Abstract: A metastable sense circuit includes an input latch and a sense latch. The input latch passes data from the input to the output in a transparent mode and retains data at the output in a hold mode in response to a clock signal. The output of the input latch is coupled to an input of the sense latch. A logic signal is provided at the output of the sense latch responsive to an occurrence of a metastable state of the input latch in a transparent mode and retains data at the output in a hold mode in response to a clock signal. The input section of the sense latch includes a reference voltage generator that tracks changes in the logic switching threshold of the output of the input latch.

Abstract: A data acquisition system suitable for use in a SAR type A/D converter has a metastable sense feature capable of sensing and resolving a metastable condition in the input latch structure of a SAR in order to enable the acquisition of each bit of a digital output word within no more than two clock cycles. In one embodiment the data acquisition system includes a master latch having an input for receiving a digital input signal and a plurality of input latches wherein the inputs of the input latches are coupled together and to the output of the master latch. A sense latch is further included wherein the input of the sense latch is coupled to the output or sense node in the master latch for sensing a metastable condition with the master latch. A plurality of secondary latches is included wherein the inputs of the secondary latches are coupled together and to the output of the sense latch.

Abstract: Apparatus which is utilized with a liquid crystal display for applying alternating current driving signals thereto, derived from applied direct current analog signals. The apparatus includes circuitry which samples and stores the applied analog signal. The apparatus also includes circuitry which level shifts the sampled signals so as to have voltage levels which are symmetrically disposed above and below a reference level associated with the liquid crystal display during alternating field times. The symmetrically disposed signals constitute applied alternating current signals to the display, with respect to the reference level.

Abstract: A monolithic imager utilizing a plurality of detector cells for detecting the presence of radiation and producing a two dimensional mapping thereof. The detector cells are arrayed in a matrix having a square center surrounded by a number of polygonal rings so that a relatively high resolution mapping of detected radiation is achieved at the center of the imager.

Abstract: A compact liquid crystal display of the type wherein a pixel array formed of liquid crystal material is addressed by an associated array of MOSFET circuits, each circuit including a switching device and an overlying storage capacitor. A plurality of substantially parallel gate buses located orthogonal to and insulated from a plurality of parallel drain diffusions are provided for the application of control and video data to the array. A layer of metallization, located within the backplate, forms a common ground plate for the capacitors of the array, shielding the drain diffusions from incident light and thereby eliminating the need for space-consuming diffusion-to-conductor contact regions.

Abstract: A monolithic imager utilizing a plurality of detector cells is formed on a common intrinsic substrate. Backside illumination in the near-IR region generates hole-electron pairs in the intrinsic material which may be depleted throughout its thickness by CCD-range voltages applied by the imager's readout structure to a over-lying, thinly doped epitaxial layer. Minority carriers migrate toward a collection node which is formed in the epitaxial layer (and protrudes into the substrate), accumulating in an inversion layer at the surface of the epitaxial layer. The accumulated charge is advanced to an output diffusion in the epitaxial layer by means of a readout system which provides semi-random addressing of the transfer gate electrodes of the individual detector cells.