Patents by Inventor Robert V. Knoell

Robert V. Knoell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5057441
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an integrated circuit which includes the step of evaluating the reliability of metal films in the circuit using a noise measurement technique. In one embodiment, a film portion to be tested is incorporated in a Wheatstone bridge. A relatively large direct current is passed through the film to stimulate 1/f.sup.2 noise. A relatively small alternating current is concurrently passed through the film. The bridge imbalance signal at the ac frequency is amplified and demodulated by a phase-locked amplifier, and is then frequency analyzed. The film is evaluated by comparing the resulting noise power spectrum with predetermined standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventors: Gregory M. Gutt, Avid Kamgar, Robert V. Knoell, Ronald J. Schutz