Abstract: An ablation probe includes an elongated needle portion comprising a distal end for positioning at a target tissue and a proximal end positioned away from the distal end and a guidance indicator positioned at the proximal end. The guidance indicator includes one or more markings or indicators to identify actual alignment of the probe relative to a preferred alignment.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is configured to implement a security protocol. The semiconductor device includes an entropy source that includes a plurality of bitcells. The entropy source is configured to output a sequence of physical unclonable function bit values based on intrinsic properties of the plurality of bitcells to generate a unique device secret for the security protocol, and selectively damage at least a portion of the plurality of bitcells to prevent reverse engineering the sequence of physical unclonable function bit values.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described that are directed to specific and sensitive methods of target nucleic acid detection and more specifically detecting target nucleic acids directly from biological samples. The compositions and methods were developed to be easy to use involving a minimum number of steps and giving rapid and consistent results either at point of care or in high throughput situations. The compositions and methods are directed to labelled probes and their uses in Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) diagnostic tests to detect target DNA from the environment or from an individual and also to detect specific variants of the target DNA, both with similar sensitivity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described that are directed to specific and sensitive methods of target nucleic acid detection and more specifically detecting target nucleic acids directly from biological samples. The compositions and methods were developed to be easy to use involving a minimum number of steps and giving rapid and consistent results either at point of care or in high throughput situations. The compositions and methods are directed to labelled probes and their uses in Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) diagnostic tests to detect target DNA from the environment or from an individual and also to detect specific variants of the target DNA, both with similar sensitivity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described that are directed to specific and sensitive methods of target nucleic acid detection and more specifically detecting target nucleic acids directly from biological samples. The compositions and methods were developed to be easy to use involving a minimum number of steps and giving rapid and consistent results either at point of care or in high throughput situations. The compositions and methods are directed to labelled probes and their uses in Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) diagnostic tests to detect target DNA from the environment or from an individual and also to detect specific variants of the target DNA, both with similar sensitivity.

Abstract: Methods, kits and compositions, in some embodiments, may include a thermostable DNA guided Argonaute protein for example TtAgo, a thermostable single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) for example, extreme thermostable single-stranded DNA binding protein (ET SSB), and, optionally, a strand-displacing polymerase. A SSB may allow (a) Argonaute/guide DNA complexes to substantially enhance cleavage efficiency of single- and double-stranded DNA substrates; (b) the use of longer guide DNAs (e.g., guide DNAs that are at least 24 nucleotides in length) and/or (c) increases in the sequence specificity of Argonaute-mediated binding and cleavage reactions.

Abstract: Kits and methods are described that are directed to specific and sensitive methods of target nucleic acid detection and more specifically detecting target nucleic acids directly from biological samples. The kits and methods were developed to be easy to use involving a minimum number of steps and giving rapid and consistent results either at point of care or in high throughput situations. The kits and methods utilize in various combinations, reversible inhibitors of kit components, thermolabile enzymes, poloxamers, various salts, indicators and one or more Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) primer sets for detecting single and/or multiple targets and variants of the targets including SARS-CoV-2 targets and variants thereof in a single reaction. The kits and methods permit detection of the target nucleic with similar sensitivity regardless of the presence of undefined mutations that may enhance the virulence of cells or viruses containing the undefined mutations.

Abstract: Methods, kits and compositions, in some embodiments, may include a thermostable DNA guided Argonaute protein for example TtAgo, a thermostable single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) for example, ET SSB, and, optionally, a strand-displacing polymerase. A SSB may allow (a) Argonaute/guide DNA complexes to substantially enhance cleavage efficiency of single- and double-stranded DNA substrates; (b) the use of longer guide DNAs (e.g., guide DNAs that are at least 24 nucleotides in length) and/or (c) increases in the sequence specificity of Argonaute-mediated binding and cleavage reactions.

Abstract: Kits and methods are described that are directed to specific and sensitive methods of target nucleic acid detection and more specifically detecting target nucleic acids directly from biological samples. The kits and methods were developed to be easy to use involving a minimum number of steps and giving rapid and consistent results either at point of care or in high throughput situations. The kits and methods utilize in various combinations, reversible inhibitors of kit components, thermolabile enzymes, poloxamers, various salts, indicators and one or more Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) primer sets for detecting single and/or multiple targets and variants of the targets including SARS-CoV-2 targets and variants thereof in a single reaction. The kits and methods permit detection of the target nucleic with similar sensitivity regardless of the presence of undefined mutations that may enhance the virulence of cells or viruses containing the undefined mutations.

Abstract: Kits and methods are described that are directed to specific and sensitive methods of target nucleic acid detection and more specifically detecting target nucleic acids directly from biological samples. The kits and methods were developed to be easy to use involving a minimum number of steps and giving rapid and consistent results either at point of care or in high throughput situations. The kits and methods utilize in various combinations, reversible inhibitors of kit components, thermolabile enzymes, poloxamers, various salts, indicators and one or more Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) primer sets for detecting single and/or multiple targets and variants of the targets including SARS-CoV-2 targets and variants thereof in a single reaction. The kits and methods permit detection of the target nucleic with similar sensitivity regardless of the presence of undefined mutations that may enhance the virulence of cells or viruses containing the undefined mutations.

Abstract: Kits and methods are described that are directed to specific and sensitive methods of target nucleic acid detection and more specifically detecting target nucleic acids directly from biological samples. The kits and methods were developed to be easy to use involving a minimum number of steps and giving rapid and consistent results either at point of care or in high throughput situations. The kits and methods utilize in various combinations, reversible inhibitors of kit components, thermolabile enzymes, poloxamers, various salts, indicators and one or more Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) primer sets for detecting single and/or multiple targets and variants of the targets including SARS-CoV-2 targets and variants thereof in a single reaction. The kits and methods permit detection of the target nucleic with similar sensitivity regardless of the presence of undefined mutations that may enhance the virulence of cells or viruses containing the undefined mutations.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an integrated circuit (IC) chip that includes an on-chip parameter generation system. The system includes multiple parameter generators (e.g., voltage generators, current generators, capacitance generators, etc.) and an integrated calibration circuit. The calibration circuit is configured to automatically, sequentially, and repeatedly calibrate the parameter generators in order to minimize chip-to-chip variations in parameters supplied to other on-chip components under real world operating conditions throughout the life of the IC chip. In other words, the integrated calibration circuit effectively minimizes temperature-induced chip-to-chip variations, age-induced chip-to-chip variations, etc. in parameters generated by the on-chip parameter generators. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of an associated method.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an integrated circuit (IC) chip that includes an on-chip parameter generation system. The system includes multiple parameter generators (e.g., voltage generators, current generators, capacitance generators, etc.) and an integrated calibration circuit. The calibration circuit is configured to automatically, sequentially, and repeatedly calibrate the parameter generators in order to minimize chip-to-chip variations in parameters supplied to other on-chip components under real world operating conditions throughout the life of the IC chip. In other words, the integrated calibration circuit effectively minimizes temperature-induced chip-to-chip variations, age-induced chip-to-chip variations, etc. in parameters generated by the on-chip parameter generators. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of an associated method.

Abstract: Methods produce IC devices that include a multiplexor that is electrically connected to a bandgap reference generator and a charge pump. The multiplexor receives voltage levels of a voltage-boosted clock signal being output by the charge pump to the bandgap reference generator. The multiplexor outputs, to the charge pump, either: a retry signal (if the voltage levels of the voltage-boosted clock signal being output by the charge pump are below a voltage threshold) or a pump signal (if the voltage levels of the voltage-boosted clock signal being output by the charge pump are not below the voltage threshold). The pump signal causes the charge pump to output the voltage-boosted clock signal to the bandgap reference generator. The retry signal causes the charge pump to not output the voltage-boosted clock signal to the bandgap reference generator, and instead to precharge the charge pump.

Abstract: An array of memory cells in rows and columns with each column having a corresponding reference cell and a corresponding comparator. Each memory cell in a given row and given column is connected to a memory wordline for the row and to a memory bitline for the column. Each reference cell is connected to a reference wordline for the reference cells and to a reference bitline. Each comparator for a column has a current mirror with a reference section connected to the reference bitline for the reference cell for the column and a memory section connected to the memory bitline for the memory cells in the column. Each reference section has a current mirror node and all current mirror nodes in the array are connected to reduce mismatch and improve sensing accuracy. Voltages applied to the memory and reference wordlines are varied to provide accurate single-ended sensing, margin testing, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are an on-chip reliability monitor and method. The monitor includes a test circuit with a test device, a reference circuit with a reference device, and a comparator circuit. The monitor periodically switches from operation in a stress mode, to operation in a test mode, and back. During each stress mode, the test device is subjected to stress conditions that emulate the operating conditions of an on-chip functional device while the reference device remains essentially unstressed. During each test mode, the comparator circuit compares a parameter of the test device to the same parameter of the reference device and outputs a status signal based on the difference between the parameters. When the status signal switches values, it is an indicator that the functional device has been subjected to a predetermined number of power-on-hours. Optionally, multiple monitors can be cascaded together to more accurately monitor stress-induced changes over time.

Abstract: Disclosed are an on-chip reliability monitor and method. The monitor includes a test circuit with a test device, a reference circuit with a reference device, and a comparator circuit. The monitor periodically switches from operation in a stress mode, to operation in a test mode, and back. During each stress mode, the test device is subjected to stress conditions that emulate the operating conditions of an on-chip functional device while the reference device remains essentially unstressed. During each test mode, the comparator circuit compares a parameter of the test device to the same parameter of the reference device and outputs a status signal based on the difference between the parameters. When the status signal switches values, it is an indicator that the functional device has been subjected to a predetermined number of power-on-hours. Optionally, multiple monitors can be cascaded together to more accurately monitor stress-induced changes over time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a calibration circuit and method. The circuit includes: a DAC that outputs an analog parameter and includes output parameter adjustment circuitry; a comparator that receives a reference parameter and the analog parameter; and a control circuit (with select logic) connected to the comparator and DAC in a feedback loop. During a calibration mode, the magnitude of the analog parameter is adjusted by ½ DAC step in one direction and the feedback loop is used to perform a binary search calibration process. During an operation mode, the magnitude of the analog parameter is adjusted by ½ DAC step in the opposite direction. The select logic selects the DAC step identified by the calibration process or the next higher DAC step as a final DAC step. The control circuit outputs a final DAC code corresponding to the final DAC step and the DAC generates a calibrated parameter based thereon.

Abstract: Methods produce IC devices that include a multiplexor that is electrically connected to a bandgap reference generator and a charge pump. The multiplexor receives voltage levels of a voltage-boosted clock signal being output by the charge pump to the bandgap reference generator. The multiplexor outputs, to the charge pump, either: a retry signal (if the voltage levels of the voltage-boosted clock signal being output by the charge pump are below a voltage threshold) or a pump signal (if the voltage levels of the voltage-boosted clock signal being output by the charge pump are not below the voltage threshold). The pump signal causes the charge pump to output the voltage-boosted clock signal to the bandgap reference generator. The retry signal causes the charge pump to not output the voltage-boosted clock signal to the bandgap reference generator, and instead to precharge the charge pump.

Abstract: Differential voltage generators receive an initial target voltage, and provide the initial target voltage to a first offset element and a second offset element. The first offset element includes first transistors, and the second offset element includes second transistors. Each of the first transistors is capable of changing the initial target voltage by a different incremental amount to change the initial target voltage to an altered target voltage. The second transistors are capable of removing a current generated by the first transistors, thereby causing an opposite current and leaving the initial target voltage unaffected on a second output. Each of the first transistors has a corresponding second transistor that produces the same current. A first output is capable of outputting the altered target voltage, and the second output is capable of outputting the initial target voltage.