Abstract: A single-chip integrated circuit comprising a first processor for executing a plurality of applications, a second processor for executing a plurality of applications, at least one of a) at least one embedded peripheral and b) at least one memory, and a bus monitor for allowing access to the at least one of a) the at least one embedded peripheral and b) the at least one memory, if the access is allowed, wherein the bus monitor comprises a mapping of access rights to the at least one of a) the at least one embedded peripheral and b) the at least one memory for the first processor and the second processor is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for securely exchanging public key certificates in an electronic device (400) using a single or dual level of public key includes obtaining a replacement public key certificate (401) to replace an original public key certificate. The replacement public key certificate is signed (403) using the private key of the original public key certificate. The signature of the original public key certificate is validated (407) and the replacement public key certificate is written to memory where the original public key certificate cannot again be used as a default. Thus, the method of the invention uses either a single signature or combination of double signatures to permit transfer of signing authority to an independent third party. Once the original secondary public key is overwritten, the manufacturer's original secondary public key may no longer be used and the process is irreversible.

Abstract: A metal-insulator-metal capacitor is embedded in an interconnect layer of an integrated circuit (IC). The interconnect layer has a cavity, and the capacitor is formed in the cavity with one of the plates of the capacitor integral with a conductive layer of the interconnect layer, so the capacitor plate electrically communicates with the interconnect layer. The interconnect layer has multiple conductive layers, including a layer, such as aluminum, that is subject to deformation at certain temperatures during fabrication of the IC, and the cavity extends through this layer. A remaining conductive layer of the interconnect layer defines one of the capacitor plates, and a dielectric layer and another capacitor plate are formed thereon within the cavity. Via interconnects of about the same length electrically connect to the top plate and through the interconnect layer to the bottom plate.

Abstract: A process for forming a capacitive structure that includes an upper layer having a first capacitor electrode section therein. A capacitor dielectric layer is formed adjacent the upper layer. The capacitor dielectric layer covers the first capacitor electrode section. A second capacitor electrode layer is formed adjacent the capacitor dielectric layer. The second capacitor electrode layer includes a second capacitor electrode section that at least partially covers the first capacitor electrode section, and which has an edge portion that extends beyond the underlying first capacitor electrode section. The capacitor dielectric layer being disposed between the first capacitor electrode section and the second capacitor electrode section. An upper dielectric layer is formed adjacent the second capacitor electrode section.

Abstract: A system, housed as a portable monitoring unit, monitors and processes signal parameters acquired from a patient in multiple operational modes. A data acquisition processor receives patient parameter data from a plurality of different patient attached sensors and processes that data to provide processed patient parameter data. An image reproduction device displays processed patient parameter data. A communication interface communicates the processed patient parameter data to the image reproduction device for display and concurrently communicates the processed patient parameter data to either a docking station when said portable monitoring unit is docked in said docking station in a first mode or a network access point coupled to a communication network via wireless communication in a second mode. A power unit re-charges a battery in the portable monitoring unit in the first mode.

Abstract: A metal-insulator-metal capacitor is embedded in an interconnect layer of an integrated circuit (IC). The interconnect layer has a cavity, and the capacitor is formed in the cavity with one of the plates of the capacitor integral with a conductive layer of the interconnect layer, so the capacitor plate electrically communicates with the interconnect layer. The interconnect layer has multiple conductive layers, including a layer, such as aluminum, that is subject to deformation at certain temperatures during fabrication of the IC, and the cavity extends through this layer. A remaining conductive layer of the interconnect layer defines one of the capacitor plates, and a dielectric layer and another capacitor plate are formed thereon within the cavity. Via interconnects of about the same length electrically connect to the top plate and through the interconnect layer to the bottom plate.

Abstract: A metal-insulator-metal capacitor is embedded in an interconnect layer of an integrated circuit (IC). The interconnect layer has a cavity, and the capacitor is formed in the cavity with one of the plates of the capacitor integral with a conductive layer of the interconnect layer, so the capacitor plate electrically communicates with the interconnect layer. The interconnect layer has multiple conductive layers, including a layer, such as aluminum, that is subject to deformation at certain temperatures during fabrication of the IC, and the cavity extends through this layer. A remaining conductive layer of the interconnect layer defines one of the capacitor plates, and a dielectric layer and another capacitor plate are formed thereon within the cavity. Via interconnects of about the same length electrically connect to the top plate and through the interconnect layer to the bottom plate.

Abstract: A monitor system of the type including at least one portable patient monitor for acquiring, processing and transferring patient data monitored from a patient, the system being distributed over at least two geographically separate patient monitoring areas which are interconnected via a communication network having a network node connection in each of the areas. A patient monitor docking station located in one of the patient monitoring areas provides for transmission of patient data from the portable patient monitor to the network via a selective coupling of the portable patient monitor to the network node connection. The docking station provides, in addition to the selective coupling to the portable monitor and apparatus for transferring patient data between the portable monitor and the docking station, a memory for storing network related information and transferring the network related information to the portable monitor when it is coupled to the docking station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying physiological signals acquired from a patient in a manner that allows for reliably associating with the physiological signals acquired from the patient user generated message information. The method comprises the steps of, receiving at a central station physiological signals acquired from a patient; and arranging a display portion of the central station to have at least one first display area dedicated for displaying said physiological signals, and at least one second display area, located adjacent said first display area, dedicated for displaying a user generated message related to the physiological signals displayed in said first area.

Abstract: A monitor system for acquiring medical data from a patient is distributed over at least two geographically separate patient monitoring areas and interconnected via a communication network. A portable monitor (102) coupled to a patient receives and processes patient data signals from a sensor coupled to the patient. At least two patient monitor docking stations (111) are provided, each one of which is selectively coupled to the portable monitor and connected for transmission of patient data received from the portable patient monitor to the communication network.

Abstract: A data acquisition device is disclosed for use in a patient monitoring system which includes a display device. The system also includes a pressure transducer which produces patient blood pressure signals. The data acquisition device includes terminals for receiving signals representing blood pressure from the pressure transducer. Circuitry in the data acquisition device, including multiplexers and a digital to analog converter conditions the signals representing blood pressure. The pressure transducer and the circuitry are collocated. The device also includes circuit paths for electrically coupling the pressure transducer and the conditioning circuitry. The conditioning circuitry is selectably coupled to the display to provide the conditioned signals to the display. The data acquisition device may be positioned independently of the display device.