Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, methods, and systems for accessing native neurons in the nervous system of an animal. Specifically, one or more artificial neural mediators (ANMs) each comprising a neural cell are first formed, and neural connection is then established between the ANMs and one or more native neurons or collections of native neurons located in the nervous system. In this manner, the native neurons or collections of native neurons can be assessed through the ANMs. The neural connection between the ANMs and the native neurons is preferably established by guided axonal growth in the present invention, i.e., either an axon from one of the ANMs is grown into contact with one of the native neurons or collections of native neurons, or an axon from one of the native neurons or collections of native neurons is grown into contact with one of the ANMs.

Abstract: An integrated spectrum analyzer for performing on-chip power spectrum measurements, includes a digital autocorrelator that includes an analog input for inputting analog signal samples from a chip, an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog signal samples into digital signal samples, a storage register for storing a first converted digital signal sample for a period of time, a digital multiplier for multiplying the first stored digital signal after the period of time with a second undelayed digital signal sample to produce a product of multiplication, and an accumulator for accumulating a plurality of products of multiplication for each new period of time. The digital autocorrelator computes an autocorrelation function based on the analog signal samples and is integrally formed on the chip for performing power spectrum measurements on the analog signal samples to compute the autocorrelation function.

Abstract: Conductive paths in an integrated circuit are formed using multiple undifferentiated carbon nanotubes embedded in a conductive metal, which is preferably copper. Preferably, conductive paths include vias running between conductive layers. Preferably, composite vias are formed by forming a metal catalyst pad on a conductor at the via site, depositing and etching a dielectric layer to form a cavity, growing substantially parallel carbon nanotubes on the catalyst in the cavity, and filling the remaining voids in the cavity with copper. The next conductive layer is then formed over the via hole.

Abstract: Conductive paths in an integrated circuit are formed using multiple undifferentiated carbon nanotubes embedded in a conductive metal, which is preferably copper. Preferably, conductive paths include vias running between conductive layers. Preferably, composite vias are formed by forming a metal catalyst pad on a conductor at the via site, depositing and etching a dielectric layer to form a cavity, growing substantially parallel carbon nanotubes on the catalyst in the cavity, and filling the remaining voids in the cavity with copper. The next conductive layer is then formed over the via hole.

Abstract: A method for characterizing circuit activity in an IC. Generally, the method comprises the steps of activating an IC, resolving the switching activity in space and time, and generating a representation of the switching behavior which differentiates the time that circuits or transistors switch. One embodiment of the invention, utilizes a method such as, but not limited to, time resolved photon emission to observe transistor level switching activity in an integrated circuit (IC).

Abstract: Methods and arrangements to enhance photon emissions responsive to a signal within an integrated circuit (IC) for observability of signal states utilizing, e.g., picosecond imaging circuit analysis (PICA), are disclosed. Embodiments attach a beacon to the signal of interest and apply a voltage across the beacon to enhance photon emissions responsive to the signal of interest. The voltage is greater than the operable circuit voltage, Vdd, to enhance photon emissions with respect to intensity and energy. Thus, the photon emissions are more distinguishable from noise. In many embodiments, the beacon includes a transistor and, in several embodiments, the beacon includes an enablement device to enable and disable photon emissions from the beacon. Further, a PICA detector may capture photon emissions from the beacon and process the photons to generate time traces.

Abstract: Conductive paths in an integrated circuit are formed using multiple undifferentiated carbon nanotubes embedded in a conductive metal, which is preferably copper. Preferably, conductive paths include vias running between conductive layers. Preferably, composite vias are formed by forming a metal catalyst pad on a conductor at the via site, depositing and etching a dielectric layer to form a cavity, growing substantially parallel carbon nanotubes on the catalyst in the cavity, and filling the remaining voids in the cavity with copper. The next conductive layer is then formed over the via hole.

Abstract: A mechanism for diagnosing broken scan chains based on leakage light emission is provided. An image capture mechanism detects light emission from leakage current in complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices. The diagnosis mechanism identifies devices with unexpected light emission. An unexpected amount of light emission may indicate that a transistor is turned off when it should be turned on or vice versa. All possible inputs may be tested to determine whether a problem exists with transistors in latches or with transistors in clock buffers. Broken points in the scan chain may then be determined based on the locations of unexpected light emission.

Abstract: A method and system for visualizing circuit operation. In the method device activity is obtained based on one or more of measured or simulated activity. The device activity is expressed in a representation, and the expressed activity is represented in a visual form. One suitable form of activity is the simulated version of the PICA slow motion movie. The invention may apply to other simulated design data vies as well, such as switch level simulation, current density simulation, and power density simulation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for analyzing leakage current luminescence in CMOS circuits. The method comprises the steps of collecting light emission data from each of a plurality of CMOS circuits, and separating the CMOS circuits into first and second groups. For the first group of CMOS circuits, the emission data from the CMOS circuits are analyzed, based on the presence or absence of leakage light from the CMOS circuits, to identify logic states for the CMOS circuits. For the second group of CMOS circuits, the emission data from the CMOS circuits are analyzed, based on modulation of the intensity of the light from the CMOS circuits, to determine values for given parameters of the circuits. These parameters may be, for example, temperature, cross-talk or power distribution noise.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are circuits and methods for receiving SFQ data pulses from a superconductor signal source, and first and second clock pulses that are substantially equal in frequency but opposite in phase from clock signal sources, and for encoding and converting the SFQ data pulses into a phase-shift-keying coded dc output voltage. The circuit includes RSFQ T-RS flip-flop means, including quantizing means for storing a current in one of two stable states, which is responsive to the first and second clock pulses and the data pulse, for PSK coding the SFQ data pulses. The circuit also includes a SFQ/DC converter, which is coupled to the quantizing means of the RSFQ T-RS flip-flop means and is responsive to a state of the current stored in the quantizing inductance loop, for converting the PSK coded SFQ data pulses into a PSK coded dc voltage.