diode to be turned on for continuous operation only when a coded symbol is present in the target area to be read.

Abstract: A bar code reader has the capability of reading a bar code symbol containing information for causing change in the volume of a speaker associated with said reader, as well as reading merchandise identification symbols commonly associated with items such as merchandise being checked out at a point of sale terminal. The apparatus for controlling the volume of the speaker includes a microprocessor, a digital-to-analog converter, an AC coupler, a reference amplifier, a peak-to-peak amplifier and a push-pull driver.

Abstract: A scanning system having a laser and a motor for spinning an optical mirror arrangement for sensing indicia such as bar codes is capable of turning off the laser and the motor during periods of extended inactivity in order to minimize wear of these components and to reduce the use of electricity. Changes in the ambient light level adjacent to the scanning system which are typical of human motion are detected and are used to produce an electrical signal which can be used to turn the laser and the motor back on.

Abstract: A scanning device having a laser, a motor for driving a mirror arrangement for moving the beam of the laser, and a microprocessor for control purposes is provided with a system for measuring and correcting fault conditions to meet laser safety requirements. Detection devices are provided for determining whether the laser is on or off, and whether the motor is running at or above a predetermined speed. If the laser is stuck in an on condition, then the motor is left running and an error is signalled. If the motor will not operate at or above the minimum speed, the laser is maintained in an off condition and an error is signalled.