Abstract: This specification discloses methods and systems for implementing a chip integrated scope (i.e., chip scope (CS)), which is a feature that allows a user to scope RF signals (internally and externally to the DUT (device under test)), by using the RF receive path (including amplifier, filter, ADC, DSP) to capture and store signal traces. In some embodiments, this specification discloses methods and systems to enhance the resolution and accuracy of these signal traces by using raw and correction data for gain/phase compensation of gain/phase impairments introduced in the Rx (receiver) path. In some embodiments, the correction data is generated from one or more of the following: simulation data, characterization data, production test data.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for operating a communications device that communicates via inductive coupling are described. In an embodiment, a method for operating a communications device that communicates via inductive coupling involves obtaining at least one system or environmental parameter related to the communications device and adjusting a communications configuration of the communications device in response to the at least one system or environmental parameter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: This specification discloses methods and systems providing reader-mode performance enhancement for operating a device that communicates via inductive coupling. In reader-mode, Tx (transmitter) power of a reader device is maximized even though for some tags, the communication distance is limited by Rx (receiver) sensitivity. Therefore, power is wasted. Even worse, a too highly boosted Tx power demands a high Rx dynamic range and consequently a low Rx sensitivity. In turn, the communication distance may even be degraded by a too highly boosted Tx power. Therefore, in some embodiments, reader-mode performance enhancement is based on backing off Tx (transmitter) power when not needed (energy distance>communication distance) to save power and/or to relax reader-mode Rx (receiver) sensitivity requirements. In some embodiments, the backing off of Tx (transmitter) is also based on a sensor determining a geometric position/location of a reader device relative to a tag-mode device.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to auto-sweeping impedance-matching circuitry that matches an impedance of an RF antenna. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a transmitter that is configured and arranged to transmit signals to remote devices via the RF antenna, is used to communicate a plurality of test signals to the impedance-matching circuitry, with each test signal having a designated frequency and/or test signal pattern that is different than the designated frequency and/or test signal pattern of the other test signals. A characteristic of each of the test signals as passed through the impedance-matching circuitry is detected. For each of the test signals generated for the auto-sweep, the detected characteristic is compared to an expected characteristic for the test signal, and an output indicative of compliance of the impedance-matching circuitry with a design specification is generated and transmitted in response to the comparison.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for attenuator phase compensation are described. In an embodiment, a method for attenuator phase compensation involves determining a phase compensation value for an attenuator based on an attenuation configuration of the attenuator and performing phase compensation according to the phase compensation value to maintain a constant phase response.

Abstract: The method of growing a biopolymer material employs incubation of a growth media comprised of nutritive substrate and a fungus in containers that are placed in a closed incubation chamber with air flows passed over each container while the chamber is maintained with a predetermined environment of humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide and oxygen. The air flows may be directed parallel or perpendicularly to the surfaces of the growth media.

Abstract: This specification discloses methods and systems for controlling a NFC (near field communication) transmitter output with enhanced accuracy. This is achieved by first doing a device and/or system level calibration of the Tx (transmitter) by testing at the device and/or system level. Then using the testing results to generate a set of Tx calibration data, which will be used by a Tx control unit to control the Tx outputs (such as Tx output power, Tx output voltage, Tx output current, etc.) with enhanced accuracy. In some embodiments, the Tx control unit controls the Tx output with enhanced accuracy by using the Tx calibration data to tune one or more of the following: (i) Tx supply, (ii) Tx driver, (iii) matching network.

Abstract: This specification discloses methods and devices for NFC/RFID (near field communication/radio frequency identification) reader systems to detect an external target device (e.g., tag or card device) within communication distance. In some embodiments, this is achieved by: (i) directing a Tx (transmitter) unit to generate a Tx signal, (ii) sweeping through a first Tx output (e.g., Tx voltage) in an increasing manner, and then (iii) monitoring a second Tx output (e.g., Tx current). During monitoring, a step change in the second Tx output (e.g., Tx current) would indicate detection of an external target device.

Abstract: A method of analysing a subterranean drilled core sample 10 is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing or repairing a part. The method includes building a fixture for retaining the part using an additive manufacturing apparatus, wherein material is consolidated using an energy beam, the fixture built on a build plate retained in a set position within the additive manufacturing apparatus, mounting the part to the fixture and causing the additive manufacturing apparatus to consolidate material onto the part when the build plate, with the fixture and part attached thereto, is retained substantially in the set position.

Abstract: This specification discloses methods and devices for emulating a tag device that communicates via inductive coupling, such as a NFC (Near Field Communication) tag device. In some embodiments, this specification discloses methods and devices to use this tag device “emulation” for testing, validating, calibrating, and characterizing a reader device. In some embodiments, a tag emulation device can emulate movement of the tag emulation device relative to the reader device by changing configuration parameters of the tag emulation device and by not actually moving the tag emulation device relative to the reader device. In some embodiments, these configuration parameters changes include: changing a Tx (transmitter) voltage, changing a Tx driver impedance, changing a HF (high frequency) attenuator resistance, changing a Tx output modulation, changing a matching network tuning, changing a phase of a Tx signal versus a carrier signal from the reader device, enabling one or two Tx drivers.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for operating a communications device are described. In one embodiment, a method for operating a communications device that communicates via inductive coupling involves adjusting a phase configuration of the communications device in response to at least one system or environmental parameter, modulating a carrier signal with the adjusted phase configuration using active load modulation (ALM), and transmitting the modulated carrier signal from the communications device for inductive coupling. In some embodiments, the at least one system or environmental parameter is selected from one or more of the following: a distance information, a geometric information, a system code, a technology code, a transmitter current and/or a transmitter power, a detuning condition, a quality factor and a resonant frequency of a resonant system.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite (e.g. fibre-reinforced polymer) connector for a fluid transfer conduit comprises: manufacturing a tubular pre-form which extends substantially parallel to a central axis C, the tubular pre-form comprising continuous circumferentially-oriented fibre reinforcement; manufacturing a continuous fibre pre-form net, the pre-form net comprising a support layer and continuous fibre reinforcement, the continuous fibre reinforcement being secured by being stitched to the support layer; placing the tubular pre-form and the pre-form net together into a mould to form a tubular hub portion from the tubular pre-form and a flange portion from the pre-form net, the flange portion extending from the hub portion at an angle to the central axis C; and introducing polymer into the mould so as to form a composite connector comprising the flange portion and the hub portion.

Abstract: This specification discloses methods and systems for implementing a chip integrated scope (i.e., chip scope (CS)), which is a feature that allows a user to scope RF signals (internally and externally to the DUT (device under test)), by using the RF receive path (including amplifier, filter, ADC, DSP) to capture and store signal traces. In some embodiments, this specification discloses methods and systems to enhance the resolution and accuracy of these signal traces by using raw and correction data for gain/phase compensation of gain/phase impairments introduced in the Rx (receiver) path.

Abstract: This specification discloses methods and systems for controlling a NFC (near field communication) transmitter output with enhanced accuracy. This is achieved by first doing a device and/or system level calibration of the Tx (transmitter) by testing at the device and/or system level. Then using the testing results to generate a set of Tx calibration data, which will be used by a Tx control unit to control the Tx outputs (such as Tx output power, Tx output voltage, Tx output current, etc.) with enhanced accuracy. In some embodiments, the Tx control unit controls the Tx output with enhanced accuracy by using the Tx calibration data to tune one or more of the following: (i) Tx supply, (ii) Tx driver, (iii) matching network.

Abstract: A device for mixing and dispensing a flowable material or mixture of materials, the device comprising a cup having a bottom with a protrusion having an opening; a plunger having a dispensing port and air vent holes; a plug; a nozzle; and, a lid. The plug can be associated with and plug the cup protrusion opening when the cup is being filled or mixed, or the plug can be associated with the plunger port to seal off the air vent holes when material is dispensed from the device. Also disclosed is a method of mixing and dispensing a flowable material.

Abstract: A device for inductively coupled communications includes an NFC module for generating an electromagnetic carrier signal and modulating the carrier signal according to data to be transmitted, and a single ended antenna coupled to and driven by said NFC module with the modulated carrier signal. The device includes an RF front end coupled between said NFC module and said antenna. The RF front end includes an inductor coupled to a first terminal of a differential transmitter of said NFC module in the first transmitting path, and a capacitor coupled to a second terminal of said differential transmitter in the second transmitting path. The RF front end further includes a receiving path coupled to an input terminal of a single ended receiver of said NFC module. The RF front end does not use a balanced to unbalanced (Balun) transformer.

Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) reader is disclosed. The NFC reader includes an antenna front-end that includes a low pass filter, a matching circuit and an antenna coil. The NFC reader also includes a NFC controller. The NFC controller includes an oscillator coupled to the antenna front-end and the NFC controller is configured to detect a presence of an object in proximity of the antenna front-end using one or more changes in an output of the oscillator. The antenna front-end creates a tank circuit for the oscillator.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for evaluating interactions with a user interface are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes identifying a set of mutation events specifying changes to the structure of a user interface that occurred during the user session, and generating user interface states specifying different structures of the user interface throughout the given user session. Based at least in part on the user interface states, playback data that present visual changes of the user interface corresponding to the set of mutation events that occurred during the user session are generated. Session activity data describing user interactions that occurred during the user session are also generated. At least a portion of the playback data and the session activity data are output to a requesting device.