Abstract: An image processing method of increasing image quality is applied to an image processing device and includes setting a plurality of regions of interest within an input image, generating a weight map in accordance with the plurality of regions of interest identified from the input image, applying a plurality of gain values to the input image for respectively generating a plurality of duplicated images, and utilizing the weight map to synthesize the plurality of duplicated images for acquiring an output image.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming capping layers configured to prevent the migration of out-diffused cobalt atoms into upper metallization layers In some embodiments, the method includes depositing a cobalt diffusion barrier layer on a liner-free conductive structure that includes ruthenium, where depositing the cobalt diffusion barrier layer includes forming the cobalt diffusion barrier layer self-aligned to the liner-free conductive structure. The method also includes depositing, on the cobalt diffusion barrier layer, a stack with an etch stop layer and dielectric layer, and forming an opening in the stack to expose the cobalt diffusion barrier layer. Finally, the method includes forming a conductive structure on the cobalt diffusion barrier layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming capping layers configured to prevent the migration of out-diffused cobalt atoms into upper metallization layers In some embodiments, the method includes depositing a cobalt diffusion barrier layer on a liner-free conductive structure that includes ruthenium, where depositing the cobalt diffusion barrier layer includes forming the cobalt diffusion barrier layer self-aligned to the liner-free conductive structure. The method also includes depositing, on the cobalt diffusion barrier layer, a stack with an etch stop layer and dielectric layer, and forming an opening in the stack to expose the cobalt diffusion barrier layer. Finally, the method includes forming a conductive structure on the cobalt diffusion barrier layer.

Abstract: Satellite set-top boxes (STB) are increasingly being designed with multiple tuners, making them capable of receiving more than one program at a time. In addition, satellite STBs are increasingly being designed with multiple inputs, to permit reception of additional channels that will not fit within the conventional satellite intermediate frequency (IF) band (950-2150 MHz). Often, the STB must route these multiple inputs to the multiple tuners with some form of switching function, to allow each tuner to receive all channel bands. Accordingly, the invention includes an RFIC with two RF inputs and three RF outputs, and a crossbar switch that can route any input to any output. The two inputs are amplified by low-noise amplifier stages.

Abstract: A programmable attenuator includes a resistor ladder having a plurality of taps to provide a coarse gain control. Coupled to each tap is a plurality of switches. Control logic activates or deactivates individual switches in the plurality of switches to provide a fine gain control. More specifically, a set of activated switches provides fine gain control by determining an overall attenuation level interpolated between an adjacent pair of taps.

Abstract: A bandpass filter includes a plurality of resonators. An input pin is connected to a first resonator of the plurality of resonators. An output pin is connected to a second resonator of the plurality of resonators. The first and second resonators are magnetically coupled to each other. The first and second resonators are coupled to other resonators using mixed coupling. The other resonators are coupled to each other using electric coupling.

Abstract: Satellite set-top boxes (STB) are increasingly being designed with multiple tuners, making them capable of receiving more than one program at a time. In addition, satellite STBs are increasingly being designed with multiple inputs, to permit reception of additional channels that will not fit within the conventional satellite intermediate frequency (IF) band (950-2150 MHz). Often, the STB must route these multiple inputs to the multiple tuners with some form of switching function, to allow each tuner to receive all channel bands. Accordingly, the invention includes an RFIC with two RF inputs and three RF outputs, and a crossbar switch that can route any input to any output. The two inputs are amplified by low-noise amplifier stages.

Abstract: A bandpass filter includes a plurality of resonators on a printed circuit board. An input pin is connected to a first resonator of the plurality of resonators. An output pin is connected to a second resonator of the plurality of resonators. The first and second resonators are magnetically coupled to each other. The first and second resonators are coupled to other resonators using mixed coupling. The other resonators are coupled to each other using electric coupling.

Abstract: A bandpass filter includes a plurality of resonators. An input pin is connected to a first resonator of the plurality of resonators. An output pin is connected to a second resonator of the plurality of resonators. The first and second resonators are magnetically coupled to each other. The first and second resonators are coupled to other resonators using mixed coupling. The other resonators are coupled to each other using electric coupling.

Abstract: A programmable attenuator includes a resistor ladder having a plurality of taps to provide a coarse gain control. Coupled to each tap is a plurality of switches. Control logic activates or deactivates individual switches in the plurality of switches to provide a fine gain control. More specifically, a set of activated switches provides fine gain control by determining an overall attenuation level interpolated between an adjacent pair of taps.

Abstract: A printed bandpass filter is mounted on a precision substrate to eliminate the need for post-fabrication tuning. The filter input is capacitively coupled to a series of quarter wavelength resonators and the filter output. The quarter wavelength resonators are printed as spirals to reduce filter size. The resonators define the bandpass characteristics of the filter. The filter also weakly couples the input signal to the filter output in a manner to cancel the signal image. Mechanical clips mitigate thermal stress on solder connections when the precision substrate is mounted on a second printed circuit board.

Abstract: A printed bandpass filter is mounted on a precision substrate to eliminate the need for post-fabrication tuning. The filter input is capacitively coupled to a series of quarter wavelength resonators and the filter output. The quarter wavelength resonators are printed as spirals to reduce filter size. The resonators define the bandpass characteristics of the filter. The filter also weakly couples the input signal to the filter output in a manner to cancel the signal image. Mechanical clips mitigate thermal stress on solder connections when the precision substrate is mounted on a second printed circuit board.

Abstract: A printed bandpass filter is mounted on a precision substrate to eliminate the need for post-fabrication tuning. The filter input is capacitively coupled to a series of quarter wavelength resonators and the filter output. The quarter wavelength resonators are printed as spirals to reduce filter size. The resonators define the bandpass characteristics of the filter. The filter also weakly couples the input signal to the filter output in a manner to cancel the signal image. Mechanical clips mitigate thermal stress on solder connections when the precision substrate is mounted on a second printed circuit board.

Abstract: A printed bandpass filter is mounted on a precision substrate to eliminate the need for post-fabrication tuning. The filter input is capacitively coupled to a series of quarter wavelength resonators and the filter output. The quarter wavelength resonators are printed as spirals to reduce filter size. The resonators define the bandpass characteristics of the filter. The filter also weakly couples the input signal to the filter output in a manner to cancel the signal image. Mechanical clips mitigate thermal stress on solder connections when the precision substrate mounted on a second printed circuit board.

Abstract: A bandpass filter includes a plurality of resonators on a printed circuit board. An input pin is connected to a first resonator of the plurality of resonators. An output pin is connected to a second resonator of the plurality of resonators. The first and second resonators are magnetically coupled to each other. The first and second resonators are coupled to other resonators using mixed coupling. The other resonators are coupled to each other using electric coupling.