Abstract: A method and device for comparing two generic digital signals over a wide range of data rates and for counting the number of bit errors between digital signals under the conditions of noise and jamming. The bit error tester of the invention compares the digital signal sent with the digital signal received back from the unit under test and outputs the error signal. In the preferred arrangement of the invention, a field programmable gate array is used and a switch and LED display are used to introduce and monitor a time delay in the sent signal to ensure that the signals are in time alignment prior to comparison.

Abstract: Wire bonds connect current-carrying edges of high-frequency planar conductors to other electrical devices. In one embodiment, planar transmission lines are interconnected using two wire bonds. One bond wire extends from an edge of a first center conductor to a corresponding edge of a second center conductor, and a second bond wire extends from the other edge of the first center conductor to the other edge of the second center conductor. Embodiments include center conductors at different heights and having different widths, and different electrical devices, such as semiconductor integrated circuits. In a particular embodiment, ball bonding is used. In some embodiments, a tack bond is included after a ball bond to allow closer attachment of the bond wire to the edge of the conductor.

Abstract: An interface to a microcircuit formed on a substrate supporting a ground plane. The substrate supports a dielectric structure having gold coated sloped sidewalls electrically connected to the ground plane. A transmission line, connected to the microcircuit, is supported by the dielectric structure. A coaxial cable is connected to the transmission line. The coaxial cable having an end stripped at an angle substantially the same as the sloped side walls of the dielectric structure, wherein the exposed length of the center conductor is bonded to the transmission line, and the outer conductor of the coax cable is bonded to the gold plating on the dielectric structure such that the angled portion of the coax cable mates with the bevel of the thick film dielectric.

Abstract: An interface to a microcircuit formed on a substrate supporting a ground plane. The substrate supports a dielectric structure having gold coated sloped sidewalls electrically connected to the ground plane. A transmission line, connected to the microcircuit, is supported by the dielectric structure. A coaxial cable is connected to the transmission line. The coaxial cable having an end stripped at an angle substantially the same as the sloped side walls of the dielectric structure, wherein the exposed length of the center conductor is bonded to the transmission line, and the outer conductor of the coax cable is bonded to the gold plating on the dielectric structure such that the angled portion of the coax cable mates with the bevel of the thick film dielectric.

Abstract: A reception simplified, reduced cost spread spectrum transceiver device and method. The transmitting portion of the transceiver antipodally modulates a pseudorandom code and non-antipodally modulates binary bit data onto a carrier wave. The receiving portion of the transceiver performs a mathematical squaring function on the received signal combination of pseudorandom code and data. Squaring the pseudorandom code results in a cancellation of the code and the data remains in the absence of the pseudorandom code. The device and method of the invention eliminates the need for storing or generating a local reference for the spreading code or the need for any knowledge of key signal parameters at the receiver greatly simplifying receiver circuitry and allowing receiver operation at low energy density and low operational cost. Additionally, the device and method of the invention eliminates the synchronization constraint between the transmitted data and spreading code of conventional systems.

Abstract: A method and device for generating a pseudorandom electrical signal for enabling spread spectrum communication scrambling by directing data entry into pseudorandom number generator integrated circuit chip controlling registers using a length selectable feedback logic data sequence and either computer programmable selector means or manual selector means to communicate the logic data sequence characters to buffers. The logic data sequence characters are clocked to a pseudorandom number generating register of an integrated circuit chip and the pseudorandom electrical signal is generated by selectively tapping a signal code therefrom. The method and device features a pseudorandom electrical signal length varying capability and is portable to various laboratory applications without a change in hardware configuration.