Abstract: The function module enables generation of a second current which has a relationship to at least one first current of the type y=xk/j, in which x is the value of the first current and y is the value of the second current, k and j being respective different positive integers which can be freely selected. It comprises a series of sections (C1, C2, . . . , Cj, . . . ), each section comprising a variable conductance (G*j) whose value is proportional to the current flowing in the variable conductance of the section which preceded this section in the series. The conductance (G*1) of the first section is proportional to a reference current (I0).

Abstract: A pointing device including a ball engaging one or more shaft encoders, each shaft encoder having an encoding wheel, including a monolithic photosensitive array for detecting light pulses representative of rotary movement of the ball. The photosensitive array provides a plurality of resolutions and permits accurate tracking of rotary movement of the ball without need for a mask. Comparator and latch means operate on the output of the array and provides digital hysteresis.

Abstract: An integrated control device for controlling a device such as a LED display or a miniature stepping motor for an electronic watch comprises at least one insulated-gate field effect transistor for controlling the supply of current to the element. The gate of the F.E.T. is connected to a control circuit including a voltage multiplier comprising a series-connected chain of rectifiers and a plurality of capacitors connected between the respective junctions between rectifiers and alternate inputs. High frequency signals of opposite phase are supplied to the inputs under control of an input control signal. Circuit means are provided for starting the action of the voltage multiplier at the beginning of an input control signal and for short-circuiting the output of the control circuit at the end of an input control signal.

Abstract: A multifunctional wrist watch combining the functions of time-indication with other functions, for example a calculator. The watch has a glass in which pick-ups are provided for detecting the passage of a finger of a user over the surface of the glass and recognition circuits for converting the trace detected into a logic signal for processing by a calculator circuit provided in the watch case. The output of the calculator is then displayed by the electro-optical display on the watch. The detection and recognition facility may also be utilized for correction of the date and time settings of the watch.

Abstract: CMOS oscillator in which the oscillator circuit comprises a first MOS transistor connected by its source to a first terminal of a voltage supply and biased by the current provided by a second MOS transistor of opposed type which is a part of the same integrated circuit. At least a third MOS transistor (T.sub.6, T.sub.8, T.sub.12) of the same type as the second and which is a part of the same integrated circuit is provided, the sources and gates of the second and third transistors being respectively connected together and respectively to the second terminal of the voltage supply and to a point (P) at a potential such that the mean drain current of the first transistor will be maintained at a value just higher than the value at which oscillation starts.

Abstract: A pointing device including a ball engaging one or more shaft encoders, each shaft encoder having an encoding wheel, including a monolithic photosensitive array for detecting light pulses representative of rotary movement of the ball. The photosensitive array provides a plurality of resolutions and permits accurate tracking of rotary movement of the ball without need for a mask. Comparator and latch means operate on the output of the array and provides digital hysteresis.