Abstract: The present application discloses a method of model-based measurement of semiconductor device features using a scatterometer system. The method includes at least the following steps. A cost function is defined depending upon a plurality of variable parameters of the scatterometer system and upon a plurality of variable parameters for computer-implemented modeling to determine measurement results. Constraints are established for the plurality of variable parameters of the scatterometer system and for the plurality of variable parameters for the computer-implemented modeling. A computer-implemented optimization procedure is performed to determine an optimized global set of parameters, including both the variable parameters of the scatterometer system and the variable parameters for the computer-implemented modeling, which result in a minimal value of the cost function. Finally, the optimized global set of parameters is applied to configure the scatterometer system and the computer-implemented modeling.

Abstract: The present application discloses a new technique which reduces the dimensionality of a feature model by re-use of data that has been obtained by a prior measurement. The data re-used from the prior measurement may range from parameters, such as geometrical dimensions, to more complex data that describe the electromagnetic scattering function of an underlying layer (for example, a local solution of the electric field properties).

Abstract: A method and system for providing an analog front end for multiline transmission in communications systems are described. A transceiver circuit (1100) is configured to reduce line noise by providing a coupled transmitter (1106), receiver (1106), prebalance circuit (1110), and transformer (1220) further coupled to a communication line (1264) external to the transceiver circuit. A hybrid (HY) input stage (1204) coupled to the prebalance circuit provides high frequency compensation by including a first high pass circuit coupled to the HY stage inputs, wherein the high pass circuit includes two parallel passes, each with a capacitor (C1, C5) in series with a resistor (R9, R10). A receiver input stage (RX) (RX) (1206) further coupled to the prebalance circuit provides low frequency compensation by including a second high pass circuit coupled to the RX stage inputs, wherein the high pass circuit includes two parallel passes, one with a capacitor (C3)and one with a capacitor(C7) in series with a resistor(R/13).

Abstract: A method and system for providing a mixed-mode (current- and voltage-source) audio amplifier is disclosed. The mixed-mode amplifier includes a voltage sensing feedback path including a first network comprising at least one circuit; and a current sensing feedback path including a second network comprising at least one circuit. According to the method and system disclosed herein, the first and second networks vary an output impedance or transconductance of the amplifier as a function of frequency of the input voltage signal, such that at a first frequency range, the amplifier operates substantially as a current amplifier, and at a second frequency range, the amplifier operates substantially as a voltage amplifier, thereby inheriting distortion reduction of the current amplifier and stability of the voltage amplifier.