Abstract: A median filter device is provided with a reordered circuit, a comparison circuit and a data refresh circuit on the basis of the conventional data buffer circuit and data register circuit. The reorder circuit re-sorts the signal data stored in the data buffer circuit in a preceding clock cycle according to their numerical values. The comparison circuit compares the new signal datum entered in the current clock cycle with the signal data already stored to generate a median. The data refresh circuit updates the signal codes stored in the data register circuit with the signal codes corresponding to the new signal data, for calculation of the median in a following clock cycle. The length of the data buffer circuit and data register circuit can be reduced from N signal data to N?1 signal data, which achieves less data storage capacity, smaller circuit area, easier data processing and higher operation efficiency.

Abstract: A median filter device is provided with a reordered circuit, a comparison circuit and a data refresh circuit on the basis of the conventional data buffer circuit and data register circuit. The reorder circuit re-sorts the signal data stored in the data buffer circuit in a preceding clock cycle according to their numerical values. The comparison circuit compares the new signal datum entered in the current clock cycle with the signal data already stored to generate a median. The data refresh circuit updates the signal codes stored in the data register circuit with the signal codes corresponding to the new signal data, for calculation of the median in a following clock cycle. The length of the data buffer circuit and data register circuit can be reduced from N signal data to N-1 signal data, which achieves less data storage capacity, smaller circuit area, easier data processing and higher operation efficiency.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an integrated circuit(IC) [400b]. The IC comprises transistors [410b] and contact fuses [422b]. The contact fuses each comprise a conducting layer [424b], a frustum-shaped contact [426b] has a narrower end that contacts the conducting layer and a first metal layer [427b] that is located over the conducting layer. A wider end of the frustum-shaped contact contacts the first metal layer. The frustum-shaped contact has a ratio of an opening of the wider end to the narrower end that is at least about 1.2. The contact fuses each further include a heat sink [432b] that is located over and contacts the first metal layer.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an integrated circuit(IC) [400b]. The IC comprises transistors [410b] and contact fuses [422b]. The contact fuses each comprise a conducting layer [424b], a frustum-shaped contact [426b] has a narrower end that contacts the conducting layer and a first metal layer [427b] that is located over the conducting layer. A wider end of the frustum-shaped contact contacts the first metal layer. The frustum-shaped contact has a ratio of an opening of the wider end to the narrower end that is at least about 1.2. The contact fuses each further include a heat sink [432b] that is located over and contacts the first metal layer.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an integrated circuit (IC). The IC comprises transistors and contact fuses. The contact fuses each comprise a conducting layer, a frustum-shaped contact has a narrower end that contacts the conducting layer and a first metal layer that is located over the conducting layer. A wider end of the frustum-shaped contact contacts the first metal layer. The frustum-shaped contact has a ratio of an opening of the wider end to the narrower end that is at least about 1.2. The contact fuses each further include a heat sink that is located over and contacts the first metal layer.