Abstract: A testing device for testing a high-speed serial transmitter or other device includes an input stage having a first comparator, a second comparator, and a digital-to-analog converter. The first comparator compares first differential signals from a device under test. The second comparator compares the first differential signals and second differential signals from the digital-to-analog converter. An analysis unit identifies first beats based on an output of the first comparator and second beats based on an output of the second comparator. The analysis unit identifies one or more characteristics of the device under test (such as jitter, differential signal swing, and transition time) based on the first and second beats. A clock unit provides an adjustable clock signal to the comparators. The clock signal may have a frequency shift with respect to a frequency of the device under test.

Abstract: A domain power notification system detects when a power domain experiences a power condition, such as lost power and low-voltage power, and communicates that information to the domains that communicate with the problem domain. As a result, the effected domains stop communicating with the problem domain without passing erroneous information.

Abstract: A domain power notification system detects when a power domain experiences a power condition, such as lost power and low-voltage power, and communicates that information to the domains that communicate with the problem domain. As a result, the effected domains stop communicating with the problem domain without passing erroneous information.

Abstract: Increased capacitance per unit of area with reduced series resistance and inductance is provided by a semiconductor-based capacitor with a spiral shape. The capacitor utilizes a plurality of patterned metal layers that each have a first trace with a spiral shape and a second trace with a spiral shape. The second trace is formed between the loops of the first trace, and around the first trace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is directed to a power-on reset circuit for providing a power-on reset signal having a rising edge and an adjustable falling edge. A reference generator circuit produces two different reference signals in response to a power supply signal. The two reference signals are compared by a comparison circuit to produce a resulting reference signal. The resulting reference signal tracks the power supply signal until a first threshold potential is reached. When the first threshold potential is reached, a rising edge is produced in the power-on reset signal. The rising edge indicates that the power supply signal has reached an operating potential. A second threshold potential corresponds to the adjustable falling edge of the power-on reset signal. When the power supply signal decreases below the second threshold potential, the adjustable falling edge is produced in the power-on reset signal.