Abstract: An electronic system having a spread spectrum clock is disclosed. A spread spectrum clock source creates and transmits both a spread spectrum clock signal and a modulation signal. A spread spectrum clock generator uses a modulation waveform on the modulation signal to frequency modulate a reference oscillator frequency. A logic unit comprises a Phase Locked Loop that receives the spread spectrum clock signal and the modulation signal and generates a logic unit clock signal.

Abstract: A spread spectrum controller that adjusts frequency range subject to a bit error rate (BER). Measuring the bit error rate (BER) at different clock frequency ranges and comparing the BER to a BER threshold. Narrowing or widening the clock frequency range based on whether the BER is above or below the BER threshold to optimize a system for both performance and compliance.

Abstract: An electronic system having a spread spectrum clock. A spread spectrum clock source creates and transmits both a spread spectrum clock signal and a modulation signal. A spread spectrum clock generator uses a modulation waveform on the modulation signal to frequency modulate a reference oscillator frequency. A logic unit comprises a Phase Locked Loop that receives the spread spectrum clock signal and the modulation signal and generates a logic unit clock signal.

Abstract: A method and structure are provided for creating printed circuit boards with stepped thickness. A non-laminating breakaway material layer is selectively placed between layers of the printed circuit board. A perimeter portion of the printed circuit board near the breakaway material layer is scored. Then the breakaway material layer and adjacent layers between the perimeter of the printed circuit board are removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for identifying product tampering. A mechanical fastening screw, a sleeve and a movable follower disk are arranged to show evidence of tampering. The movable follower disk is received within a cavity defined by the sleeve. The sleeve includes a channel and a final resting slot defined within a sleeve wall. The movable follower disk includes compressible spring followers slideably received within the channel when the mechanical fastening screw is inserted. If the screw is removed, the compressible spring followers engage the final resting slot to indicate tampering. Electrical detection of the compressible spring followers engaging the final resting slot is used to identify tampering.

Abstract: A shoulder strap for carrying a notebook computer is formed as an elongated member with a locking mechanism at a first end which attaches to the lock slot of the computer and a loop at the opposite end. By passing the strap through the loop, the opposite end portion of the strap is positioned around the computer adjacent the side opposite the side which includes the lock slot. With the first end of the strap secured to the computer by securing the locking mechanism at the computer lock slot, the intermediate portion of the strap extends over the users shoulder to enable transport of the computer. By forming the strap using a plastic coated steel cable, the shoulder strap may be used for both carrying the computer and as a security cable for securing the computer when unattended. The shoulder strap surfaces that engage the user's shoulder and surround and engage the notebook computer are formed of non-adhesive, non-slip material.

Abstract: A device and method for clamping and grounding a cable, includes a conductive cable clamp. The clamp is adapted to clamp and conductively engage a periphery of a conductive shield of the cable. In one aspect of the invention, the cable clamp includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate. Each of the plates has at least one groove formed therein. The first plate is positionable against the second plate so that the groove in the first plate and the groove in the second plate collectively form a hole extending from one edge of the cable clamp to an opposite edge of the cable clamp, with the hole accommodating the cable therein. In another aspect of the invention, the cable clamp includes a conductive flexible fabric having at least one pattern formed therein, with the pattern accommodating the cable therein.