Abstract: A loop network hub port with an automatic bypass feature. The automatic bypass feature causes the hub port to enter a bypass mode upon detection of a specified loop failure initialization sequence from a node port attached to the hub port. The hub port does not propagate loop failure initialization data generated by the attached node port upon the failure of a data channel from the hub port to the node port. The hub port replaces loop failure initialization data received from the node port with buffer data and conceals the node port failure from the remainder of the loop. Upon detection of the loop failure initialization sequence received from the attached node port, the hub port enters a bypass mode and maintains that bypass mode until a recovery sequence is received from the node port. At that point, the hub port reinserts the node port into the loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for limiting energy levels across the output of a driver circuitry segment (100). The system provides an output structure (102) adapted to drive an output load (104). A transconductance component (106) is communicatively coupled to the output structure, and adapted to output a transconductance current that is proportional to the voltage across the output structure. A scaling component (108) is communicatively coupled to the output structure, and adapted to output a scaled current that is proportional, by some scaling factor, to the current through the output structure. A qualifying component (110) is communicatively coupled to the scaling component, and adapted to activate a trigger component (112) when the scaled current passes a first threshold. The trigger component is communicatively coupled to the qualifying component, the transconductance component, and the output structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to enable determining thermal protection characteristics of an integrated circuit. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) generator that provides a PTAT signal that varies as a function of temperature. Thermal protection control system provides an output signal indicative of a thermal protection condition based at least in part on the PTAT signal. A monitoring system that provides a path to enable selective measuring of at least one signal associated with operation of the thermal protection control system.

Abstract: A bench-joining optical component and a first optical component are aligned on a first optical bench, and then rigidly coupled to the first bench, in order to form a first portion of an optical subassembly. Following completion of the first portion, all components in the first portion are pre-aligned and fixed with respect to each other, moving as a unit. A third optical component is aligned and permanently coupled to a second optical bench, in order to form a second portion of the optical sub-assembly. The first and second portions of optical sub-assembly are combined by positioning an exposed side of the bench joining optical component on the second bench, aligning the bench-joining optical component with the third optical component on the second bench, and permanently securing the bench-joining optical component to the second bench.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a blocking N-channel MOS (LDMOS) transistor that prevents current flow when the supply connection is reversed. When connected properly, the body diode conducts to provide a start-up function. A bias generator is employed to enable the low drop-out voltage function, allowing the output voltage to be very close to supply.

Abstract: A switching regulator having a control circuit that automatically senses when a low power mode should be initiated without the use of expensive external components nor an extensive amount of external components is disclosed herein. The switching regulator includes an input switching device, a driver, an inductor, a first output switching device, a second output switching device and an output node. The control circuit includes a low power switching device connected to the output node and the second end of the inductor. An amplifier connects the low power switching device and the first output switching device. A first current mirror couples to the amplifier to mirror the difference between the output current through the output load and the current supplied at the second end of the inductor. A second current mirror couples to the first current mirror to mirror the current difference through a current source and a capacitor connected in parallel across the current source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for producing a tunable resonant circuit (200), where the resonant circuit utilizes both integrated semiconductor devices and discrete components. The system provides a driver circuit (208) instantiated within a first integrated semiconductor device (210), an inductive load (204), and a resistive element (202) intercoupled therebetween. One terminal of the inductive load is coupled to a first terminal of a reduction system (214). A second terminal of the reduction system is coupled to a node (216). A primary capacitive element (206) has a first terminal coupled to a node, and a secondary capacitive element (222) has a first terminal coupled to the node. A switchable element (224) has a first terminal coupled to a second terminal of the secondary capacitive element, and a second terminal coupled to ground. The reduction system is adapted to reduce to operational voltage at the node to a target value.

Abstract: A bias device that modifies the bias of a device based on an input signal to the device. The device may have a fixed bias, and the bias device can be connected in parallel with the fixed bias. The device can be an amplifier, such as a linear amplifier or a class AB amplifier. The bias device can be configured to provide maximum bias during the device's crossover time period.

Abstract: A current control device for driving LED devices uses a switched-mode current control loop inside of an output intensity low-frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) control loop. This allows separate control of current level (for accurate light wavelength output) and light intensity. The current control device requires only one switch to regulate current level, and no other switches for the intensity control. This allows lower parts count for greater reliability and lower system cost.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to MEMS-based accelerometer comprising semiconductor substrate and a generally hollow shell having an open end and a closed end, wherein the open end of the shell is generally bonded to the top surface of the substrate. The shell comprises a plurality of capacitor plates electrically connected to a respective plurality of capacitor electrodes associated with the shell, wherein the shell further comprises a common electrode, and wherein the plurality of capacitor electrodes and the common electrode are electrically connected to the substrate via the bonding of the open end of the shell to the substrate. The accelerometer further comprises a sensing element comprising an electrically conductive torsion bar coupled to the shell, defining an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A system and method for driving a load at a desired operating level. A driver is connected to a load. The load can be selected from a plurality of loads by a selection system, such as a multiplexer, or a single load can be utilized. Feedback from the load is provided to the driver for achieving the desired operating level. A zero temperature coefficient resistance formed by two resistors having different resistances can be used so that the driver emulates an ideal resistor having a substantially zero temperature coefficient, providing a temperature independent current to the load.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a low noise transceiver. The transceiver establishes substantially identical common mode voltages at first and second nodes. A receiver is coupled to the first node for receiving signals. The first and second nodes are connected during a first operating mode to provide a low impedance path for diverting received signals away from the first node and disconnected during a second operating mode to enable the receiver to detect signals received at the first node.

Abstract: In an electro-optic light modulator requiring an electro-optical sensor material such as polymer dispersed liquid crystal, or PDLC is directly coated on an optical glass substrate with a transparent electrode, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and an optional layer of passivation coating such as silicon dioxide (SiO2) on its surface. A thin layer of polymeric adhesive is coated on top of PDLC layer and then this two-layer coating is laminated with a dielectric mirror on a polyester film (Mylar™) preferably with the assistance of a vacuum.

Abstract: In accordance with one specific embodiment of the present invention, a Hall-current ion source is operated in a pulsed mode where the pulse duration is short compared to the time for discharge fluctuations to develop. For a reduced loss of neutral gas, the time between pulses should be less than, or about equal to, the fill time for the ionizable gas in the discharge volume of the Hall-current ion source.

Abstract: A modular split-axis stage is used to inspect and/or repair large flat glass media suitable for LCD/TFT applications. Low-precision air table sections are detachably mounted to a centrally located, high-precision granite inspection/repair section. Glass media held by a vacuum contact is transported on air cushions from the up-web air table to the central inspection/repair section. Vacuum nozzles integrated with porous medium pads precisely control the height of the flexible media above the central section during inspection or repair. Embodiments includes structures in which the media is either stationary or moving during inspection/repair. A first media can be loaded/unloaded while a second media is undergoing inspection or repair in a pipelined operational mode.

Abstract: Implementation of the present system takes place in association with a computer device that is used to obtain and process data. In particular, implementation of the present system embraces the ability to query a management framework for any data. In at least one implementation, the querying occurs down to the specific requests for performance of the talents in the system, and results are returned that provide a viewable report. Accordingly, the systems and processes include the obtaining of information all the way down to talents and the receiving of a report all in the same management framework.

Abstract: In one embodiment of this invention, the apparatus for sputter deposition within an evacuated volume comprises a compact gridless ion source into which an ionizable gas is introduced and from which ions leave with directed energies at or near the sputtering threshold and a sputter target near that source, biased negative relative to the surrounding vacuum enclosure, and located within the beam of ions leaving that source. Particles sputtered from the target are deposited on a deposition substrate spaced from both the ion source and the sputter target. An energetic beam of electrons can be generated by the incident ions striking the negatively biased sputter target and the deposition substrate is located either within or outside of this beam, depending on whether the net effect of bombardment by energetic electrons is beneficial or detrimental to that particular deposition process.

Abstract: The present invention includes a MOS device (100) that has a P-type substrate (102) and an N-type drain region (104) formed within the substrate (102). An annular N-type source region (106) generally surrounds the drain region (104). The source region (106) serves as both the source for the MOS device (100) and a sacrificial collector guard ring for an electrostatic discharge protection circuit. An annular gate region (110) generally surrounds the drain region (104) and is electrically insulated from the drain region (104) and electrically connected to the source region (106). An annular P-type bulk region (108) generally surrounds the source region (106) and is electrically connected to the source region (106).

Abstract: A system and method for performing sputter etching includes an ion source that generates an ion current that is directed at a substrate and an electron source that generates an electron current directed at the substrate. Biasing circuitry biases the substrate with an a-symmetric bi-polar DC voltage pulse signal. The biasing circuitry is formed from a positive voltage source with respect to ground, a negative voltage source with respect to ground and a high frequency switch. At least one current sensor, coupled to the biasing circuitry, monitors a positive current and a negative current from the substrate during one or more cycles of the a-symmetric bi-polar DC voltage pulse signal. A control system, coupled to the at least one current sensor, varies the ion current independently from the electron current. The ion and electron sources create a continuous plasma that is proximate the substrate and the biasing circuitry causes the substrate to alternatively attract ions and electrons from the plasma.

Abstract: A high voltage integrated circuit operable in a system having a low voltage reference, a high voltage reference, and a ground, for providing an output voltage higher than the high voltage reference. The integrated circuit includes a high voltage ground reference circuit, operable to provide a high voltage ground reference node. Also included is an oscillator, operable to provide a clock signal, the oscillator being connected to the high voltage reference and to the high voltage ground reference node. An isolated charge pump circuit is provided, operable to generate the output voltage and isolated in the integrated circuit from other circuitry.