Abstract: An auto-grounding circuit responsive to a reset signal discharges an input terminal of an integrated circuit and its associated input line to ground, using a pull-down transistor coupled to the input line, with a gate of the pull-down transistor coupled to receive the reset signal. An exemplary circuit also includes a NAND gate and a second pull-down transistor to maintain an established voltage level of the input line after the reset signal is no longer asserted until the input terminal is driven by an applied input signal. The voltage maintaining circuitry is weaker than the main pull-down transistor to avoid interfering with normal operation of the input terminal.

Abstract: Electrostatically operated micro-optical devices and method of manufacturing such devices is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the micro-optical devices using electrostatic comb drive actuators having new spring designs to overcome side instability and exhibit enlarged displacement, having new designs of comb finger electrode shapes to generate larger force output, and having new clip type latch mechanism to control the corresponding device at certain states in an analog manner without electrical power consumption. Based on the proposed optical path and device configurations, integration and assembly of a plurality of reflective micro-mirrors in conjunction with proposed new comb drive actuators is very promising way to provide micro-optical devices to get good optical performance and suitable for multi-channel applications. We also disclose several process techniques to manufacture the micro-optical devices with said electrostatic comb drive actuator in a mass production manner with higher yield.

Abstract: A process sequence for forming a MOSFET device featuring a high k gate insulator layer, wherein the use of the high k gate insulator layer requires no additional photolithographic procedures, has been developed. After deposition of a high k gate insulator layer followed by the definition of an overlying conductive gate structure, an insulator layer is deposited. An anisotropic dry etch procedure is then employed to first define offset insulator spacers on the sides of the conductive gate structure, then to selectively remove the unwanted portions of the high k gate insulator layer. The use of the high k gate insulator layer provides a thin gate insulator layer with less risk of leakage when compared to counterpart gate insulator layers such as silicon dioxide, while the integration of the definition of the offset insulator spacer step and of the high k gate layer removal procedure, results in fabrication cost savings.

Abstract: A shift register device includes transistor pass gates and latches connected in series and disposed along a data bit line, each latch connected to a corresponding transistor pass gate. Each transistor pass gate is controlled by a separate control signal input line that a provides a signal to the transistor pass gate connected to it. The signals are provided in a staggered time pattern beginning with a latch disposed last in succession, shifting data from one position to the next succeeding position. Each latch is capable of storing one bit of data. The shift register utilizes less silicon space while reducing the amount of power consumed during operation.

Abstract: Electrostatically operated micro-optical devices and method of manufacturing such devices is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the micro-optical devices using electrostatic comb drive actuators having new spring designs to overcome side instability and exhibit enlarged displacement, having new designs of comb finger electrode shapes to generate larger force output, and having new clip type latch mechanism to control the corresponding device at certain states in an analog manner without electrical power consumption. Based on the proposed optical path and device configurations, integration and assembly of a plurality of reflective micro-mirrors in conjunction with proposed new comb drive actuators is very promising way to provide micro-optical devices to get good optical performance and suitable for multi-channel applications. We also disclose several process techniques to manufacture the micro-optical devices with said electrostatic comb drive actuator in a mass production manner with higher yield.

Abstract: Within an edge bead processing apparatus and an edge bead processing method, there is employed at least one of: (1) a nozzle suitable for directing a volume of fluid onto an annular edge ring of a substrate when received upon a platen, wherein the nozzle is geometrically configured to direct the volume of fluid simultaneously to all portions of the annular edge ring absent motion of the substrate with respect to the nozzle; and (2) a reflective optical apparatus suitable for directing a dose of radiation to the annular edge ring of the substrate when received upon the platen, wherein the reflective optical apparatus is geometrically configured to direct the dose of radiation to all portions of the annular edge ring absent movement of the substrate with respect to the reflective optical apparatus.

Abstract: Within an edge bead processing apparatus and an edge bead processing method, there is employed at least one of: (1) a nozzle suitable for directing a volume of fluid onto an annular edge ring of a substrate when received upon a platen, wherein the nozzle is geometrically configured to direct the volume of fluid simultaneously to all portions of the annular edge ring absent motion of the substrate with respect to the nozzle; and (2) a reflective optical apparatus suitable for directing a dose of radiation to the annular edge ring of the substrate when received upon the platen, wherein the reflective optical apparatus is geometrically configured to direct the dose of radiation to all portions of the annular edge ring absent movement of the substrate with respect to the reflective optical apparatus.