Abstract: A pre-charging circuit, such as can be used to pre-charge a data bus, is largely process independent. A push-pull type of arrangement is used, where the output of the pre-charge circuit is initially connected to a supply level through one transistor, then connected to ground by another transistor. These transistors can be controlled by one or more comparators that have as inputs a reference level and feedback from the output. The reference level is generated by a circuit that tracks the threshold voltage of the other devices in the circuit in order to reduce process dependency of the output level. The circuit can also include a device to provide an extra VDD assist to the output.

Abstract: An amplifier system an amplified path and a bypass path for carrying an RF signal. A switch in the amplified system routes the RF signal through the amplified path in response to a normal condition in the amplifier system, and routes the RF signal through the bypass path in response to an abnormal condition in the amplifier system. The amplified path includes an amplified forward circuit and a return circuit. The amplified forward circuit has an amplifier, and the return circuit has a return amplifier and detection circuitry for providing power to the return amplifier. The detection circuity provides power to the return amplifier in response to a normal condition in the return circuit, and removes power from the return amplifier in response to an abnormal condition in the return circuit.

Abstract: In non-volatile memory devices, a write typically consists of an alternating set of pulse and verify operations. At the end of a pulse, the device must be biased properly for an accurate verify, after which the device is re-biased for the next pulse. The intervals between the pulse and verify phases are considered. For the interval after a pulse, but before establishing the verify conditions, the source, bit line, and, optionally, the well levels can be equalized and then regulated at a desired DC level. After a verify phase, but before applying the biasing the memory for the next pulse, the source and bit line levels can be equalized to a DC level.

Abstract: The present invention helps eliminate ingress noise addition (i.e., the “noise funneling effect” for an HFC coaxial plant). A system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a switch that includes: (i) a first state for allowing passage of a signal therethrough; and (ii) a second state for preventing passage of the signal therethrough. The system further includes a detection circuit in communication with the switch. The detection circuit is configured to: (i) detect whether the signal includes an amplitude of at least a predetermined level; (ii) operate the switch to the first state if the amplitude of the signal is at least the predetermined level; and (iii) operate the switch to the second state if the amplitude of the signal is less than the predetermined level, wherein operation of the switch to the second state is delayed by a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A pre-charging circuit, such as can be used to pre-charge a data bus, is presented that is largely process independent. A push-pull type of arrangement is used, where the output of the pre-charge circuit is initially connected to a supply level through one transistor, then connect to ground by another transistor. These transistors can be controlled by one or more comparators that have as inputs a reference level and feedback from the output. The reference level is generated by a circuit that tracks the threshold voltage of the other devices in the circuit in order to reduce process dependency of the output level. The circuit can also include a device to provide an extra VDD assist to the output.

Abstract: The present invention helps eliminate ingress noise addition (i.e., the “noise funneling effect” for an HFC coaxial plant). A system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a switch that includes: (i) a first state for allowing passage of a signal therethrough; and (ii) a second state for preventing passage of the signal therethrough. The system further includes a detection circuit in communication with the switch. The detection circuit is configured to: (i) detect whether the signal includes an amplitude of at least a predetermined level; (ii) operate the switch to the first state if the amplitude of the signal is at least the predetermined level; and (iii) operate the switch to the second state if the amplitude of the signal is less than the predetermined level, wherein operation of the switch to the second state is delayed by a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An LDO/HDO circuit adds a supplementary current source to supply the output node. The current boosting section includes a digital comparator with a first input connected to the LDO's feedback loop and a second input connected to a reference level. The comparator then generates a digital output used to control the supplementary current source. This approach also can be used in a far-side implementation, where the local supply level for the load is boosted by the current source based a comparison of this local level and the output of the LDO. Miller capacitive compensation is also considered. Current in shunted to ground from a node in the Miller loop, where the level is controlled by the output of a digital comparator base on a comparison of the circuit's output voltage and a reference level.

Abstract: An LDO/HDO circuit adds a supplementary current source to supply the output node. The current boosting section includes a digital comparator with a first input connected to the LDO's feedback loop and a second input connected to a reference level. The comparator then generates a digital output used to control the supplementary current source. This approach also can be used in a far-side implementation, where the local supply level for the load is boosted by the current source based a comparison of this local level and the output of the LDO. Miller capacitive compensation is also considered. Current in shunted to ground from a node in the Miller loop, where the level is controlled by the output of a digital comparator base on a comparison of the circuit's output voltage and a reference level.

Abstract: In a nonvolatile memory array that stores randomized data, the program level—the number of states per cell stored in a population of memory cells—is determined from the total current passing through the population of memory cells under read conditions, as observed on a common line, for example a source line in NAND flash memory.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for improving the wake-up response of voltage regulation circuits. A first set of techniques relate to the inputs an op-amp in a regulation circuit. In regulated operation, one input receives feedback from the regulator's output. Instead, during reset, after resetting the op-amp's output node to the supply level, this input of op-amp is instead connected to ground in order to increase the amount of tail current through the op-amp in order to more quickly bring down the op-amp's output node. A detection circuit is introduced to determine when the op-amp's input is reconnected to receive feedback. In a complementary sets of techniques, when the circuit on which the regulator is formed receives an enable signal and the output of the regulator will be needed for an operation, and when the regulator is not yet back at operating levels, its supply is temporarily shorted to the supply level.

Abstract: A house amplifier provides automatic gating to selectively block the return path signal in a cable network. The house amplifier includes ports connected to the cable network and to at least one home coaxial outlet. A forward signal path is coupled to pass a forward signal from the cable network. A reverse signal path is coupled to selectively pass a reverse signal from the home to the cable network. The reverse signal path includes a gate configured to block the reverse signal in response to a control signal. A detector circuit detects when the reverse signal is received and activates or deactivates the gate based on the detection. The detector circuit may include a timing circuit configured to provide a delay before deactivating the gate when the reverse signal is no longer detected.

Abstract: In a nonvolatile memory array that stores randomized data, the program level—the number of states per cell stored in a population of memory cells—is determined from the total current passing through the population of memory cells under read conditions, as observed on a common line, for example a source line in NAND flash memory.

Abstract: In non-volatile memory devices, a write typically consists of an alternating set of pulse and verify operations. At the end of a pulse, the device must be biased properly for an accurate verify, after which the device is re-biased for the next pulse. The intervals between the pulse and verify phases are considered. For the interval after a pulse, but before establishing the verify conditions, the source, bit line, and, optionally, the well levels can be equalized and then regulated at a desired DC level. After a verify phase, but before applying the biasing the memory for the next pulse, the source and bit line levels can be equalized to a DC level.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of providing seamless online video advertisements includes rendering a video advertisement on a first web page in a first tab. The computer-implemented method also includes recording current time of play constantly during the rendering of the video advertisement and receiving a request for a second web page in the first tab from the user. Further, the computer-implemented method includes unloading the first web page and loading the second web page in the first tab. Moreover, the computer-implemented method includes retrieving current time of play stored corresponding to the unloading and resume the rendering the video advertisement on the second web page based on the current time of play retrieved.

Abstract: A cable service provisioning device includes an integrated cable modem to enable a cable provider to send configuration commands. The device includes an input component that receives an input signal from a cable network and an output component that provides an output signal to a customer premises. The device further includes a cable modem configured to receive configuration commands from a cable head end, radio frequency filters configured to selectively pass a portion of the input signal; and a radio frequency switchboard coupled to the input component, the output component, and the one or more radio frequency filters. A processor is coupled to the cable modem and the radio frequency switchboard and is configured to control the radio frequency switchboard to selectively enable or disable individual radio frequency filters in response to the configuration commands received from the cable head end.

Abstract: An impact emulator that provides impact effects to a player of a video game system is provided. The video game system has a magnetic field generator that is able to produce magnetic field to generate a force on a magnet on a remote controller. The amount of magnetic field to be produced is depending on the relative movement of the remote controller and a target element.

Abstract: An impact emulator that provides impact effects to a player of a video game system is provided. The video game system has a magnetic field generator that is able to produce magnetic field to generate a force on a magnet on a remote controller. The amount of magnetic field to be produced is depending on the relative movement of the remote controller and a target element.

Abstract: An impact emulator that provides impact effects to a player of a video game system is provided. The video game system has a magnetic field generator that is able to produce magnetic field to generate a force on a magnet on a remote controller. The amount of magnetic field to be produced is depending on the relative movement of the remote controller and a target element.

Abstract: The present invention helps eliminate ingress noise addition (i.e., the “noise funneling effect” for an HFC coaxial plant). A system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a switch that includes: (i) a first state for allowing passage of a signal therethrough; and (ii) a second state for preventing passage of the signal therethrough. The system further includes a detection circuit in communication with the switch. The detection circuit is configured to: (i) detect whether the signal includes an amplitude of at least a predetermined level; (ii) operate the switch to the first state if the amplitude of the signal is at least the predetermined level; and (iii) operate the switch to the second state if the amplitude of the signal is less than the predetermined level, wherein operation of the switch to the second state is delayed by a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: In a traditional HFC plant, the return path signals originating from cable modems, eMTAs, and settop boxes are transmitted in the 5-42 MHz range (other countries use frequencies such as 5-30 MHz, 5-55 MHz, and 5-65 MHz). These signals with entry points at any RF connection point in the home are combined by RF combiners at the side of the house. Furthermore, RF return path signals from multiple homes are combined by RF taps into a coaxial cable TV plant, and transmitted back to a hub or headend either in RF or thru a fiber optic network. In addition to combining all RF signals, the return path system combines all the ingress noise from all the RF connection points, which has an adverse impact on signal quality. This invention takes advantage of the burst nature of RF return path signals to insert an automatic gating function into the return signal path of a house amplifier so that the return signal path is shut off or attenuated when no RF return signal is present.