Abstract: A self-tuning 3rd order type III phase-locked loop (PLL) is disclosed. In one aspect, the PLL provides frequency control that is implemented in three (3) parallel paths. The PLL provides frequency response tracking using a number of elements including a triple control voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), a frequency-to-current (F2I) converter, and a switched capacitor loop filter. In addition to compensation for feedback ratio variation, near constant F2I gain over process variations and switched capacitor filters synchronized to a reference signal, near constant VCO gain over process variations allows the open loop frequency response to be tailored to track the reference signal. A high-speed locking technique is employed which significantly reduces acquisition time in low bandwidth cases. This PLL may be fabricated in a 0.18 ?m CMOS logic process.

Abstract: A system for developing and implementing empirically derived algorithms to generate decision rules to determine participant noncompliance and fraud with research protocols in clinical trials allows for the identification of complex patterns of variables that detect or predict participant noncompliance and fraud with research protocol, including performance and enrollment goals, in the clinical trial. The data may be used to overall predict the performance of any participant in a clinical trial, allowing selection of participants that tend to produce useful, high-quality results. The present invention can also be used to monitor participant compliance with the research protocol and goals to determine preferred actions to be performed. Optionally, the invention may provide a spectrum of noncompliance, from minor noncompliance needing only corrective feedback, to significant noncompliance requiring participant removal from the clinical trial or from future clinical trials.

Abstract: A charge pump having an automatic compensation capability comprises a current source and a current sink. The current source is selectively coupled to the output of the charge pump by a sourcing control. The sourcing control receives an input control signal and responds by controlling the sourcing current flowed from the current source to the output. Likewise, the current sink is selectively coupled to the output of the charge pump by a sinking control. The sinking control receives a second input control signal and responds by controlling the sinking current flowed from the output to the current sink. The charge pump further comprises a sensing circuit and a compensating circuit. The sensing circuit determines whether, given substantially identical input control signals, there is a difference between the sourcing current and the sinking current generated by the charge pump. If so, the sensing circuit provides at its output an indication of the current difference.

Abstract: A voltage to current (V-I) converter includes a low pass filter, a first converting element, a second converting element, and an output. The low pass filter receives an input voltage signal and outputs a filtered voltage signal. The output of the low pass filter is fed to the first converting element, which converts the filtered voltage signal into a corresponding output current which is fed to the output of the V-I converter. Preferably, the voltage to current gain of the first converting element is high. The low pass filter and the first converting element form a low frequency or DC signal path. The V-I converter further includes a second converting element, which receives the input voltage signal and converts it into a corresponding output current which is also fed to the output of the V-I converter. This current is combined with the output current from the first converting element to produce an overall output current.