Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods of using machine vision in a distribution network environment. In particular, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for automatically monitoring zones within a distribution facility with machine vision and generating notifications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide increased ESD protection suitable for high-voltage devices. In one embodiment, an internal DMOS circuit is placed in parallel with a lateral NPN ESD clamp. The clamp has both a high holding voltage, above the operating voltage of the DMOS circuit, and a high maximum current before breakdown. The discharge path of the clamp includes a high-voltage lightly doped well containing a low-voltage higher doped well. The dopant of both wells is the same type, and the interface between the two defines a graded junction. The emitter of the entire circuit is grounded and the collector is coupled to the voltage of the DMOS circuit.

Abstract: A substrate having a buried well is provided. The substrate may be formed by implanting ions in a surface well of a first substrate and subsequently forming a semiconductor layer, such as an epitaxial layer, over the surface well. In this manner, the surface well becomes a buried well having a semiconductor layer that is substantially undoped formed thereon. In an embodiment, a transistor is formed on the substrate. Because the epitaxial layer is substantially undoped, the transistor may be formed such that the junction capacitance between the source/drain regions and the underlying region is reduced. If desired, the epitaxial layer, or a portion thereof, may be doped to decrease the resistance between the channel region and the well contact.

Abstract: Disclosed is an on-chip test device for testing the thickness of gate oxides in transistors. A ring oscillator provides a ring oscillator output and an inverter receives the ring oscillator output as an input. The inverter is coupled to a gate oxide and the inverter receives different voltages as power supplies. The difference between the voltages provides a measurement of capacitance of the gate oxide. The difference between the voltages is less than or equal to approximately one-third of the difference between a second set of voltages provided to the ring oscillator. The capacitance of the gate oxide comprises the inverse of the frequency of the ring oscillator output multiplied by the difference between the voltages, less a capacitance constant for the test device. This capacitance constant is for the test device alone, and does not include any part of the capacitance of the gate oxide. The measurement of capacitance of the gate oxide is used to determine the thickness of the gate oxide.