Abstract: Disclosed herein are approaches for adjusting extraction slits of an extraction plate using a set of adjustable beam blockers. In one approach, an ion extraction optics may include an extraction plate including a first opening and a second opening, and a first beam blocker extending over the first opening and a second beam blocker extending over the second opening. Each of the first and second beam blockers may include an inner slit defined by a first distance between an inner edge and the extraction plate, and an outer slit defined by a second distance between an outer edge and the extraction plate, wherein the first and second beam blockers are movable to vary at least one of the first distance and the second distance. As a result, extraction through the inner and outer slits of ion beamlets characterized by similar mean angles may be achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are approaches for adjusting extraction slits of an extraction plate using a set of adjustable beam blockers. In one approach, an ion extraction optics may include an extraction plate including a first opening and a second opening, and a first beam blocker extending over the first opening and a second beam blocker extending over the second opening. Each of the first and second beam blockers may include an inner slit defined by a first distance between an inner edge and the extraction plate, and an outer slit defined by a second distance between an outer edge and the extraction plate, wherein the first and second beam blockers are movable to vary at least one of the first distance and the second distance. As a result, extraction through the inner and outer slits of ion beamlets characterized by similar mean angles may be achieved.

Abstract: A method to read information from an information storage medium using a read channel, where that read channel includes a data cache, where the method generates an analog waveform comprising the information, provides that analog waveform to a read channel generates a digital signal from that analog waveform using one or more first operating parameters, corrects that digital signal at an actual error correction rate, determines if the actual error correction rate is greater than an error correction rate threshold. If the actual error correction rate exceeds the error correction rate threshold, then the method captures the digital signal, stores that captured data in a data cache, reads that digital signal from the cache, generates one or more second operating parameters, provides those one or more second operating parameters to the read channel.

Abstract: A method to read information from an information storage medium using a read channel, where that read channel includes a data cache, where the method generates an analog waveform comprising the information, provides that analog waveform to a read channel generates a digital signal from that analog waveform using one or more first operating parameters, corrects that digital signal at an actual error correction rate, determines if the actual error correction rate is greater than an error correction rate threshold. If the actual error correction rate exceeds the error correction rate threshold, then the method captures the digital signal, stores that captured data in a data cache, reads that digital signal from the cache, generates one or more second operating parameters, provides those one or more second operating parameters to the read channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read information from an information storage medium using a read channel, where that read channel includes a data cache. The invention generates an analog waveform comprising the information, and provides that analog waveform to a read channel, and generates a digital signal from that analog waveform using one or more first operating parameters. The method error corrects that digital signal at an actual error correction rate, and determines if the actual error correction rate is greater than an error correction rate threshold. If the actual error correction rate exceeds the error correction rate threshold, then the method captures the digital signal, stores that captured data in a data cache, reads that digital signal from the cache, generates one or more second operating parameters, and provides those one or more second operating parameters to the read channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read information from an information storage medium using a read channel, where that read channel includes a data cache. The invention generates an analog waveform comprising the information, and provides that analog waveform to a read channel, and generates a digital signal from that analog waveform using one or more first operating parameters. The method error corrects that digital signal at an actual error correction rate, and determines if the actual error correction rate is greater than an error correction rate threshold. If the actual error correction rate exceeds the error correction rate threshold, then the method captures the digital signal, stores that captured data in a data cache, reads that digital signal from the cache, generates one or more second operating parameters, and provides those one or more second operating parameters to the read channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read information from an information storage medium using a read channel, where that read channel includes a data cache. The invention generates an analog waveform comprising the information, and provides that analog waveform to a read channel, and generates a digital signal from that analog waveform using one or more first operating parameters. The method error corrects that digital signal at an actual error correction rate, and determines if the actual error correction rate is greater than an error correction rate threshold. If the actual error correction rate exceeds the error correction rate threshold, then the method captures the digital signal, stores that captured data in a data cache, reads that digital signal from the cache, generates one or more second operating parameters, and provides those one or more second operating parameters to the read channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read information from an information storage medium using a read channel, where that read channel includes a data cache. The invention generates an analog waveform comprising the information, and provides that analog waveform to a read channel, and generates a digital signal from that analog waveform using one or more first operating parameters. The method error corrects that digital signal at an actual error correction rate, and determines if the actual error correction rate is greater than an error correction rate threshold. If the actual error correction rate exceeds the error correction rate threshold, then the method captures the digital signal, stores that captured data in a data cache, reads that digital signal from the cache, generates one or more second operating parameters, and provides those one or more second operating parameters to the read channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read information from an information storage medium using a read channel, where that read channel includes a data cache. The invention generates an analog waveform comprising the information, and provides that analog waveform to a read channel, and generates a digital signal from that analog waveform using one or more first operating parameters. The method error corrects that digital signal at an actual error correction rate, and determines if the actual error correction rate is greater than an error correction rate threshold. If the actual error correction rate exceeds the error correction rate threshold, then the method captures the digital signal, stores that captured data in a data cache, reads that digital signal from the cache, generates one or more second operating parameters, and provides those one or more second operating parameters to the read channel.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for ink-jet printing a solderable conductive pad onto a substrate. The system comprises at least one print head and a curing station for curing an ink deposited onto the substrate. The system is configured to: deposit at least a first layer of a first ink onto the substrate; cure the first layer of the first ink; deposit at least an intermediate layer of a second ink on top of the cured first layer of the first ink; cure the intermediate layer of the second ink; deposit at least a last layer of the first ink on top of the cured intermediate layer of the second ink; and cure the last layer of the first ink. The first ink has a relatively high conductivity. The second ink has a relatively low conductivity. The first layer, the intermediate layer, and the last layer may be arranged such that when solder is applied to the last layer, the solder is prevented from leaching through to the first layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to dynamically adjust the amplitude of a signal comprising information read from an information storage medium. The method first forms (N) digital signals comprising information read from an information storage medium. The method provides a first signal comprising information read an information storage medium, wherein that first signal is one of the (N) digital signals. The method provides a first gain level, and calculates a first gain adjusted signal comprising the multiplication product of the first signal and the first gain level. To dynamically adjust that gain level, Applicants' method determines a gain error. Using that gain error, Applicants' method then calculates a second gain level by multiplying the gain error times a multiplier coefficient, and adding that multiplication product to the first gain level.

Abstract: A method to read information from a tape storage medium, where that tape includes a calibration region and a data region. The method uses a read channel having a first detection mode and a second detection mode. The method initializes the first detection mode and forms a calibration waveform comprising information read from the calibration region using the first detection mode. The method then defines a plurality of bit cell boundaries, initializes the second detection mode, and reads information from the data region using the second detection mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a semiconductor device with a corresponding landing site on a carrier substrate. At least two apertures are formed in a semiconductor device, the apertures passing from a first major surface to a second, opposing major surface of the semiconductor device. Corresponding alignment features are provided on the carrier substrate at the landing site to which the semiconductor device is to be mounted. The alignment features are aligned with the corresponding apertures to effect alignment of the semiconductor device. The alignment features may include apertures corresponding in size, shape and arrangement to the semiconductor device apertures. Alignment pins may be placed through the at least two apertures to assist with alignment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a semiconductor device with a corresponding landing site on a carrier substrate. At least two apertures are formed in a semiconductor device, the apertures passing from a first major surface to a second, opposing major surface of the semiconductor device. Corresponding alignment features are provided on the carrier substrate at the landing site to which the semiconductor device is to be mounted. The alignment features are aligned with the corresponding apertures to effect alignment of the semiconductor device. The alignment features may include apertures corresponding in size, shape and arrangement to the semiconductor device apertures. Alignment pins may be placed through the at least two apertures to assist with alignment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a semiconductor device with a corresponding landing site on a carrier substrate. At least two apertures are formed in a semiconductor device, the apertures passing from a first major surface to a second, opposing major surface of the semiconductor device. Corresponding alignment features are provided on the carrier substrate at the landing site to which the semiconductor device is to be mounted. The alignment features are aligned with the corresponding apertures to effect alignment of the semiconductor device. The alignment features may include apertures corresponding in size, shape and arrangement to the semiconductor device apertures. Alignment pins may be placed through the at least two apertures to assist with alignment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the controlled dynamic braking of a DC motor in a tape transport device are provided. A PWM state device includes a plurality of state transition paths, each path having an initial state, representative of a tape profile, including a predetermined range of tape velocities, relative amounts of tape on each reel and an initial tape tension, and at least one subsequent state. When a low power event is detected, one of the state transition paths is selected, based upon a current tape profile, and an associated PWM signal is transmitted to the motor. An energy storage device provides power to the PWM state device during the low power event. The PWM signals follow the selected transition path to modulate the current generated by the motion of the motor and thereby create a decelerating force while substantially maintaining the initial tape tension.

Abstract: A method to read information from a tape storage medium, where that tape includes a calibration region and a data region. The method uses a read channel having a first detection mode and a second detection mode. The method initializes the first detection mode and forms a calibration waveform comprising information read from the calibration region using the first detection mode. The method then defines a plurality of bit cell boundaries, initializes the second detection mode, and reads information from the data region using the second detection mode.

Abstract: A memory module using a plurality of partially defective RDRAM devices in combination to simulate a single, fully operational RDRAM device. Multiple, partially defective RDRAM devices are configured to simulate a fully operational RDRAM device by taking advantage of the manner in which defective cells are localized on each RDRAM device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to dynamically adjust the amplitude of a signal comprising information read from an information storage medium. The method first forms (N) digital signals comprising information read from an information storage medium. The method provides a first signal comprising information read an information storage medium, wherein that first signal is one of the (N) digital signals. The method provides a first gain level, and calculates a first gain adjusted signal comprising the multiplication product of the first signal and the first gain level. To dynamically adjust that gain level, Applicants' method determines a gain error. Using that gain error, Applicants' method then calculates a second gain level by multiplying the gain error times a multiplier coefficient, and adding that multiplication product to the first gain level.

Abstract: A memory module using a plurality of partially defective RDRAM devices in combination to simulate a single, fully operational RDRAM device. Multiple, partially defective RDRAM devices are configured to simulate a fully operational RDRAM device by taking advantage of the manner in which defective cells are localized on each RDRAM device.