Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system for simulating bipolar transistors with a variation in Early voltage as a function of collector/emitter bias voltage. The simulation is based upon a standard Gummel-Poon model and is improved by an Early voltage extension, where the constant Early voltage is replaced by an Early voltage that is divided into several regions. The Early voltage is adjusted to fit the actual variations of the measured Early voltage characteristics of a bipolar transistor. The Early voltage within each region is used for calculating the bipolar transistors base charge (qb) which then is used to simulate the performance of the bipolar transistor. The regions may be linked together by choice of boundary conditions.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling a fluid flow over a sensing surface within a flow cell The methods employ laminar flow techniques to position a fluid flow over one or more discrete sensing areas on the sensing surface of the flow cell. Such methods permit selective sensitization of the discrete sensing areas, and provide selective contact of the discrete sensing areas with a sample fluid flow. Immobilization of a ligand upon the discrete sensing area, followed by selective contact with an analyte contained within the sample fluid flow, allows analysis by a wide variety of techniques. Sensitized sensing surfaces, and sensor devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor includes a buried conducting layer, such as a buried collector, comprises a trench, the walls of which are covered with a layer of a material in which dopant ions diffuse faster than in monocrystalline silicon. A contact area is doped in close proximity to the trench wall. The dopants will diffuse through the layer and form a low resistance connection to the buried layer. The layer may comprise polysilicon or porous silicon, or a silicide. If the material used in the layer is not in itself conducting, the size of the component may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A conductor 1 crossing a trench around an electrical component 1 is electrically connected to an isolated intermediate conducting region in order to move the field strength concentrations out of the electrical component and into the intermediate conducting region. This prevents avalanche breakdown occurring in the electrical component.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling a fluid flow over a sensing surface within a flow cell. The methods employ laminar flow techniques to position a fluid flow over one or more discrete sensing areas on the sensing surface of the flow cell. Such methods permit selective sensitization of the discrete sensing areas, and provide selective contact of the discrete sensing areas with a sample fluid flow. Immobilization of a ligand upon the discrete sensing area, followed by selective contact with an analyte contained within the sample fluid flow, allows analysis by a wide variety of techniques. Sensitized sensing surfaces, and sensor devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: The microfluidic structure comprises first and second substantially planar form-stable base layers and an intermediate spacing layer of elastic material, said spacing layer being recessed to define a microcavity or channel system with at least one of said first and second base layers. The structure is produced by moulding the spacing layer, optionally applied to or integral with a first base layer, against a planar mould, and the microcavity or channel system is completed by applying a second base layer, and optionally said first base layer, to the spacing layer.

Abstract: An optical biosensor system using internal reflection versus angle of incidence determination for the detection of biomolecules, the system comprising a sensor unit (10) with at least two sensing surfaces (39A-D), a source of light (1), and lens means (2) for forming a convergent beam of light which is focused in wedge-shape fashion to form a streak of light (5) extending transversely over all the sensing surfaces; a photodetector device (7) in the form of a two-dimensional matrix of individual photodetector; optical imaging instrumentation in the form of an anamorphic lens system (6) for the purpose of imaging rays of reflected light from the sensing surfaces on each its own column of photodetectors, so that for each sensing surface there is a corresponding set of columns of photodetectors; and an evaluation unit (8) for determining the minimum reflectance or the resonance angle at each of the sensing surfaces.