Abstract: Methods are disclosed. A method may include a method of generating an integrated circuit design. The method of generating an integrated circuit design may include generating a contextual cell including a super-master and defining at least one sub-master, the at least one sub-master derived from parameterized values and a context of an instance of the super-master.

Abstract: A method may include obtaining a netlist representation of a circuit comprising a single-cell (S-Cell) or multi-cell (M-Cell), performing one or more test simulations using the netlist representation of the circuit, receiving one or more parameters comprising performance metrics of the circuit responsive to the one or more test simulations, and generating a parameterized model of the circuit responsive to the one or more parameters.

Abstract: Methods for generating a cell set for an analog design tool are disclosed. A method comprises receiving, at a cell generator, one or more electronic files of a process-specific architectural cell (AP_Cell) having wiring for power and ground, FILL, wherein the AP_Cell is configured according to a first manufacturing process. The method further includes receiving, at the cell generator, one or more electronic files of a schematic cell (S_Cell) having internal wiring between circuit elements to provide a function for the S_Cell. The method also includes merging data from the one or more electronic files of the AP_Cell and the one or more electronic files of the S_Cell to generate a process-specific schematic cell (SP_Cell) used as a building block for a physical layout of an analog IC, wherein the process-specific schematic cell comprises one or more electronic files. Related devices are also described herein.

Abstract: A method for designing a semiconductor integrated circuit is disclosed, including generating a physical layout from a schematic layout of the analog integrated circuit. The method comprises retrieving, with a processor, pre-defined cells having physical layout information for a specific process stored in a memory device responsive to the schematic layout being created by an analog circuit designer using an analog design tool, building the physical layout by connecting the retrieved pre-defined cells according to the schematic layout, and storing the physical layout in the memory device. Related systems and computer-readable media are also described herein.

Abstract: Methods for generating a cell set for an analog design tool are disclosed. A method comprises receiving, at a cell generator, one or more electronic files of a process-specific architectural cell (AP_Cell) having wiring for power and ground, FILL, wherein the AP_Cell is configured according to a first manufacturing process. The method further includes receiving, at the cell generator, one or more electronic files of a schematic cell (S_Cell) having internal wiring between circuit elements to provide a function for the S_Cell. The method also includes merging data from the one or more electronic files of the AP_Cell and the one or more electronic files of the S_Cell to generate a process-specific schematic cell (SP_Cell) used as a building block for a physical layout of an analog IC, wherein the process-specific schematic cell comprises one or more electronic files. Related devices are also described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that enable a multi-spool gas turbine engine to produce ISO-qualified power quality during block loading, while also achieving high efficiency over a wide power range. Such an engine would enable new markets, including modern data centers, to operate independently from the utility grid, while achieving high efficiency, reliability, and power quality. The engine includes a variable area nozzle upstream of the free power turbine. On experiencing the torque spike, the variable area nozzle is opened rapidly to provide rapid an increase in air flow aspirated by the engine. When combined with a proportionally increased fuel supply, the power and torque of the free power turbine increases with a time constant close to that of the fuel valve and variable area nozzle movement.

Abstract: A method for designing an semiconductor integrated circuit is disclosed, including generating a physical layout from a schematic layout of the analog integrated circuit. The method comprises retrieving, with a processor, pre-defined cells having physical layout information for a specific process stored in a memory device responsive to the schematic layout being created by a circuit designer using an analog circuit design tool, building the physical layout by connecting the retrieved pre-defined cells according to the schematic layout, and storing the physical layout in the memory device. Related systems and computer-readable media are also described herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a multi-spool gas turbine power plant which utilizes motor/generator devices on two or more spools for starting the gas turbine and for power extraction after starting. Methods are disclosed for controlling engine responsiveness under changing load and/or ambient air conditions; providing a momentary power boost when required; providing some engine braking when needed; providing over-speed protection for the free power turbine when load is rapidly lowered or disconnected; charging an energy storage system; and restoring the compressors and/or turbines toward their operating lines when surge or choking limits are approached.

Abstract: A solar receiver for conversion of solar radiation to thermal energy includes an enclosure defining a cavity and having an aperture for receiving an influx of concentrated solar radiation. A heat exchanger is received within the cavity for transferring heat out of the solar receiver. The heat exchanger comprises a plurality of heat exchange cells arranged in polygonal array within the cavity. Each heat exchange cell comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a heat exchange matrix interposed within a first volume defined between a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from the first plate. The inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the first volume and the first plate, second plate, and heat exchange matrix are monolithically bonded as a unit. The first plate receives concentrated solar radiation and the heat exchange media defines a pathway for a fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet between the first and second plates.

Abstract: Power generation systems and methods are provided with features directed to various innovations including ones relating to the conversion of concentrated solar and biomass energy to electricity, load-shifting of electrical power supply systems, gas turbine devices and cycles, and power plant control systems.

Abstract: A test facility provides high temperature, high pressure and high mass flow fluid to a test object to form a relatively large thermal gradient on the object. Energy in the fluid is recuperated to drive system components, such as a heat exchanger and a turbocharger compressor. A test chamber housing the test object can be arranged to conform to a contour of the test object. A control system permits independent variation of pressure, temperature, cooling fluid and fluid velocity, as well as mechanical loading on the test object. Noncontact, optical inspection measurement techniques can be employed to measure test chamber and/or test object parameters. The test object can be configured to direct cooling airflow to permit various temperature or pressure gradients to be implemented. The test facility is relatively inexpensive to operate and provides a significant cost advantage over testing conducted in a full gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A pipelined analog-to-digital converter includes a plurality of stages each including a sample-and-hold circuit configured to output an analog signal having a current and a current mode analog-to-digital converter configured to compare the current of the analog signal output by the sample-and-hold circuit to current generated by a plurality of current sources and output a digital representation of the analog signal.

Abstract: The present invention combines the principles of a gas turbine engine with an electric transmission system. A method and apparatus are disclosed for utilizing metallic and ceramic elements to store heat energy derived from a regenerative braking system. The subject invention uses this regenerated electrical energy to provide additional energy storage over conventional electrical storage methods suitable for a gas turbine engine. The subject invention provides engine braking for a gas turbine engine as well as reducing fuel consumption.

Abstract: An imager acquires a scene's image by pixels each of which has a digital storage device which accumulates information on a pertinent portion of the image. During image acquisition, the imager moves relative to the scene, and the contents of the digital storage devices are shifted from one pixel to another. In some embodiments, less than all bits of a digital storage device are shifted, and/or the shift is accompanied by some operation on the contents of the digital storage devices. Other features are also provided.

Abstract: A light-to-frequency converter includes a switch (130) connected in series with a reverse-biased photodiode (120). A node (150) in the current path through the switch and the photodiode is connected to the input of a Schmidt trigger (160), whose output controls the switch. New techniques are provided for motion compensation, partial readouts, dark current elimination, non-destructive testing, and sensing the state of a memory cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a gas turbine power plant with a variable area turbine nozzle and an integrated motor/alternator device for starting the gas turbine and power extraction after starting.

Abstract: A light-to-frequency converter includes a switch (130) connected in series with a reverse-biased photodiode (120). A node (150) in the current path through the switch and the photodiode is connected to the input of a Schmidt trigger (160), whose output controls the switch. New techniques are provided for motion compensation, partial readouts, dark current elimination, non-destructive testing, and sensing the state of a memory cell.

Abstract: A light-to-frequency converter includes a switch (130) connected in series with a reverse-biased photodiode (120). A node (150) in the current path through the switch and the photodiode is connected to the input of a Schmidt trigger (160), whose output controls the switch. New techniques are provided for motion compensation, partial readouts, dark current elimination, non-destructive testing, and sensing the state of a memory cell.

Abstract: A pipelined analog-to-digital converter includes a plurality of stages each including a sample-and-hold circuit configured to output an analog signal having a current and a current mode analog-to-digital converter configured to compare the current of the analog signal output by the sample-and-hold circuit to current generated by a plurality of current sources and output a digital representation of the analog signal.

Abstract: Power generation systems and methods are provided with features directed to various innovations including ones relating to the conversion of concentrated solar and biomass energy to electricity, load-shifting of electrical power supply systems, gas turbine devices and cycles, and power plant control systems.