Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting and receiving signals over a two-way satellite communication system is disclosed. A receiving unit receives data from a user terminal. A transmitting unit is coupled to the receiving unit and transmits the data to an antenna. The data is transmitted over a return channel that is established over the satellite to a hub; the hub has connectivity to a packet switched network.

Abstract: A technique to provide higher system performance by increasing amount of data that may be transferred in parallel is to increase the number of external pins available for the input and output of user data (user I/O). A technique is to allow a pin to be used for multiple purposes, a dedicated operation during a first mode and for user I/O during other modes. A pin (515) may be used to perform a handshaking function during a configuration mode and user I/O during a normal or user mode. The technique may be used during the cascaded configuration of programmable integrated circuits, and in conjunction with in-system programming.

Abstract: Techniques and circuitry are provided to handle high frequency input data. The techniques and circuitry take a high-frequency serial input data stream and covert it into parallel form for handling within the integrated circuit. The circuitry ensures the high frequency data is strobed properly by accounting for skew between the high frequency data input and clock input. In an implementation, multiple clock strobes are generated having the same frequency but different phase. A predetermined series of bits is input to the high frequency input into the circuitry for training. One of the multiple clock strobes is selected based on which one correctly determines the bits in the predetermined input data stream. This clock strobe is selected to strobe the high frequency data input for the integrated circuit. In an embodiment, the high frequency data input is an LVDS input of a programmable logic integrated circuit.

Abstract: An improved interconnection between horizontal conductors and the input to logic elements. A signal regeneration circuit is provided in the path between the horizontal conductor and the logic element, thereby isolating and boosting the signal. This allows for faster switching operation. A path is provided allowing the selective routing of signals from the horizontal conductors to the vertical conductors, without passing through a logic element. Also, a path is provided to allow a horizontal conductors to be routed to any of a plurality of vertical conductors.

Abstract: An improved interconnection between horizontal conductors and the input to logic elements. A signal regeneration circuit is provided in the path between the horizontal conductor and the logic element, thereby isolating and boosting the signal. This allows for faster switching operation. A path is provided allowing the selective routing of signals from the horizontal conductors to the vertical conductors, without passing through a logic element. Also, a path is provided to allow a horizontal conductors to be routed to any of a plurality of vertical conductors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a current booster or kicker for an output amplifier of a programmable logic control or other integrated circuit. The current booster includes a control mechanism and an auxiliary voltage supply. When a change in output state is initiated, the control mechanism connects the auxiliary voltage supply to the output of the output amplifier. After a change in output state in completed, the control mechanism disconnects the auxiliary voltage supply from the output of the output amplifier. In this way, the output amplifier can drive a relatively high capacitance load at a relatively high slew rate.

Abstract: A programmable logic device is equipped for low voltage differential signaling (“LVDS”) by providing an LVDS input buffer and/or an LVDS output buffer on the device. I/O pins on the device that are used together in pairs for LVDS can alternatively be used individually for other types of signaling. The LVDS buffers are constructed to give good performance and to meet LVDS specifications despite variations due to temperature, manufacturing process inconsistency, and power supply changes.

Abstract: Method and circuitry for a frequency synthesizer having wide operating frequency range. The frequency synthesizer uses multiple programmable loadable counters in a phase-locked loop arrangement to generate any combination of clock frequencies based on user programmed values. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the phase-locked loop includes a voltage-controlled oscillator with a built-in programmable phase shift. The present invention further provides a preferred embodiment for a high speed loadable down counter for use in the frequency synthesizer.

Abstract: In a switching network, a single 16 slot protective chassis supports a plurality of different adaptation switch modules (ASMs) sharing a single midplane bus. Multiple, identical ASMs form redundancy groups wherein one module in a group operates as a backup. Each ASM has relays for isolation between ASMs, and repeater circuitry to strengthen signals and minimize signal interference.