Abstract: Various cryptographic locks for securing assets, secure containers and methods of operating a cryptographic lock. One embodiment of a cryptographic lock includes: (1) a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a first and second phase, wherein the first phase inhibits access to an asset and the second phase allows access to the asset and (2) an RFID transponder, coupled to the SMA, configured to receive an authentication signal from an RFID transceiver and, based thereon, energize the SMA to temporarily change the SMA from the first phase to the second phase.

Abstract: A user interface for use with an HVAC system, a method of providing temperature data of increased accuracy with a user interface of an HVAC system and an HVAC system incorporating the user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the user interface includes: (1) a case, (2) a backlit display configured to provide information to a user, (3) a processor and memory coupled to the backlit display and configured to drive the backlit display and (4) a temperature sensor thermally isolated from the backlit display and associated with the case.

Abstract: A user interface for use with an HVAC system, a method of providing service reminders on a single screen of a user interface of an HVAC system and an HVAC system incorporating the user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the user interface includes: (1) a display configured to provide information to a user, (2) a touchpad configured to accept input from the user, (3) a processor and memory coupled to the display and the touchpad and configured to drive the display and (4) at least one socket coupled to the processor and configured to receive a media card.

Abstract: Various cryptographic locks for securing assets, secure containers and methods of operating a cryptographic lock. One embodiment of a cryptographic lock includes: (1) a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a first and second phase, wherein the first phase inhibits access to an asset and the second phase allows access to the asset and (2) an RFID transponder, coupled to the SMA, configured to receive an authentication signal from an RFID transceiver and, based thereon, energize the SMA to temporarily change the SMA from the first phase to the second phase.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) for generating pseudorandom numbers for a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The PRNG includes an analog portion configured to generate a pseudorandom number seed having a value that varies based on sampling a received RF signal. A digital portion is configured to generate a pseudorandom number based on the pseudorandom number seed generated by the analog portion.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprises a transceiver and a component coupled to the transceiver. The transceiver is adapted to wirelessly receive power from an RFID reader and/or from a mobile communication device. The power received from the mobile communication device is used to power the component, providing an alternative power source (cellular beacons) that uses no additional handset power.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is disclosed that comprises a transceiver and a component coupled to the transceiver. The component is adapted to collect at least one biological parameter. The transceiver is adapted to wirelessly receive power from a base device, where the power received from the base device is used to power the component.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprises a transceiver and a component coupled to the transceiver. The transceiver is adapted to wirelessly receive power from an RFID reader and/or from a mobile communication device. The power received from the mobile communication device is used to power the component, providing an alternative power source (cellular beacons) that uses no additional handset power.

Abstract: A location determination apparatus, method and system (10, 23, 26, 32, 36, 48, 52, 60, 64, 74, 78, 84, 90, 106) that is an improvement upon existing location determining techniques. The invention enables precision indoor location determination through the use of non-DTV terrestrial broadcast signals (e.g. one way, wide area, dissemination of information)(20), or re-broadcast signals (44, 56, 70, 80) of the proposed (terrestrial based) digital satellite radio relay transmitters (42, 54) to provide position location. This solution does not require a local receiver to correct for long distance propagation dispersion, particularly for the satellite relay, as the digital radio satellites are already synchronized to GPS time.

Abstract: A location determination apparatus, method and system (10, 23, 26, 32, 36, 48, 52, 60, 64, 74, 78, 84, 90, 106) that is an improvement upon existing location determining techniques. The invention enables precision indoor location determination through the use of non-DTV terrestrial broadcast signals (e.g. one way, wide area, dissemination of information)(20), or re-broadcast signals (44, 56, 70, 80) of the proposed (terrestrial based) digital satellite radio relay transmitters (42, 54) to provide position location. This solution does not require a local receiver to correct for long distance propagation dispersion, particularly for the satellite relay, as the digital radio satellites are already synchronized to GPS time.

Abstract: A gallium arsenide monolithic microwave integrated circuit amplifier comprising a first stage having a common gate field effect transistor to provide matching of the input impedance, a second stage having a common source field effect transistor to provide class A gain, and a third stage having a common source open drain field effect transistor to provide class B gain for the amplifier. This monolithic integrated circuit amplifier provides a gain of greater than 25 decibels over a frequency band of 400 Hz-1.5 GHz.

Abstract: A dual-gate gallium arsenide power MESFET chip comprising a source region surrounded by a first gate, a second surrounding the first gate, a drain region juxtaposed to said second gate, and a shorting bar which couples the second gate to the source region. This combination, used in a multi-fingered application, provides a reverse breakdown voltage substantially higher than prior art devices.