Abstract: Methods for routing in the design of integrated circuits (ICs) to simplify the routing task. The method includes dividing a given IC design into a limited number of non-overlapping tiles, and then routing all tiles in parallel, each tile being independently routed by a standard router. Thereafter, routed tiles are assembled to form a routing solution for the entire IC. Details of exemplary methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for routing in the design of integrated circuits (ICs) to simplify the routing task. The method includes dividing a given IC design into a limited number of non-overlapping tiles, and then routing all tiles in parallel, each tile being independently routed by a standard router. Thereafter, routed tiles are assembled to form a routing solution for the entire IC. Details of exemplary methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method that overcomes the deficiencies of prior optical data communication systems for local area networks by employing a centralized controller in conjunction with a robust protocol and contention scheme. This combination facilitates the transport of data between a number of optical nodes without collision. The invention is particularly suited to transmissions between several mobile optical nodes and one or more stationary network infrared collector/transmitters, allowing communication with the network as the mobile nodes roam from the vicinity of one network infrared collector/transmitter to the next.

Abstract: A system and method that overcomes the deficiencies of prior television/multimedia system integrity monitoring schemes by providing a system and method wherein a remote field component receives a test signal from a given source via a particular signal path, and, in response, provides feedback indicative of the received test signal to the source via a standard voiceband telephone connection. This enables the invention to facilitate simple, economical real-time testing/monitoring of television/multimedia distribution systems. The invention is particularly suited to television/multimedia systems that employ terrestrial cables as a means to distribute signals to end-users or remote nodes, but can also be applied to wireless signal distribution systems.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device contains graphic information which is viewable both by direct, visual observation of the memory and electrically, e.g., via a TV screen. The device contains a semiconductor chip having a surface and an array of electrically addressable memory cells therewithin. A photograph is made on the chip for storing graphic information projected onto the chip. The photograph comprises pixels which themselves comprise variable value circuit elements of the cells, or which are optically coupled to cell circuit elements for controlling the values thereof in correspondence with the optical characteristics of the pixels. The circuit elements determine the memory content of the cells in correspondence with the graphic information stored in the photograph.