Abstract: A PLL has a tunable resonator including an inductance and variable capacitance coupled between first and second nodes, and capacitances coupleable between the nodes. A control node is coupled to the variable capacitance and receives a control signal for tuning the resonator. A biasing circuit biases the resonator to generate an output. A PFD circuit senses timing offset of the output with respect to a reference and asserts first or second digital signals dependent on the sign of the timing offset. A charge pump generates the control signal based on the first and second digital signals. A timer asserts a timing signal in response to a pulse sensed in a reset signal and de-asserts the timing signal after a time interval. A calibrator couples selected capacitances between the first and second nodes as a function of the second digital signal, in response to assertion of the timing signal.

Abstract: A device for secure short-range point-to-point radiocommunication, comprising: first transceiver apparatus for transmission and/or reception of a first EM beam with a non-zero Orbital Angular Momentum OAM value (l10); additional transceiver apparatus for transmission and/or reception of at least one additional EM beam which is co-polar and isofrequential with the first beam that can be generated by the first apparatus and with value (l20; l30) of the topological charge of the OAM different from the OAM topological charge value (l10) of the beam transmittable and/or receivable by the first transceiver apparatus; a first and a second data channel being associated with a respective carrier comprising said first and said at least second EM beam, respectively, thereby forming a high-security physical substrate preventing interception of the radiocommunication information content; wherein the device is included: in a security card, or in a reader device for a security card, or in a portable multimedia device, or in

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring and controlling the eccentricity of a colored coating layer of an optical fiber allows continuous on-line measurement of the eccentricity of the colored layer and high-speed control of the devices envisaged for its deposition in order to make corrections possible. The measurement is carried out by launching into the fiber a monochromatic light beam with a wavelength in the near infrared and by analyzing the interference patterns obtained by a TV camera sensitive to such a wavelength.

Abstract: An article for use in producing silica optical fibers doped with a metal de obtained by synthesis from low pressure vapor reactants is made from an outer supporting tube extending along a longitudinal axis and having first and second longitudinally opposite ends and an inner surface on which silica and a dopant formed by a reaction between vapor-state reactants can be deposited over a longitudinally extending silica-deposition zone. Respective first and second joints engage the ends of the supporting tube and each have a fixed part and a rotating part. Each rotating part supports the respective end for rotation relative to the respective fixed part about the axis. At least one of the reactants is introduced into the supporting tube through the first joint and depleted gases are discharged through the second joint.

Abstract: The method allows the production of silica and dopant with reactions among gaseous chemical compounds. The optical fibers produced do not present dip and exhibit low attenuation. Carbon dioxide is used as the oxidizer and organometallic aluminum compounds are used to obtain the dopant; silica is obtained from organometallic silicon compounds or silicon tetrachloride.

Abstract: Airtight rotating joint, composed of a fixed part and of a rotating one both equipped with an axial conduit ending in a chamber, rendered airtight and separated from the outside by means of a second pressurizable chamber. The joint is particularly suited to equipment where high-purity materials are to be handled.