Abstract: The present invention provides an RF tag having an antenna that can be selectively tuned to achieve optimal performance. The RF tag comprises an RF transponder integrated circuit and an antenna connected to the RF transponder integrated circuit. The antenna includes components such as tuning stubs and loading bars that are physically alterable to selectively vary the performance characteristics of the antenna. The tuning stub and loading bar may each further comprising a variably selectable length having elements that may be removed by punching, cutting, etching, laser trimming or other process. The antenna may further comprise a leadframe or a flexible substrate.

Abstract: A multi-junction, monolithic, photovoltaic solar cell device is provided for converting solar radiation to photocurrent and photovoltage with improved efficiency. The solar cell device comprises a plurality of semiconductor cells, i.e., active p/n junctions, connected in tandem and deposited on a substrate fabricated from GaAs or Ge. To increase efficiency, each semiconductor cell is fabricated from a crystalline material with a lattice constant substantially equivalent to the lattice constant of the substrate material. Additionally, the semiconductor cells are selected with appropriate band gaps to efficiently create photovoltage from a larger portion of the solar spectrum. In this regard, one semiconductor cell in each embodiment of the solar cell device has a band gap between that of Ge and GaAs.

Abstract: An RF transponder having a plurality of antennas is disclosed, where the voltages produced by the plurality of antennas are cascaded to produce a tag voltage higher than that produced by a single antenna.

Abstract: A bonding pad for a semiconductor device is provided with a mechanical supportive structure substantially surrounding the pad. The mechanical supportive structure prevents cracking of passivation material over the pad when a lead is compression bonded to the pad.

Abstract: An RF tag has an enable/disable circuit connected to a critical part of an electronic object/circuit, e.g. a computer mother board. The critical part of the circuit is any circuit component and/or connection that can enable and/or disable the electric circuit operation. Signals are sent to the tag to change data in the tag memory which causes the enable/disable tag circuit to control the critical part to enable and disable the electric circuit. A system checks the status of the tag, e.g. the electronic circuit was paid for, before enabling the electronic circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for testing RFID tags using wireless radio frequency (RF) communication. The method and apparatus allow RFID tags to be tested individually or in groups while they are in close proximity to each other (e.g., within the read range of the tag).

Abstract: This invention pertains to the embedding of a information storage device within, or attached to, the carriers used to transport work in progress from step to step in the semiconductor manufacturing process. The carrier can be a tray having sites for several semiconductor dies, tubes for carrying several dies together, lead frames, wafer cassettes or individual die sockets. The information storage device can be formed integrally with the carrier or formed separately and attached or secured to the carrier.

Abstract: A Write Broadcast system and method uses a base station to write sent data associated with no particular destination tag or tags, by radio frequency signal, to all or some selected number (sub group) of tags in a base station field simultaneously. By unselecting the tags that have been successfully written to, and requesting a response from the remaining tags in the field (or sub group), the system determines, by receiving a response to the request, that there are tags in the field (sub group) that were unsuccessfully written to. Another Write Broadcast signal is sent to these tags. The system is useful for quickly (simultaneously) "stamping" information on the tag memory of a large number of tags in the field of the base station.

Abstract: An RF tag has an enable/disable circuit connected to a critical part of an electronic object/circuit, e.g. a computer mother board. The critical part of the circuit is any circuit component and/or connection that can enable and/or disable the electric circuit operation. Signals are sent to the tag to change data in the tag memory which causes the enable/disable tag circuit to control the critical part to enable and disable the electric circuit. A system checks the status of the tag, e.g. the electronic circuit was paid for, before enabling the electronic circuit.

Abstract: A diode modulator which is not part of the rectifier power supply circuit of an RF Transponder is controlled by the transponder electronic logic and memory circuitry to conduct RF current from a second terminal to a first terminal of the RF Transponder antenna in a first state of the transponder electronic circuitry, and does not conduct appreciable current in a second state of the transponder electronic circuitry, thereby changing the loading of the RF Transponder antenna between the first state and the second state of the transponder electronic circuitry, and thereby changing the intensity of the RF radiation backscattered from the RF Tag. The present invention has further advantages that the same diode used as a modulator can also be used in the transponder receiver circuit.

Abstract: One strap supports a fraction of the banjo weight from the banjo player's waist or hips. This strap is attached to the banjo at the two sides of the banjo resonator and passes around the player's torso. Two other straps support the remainder of the banjo weight from the player's shoulders. The weight carried by the shoulders is distributed in approximately equal fractions between the two shoulders. The shoulder straps are coupled in common to the top of the banjo resonator, pass respectively over the player's two shoulders and behind the player's back, and are there connected together. Two additional features are provided to permit the player to adjust the distribution of weight as between the player's torso and shoulders: (1) the torso strap and the shoulder straps are interconnected behind the player's back, and (2) the connection between the shoulder straps and the top of the resonator is through an adjustable linkage. The player controls the weight distribution by adjusting the linkage.