Abstract: The present invention is directed to semiconductor devices and manufacturing methods thereof. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a semiconductor device that includes a filling material that supports the sides of an integrated circuit, which is coupled to a surface of a semiconductor substrate and surround by a ring structure. A portion of the filling material is positioned between the integrated circuit and the semiconductor substrate. There are other embodiments as well.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprising a strained semiconductor layer and a contact etch stop layer, CESL, wherein the strained semiconductor layer and the CESL are both arranged to reduce the probability of an electron tunnelling out of a charge trapping layer of the semiconductor memory device.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprising a strained semiconductor layer and a contact etch stop layer, CESL, wherein the strained semiconductor layer and the CESL are both arranged to reduce the probability of an electron tunnelling out of a charge trapping layer of the semiconductor memory device.

Abstract: A battery pack comprising a rechargeable power source element; an input member for connecting the battery pack to an external power source; an output member for connecting the battery pack to an external device for power supply to the external device a micro-controller for sensing at least one characteristic of an electrical signal from the external power source, and for controlling an output signal at the output member based on the characteristics of the electrical signal.

Abstract: A battery pack and a method of power management for a battery pack, the battery pack comprising a rechargeable power source; a protection circuit electrically isolated from the rechargeable power source in a shutdown mode of the battery pack; and a kickstart circuit for electrically connecting the protection circuit to the rechargeable power source for providing electrical protection when the battery pack is in any one of a plurality of operating states.

Abstract: A method and a device of constructing a side-opening cigarette package. The method comprises gathering cigarettes into a bundled charge. A flat shell (10) is propped open to facilitate insertion of the bundled cigarettes. The shell containing the cigarettes is rotated and placed in a desired orientation onto a blank. The blank is folded to form the side opening cigarette package.

Abstract: A reflection-based optical encoding apparatus for the detection of position and/or motion of a mechanical device includes an encoding medium having at least a first reflective portion, and an encoder housing having a light-emitting source and a light-detecting sensor embedded within, the encoder housing being placed in proximity to the encoding medium such that a functional light path can be established from the light-emitting source to the light-detecting sensor via the first reflective portion of the encoding medium. The encoder housing includes a first flat facet positioned between the light-emitting source and the encoding medium, the first flat facet having a first angle relative to a common geometric plane such that light passing from the light-emitting source to the encoding medium is refracted along a first angled path in a manner that the refracted light strikes a desired location of the encoding medium.

Abstract: A battery pack comprising a rechargeable power source element; an input member for connecting the battery pack to an external power source; an output member for connecting the battery pack to an external device for power supply to the external device a micro-controller for sensing at least one characteristic of an electrical signal from the external power source, and for controlling an output signal at the output member based on the characteristics of the electrical signal.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a phase-locked loop circuit. The circuit includes an oscillator having a first control input, a second control input, and a third control input, wherein the first control input, the second control input, and the third control input act to control output frequency of the oscillator. The circuit further includes a first charge pump and a second charge pump. A first bias generator is coupled to the first control input of the oscillator and can receive electrical input from the first charge pump. A second bias generator is coupled to the second control input of the oscillator and can receive electrical input from the first charge pump, the second charge pump, and the first bias generator. A third bias generator is coupled to the third control input of the oscillator and can receive electrical input from the second charge pump and the first bias generator.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a phase-locked loop circuit. The circuit includes an oscillator having a first control input and a second control input, wherein the first control input and the second control input act to control output frequency of the oscillator. The circuit further includes a first charge pump and a second charge pump. A first bias generator is coupled to the first control input of the oscillator and can receive electrical input from the first charge pump and the second charge pump. A second bias generator is coupled to the second control input of the oscillator and can receive electrical input from the second charge pump and the first bias generator.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection device includes a disconnect circuit configured to be coupled to a voltage source having a phase conductor and a neutral conductor, an output voltage connection coupled to the disconnect circuit; and a microprocessor circuit in communication with the disconnect circuit. The disconnect circuit is also configured to detect an overvoltage condition with respect to the phase conductor and the neutral conductor and to provide a first signal to the microprocessor circuit indicating whether the overvoltage condition is detected. The disconnect circuit is further configured to disconnect the phase conductor and the neutral conductor from the output voltage connection in response to a second signal from the microprocessor circuit if the overvoltage condition is detected, and to connect the phase conductor and the neutral conductor to the output voltage connection in response to the second signal if the overvoltage condition is not detected.