Abstract: A digitally controlled analog filter device. The digitally controlled analog filter device includes one or more digitally controlled analog signal amplifiers. The digitally controlled analog signal amplifiers are configured to have a gain of the digitally controlled analog signal amplifiers controlled by digital signals. The digitally controlled analog filter device further includes one or more analog time delay circuits coupled to signal input nodes of the digitally controlled analog signal amplifiers. The analog time delay circuits are configured to implement an analog signal delay. The digitally controlled analog filter device further includes a digital closed loop control circuit coupled to the digitally controlled analog signal amplifiers to digitally control the gain of the digitally controlled analog signal amplifiers.

Abstract: A method for performing power routing on a voltage island within an integrated circuit chip is disclosed. A first power grid is generated for a voltage island on metal levels 1 to N?1. Then, a second power grid is generated on metal levels N and above. A bounding region of the second robust power grid is determined. Finally, the shortest distance connections from a set of power sources is routed to the second power grid.

Abstract: A method of determining widths and/or routes of I/O power routes between one or more power distribution networks and a plurality of I/O circuits based on IR chop, electromigration, and electrostatic discharge electrical requirements. The method includes initially routing the I/O power routes and then iteratively analyzing the I/O power routes and iteratively incrementing the width of each power route that fails one or more of the electrical requirements until all power routes meet all electrical requirements. Once all power routes meet the electrical requirements, power routing is performed again to re-route any power routes as necessary to accommodate their wider widths. The method may be implemented in a system that includes a power routing tool, an electrical analysis tool, and a tool integrator tat implements an integrated power routing algorithm.

Abstract: A method for performing power routing on a voltage island within an integrated circuit chip is disclosed. A first power grid is generated for a voltage island on metal levels 1 to N?1. Then, a second power grid is generated on metal levels N and above. A bounding region of the second robust power grid is determined. Finally, the shortest distance connections from a set of power sources is routed to the second power grid.

Abstract: A method and system for modifying power rails of an integrated circuit having improved wireability. This is accomplished by initially generating a power railing design of the integrated circuit into a three-dimensional rail based model. Next, analysis of the design is performed as to placement of the power rails in relation to neighboring elements that affects a predefined wireability. Finally, modification of a segment of each power rail that affects wireability is performed so that required power supply to the neighboring elements (e.g., pins, rails etc.) remains unaffected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of routing power from a power network to one or more power service terminals within a voltage island, comprising: dividing the power network into segments; creating power service terminal to segment connections based on a first set of criteria; removing selected power service terminal to segment connections based on a second set of criteria; and selecting one power service terminal to segment connection for each the power service terminal. The first criteria is includes power drop, wire length, wire size, wiring layer restrictions and the second criteria includes electro-migration, wire length and current criteria.

Abstract: A method and system for modifying power rails of an integrated circuit having improved wireability. This is accomplished by initially generating a power railing design of the integrated circuit into a three-dimensional rail based model. Next, analysis of the design is performed as to placement of the power rails in relation to neighboring elements that affects a predefined wireability. Finally, modification of a segment of each power rail that affects wireability is performed so that required power supply to the neighboring elements (e.g., pins, rails etc.) remains unaffected.

Abstract: A shim for improving plasma arc weld quality has ends tapered at about 25.degree. and notches at each end roughly centered over the corner between the tapered ends and main body of the shim. The improved shim allows lower starting plasma arc heat input and reduces the occurrence of sagging, or overpenetration, of the weld.

Abstract: An improved plasma arc welding arm method and apparatus for keyhole welding rotating workpieces has an arcuate gear track supporting a corresponding arcuate geared cart bearing a plasma arc welding torch prevents voids in keyhole weld starts and finishes. The gear track is mounted on a manipulator arm for positioning the welding torch in proximity to a rotating workpiece to be welded. The torch may be rotated on the cart and gear track in the same direction and at the same rotational speed as the workpiece.

Abstract: An improved plasma arc welding arm method and apparatus for keyhole welding rotating workpieces has an arcuate gear track supporting a corresponding arcuate geared cart bearing a plasma arc welding torch prevents voids in keyhole weld starts and finishes. The gear track is mounted on a manipulator arm for positioning the welding torch in proximity to a rotating workpiece to be welded. The torch may be rotated on the cart and gear track in the same direction and at the same rotational speed as the workpiece.

Abstract: A shim for improving plasma arc weld quality has ends tapered at about 25.degree. and notches at each end roughly centered over the corner between the tapered ends and main body of the shim. The improved shim allows lower starting plasma arc heat input and reduces the occurrence of sagging, or overpenetration, of the weld.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for providing navigation guidance via a land vehicle by providing a navigation route planner (24) having a road network database (12) for planning a navigation route along the road network, determining a current estimated position of the land vehicle, communicating maneuver instructions to a driver of the land vehicle at a predetermined maneuver distance base value before the land vehicle reaches a required maneuver along the planned navigation route, and detecting and quantifying current environmental travel conditions for assisting a navigation device in guiding the land vehicle along the planned navigation route.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pacing the application of a manual weld along the weld line generates beeps or light flashes at a rate which can be correlated by the welder with markings along the weld line. As each beep or flash is perceived, the welder should reach the next marking. Spacing between the markings determines the desired rate at which the weld is being applied. Alternatively, sequentially lightable areas are distributed along the weld line and sequentially lit a desired rate. The welder chases the sequence along the weld line to achieve the optimum rate of welding.

Abstract: A plasma arc welding process for welding metal of increased thickness with one pass includes operating the plasma arc welding apparatus at a selected plasma gas flow rate, travel speed and arc current, to form a weld having a penetration ratio to weld height to weld width, and maintaining the penetration ratio at less than 0.74. Parameters for the plasma gas flow rate, travel speed and arc current are adjusted to a steady state condition during a start up period and maintained during the steady state condition to complete a weld. During a terminal stopping period, the travel speed is stopped and instantaneously replaced by filler wire which adds material to fill the keyhole that had been formed by the welding process. Parameters are subsequently adjusted during the stopping period to terminate the weld in a sound manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for building an axially symmetrical workpiece of desired geometry by deposit welding which uses a welding head 18 for depositing molten weld material 14 and a rotatable, reusable preform 10 which translates with the welding head 18. The reusable preform 10 is provided with means for varying its shape 22 to minimize the weight of the preform 10. The rotatable, reusable preform 10 forms, supports and cools the deposited molten weld material puddle 14 while the weld material is solidifying thereby eliminating the need for a conventional consumable preform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically cooling a workpiece being manufactured by shape melting whereby a gas/liquid coolant mixture is pumped onto the external surface of the part to be cooled. Temperature and pressure data is fed to a computer control system which regulates the flow of the gas and liquid coolant mixtures. A suction device which enshrouds the spray head extracts the heated and vaporized fluid from the vicinity of the surface. The apparatus may be provided with multiple spray heads which comprise the cooling head and have the ability to control the total rate at which coolant flows through the device by individually controlling coolant and gas flow through each of the multiple spray heads. If more cooling is desired, the computer control system activates more nozzles for flow, or it increases flow rate through already activated nozzles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building a workpiece of a desired geometry by deposit welding with a reusable preform. The reusable preform forms, supports, and cools the deposited molten weld material puddle while the weld material is solidifying thereby eliminating the need for a conventional preform. The reusable preform may be mobile or stationary in any shape, e.g., a block, a cylinder, or a belt. It is manufactured from either a combination of or exclusively of, a ceramic material or a material with high thermal conductivity.