Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate calibration of the loop bandwidth of a phase-locked loop (PLL). Calibration for the loop bandwidth of a PLL as described herein can be performed by optimizing the loop response of the PLL. Optimization of the loop response of the PLL can be achieved by modifying the value of a feedback counter of the PLL to induce a loop response at the PLL. The loop response of the PLL can be measured and compared to an ideal loop response. Based on this comparison, appropriate adjustments can be made to the PLL. Further, various techniques described herein facilitate calibration of a PLL by adjusting only parameters of a charge pump of the PLL without requiring individual control mechanisms for each element of the PLL, thereby improving PLL performance and manufacturing yield.

Abstract: A method for self testing a multiband voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is described. A first frequency band in a VCO is selected. An N value is selected for a frequency divider that produces a tuning voltage for the VCO that is between a low tuning voltage limit and a high tuning voltage limit for the VCO. The N value is adjusted in one direction until the tuning voltage reaches one of the tuning voltage limits. This N value at the tuning voltage is a first limit value. The frequency bands are switched from the first frequency band to a second frequency band that is adjacent to the first frequency band.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate mitigating ringing effects of a voltage-controlled oscillator upon turning on a transmitter. A receiver generates at least one frequency offset estimate subsequent to an antecedent frequency offset estimate that is potentially erroneous due to ringing effects. The receiver extrapolates a phase error on upcoming symbols based upon a delta between the subsequent and antecedent frequency offset estimates. The phase error is employed to correct the upcoming symbol for ringing effects. In addition, the transmitter can detect a packet in advance of being ready for transmission and power up upon detection to allow the ringing to settle.

Abstract: A method for self testing a multiband voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is described. A first frequency band in a VCO is selected. An N value is selected for a frequency divider that produces a tuning voltage for the VCO that is between a low tuning voltage limit and a high tuning voltage limit for the VCO. The N value is adjusted in one direction until the tuning voltage reaches one of the tuning voltage limits. This N value at the tuning voltage is a first limit value. The frequency bands are switched from the first frequency band to a second frequency band that is adjacent to the first frequency band.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate calibration of the loop bandwidth of a phase-locked loop (PLL). Calibration for the loop bandwidth of a PLL as described herein can be performed by optimizing the loop response of the PLL. Optimization of the loop response of the PLL can be achieved by modifying the value of a feedback counter of the PLL to induce a loop response at the PLL. The loop response of the PLL can be measured and compared to an ideal loop response. Based on this comparison, appropriate adjustments can be made to the PLL. Further, various techniques described herein facilitate calibration of a PLL by adjusting only parameters of a charge pump of the PLL without requiring individual control mechanisms for each element of the PLL, thereby improving PLL performance and manufacturing yield.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate mitigating ringing effects of a voltage-controlled oscillator upon turning on a transmitter. A receiver generates at least one frequency offset estimate subsequent to an antecedent frequency offset estimate that is potentially erroneous due to ringing effects. The receiver extrapolates a phase error on upcoming symbols based upon a delta between the subsequent and antecedent frequency offset estimates. The phase error is employed to correct the upcoming symbol for ringing effects. In addition, the transmitter can detect a packet in advance of being ready for transmission and power up upon detection to allow the ringing to settle.

Abstract: A method and implement for use in speech therapy to assist with teaching a patient to correctly produce sounds, especially /r/ sounds, designed to be used in a human mouth to support tongue tip and made of a palatable, non-toxic substance such as wax or candy.

Abstract: The invention is a system for transmitting data through a string of downhole components. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string. Each component has a first and second end, with a first communication element located at the first end and a second communication element located at the second end. Each communication element includes a first contact and a second contact. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second communication elements, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The system also includes a first and second connector for connecting the first and second communication elements respectively to the coaxial cable. Each connector includes a conductive sleeve, lying concentrically within the conductive tube, which fits around and makes electrical contact with the conductive core.

Abstract: An apparatus in a drill string comprises an internally upset drill pipe. The drill pipe comprises a first end, a second end, and an elongate tube intermediate the first and second ends. The elongate tube and the ends comprising a continuous an inside surface with a plurality of diameters. A conformable spirally welded metal tube is disposed within the drill pipe intermediate the ends thereof and terminating adjacent to the ends of the drill pipe. The conformable metal tube substantially conforms to the continuous inside surface of the metal tube. The metal tube may comprise a non-uniform section which is expanded to conform to the inside surface of the drill pipe. The non-uniform section may comprise protrusions selected from the group consisting of convolutions, corrugations, flutes, and dimples. The non-uniform section extends generally longitudinally along the length of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides circuitry for maintaining the desired phase noise across the tuning range of a frequency synthesizer by compensating the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) bias current according to various tuning parameters available within the frequency synthesizer, thereby reducing overall current drain and inductor quality factor requirements. In general, the present invention includes a VCO bias circuit capable of controlling the VCO bias current in response to a control signal provided by additional circuitry based on the operating frequency of the frequency synthesizer. Further, the VCO bias current changes in response to changing the operating frequency of the frequency synthesizer.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting angular displacement of an object. The sensor comprises a substrate for attachment to the object whose angular displacement is to be sensed and a sensing means attached to the substrate and connectable into an electric circuit. The electric circuit measures the resistance of the sensing means, which changes as a function of the angular displacement. Several embodiments are disclosed, including a conductive elastomer sensor, a conductive ink sensor, a sliding resistor sensor, a force sensitive resistor sensor and a conductive fluid sensor.