Abstract: When dynamically varying a number of active paths in a system, a desired return loss is maintained. Certain embodiments enable dynamic varying of the impedance of parallel signal paths in a system responsive to the number of active ones of the parallel paths dynamically changing, in order to maintain a relatively constant impedance match between a source and the combination of parallel paths, thereby retaining a desired return loss.

Abstract: Systems and methods which implement degeneration circuitry in a single-ended amplifier circuit to mitigate distortion associated with one or more amplifier components are disclosed. A degeneration circuit of embodiments adds an impedance to cancel the second-order distortion of an amplifier transistor of a single-ended amplifier circuit. A bias circuit may be provided to minimize bias offset between an amplifier transistor and a corresponding degeneration transistor.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a multimode tuner architecture implementing direct frequency conversion are shown. Embodiments provide a highly integrated configuration wherein low noise amplifier, tuner, analog and digital channel filter, and analog demodulator functionality are provided in a single integrated circuit. A LNA of embodiments implements a multi-path configuration with seamless switching to provide desired gain control while meeting noise and linearity design parameters. Embodiments of the invention implement in-phase and quadrature (IQ) equalization and a multimode channelization filter architecture to facilitate the use of direct frequency conversion. Embodiments implement spur avoidance techniques for improving tuner system operation and output using a clock signal generation architecture in which a system clock, sampling clock frequencies, local oscillator (LO) reference clock frequencies, and/or the like are dynamically movable.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a multimode tuner architecture implementing direct frequency conversion are shown. Embodiments provide a highly integrated configuration wherein low noise amplifier, tuner, analog and digital channel filter, and analog demodulator functionality are provided in a single integrated circuit. A LNA of embodiments implements a multi-path configuration with seamless switching to provide desired gain control while meeting noise and linearity design parameters. Embodiments of the invention implement in-phase and quadrature (IQ) equalization and a multimode channelization filter architecture to facilitate the use of direct frequency conversion. Embodiments implement spur avoidance techniques for improving tuner system operation and output using a clock signal generation architecture in which a system clock, sampling clock frequencies, local oscillator (LO) reference clock frequencies, and/or the like are dynamically movable.

Abstract: An attenuator system includes a first adjustable impedance component on a first current path between a input component and a output component, and a second adjustable impedance component between the first current path and ground, wherein each of the first and second adjustable impedance components include a plurality of selectable, discrete legs, each leg having an impedance.

Abstract: A system for providing automatic gain control (AGC) comprises a signal path with an RF input, a plurality of power detectors in communication with the signal path, each of the power detectors operable to measure a total broadband power level of a signal in the signal path, each of the power detectors positioned to monitor a point in the signal path corresponding to a change in signal bandwidth, a control system operable to receive from each of the power detectors information associated with the power level and to adjust attenuation in the signal path in response to the information to achieve desired gain control.

Abstract: A fully automated pharmaceutical product packaging machine is capable of selectively depositing one or more different solid pharmaceutical products into an individual cavity for each of a plurality of individual patient product package cavities. The system employs a plurality of solid pharmaceutical product dispensing canisters which are capable of selectively dispensing a pre-designated number of solid pharmaceutical products. The machine fills a template containing temporary storage cavities and the template is automatically positioned over a sheet of clear plastic material containing a plurality of cavities corresponding to the cavities in the template. A barrier between the cavities in the template and the sheet of clear plastic material is moved and the pharmaceuticals in the template cavities drop into the corresponding cavities in the clear plastic sheet of material.

Abstract: A system for processing a signal comprises a Radio Frequency (RF) signal tuner, one or more filters in a signal path of the RF tuner each based on Inductive/Capacitive (LC) circuitry, a variation unit operable to measure a variation of the LC circuitry, and a frequency control unit adapted to adjust the one or more filters based on the LC variation during operation of the tuner.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which utilize a relatively low cost first IF filter in a dual conversion tuner circuit. A preferred embodiment first IF filter is provided using a filter arrangement having a relatively high tolerance. Accordingly, preferred embodiment systems are designed such that they can accommodate the range of first IF frequencies that the large tolerance filter may provide. One aspect of this accommodation may include providing a means by which the system may detect the location of the passband of the IF filter in the spectrum. Another aspect of the accommodation for the range of first IF frequencies may include adjusting the first IF frequency utilized by the dual conversion tuner to match the passband of the IF filter. Additionally or alternatively, the passband of the first IF filter itself may be tuned, such as to provide a passband more near a desired IF frequency.

Abstract: A method for detecting capacitor variation in a device comprises operating an oscillator in the device, the oscillator being an Inductive-Capacitive (LC) oscillator and including an inductor of known value and a capacitor under test, comparing an output of the oscillator to a reference output, and evaluating variation for a plurality of capacitors in the device based on the comparing.

Abstract: A method for detecting capacitor variation in a device comprises operating an oscillator in the device, the oscillator being an Inductive-Capacitive (LC) oscillator and including an inductor of known value and a capacitor under test, comparing an output of the oscillator to a reference output, and evaluating variation for a plurality of capacitors in the device based on the comparing.

Abstract: An attenuator system includes a first adjustable impedance component on a first current path between a input component and a output component, and a second adjustable impedance component between the first current path and ground, wherein each of the first and second adjustable impedance components include a plurality of selectable, discrete legs, each leg having an impedance.

Abstract: An attenuator system includes a first adjustable impedance component on a first current path between a input component and a output component, and a second adjustable impedance component between the first current path and ground, wherein each of the first and second adjustable impedance components include a plurality of selectable, discrete legs, each leg having an impedance.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a marine vessel underdeck utilizes a video camera such as a digital video camera with a magnifying or telephoto lens. The method produces a magnified image on a monitor for viewing by an inspector that appears to be no more than about 24 inches (61 cm) away. The method includes the step of filming the underdeck of a distance of about 40-70 feet (12-21 m). The lens provides a focal length of between about 15 feet (4.6 m) and 150 feet (46 m). Thus the method is conducted at a workable focal range of between about 15 feet (4.6 m) and 150 feet (46 m). The lens preferably has a focal length of between 30 feet (9 m) and 75 feet (23 m). The method includes the step of scanning the suspect area of the underdeck of a speed of about 1 inch (2.54 cm) per second to three feet (91.4 cm) per second. The preferred method contemplates scanning of the suspect area of a rate of between about 0.5-1 foot (15.2-30.5 cm) per second.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an output signal having a particular frequency includes an oscillator, a first tuning module, and a second tuning module. The oscillator generates an output signal associated with an output frequency. When coupled to the oscillator, the first tuning module is capable of inducing, within a first amount of time, a change in the output frequency of a particular magnitude. When coupled to the oscillator, the second tuning module is capable of inducing, within a second amount of time, a change in the output frequency of the same magnitude. The second amount of time is greater than the first amount of time. The selector couples a selected one of the first tuning module and the second tuning module to the oscillator based on a difference between a frequency-divided version of the output signal and a reference signal.

Abstract: A method for detecting capacitor variation in a device comprises operating an oscillator in the device, the oscillator being an Inductive-Capacitive (LC) oscillator and including an inductor of known value and a capacitor under test, comparing an output of the oscillator to a reference output, and evaluating variation for a plurality of capacitors in the device based on the comparing.

Abstract: A system for processing a signal comprises a Radio Frequency (RF) signal tuner, one or more filters in a signal path of the RF tuner each based on Inductive/Capacitive (LC) circuitry, a variation unit operable to measure a variation of the LC circuitry, and a frequency control unit adapted to adjust the one or more filters based on the LC variation during operation of the tuner.

Abstract: An attenuator system includes a first adjustable impedance component on a first current path between a input component and a output component, and a second adjustable impedance component between the first current path and ground, wherein each of the first and second adjustable impedance components include a plurality of selectable, discrete legs, each leg having an impedance.

Abstract: A system for providing automatic gain control (AGC) comprises a signal path with an RF input, a plurality of power detectors in communication with the signal path, each of the power detectors operable to measure a total broadband power level of a signal in the signal path, each of the power detectors positioned to monitor a point in the signal path corresponding to a change in signal bandwidth, a control system operable to receive from each of the power detectors information associated with the power level and to adjust attenuation in the signal path in response to the information to achieve desired gain control.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an output signal having a particular frequency includes an oscillator, a first tuning module, and a second tuning module. The oscillator generates an output signal associated with an output frequency. When coupled to the oscillator, the first tuning module is capable of inducing, within a first amount of time, a change in the output frequency of a particular magnitude. When coupled to the oscillator, the second tuning module is capable of inducing, within a second amount of time, a change in the output frequency of the same magnitude. The second amount of time is greater than the first amount of time. The selector couples a selected one of the first tuning module and the second tuning module to the oscillator based on a difference between a frequency-divided version of the output signal and a reference signal.