Abstract: Amplifier systems and methods are provided which closely approximate a constant output impedance and a constant quiescent output signal during forward and reverse modes of operation. The systems can be realized with small, inexpensive components that are compatible with integrated-circuit fabrication processes. A system embodiment includes a signal amplifier, a feedback path that is coupled across at least part of the signal amplifier to reduce its impedance, a reverse amplifier which is coupled to drive at least a feedback portion of the feedback path and a signal generator which controls operational timing of the signal amplifier and reverse amplifier. Another system embodiment includes an error-current canceler that cancels error currents of the signal amplifier with substantially equal and opposite correction currents.

Abstract: Transimpedance amplifiers are provided that generate low-distortion output voltage signals with simple, inexpensive structures that are compatible with integrated-circuit fabrication processes. The amplifiers include a current processor and a complementary output stage. The processor provides in-phase upper and lower current signals in response to a differential input current signal and differentially alters respective first and second amplitudes of these signals in response to a common-mode input current signal. The complementary output stage has upper and lower transistors that provide the output voltage signal in respective response to the upper and lower current signals and with distortion that is reduced by the altered first and second amplitudes.

Abstract: In integrated circuit (IC) designs, a component of power consumed may be represented as Power=½ FCV2, where C is the load capacitance being driven by a source cell, F is the switching frequency of the source cell, and V is the total output voltage swing. However, not every signal value generated by a source cell is required to propagate to all the sink cells connected to the source for every clock cycle of a chip. Accordingly, an isolate cell is inserted in a net (wire) connecting a source cell to at least one sink cell, to de-couple the at least one sink cell and a portion of the net from the source cell when a signal output by the source need not propagate. Due to the de-coupling, the load capacitance associated with the at least one sink and net portion is not experienced by the source cell for such signals. Accordingly, overall IC power consumption is reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for providing on-chip voltage distribution and regulation. In accordance with the system of the present invention, an IC chip includes a source voltage plane having a source supply rail for supplying power to the IC chip and a source ground rail for sinking power supplied therefrom. At least one intermediate ground rail is connected between the source supply rail and the source ground rail to divide the source voltage plane into multiple intermediate voltage planes. The intermediate ground rail serves as a supply rail for a subsequent intermediate voltage plane such that the intermediate voltage planes are series-connected.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a plurality of functional units which are capable of operating at more than one power/performance level and a power control unit. The power control unit controls the power/performance consumption of the different functional units to optimize operation of the integrated circuit. Special power control instructions are added to user applications in order to control via the power control unit, the power consumption of the different functional units.

Abstract: A multiple element color-corrected doubly telecentric lens and imaging system useful for imaging multiwell plates is described. The lens contains a biconvex field lens element L1, a positive meniscus lens element L2, concave toward the incident light side, a double-Gauss lens element group, a positive meniscus lens element L10, convex toward the incident light, a positive meniscus lens element L11, convex toward the incident light, and a plano concave field flattener lens element L12, concave toward the incident light side. The lens is very sensitive, and can be used to image scintillation proximity assays in multiwell plates.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting heavy glass panels in a bathing enclosure without opaque metal frames or metal clips. The supporting apparatus includes transparent plastic support brackets and fasteners that attach to the heavy glass panels. These brackets and fasteners are used in a panel assembly to join an adjacent wall or pan to a fixed glass panel or panels and to join adjacent fixed glass panels to each. Although not relied on for support, clear sealant in the joints of the assembly enhances the overall integrity of the support. The combination provides dependable support while giving the enclosure a more transparent look. The brackets and fasteners are preferably molded of clear polycarbonate, which has the characteristics of transparency, strength, and moisture resistance needed, and the sealant is preferably silicone.

Abstract: A system and method for providing on-chip voltage distribution and regulation. In accordance with the system of the present invention, an IC chip includes a source voltage plane having a source supply rail for supplying power to the IC chip and a source ground rail for sinking power supplied therefrom. At least one intermediate ground rail is connected between the source supply rail and the source ground rail to divide the source voltage plane into multiple intermediate voltage planes. The intermediate ground rail serves as a supply rail for a subsequent intermediate voltage plane such that the intermediate voltage planes are series-connected.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting heavy glass panels in a bathing enclosure without opaque metal frames or metal clips. The supporting apparatus includes transparent plastic support brackets and fasteners that attach to the heavy glass panels. These brackets and fasteners are used in a panel assembly to join an adjacent wall or pan to a fixed glass panel or panels and to join adjacent fixed glass panels to each. Although not relied on for support, clear sealant in the joints of the assembly enhances the overall integrity of the support. The combination provides dependable support while giving the enclosure a more transparent look. The brackets and fasteners are preferably molded of clear polycarbonate, which has the characteristics of transparency, strength, and moisture resistance needed, and the sealant is preferably silicone.

Abstract: A multiple element color-corrected doubly telecentric lens and imaging system useful for imaging multiwell plates is described. The lens contains a biconvex field lens element L1, a positive meniscus lens element L2, concave toward the incident light side, a double-Gauss lens element group, a positive meniscus lens element L10, convex toward the incident light, a positive meniscus lens element L11, convex toward the incident light, and a plano concave field flattener lens element L12, concave toward the incident light side. The lens is very sensitive, and can be used to image scintillation proximity assays in multiwell plates.

Abstract: A multiple element color-corrected doubly telecentric lens and imaging system useful for imaging multiwell plates is described. The lens contains a biconvex field lens element L1, a positive meniscus lens element L2, concave toward the incident light side, a double-Gauss lens element group, a positive meniscus lens element L10, convex toward the incident light, a positive meniscus lens element L11, convex toward the incident light, and a plano concave field flattener lens element L12, concave toward the incident light side. The lens is very sensitive, and can be used to image scintillation proximity assays in multiwell plates.

Abstract: A multiple element color-corrected doubly telecentric lens and imaging system useful for imaging multiwell plates is described. The lens contains a biconvex field lens element L1, a positive meniscus lens element L2, concave toward the incident light side, a double-Gauss lens element group, a positive meniscus lens element L10, convex toward the incident light, a positive meniscus lens element L11, convex toward the incident light, and a plano concave field flattener lens element L12, concave toward the incident light side. The lens is very sensitive, and can be used to image scintillation proximity assays in multiwell plates.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment, a device and method for reducing power consumption by reducing unneeded node toggling is provided. The preferred embodiment reduces unneeded node toggling in a circuit by utilizing either a pull-up or pull-down transistor to pull the input of the circuit to a state that minimizes power consumption during periods in which the circuit is inactive. By tying the circuit input high or low during inactivity, node toggling is reduced or eliminated in that circuit. In the preferred embodiment, the inputs to the circuit all pulled after a time of inactivity which is proportional to the leakage current of the leakiest transistor in the circuit. By timing the input pulling proportional to the leakage current, the power consumption is minimized without excessive power loss caused by the pulling itself.

Abstract: A wiring design tool which detects minimum area vias and replaces them with redundant vias pairs. The invention uses the definitions for single vias and tracks in a grid coordinate system and a file describing the design wires and their interconnections to select the most favorable direction for the placement. The invention accomplishes this by examining the directions one track away from each single via at various levels and according to the methodology of this invention, detects a possible situs for a redundant via pair, preferably where a segment of wire on the same net already exists. If no design rule violation occurs the system replaces the single via with a redundant via pair.

Abstract: A true/complement integrated circuit device is disclosed for reducing an amount of simultaneous switching on a bus between a current state and a next state. The device includes a current state register connected to the bus for outputting the current state onto the bus during a first clock cycle. A next state register is provided for containing the next state, wherein the next state is a pending state of the bus intended for a next clock cycle. A comparison circuit compares a current state value in the current state register with a next state value in the next state register on a bit-by-bit basis to determine if the current state value and the next state value are of a same polarity or of an opposite polarity. A circuit is provided for determining a ratio of switching signals from an output of the bit-by-bit comparisons by the comparison circuit.

Abstract: A lower arm encircling brace and support portion and an upper arm encircling brace and support portion are hingedly connected together so that when fit about and to the arm of a person, to each side of their elbow, the device does not interfere with bending of the arm. Each support portion is formed of relatively flexible but sturdy material and extends almost around and for the length of their respective arm portions. Velcro straps are utilized to fit the portions snugly and securely to the person's arm. A fishing rod support fixture is carried by the device to receive and facilitate disposition and use of relatively long "spinning type" fishing rods particularly by children and persons of slight build. The fishing rod support fixture can either be disposed at the hinge connection with its disposition further supported by a stabilizing strap, or at a disposition centered end-to-end on the lower arm encircling brace and support portion.