Abstract: A continuous time delta-sigma modulator having a sampling frequency includes a distributed resonator having a length about equal to a reciprocal of an integer times a velocity of a signal in the distributed resonator divided by twice the sampling frequency of the continuous time delta-sigma modulator.

Abstract: A system for converting a continuous-time analog signal having a signal bandwidth to a discrete-time digital signal, the system includes a plurality of proportional filters configured to receive the continuous-time analog signal, each proportional filter having a different center frequency from all other proportional filters and each proportional filter having an operational bandwidth directly proportional to its center frequency, and a plurality of sample and hold circuits, each sample and hold circuit coupled to a respective one of the proportional filters.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a multicomponent thin film, such as a superconducting thin film, on a substrate includes a holder for holding at least one substrate and a deposition/reaction vessel. The deposition/reaction vessel has at least three zones, each zone being separated from adjacent zones by a wall. The zones include at least two deposition zones, where each deposition zone is configured and arranged to deposit a deposition material on the at least one substrate, and at least one reaction zone for reacting the deposition material with a reactant. The apparatus is configured and arranged to rotate the at least one substrate sequentially through the plurality of zones to form a thin film on the substrate. In some embodiments of the apparatus, the deposition/reaction vessel includes a same number of deposition zones and reaction zones which may be alternating deposition and reaction zones.

Abstract: A distributed resonator or filter in a continuous-time delta-sigma modulator is disclosed, where the transfer function of the resonator or filter repeats every FS, where FS is the sampling frequency of the modulator. On one side, like continuous-time delta-sigma modulators, the disclosed modulator does not require a high-precision track-and-hold, and additionally can take advantage of the high Q of distributed resonators. On the other side, like discrete-time delta-sigma modulators, the disclosed modulator is insensitive to feedback loop delays and can subsample.

Abstract: A distributed resonator or filter in a continuous-time delta-sigma modulator is disclosed, where the transfer function of the resonator or filter repeats every Fs, where Fs is the sampling frequency of the modulator. On one side, like continuous-time delta-sigma modulators, the disclosed modulator does not require a high-precision track-and-hold, and additionally can take advantage of the high Q of distributed resonators. On the other side, like discrete-time delta-sigma modulators, the disclosed modulator is insensitive to feedback loop delays and can subsample.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) error mismatch shaper. The shaper comprises a switching arrangement with a delta-sigma modulator having analog signal processing components. The analog signal processing components allow the spectral behavior of the shaper to be controlled. The switching arrangement comprises a control circuit. The control circuit is a tunable, pipelined control circuit.

Abstract: A bandpass continuous-time delta-sigma modulator. The filters of the modulator are LC resonators directly connected in series. Direct connection of the resonators eliminates the need for active components in the modulator, increases linearity and decreases noise.

Abstract: A delta-sigma modulator. The novel delta-sigma modulator includes one or more filter stages arranged in cascade, wherein each filter stage includes a first circuit for generating a first output signal and second circuit for generating a second output signal; and a summing circuit for adding the first and second output signals from each of the filter stages. In an illustrative embodiment, the first circuit is a bandpass filter including an inductive-capacitive resonator and the second circuit is an integrator, which generates a second output signal that is orthogonal to the first output signal. The output of the summing circuit is digitized and then converted back to analog to provide a feedback signal. The feedback signal is subtracted from an input signal, and the resultant difference signal is input to a first filter stage.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter is disclosed, comprising an input/output circuit, a bistable circuit connected with the input/output circuit, a clock circuit connected with the input/output circuit and the bistable circuit, and a current generator circuit connected with the clock circuit. The clock circuit acts as a switch, providing current from the current generator either to the input/output circuit or to the bistable circuit. The digital input signal switches when the current generator provides current to the bistable circuit, and switching of the input signal is asserted at the output of the converter when the current generator provides current to the input/output circuit. Therefore, switching of a clock circuit signal, rather than switching of the digital input signal determines switching of the output signal, in order to reduce intersymbol interference of the converter associated with thermal hysteresis of some of the components of the converter.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) error mismatch shaper. The shaper comprises a switching arrangement with a delta-sigma modulator having analog signal processing components. The analog signal processing components allow the spectral behavior of the shaper to be controlled. The switching arrangement comprises a control circuit. The control circuit is a tunable, pipelined control circuit.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter is disclosed, comprising an input/output circuit, a bistable circuit connected with the input/output circuit, a clock circuit connected with the input/output circuit and the bistable circuit, and a current generator circuit connected with the clock circuit. The clock circuit acts as a switch, providing current from the current generator either to the input/output circuit or to the bistable circuit. The digital input signal switches when the current generator provides current to the bistable circuit, and switching of the input signal is asserted at the output of the converter when the current generator provides current to the input/output circuit. Therefore, switching of a clock circuit signal, rather than switching of the digital input signal determines switching of the output signal, in order to reduce intersymbol interference of the converter associated with thermal hysteresis of some of the components of the converter.

Abstract: A contingent convertible debt instrument contains a provision permitting conversion only if any of certain economically substantial contingencies is satisfied. For example there may be a provision that conversion is permitted only if the issuer's stock price reaches some price, defined as some predetermined price substantially higher than the conversion price, is reached. This contingent conversion trigger price may be 110% or 120% more of the conversion price. The debt instrument may be a negotiable long-term zero-coupon note, and a provision may be included that the number of underlying instruments issuable or deliverable at conversion or exchange is adjusted under certain circumstances (e.g., merger, acquisition, or formulae amounts). Corresponding methods and systems are employed for offering and servicing such financial instruments.

Abstract: A convertible financial instrument provides incentives to holders to keep the instruments outstanding so that issuers maintain flexibility and control over the maturity date of the instrument and the manner in which it is settled. The instrument may provide issuers with the ability to deduct an amount for tax purposes that approximates the true economic cost of the financial instrument. The instrument may contain a provision calling for contingent payments (which may include, for example, contingent interest, preferred distributions, contingent principal, dividends, and other pay-outs) to the holder in some circumstances, which may be based on formulae calculations. For example, this may occur when the trading value of the convertible instrument exceeds a predetermined value such as, for example, a certain percentage of the accreted value of the convertible instrument, or, for example, another circumstance that may trigger a contingent payment may be when the price of another financial instrument (e.g.

Abstract: Systems and methods for offering and servicing financial instruments (101) creates a way for issuers to offer financial instruments (101) that are accretive to earnings regardless of the Price/Earnings ratio. Specifically, the present invention provides systems and methods for offering and servicing convertible or exchangeable contingent conversion financial instruments.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a multicomponent thin film, such as a superconducting thin film, on a substrate includes a holder for holding at least one substrate and a deposition/reaction vessel. The deposition/reaction vessel has at least three zones, each zone being separated from adjacent zones by a wall. The zones include at least two deposition zones, where each deposition zone is configured and arranged to deposit a deposition material on the at least one substrate, and at least one reaction zone for reacting the deposition material with a reactant. The apparatus is configured and arranged to rotate the at least one substrate sequentially through the plurality of zones to form a thin film on the substrate. In some embodiments of the apparatus, the deposition/reaction vessel includes a same number of deposition zones and reaction zones which may be alternating deposition and reaction zones.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a multicomponent thin film, such as a superconducting thin film, on a substrate includes a holder for holding at least one substrate and a deposition/reaction vessel. The deposition/reaction vessel has at least three zones, each zone being separated from adjacent zones by a wall. The zones include at least two deposition zones, where each deposition zone is configured and arranged to deposit a deposition material on the at least one substrate, and at least one reaction zone for reacting the deposition material with a reactant. The apparatus is configured and arranged to rotate the at least one substrate sequentially through the plurality of zones to form a thin film on the substrate. In some embodiments of the apparatus, the deposition/reaction vessel includes a same number of deposition zones and reaction zones which may be alternating deposition and reaction zones.