Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a first metal feature formed into a first dielectric layer, a second metal feature formed into a second dielectric layer, the second dielectric layer being disposed on said first dielectric layer, and a via connecting the first metal feature to the second metal feature, wherein a top portion of the via is offset from a bottom portion of the via.

Abstract: An error feedback circuit is employed in a digital filter to significantly lower noise in the output by feeding back the least significant (roundoff) output bits of the quantizer rather than throwing these bits away as is done in the prior art. The feedback circuit for accomplishing this end result includes a digital delay circuit which receives the roundoff bits and delays these bits for a sampling sequence (Z.sup.-1) (as is also done for the rounded bits), a multiplier which multiplies the output of the delay circuit by a predetermined integer and an adder which subtracts the output of the multiplier from the delayed filtered digital output signal which has been multiplied by a predetermined constant.

Abstract: Signalling means for enhancing the performance of automatic fingerprint identification systems by reducing system response to non-fingerprint-like regions within an image field pattern of interest. A two dimensional generalized sequency analyzer, such as a fast Fourier transform machine, responsive to a binary coded image signal identifies discrete frequency terms occurring within a selected bandwidth corresponding to a spatial frequency region of interest, associated with a fingerprint image. Logic means, responsive to the sequency analyzer, further identifies the relative energy levels of the bandwidth-limited spectral content of the binary coded image signal to signal the identity of a non-fingerprint-like region within the scanned image.