Abstract: A system for performing digital correlated double sampling in an image sensor includes a memory for storing most significant bits of the digital image data and reset data produced by an analog-to-digital convertor. The system further includes least significant bit latches for each of the digital image data and reset data. The most significant bits are recombined with the least significant bits in respective recombined latches for each of the digital image data and reset data. A correlated double sampling stage then performs correlated double sampling and stores the correlated double sampled data in memory.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to materials and methods for creating and/or utilizing upconverting luminescence. More particularly, the invention relates to novel compositions (e.g., nanoparticles) and related methods of preparation and use that enable upconverting luminescence with an efficient excitation optimized at about 800 nm. A unique class of cascade sensitized tri-doped UCNPs with a biocompatible 800 nm excitable property are disclosed herein, for example, tri-doped ?-NaYF4:Nd,Yb,Er(Tm)/NaYF4 UCNPs, which employ Nd3+ as 800 nm photon sensitizer and Yb3+ as bridging ions, having strong green or blue upconversion emissions without photobleaching.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device with reduced leak paths is disclosed. The method comprises etching a void in non-conductive material in the semiconductor device to provide a conduction path between isolated material, forming a non-conductive surface layer on an unintended conductive item adjacent to the void, and filling the void with a conductive material. Forming a non-conductive surface layer may comprise oxidizing a surface surrounding the void. Forming a non-conductive surface layer may comprise oxidizing a side wall of the void. Forming a non-conductive surface layer may comprise oxidizing a surface surrounding the void using plasma oxidation operations. Forming a non-conductive surface layer may comprise oxidizing a side wall of the void using plasma oxidation operations. The unintended conductive item may comprise a conductive impurity or conductive residue. The void may comprise a trench or a hole for a via.

Abstract: A split-counter architecture is implemented within an image sensor system. A first counter within an image sensor region counts image data from pixel regions within the image sensor region, and outputs the most significant bits of the image data to a second counter external to the image sensor region, reducing the bandwidth required between the image sensor region and the second counter, and reducing the size of the counters within the image sensor region.

Abstract: A measurement circuit includes a phase detection circuit and delay circuitry. The phase detection circuit compares a first signal to a second signal to generate a first phase difference when the delay circuitry generates the second signal based on the first signal. The phase detection circuit compares the first signal to the second signal to generate a second phase difference when the delay circuitry generates the second signal based on a third signal provided to a signal network. The measurement circuit determines a delay of the signal network based on the first and second phase differences.

Abstract: A method of equalizing an input data signal using a multiple-stage continuous-time linear equalization (CTLE) circuit. A zero-forcing least-mean-square (ZF LMS) procedure is applied to adapt the settings of the CTLE stages. The amplitude settings and the frequency boost settings of the CTLE stages are adapted within the ZF LMS procedure. In an exemplary implementation, an error screening threshold may be applied to an error signal within the ZF LMS procedure to generate a reduced error signal such that weight updates do not occur if the error signal is below the error screening threshold. In addition, if an accumulated sign error signal within the ZF LMS procedure reaches a predetermined maximum indicative of a high loss channel, then a setting for a variable gain amplifier may be increased, and an amplitude setting for the CTLE circuit may be decreased. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method used to control the operation of a converting device such that it can provide multi-level output voltage for loads. This method comprises at least the steps of: determine whether the load which the converter is providing electricity for is operating under the first condition or the second condition; generate the first pulse signal after determining that this load is operating under the first condition, select at least one of at least three different current paths, such that when the converter is selecting any of the current paths, it can provide output voltage at the same level; as well as generate the second pulse signal after determining that this load is operating under the second condition, such that the converter can perform the regular energy conversion operations.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a metal gate structure in a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method comprises removing a dummy poly gate, removing IL oxide and STI using a dry etch process and a wet lateral etch process to form a T-shape void in the semiconductor device, and depositing metal gate material in the T-shape void to form a T-shape structure in a metal gate line-end. A semiconductor device fabricated from a process that included the removal of a dummy poly gate is disclosed. The semiconductor device comprises an OD fin and a metal gate fabricated above a section of the OD fin and adjacent to a side section of the OD fin. The metal gate has a T-shape structure in a metal gate line-end. The T-shape structure was formed by removing IL oxide and STI using a dry and a wet lateral etch process to form a T-shape void.

Abstract: An exemplary power conversion system includes a power conversion device and a control system. The power conversion device converts electrical power from one form to another. The power conversion device includes at least one switching element capable of being turned off to block an electrical current flowing through the at least one switching element. The control system is electrically coupled to the power conversion device for monitoring an electrical current flowing through the at least one switching element and for monitoring at least one parameter in association with the operation of the power conversion system. The control system further generates an over-current threshold value that is variable with respect to at least one monitored parameter.

Abstract: A floorplan-optimized stacked image sensor and a method for designing the sensor are disclosed. A sensor layer includes multiple PSAs partitioned into PSA groups. A circuit layer includes multiple analog-to-digital converters each communicatively coupled to a different PSA. Each analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is semi-aligned to the PSA group associated with the PSA to which it is communicatively coupled. The floorplan of ADCs maximizes contiguous global-based space on the circuit layer uninterrupted by an ADC. The resulting circuit layer floorplan has one or more global-based spaces interleaved with one or more local-based spaces containing ADCs.

Abstract: A DC power transmission system is configured to generate an electric field including components substantially constant with respect to time and varying with time. The DC power transmission system includes an AC stage configured to receive AC electrical power. The AC stage includes a transformer including primary windings and secondary windings configured to be electromagnetically coupled to, and electrically isolated from, each other. The AC stage also includes an AC/AC converter having substantially no insulating features against the at least one substantially constant component of the electric field. The AC/AC converter is electrically coupled to the primary windings. The DC power transmission system also includes an AC/DC conversion stage positioned downstream of the AC stage. The AC/DC conversion stage includes an AC/DC rectifier configured to convert AC electrical power to DC electrical power without external control. The AC/DC rectifier is coupled to the secondary windings.

Abstract: The invention provides novel biocompatible upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) that comprises a core of cubic nanocrystals (e.g., comprising ?-Na Lna, Lnb Lnc F4) and an epitaxial shell (e.g., formed from CaF2; wherein Lnb is Yb), and related methods of preparation and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to preservative-free solutions of bimatoprost and timolol for lowering intra-ocular pressure and treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus, including a capacitor module having a plurality of connecting terminals and a plurality of switch elements. Each switch element has at least one switch terminal coupled to a corresponding connecting terminal, wherein the switch elements are configured for mutually exclusive operation via a control device.

Abstract: A phase detection circuit can include two phase detectors that each generate a non-zero output in response to input signals being aligned in phase. The input signals are based on two periodic signals. The phase detection circuit subtracts the output signal of one phase detector from the output signal of the other phase detector to generate a signal having a zero value when the periodic signals are in phase. Alternatively, a phase detector generates a phase comparison signal indicative of a phase difference between periodic signals. The phase comparison signal has a non-zero value in response to input signals to the phase detector being aligned in phase. The input signals are based on the periodic signals. An output circuit receives the phase comparison signal and generates an output having a zero value in response to the periodic signals being aligned in phase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to preservative-free solutions of bimatoprost and timolol for lowering intra-ocular pressure and treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to organic molecules capable of modulating tyrosine kinase signal transduction in order to regulate, modulate and/or inhibit abnormal cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to organic molecules capable of modulating tyrosine kinase signal transduction in order to regulate, modulate and/or inhibit abnormal cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a floating-tap decision feedback equalization (DFE) circuit. In an exemplary implementation, the floating-tap DFE circuit may include a high-speed shift register, a deserializer and data selector, a bypass deserializer, a high-speed multiplexer and a tap generation circuit. In one aspect of the invention, the floating-tap DFE circuit may advantageously cover an entire tap range beyond a fixed tap range without holes over a range of data rates. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: Interactive data, audio data, and video data are respectively encoded and packaged, and then an interactive television program is produced by multiplexing them. A receiving terminal receives the interactive television program and performs unpacking and decoding. The unpacked interactive data are transmitted by a near field communication module. An operating terminal receives the unpacked interactive data by a near field communication module thereof, parses out corresponding participatory information, and carries out the interaction with the content of the present television program.