Abstract: A communication system for communication between one or more terminal units includes: a communication manager that is configured to define and manage one or more adjustable communication links for efficient bandwidth utilization, wherein the one or more communication links are adjustable by the communication manager adjusting the bandwidth of each of the one or more communication links, the frequency bands utilized by each of the one or more communication links, and the latency for each of the one or more communication links.

Abstract: A first package includes a laminate layer, an overmold layer above and in direct contact with the laminate layer, and a logic circuit-through-silicon via (TSV) layer including a first logic die and TSVs. The logic circuit-TSV layer is within the overmold layer, and the TSVs are electrically exposed at a top surface of the overmold layer. The first package may be fabricated and tested by a first party prior to being provided to a second party. A second package includes a second logic die. The second party may attach the second package to the first package at the electrically exposed TSVs of the first package to realize a complete and functional semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method of forming a wavy line interconnect structure that accommodates small metal lines and enlarged diameter vias is disclosed. The enlarged diameter vias can be formed using a self-aligned dual damascene process without the need for a separate via lithography mask. The enlarged diameter vias make direct contact with at least three sides of the underlying metal lines, and can be aligned asymmetrically with respect to the metal line to increase the packing density of the metal pattern. The resulting vias have an aspect ratio that is relatively easy to fill, while the larger via footprint provides low via resistance. By allowing the via footprint to exceed the minimum size of the metal line width, a path is cleared for further process generations to continue shrinking metal lines to dimensions below 10 nm.

Abstract: A wavy line interconnect structure that accommodates small metal lines and large vias is disclosed. A lithography mask design used to pattern metal line trenches uses optical proximity correction (OPC) techniques to approximate wavy lines using rectangular opaque features. The large vias can be formed using a self-aligned dual damascene process without the need for a separate via lithography mask. Instead, a sacrificial layer allows etching of an underlying thick dielectric block, while protecting narrow features of the trenches that correspond to the metal line interconnects. The resulting vias have an aspect ratio that is relatively easy to fill, while the larger via footprint provides low via resistance. By lifting the shrink constraint for vias, thereby allowing the via footprint to exceed the minimum size of the metal line width, a path is cleared for further process generations to continue shrinking metal lines to dimensions below 10 nm.

Abstract: A conductive element of a cable or a wire is formed of an improved aluminum-zirconium alloy. The aluminum-zirconium alloy further includes an inoculant. The aluminum-zirconium alloy exhibits excellent ultimate tensile strength values and resistance to heat. Bonding wires formed from an improved aluminum-zirconium alloy exhibiting certain ultimate tensile strength values, fatigue resistance and/or creep rates are also described. Methods of forming cables and wires are also further disclosed.

Abstract: An improved flexible endoscopic instrument to precisely and efficiently obtains samples of flat polyps and multiple polyps from a patient by debriding one or more polyps and retrieving the debrided polyps without having to alternate between using a separate cutting tool and a separate sample retrieving tool and may be used with an endoscope. In one aspect, the cutting tool is coupled to a flexible torque coil or torque rope that is configured to transfer rotational energy from a powered actuator through the length of the endoscope onto the cutting tool.

Abstract: A communication device (e.g., a cable modem (CM)) includes a digital to analog converter (DAC) and a power amplifier (PA) that generate a signal to be transmitting via a communication interface to another communication device (e.g., cable modem termination system (CMTS)). The CM includes diagnostic analyzer that samples the signal based on a fullband sample capture corresponding to a full bandwidth and/or a subset (e.g., narrowband) sample capture to generate a fullband and/or subset signal capture (e.g., of an upstream (US) communication channel between the CM and the CMTS). The diagnostic analyzer can be configured to generate sample captures of the signal based on any desired parameter(s), condition(s), and/or trigger(s). The CM then transmits the signal to the CMTS and the fullband and/or subset signal capture to the CMTS and/or a proactive network maintenance (PNM) communication device to determine at least one characteristic associated with performance of the US communication channel.

Abstract: A computing device can automatically generate a flow diagram showing statuses that objects in a system can possess, and the possible transitions between these statuses. Using snapshots of database data, the device can determine how the statuses of these objects have changed over time. The device can analyze the data to suggest which database fields likely represent object status. The device can render the flow diagram to illustrate system states at different selected times. Each rendered flow diagram can indicate, for the selected time point, the quantity of objects that possessed each status at that time, and, for a selected time interval, the quantity of objects that changed from each status to each other status during that time interval. The statuses can be represented in the flow diagram as status bubbles having sizes that are based on the quantities of objects have those bubble's statuses at the selected time point.

Abstract: A transmitter for use in a cable modem termination system includes a data processing module that generates a plurality of OFDM symbols from a data packet. A probe symbol generator generates a probe symbol, as one of a plurality of probe symbol types. The probe symbol is selectively inserted within the plurality of OFDM symbols, at a pre-defined probe symbol interval.

Abstract: A communication device includes a communication interface and a processor configured to generate, transmit, receive, and process signals. The communication device generates orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) frame(s) that include a two-dimensional (2D) start burst marker (BM), a data payload, and a 2D stop BM, and transmits the OFDM frame(s) to another communication device. Alternatively, the communication device receives OFDM frame(s) that include a 2D start BM and a 2D stop BM, and then identifies a data payload within those OFDM frame(s) based on the 2D start burst marker and a 2D stop BM. The 2D start and stop BMs are based on predetermined sequences having particular formats based on corresponding 2D sub-carrier and OFDM/A frame based structure. A receiver communication device then detects the 2D start BM and 2D stop BM within the received OFDM frame(s) based on knowledge of these predetermined sequences and particular formats.

Abstract: A communication device (alternatively, device) includes a processor configured to support communications with other communication device(s) and to generate and process signals for such communications. In some examples, the device includes a communication interface and a processor, among other possible circuitries, components, elements, etc. to support communications with other communication device(s) and to generate and process signals for such communications. A device directs an analog to digital converter (ADC) to perform a sample capture of a communication channel and processes that sample capture to generate a detected power. The device performs an integrate-and-dump (I&D) operation on the detected power over at least one time period to generate an integrated power and then generates an integrated power histogram of the communication channel that includes the integrated power.

Abstract: A transmitter for use in a cable modem termination system includes a data processing module that generates a plurality of OFDM symbols from a data packet. A probe symbol generator generates a probe symbol, as one of a plurality of probe symbol types. The probe symbol is selectively inserted within the plurality of OFDM symbols, at a pre-defined probe symbol interval.

Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and a second portion that defined a lid co-operable with the first portion. The lid includes an auxiliary access opening and closure member that are smaller than the main opening, and that can be operated one-handed. A rigid work surface is provided, typically immediately adjacent to the secondary closure member, the work surface providing a place for holding or mixing a drink or for preparing a snack. In some embodiments the work surface may be movable relative to the container, whether slidable in a co-planar or parallel planar manner in translation, or folding as in a foldable shelf. The entire container assembly may be foldable or collapsible to a storage condition, and the rigid member, whether fixed or movable, does not impede that folding or collapsing.

Abstract: As provided herein, a first device may be registered as authorized to authenticate a user login into a service from a second device (e.g., a smart phone may be used to log the user into a webmail service on a computer without the user having to enter a password through the computer). Responsive to the user attempting to access the service through the second device, a login interface may be displayed on the first device. The user may confirm or deny that the user wants to log into the service on the second device, thus allowing the user to seamlessly log into the service on the second device (e.g., without entering a password) while mitigating unauthorized logins into the service from unknown devices. Further, the user may use the first device to delegate the authority to authenticate the user login into the service to one or more other devices.

Abstract: A computing device can automatically generate a flow diagram showing statuses that objects in a system can possess, and the possible transitions between these statuses. Using snapshots of database data, the device can determine how the statuses of these objects have changed over time. The device can analyze the data to suggest which database fields likely represent object status. The device can render the flow diagram to illustrate system states at different selected times. Each rendered flow diagram can indicate, for the selected time point, the quantity of objects that possessed each status at that time, and, for a selected time interval, the quantity of objects that changed from each status to each other status during that time interval. The statuses can be represented in the flow diagram as status bubbles having sizes that are based on the quantities of objects have those bubble's statuses at the selected time point.

Abstract: A communication device is configured to communicate coded information to other communication device(s). The communication device uses NCPs to indicate locations of codewords within signal(s) transmitted to the other communication device(s). The communication device is configured to encode NCP(s) using an FEC code to generate coded NCP(s) and also to encode the NCP(s) using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code to generate NCP CRC bits. The communication device is also configured to encode the NCP CRC bits using the FEC code to generate coded NCP CRC bits. The communication device is then configured to generate OFDM or OFDMA symbol(s) include the coded NCP(s) and the coded NCP CRC bits to indicate beginnings of codeword(s) within at least one of the OFDM symbol(s) and/or additional OFDM symbol(s). The communication device is also configured to transmit the OFDM or OFDMA symbols to another communication device via a communication interface of the communication device.

Abstract: A device implements orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) techniques. In particular, the device includes a frequency interleaver and/or de-interleaver for OFDM modulation. The frequency interleaver provides random frequency interleaving for the symbols transmitted by OFDM modulation. The frequency de-interleaver provides random frequency de-interleaving for the symbols received by OFDM demodulation.

Abstract: An electrically insulating substrate is provided. The electrically insulating substrate includes a set of areas to be formed into a set of printed circuit boards. Each of the set of areas is separated from others of the set of areas by a dicing channel. A set of signal wiring conductors is fabricated onto the set of areas of the electrically insulating substrate so that at least one of the set of signal wiring conductors terminates proximate to the dicing channel. A set of plated through holes is fabricated through at least one of the set of areas such that at least one of the set of plated through holes connects to at least one of the set of signal wiring conductors. The electrically insulating substrate is singulated along a set of singulation lines to form the set of printed circuit boards. The singulation lines intersect with the plated through holes, so that a portion of the plated through holes is exposed along the peripheral edge of the resulting printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A wavy line interconnect structure that accommodates small metal lines and enlarged diameter vias is disclosed. The enlarged diameter vias can be formed using a self-aligned dual damascene process without the need for a separate via lithography mask. The enlarged diameter vias make direct contact with at least three sides of the underlying metal lines, and can be aligned asymmetrically with respect to the metal line to increase the packing density of the metal pattern. The resulting vias have an aspect ratio that is relatively easy to fill, while the larger via footprint provides low via resistance. An interconnect structure having enlarged diameter vias can also feature air gaps to reduce the chance of dielectric breakdown. By allowing the via footprint to exceed the minimum size of the metal line width, a path is cleared for further process generations to continue shrinking metal lines to dimensions below 10 nm.

Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and a second portion that defined a lid co-operable with the first portion. The lid includes an auxiliary access opening and closure member that are smaller than the main opening, and that can be operated one-handed. A rigid work surface is provided, typically immediately adjacent to the secondary closure member, the work surface providing a place for holding or mixing a drink or for preparing a snack. In some embodiments the work surface may be movable relative to the container, whether slidable in a co-planar or parallel planar manner in translation, or folding as in a foldable shelf. The entire container assembly may be foldable or collapsible to a storage condition, and the rigid member, whether fixed or movable, does not impede that folding or collapsing.