Abstract: A charge pump circuit with a small loop filter capacitor is disclosed in the invention. This is accomplished by providing multiple currents which add to the desired current, I. A switching circuit switches one of the currents through the capacitor, while directing a combination of the multiple currents through the resistors. In this way, a smaller current is provided through the capacitor, allowing the capacitor to be much smaller in size.

Abstract: A variable charge pump circuit uses a plurality of selectable loads to minimize the voltage ripples of the pumped output by selecting the appropriate load for a preselected pump voltage. The charge pump circuit also compares the pump voltage to a reference voltage to shut down the variable charge pump circuit if the pump voltage is larger than the reference voltage. The charge pump circuit also compares the maximum voltage output to the reference voltage to monitor whether the maximum ripple on voltage output is larger than the reference voltage. The charge pump circuit comprises one or more stages operable to receive a supply voltage and generate one or more pump voltages, a plurality of loads each associated with a specific pump voltage, and a load selector means coupled to the output pump and the plurality of loads for selecting a load associated with a specific pump voltage.

Abstract: A single mode buck/boost charge pump has multiple outputs and is adapted to power a plurality of separate loads, such as light emitting diodes, in a highly efficient manner. The multiple outputs have different voltages. The output current or voltage of at least one of the multiple outputs is regulated by a feedback circuit. The feedback circuit provides a control signal based on a comparison of a reference voltage with a feedback voltage. The feedback voltage is proportional to an output voltage when the charge pump is configured to regulate the output voltage. Alternately, the feedback voltage is a sense voltage across a sense resistor connected in series with a load when the charge pump is configured to regulate output current provided to the load.

Abstract: A current reference, which may be fabricated independently, on a die, as part of an integrated circuit, or a system, or in various other forms, is disclosed. The current reference may include a voltage source having a substantially temperature stable output voltage, a first semiconductor device biased by the substantially temperature stable output voltage to provide a first output current, and a second semiconductor device providing a second output current, wherein a reference current is provided approximately equal to the difference between the first and second output currents.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit comprises a power supply voltage step down circuit and a MOS circuit group. The power supply voltage step down circuit is supplied with a power supply voltage and controlled by a standby control signal indicating an operating state or a standby state. The power supply voltage step down circuit outputs a first internal power supply voltage lower than the power supply voltage to an internal power supply line when the standby control signal indicates the operating state, and outputs a second internal power supply voltage lower than the first internal power supply voltage to the internal power supply line when the standby control signal indicates the standby state. The MOS circuit group including one or more MOS transistors which are supplied with the first or second internal power supply voltage from the internal power supply line to operate.

Abstract: The present invention, generally speaking, provides for high-efficiency power control of a high-efficiency (e.g., bard-limiting or switch-mode) power amplifier in such a manner as to achieve a desired control or modulation. Unlike the prior art, feedback is not required. That is, the amplifier may be controlled without continuous or frequent feedback adjustment. In one embodiment, the spread between a maximum frequency of the desired modulation and the operating frequency of a switch-mode DC-DC converter is reduced by following the switch-mode converter with an active linear regulator. The linear regulator is designed so as to control the operating voltage of the power amplifier with sufficient bandwidth to faithfully reproduce the desired amplitude modulation waveform. The linear regulator is further designed to reject variations on its input voltage even while the output voltage is changed in response to an applied control signal.

Abstract: A circuit in accordance with the invention comprises a differential amplifier; and a direct current (DC) source coupled with the differential amplifier. The DC source generates a direct current that is communicated in substantially predetermined portions to multiple inverting input terminals of the differential amplifier. The direct current is applied so as to shift a common-mode voltage of electrical signals that are processed by the differential amplifier. The shift in the common-mode voltage is proportional to the direct current generated by the DC source.

Abstract: A variable gain amplifier device comprises a variable gain amplifier circuit which amplifies a difference between an input signal and a feedback signal to output an output signal, a feedback circuit which supplies the feedback signal to the variable gain amplifier circuit, and a controller which controls the variable gain amplifier circuit and the feedback circuit to decrease a cutoff frequency of the feedback circuit according to increase of a gain of the variable gain amplifier circuit or vice versa.

Abstract: A folder common cascode circuit with symmetric parallel signal paths from the differential inputs to the differential outputs provides a low skew, low jitter, low power differential amplifier. The signal paths on either side of the differential amplifier are made equal with equal loads along each path. Pairs of complementary NODS and PODS transistor pairs with parallel complementary biasing stacks on the output cascode circuitry maintain symmetrical parallel signal paths, amplification and impedance loading from differential input to differential output. Output voltage translating inverters provide a higher voltage level output signal while maintaining low skew and jitter.

Abstract: A folded common cascode circuit with symmetric parallel signal paths from the differential inputs to a single ended output provides a low skew, low jitter, low power, high speed differential amplifier. The signal paths on either side of the differential amplifier are made equal with equal loads along each path. Pairs of complementary NMOS and PMOS transistor pairs with parallel complementary biasing current mirroring stacks on the cascode circuitry have all their gates connected together. The layout maintains symmetrical parallel signal paths and symmetrical amplification and impedance loading from differential input to output. Output inverters provide a higher drive capability.

Abstract: A folded common cascode circuit with symmetric parallel signal paths from the differential inputs to a single ended output provides a low skew, low jitter, low power, high speed differential in/out amplifier. There is a differential input stage followed by a load or current summation stage with all gates tied together, and then a second differential stage. The dynamic voltage range of the second stage allows for lower Vcc operation while providing improved jitter operation. The signal paths on either side of the differential amplifier are made equal with equal loads along each path. Pairs of complementary NMOS and PMOS transistor pairs with parallel complementary biasing current mirroring stacks on the cascode circuitry have all their gates connected together. The layout maintains symmetrical parallel signal paths and symmetrical amplification and impedance loading from differential input to the differential output. Output inverters provide a higher drive capability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for improving power management for a class of spatial power combiners, called active loop probes, or, active loops. One aspect of the invention includes the provision of a patterned conductor on the surface the semiconductor chip that opposes the surface upon which the active devices of the loop are disposed. This metal material can be used to both enhance heat removal from the chip and to provide a new and more efficient DC biasing path (with the use of vias) for the active components on the other (front) surface of the chip. Another aspect of the invention is the introduction of a dielectric superstrate that attaches to the front surface of the chip to provide an alternative or complementary heat removal and/or biasing structure to the conventional substrate that is typically attached to the back side of the chip. Various combinations of the above features are disclosed.

Abstract: A high output current negative feedback power amplifier amplifies an input signal by use of a monolithic operated amplifier with a current limiting resistor in its output path. The output current of the amplifier is automatically increased when the voltage drop across the current limiting resistor increases beyond a predetermined point and global current limiting automatically occurs when the output current of the monolithic amplifier exceeds a predetermined point.

Abstract: A high frequency amplifier. The amplifier includes two transistors for signal amplification, and input and output matching circuits. There are variable capacitors and resistors in the matching input and output circuits. A received signal strength indicator receives the band-pass filtered intermediate-frequency signal and generates an indication signal corresponding to the amplitude of the received signal. The variable capacitors and resistors are tuned by the indication signal from the received signal strength indicator. Thus, the gain of the high frequency amplifier is automatically controlled.

Abstract: A programmable frequency synthesizer including a voltage-controlled oscillator, a regenerative frequency divider and a programmable integer divider, that provides wideband frequency coverage from a single narrowband oscillator. The voltage-controlled oscillator may generate a first signal having a first frequency. The regenerative frequency divider is coupled to the voltage-controlled oscillator and receives the first signal and performs a fractional multiplication of the first frequency of the first signal to provide a second signal a having a second frequency. The programmable integer divider is coupled to the regenerative frequency divider, and receives the second signal and divides the second frequency by a predetermined integer to provide a third signal having a third frequency.

Abstract: An LC circuit section and a negative resistance section are provided for an LC-VCO. A pair of output terminals are provided for the LC circuit section and an inductor is connected between the output terminals, and two variable capacitors are connected in series to each other parallelly with the inductor. Further, the LC circuit section is provided with a pair of capacitors and a pair of switches that are connected between the capacitors and a ground potential and consist of NMOS transistors. Moreover, a switch that consists of the NMOS transistor is connected between a node, which is between one capacitor and one switch, and a node, which is between the other capacitor and the other switch, and the two nodes are connected to each other when the switch is closed.

Abstract: A non-reciprocal circuit element includes first, second, and third central conductors, which are formed of thin films or thick films. Each of the first, second, and third central conductors includes a first extended portion which extends from one end of the corresponding central conductor and which is disposed on a side surface of the ferrite part and a second extended portion which extends from the other end of the corresponding central conductor and which is disposed on the side surface of the ferrite part. The adjacent first and second extended portions face each other with a second dielectric part formed of a thin film or a thick film disposed therebetween, and hence a capacitor is formed between the adjacent first and second extended portions. Without using known chip capacitors, the capacitors are thinly formed, leading to reduction in cost and size of the non-reciprocal circuit element.

Abstract: A method relating to a balun for transmitting a high degree of high-frequency power where a metal sheet element is soldered onto the loop conductor tract of the symmetrical circuit loop, the conductor track being configured as a printed circuit. The metal sheet element is linked with a cooling element on the electrically cold mass point of the loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waveguide structured package and a method of manufacturing the same. More particularly, there are provided a waveguide structured package capable of preventing generation of parasitic components due to bonding wires and reducing the processing time to reduce the production cost of the waveguide structured package by providing a probe, a microstrip-waveguide transition portion and a microstrip line within a semiconductor chip and thus making bonding wire unnecessary in manufacturing the waveguide structured package, and a method of manufacturing the waveguide structured package.

Abstract: In a high-frequency module, intermediate ground electrodes are provided between a common ground electrode and upper-surface ground electrodes for mounting high-frequency components on an upper surface of a multilayer substrate. With regard to the number of via-hole conductors interconnecting ground electrodes, the number of via-hole conductors between the intermediate ground electrodes and the common ground electrode is larger than the number of via-hole conductors between the upper-surface ground electrodes and the intermediate ground electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dielectric resonator, a dielectric filter, a dielectric duplexer capable of reducing leakage of electromagnetic waves and capable of being miniaturized, and a communication apparatus incorporating the same. In each of the dielectric resonator and filter, inside a dielectric block, there is formed a L-shaped inner-conductor-formed hole having a bend at some point of the hole in a manner extending from an outer surface of the dielectric block to a surface perpendicular to the outer surface. An inner conductor is formed on the inner surface of the inner-conductor-formed hole. On the substantially entire outer surfaces of the dielectric block, there is disposed an outer conductor, with one end of the inner-conductor-formed hole open-circuited and the remaining end of the hole short-circuited. Around the edge of the open-circuited end there is formed an outer coupling electrode.

Abstract: A device for conditioning a signal includes a hybrid phase shifter and power divider. The power divider circuit includes a transmission line with an input port and two asymmetrical output ports, a first ground plane, a second ground plane, and a first dielectric region. The variable phase shifter includes the transmission line and a dielectric slab disposed to be variably positioned in the first dielectric region. The position of the dielectric slab in relation to the power divider circuit determines the amount of phase shift in the signal. With the above configuration, the invention requires much less space and reduces the number of parts and cable interconnects.

Abstract: A varactor based phase shifter that increases phase shift range using a lower characteristic impedance between quadrature ports than is used at its input/output ports. The circuit makes use of a four port coupler arrangement that imbeds a quarter wave impedance transformation between the input port and the quadrature ports as well as between the quadrature ports and the output port. The characteristic impedance across the quadrature ports is therefore less than the characteristic impedance across the input and output ports. In one implementation, reducing a characteristic input/output impedance of 50 to a 20 ohm quadrature port impedance results in a phase shift range increase of more than 50%.

Abstract: An electric signal fed into a line generates electric field in response to its frequency, and a resonator placed closely to the line and in a substantially vacuum condition not higher than 100 pascal is excited by electrostatic force of the electric field and vibrates. Detecting means converts mechanical vibrations of the resonator into a signal in another form than the electric signal, then it detects the vibrations. The foregoing structure allows the resonator to be a micro-body and to process properly a high-frequency input signal of MHz or GHz band. A tight space between an input side and an output side does not permit an electric signal fed into the line to couple directly to the output side, and the resonator downsized to a micro-body is not subject to viscosity of air.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device has a balanced-to-unbalanced conversion function, in which the common mode in the vicinity of outside the passband is satisfactory. The surface acoustic wave device includes surface acoustic wave filters having interdigital transducers (IDTs) arranged along a surface acoustic wave propagation direction, which filters are provided on a piezoelectric substrate so as to have a balanced-to-unbalanced conversion function, and balanced signal terminals are correspondingly connected to the surface acoustic wave filters. Surface acoustic wave resonators including an interdigital transducer sandwiched between reflectors are correspondingly connected in series to the balanced signal terminals. The center-to-center distance between mutually adjacent electrode fingers in the reflectors and the interdigital transducer in one of the surface acoustic wave resonators differs from that of the other surface acoustic wave resonator.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave filter includes multiple serial surface acoustic wave resonators and parallel surface acoustic wave resonators arranged in a ladder configuration between an input electrode pad and an output electrode pad on a piezoelectric substrate, and a grounded electrode pattern is arranged on the piezoelectric substrate so as to surround at least one of the input electrode pad and the output electrode pad. This provides a small-sized surface acoustic wave filter with improved attenuation near the pass band on the high-frequency side.

Abstract: A longitudinally-coupled-resonator-type surface acoustic wave filter includes three interdigital transducers provided on a piezoelectric substrate in the direction in which surface acoustic waves propagate. An interdigital transducer disposed at the approximate center among the three interdigital transducers of the longitudinally-coupled-resonator-type surface acoustic wave filter is divided into two parts substantially symmetrically in the propagation direction of the surface acoustic waves and the two parts are connected to balanced signal terminals, respectively. Left and right interdigital transducers of which the polarities are inverted relative to each other are connected to an unbalanced signal terminal to provide a balanced-to-unbalanced conversion function. A reactance component provided on the piezoelectric substrate, inside a package, or outside the package is connected to either of the balanced signal terminals.

Abstract: A connection structure is provided, which can perform an electrical connection between high-frequency circuit substrates in a manner of high workability and productivity. A connection structure comprises: a high-frequency transmission line lead frame connecting a first high-frequency transmission line formed on a first high-frequency circuit substrate to a second high-frequency transmission line formed on a second high-frequency circuit substrate; a plurality of GND electrode lead frames disposed in parallel to the high-frequency transmission line lead frame on both sides thereof, and providing a connection between a first GND electrode of the first high-frequency circuit substrate and a second GND electrode of the second high-frequency circuit substrate; and a reinforcing substrate integrally securing the high-frequency transmission line lead frame and a plurality of GND electrode lead frames.

Abstract: The invention relates to microwave windows used for providing a vacuum seal and for transmitting the electromagnetic energy output by a high-power microwave tube.

Abstract: In a relay (1) with two parallel contact springs (2a, 2b) which close or interrupt the electric circuit between a first and a second relay contact (3, 4), whose one end is connected in a conducting fashion to the first relay contact (3) and whose other free end (5a; 5b) closes or interrupts the electric circuit in a first end position and a second end position of the contact springs (2a, 2b), respectively, and with an armature (11) which can be adjusted by means of a magnetic field whose poles can be changed, for deflecting the contact spring (2a, 2b) into the respective end position, in accordance with the invention, a leaf spring (17) is centrally pivotably disposed on the armature (11) or its actuator (14) whose two free ends (18a, 18b) bias the two contact springs (2a, 2b) with force into the first end position.

Abstract: A switching device of low power consumption type, in which magnetic pole portions 37c of a pair of iron cores 37 constructing an electromagnet block 30 are individually arranged on the bottom face of a sealing case 41. The other end portions of the paired iron cores 37 are connected to each other by a yoke 39. As the electromagnet block 30 is magnetized and demagnetized, the two end portions of a moving iron member 63 of a contact mechanism block 50 are attracted by and leave the paired magnetic pole portions 37c of the iron cores 37.

Abstract: Method for introducing encapsulating material into an ignition coil including a primary winding, a secondary winding and a secondary spool is provided. The method allows providing a fluid-directing device at a first end of the secondary spool. The method further allows providing flow communication between the fluid-directing device and a first channel defined between the outer diameter of the primary winding and the inner diameter of the secondary spool. Flow communication is provided between the first channel and a second channel at a distal end from the first end. The second channel defined between the outer diameter of the secondary winding and the housing of the ignition coil. Encapsulating material (either pressurized or non-pressurized) is introduced through the fluid-directing device for generally downwardly flow into the first channel.

Abstract: The ferrite cored coil structure for SMD of the present invention, has two studs each protruded out of the right and the left sides of the core body for engaging with a conductor plate provided on a conducting bracket, and then both ends of the core body are respectively enclosed to form an insulation block. On the other hand, the unenclosed portion of the core body is wound with a string of conductor to form several coils, then both terminals of the coil are soldered to emerge conductor plate terminals thereby forming a wound type inductor element for SMD. The fabrication method is not only able to simplify complicated steps involved in the conventional technique, but also causes it possible for mass production. The assembled structure can be laid horizontally to save space when being equipped with associated components in an electronic device. The invention also discloses the step of fabrication method.

Abstract: An integrated circuit transformer includes a first conductive segment, a second conductive segment, a fifth conductive segment, and a sixth conductive segment, all disposed inside a first insulating layer. The first conductive segment, the second conductive segment, the fifth conductive segment, and the sixth conductive segment are respectively symmetric to a first line. The transformer further includes a third conductive segment and a fourth conductive segment, both formed inside a second insulating layer. The third conductive segment and the fourth conductive segment are symmetric to a second line. The transformer further includes a fist connection conductive segment connecting the fifth conductive segment to the second conductive segment, and a second connection conductive segment connecting the sixth conductive segment to the first conductive segment.

Abstract: Toroidal transformer and inductor configurations are described that allow for greater heat transfer away from internal device components. The inventive transformer allows for higher thermal and electrical efficiency, as well as for more efficient use of expensive components, such as copper wire. In one embodiment, a toroidal transformer provides access for cooling air by forming the primary winding from a single layer of thick wire and a secondary winding of few turns such that most of the primary winding is exposed to air flow. In another embodiment, a heat sink is positioned between the core and primary windings to conduct heat away from the transformer.

Abstract: Provided for herein is a temperature sensor and methods of making and using the same. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor comprises: a cover plate disposed at a first end of a substrate to form an interface portion; a sensing element disposed between the cover plate and the substrate to form an assembly; wherein the cover plate and substrate have relative dimensions so as to form a ledge at the first end; and wherein the cover plate is attached to the substrate at the ledge.

Abstract: A multidirectional control switch of the present invention is used in a variety of electronic apparatuses including a portable telephone and a personal digital assistant. A first switch contact of this switch outputs a first signal continuously varying as a top surface of a substantially disc-shaped operating member undergoes a sliding press along a locus substantially in arc form. With a stronger press, a second switch contact outputs a second signal. The multidirectional control switch has a simple structure and can be reduced in size because these two switch contacts are integrally formed, eliminating the need to combine discrete elements.

Abstract: A high value resistor of the present invention has an active layer deposited over a semi-insulating substrate. Channel etch regions are defined within the active layer. Gate metal is deposited over each channel etch region. Ohmic contact material is deposited at opposing ends of the active layer to define connection regions. A second metal is deposited over the connection regions to form input/output pads. This resistor pattern presents significant increase in resistance in a given area without any additional processing or process steps.

Abstract: A method of protecting a thick film resistor, including the steps of: providing a substrate having a plurality of conductive elements thereon; applying an electrically resistive material to a surface of the substrate, thereby forming the thick film resistor, the resistive material being electrically connected to at least one corresponding conductive element; curing the resistive material; and applying a coating over at least a substantial portion of the resistive material.

Abstract: A combined immobilizing and steering column control system for a vehicle includes a device, a steering wheel, and a vehicle immobilizing system. The device has a transponder for transmitting an identification signal. The steering wheel includes controls and a first inductor. The first inductor transmits a control signal for controlling a vehicle function in response to a corresponding steering wheel control being actuated. The immobilizing system has a second inductor and a controller. The second inductor is operable to sense the identification signal transmitted by the transponder and to sense a control signal transmitted by the first inductor. The controller performs a vehicle immobilizing function in response to the second inductor sensing an identification signal transmitted by the transponder. The controller enables the vehicle function corresponding to an actuated steering wheel control in response to the second inductor sensing the corresponding control signal transmitted by the first inductor.

Abstract: An interactive local and wide area network system is for communications between the restaurant service elements providing service to a customer and for recording of selected related service data for real time information and for review and analysis and for management control. The wide area network uses distributed data processing for the collection and analysis of related area wide restaurant operations for use in management and control.

Abstract: A writing instrument including an integrated display module. The display module is used to provide a presentation to a user or consumer. The presentation can be in the form of scrolling text, a still image, a flashing image, an image that fades in and out of view or a movie. The presentation can be an advertisement, for entertainment or informative in nature.

Abstract: In a building fire alarm system, the light strobes of a network of strobes are synchronized to flash simultaneously. Each strobe has a charging circuit to charge a capacitor which discharges through a flash tube. Once a capacitor is charged, the charging circuit is disabled. A synchronization pulse is applied through common power lines to trigger discharge of each strobe capacitor through the flash tube followed by recharging of the capacitor.

Abstract: A windshield wiper spoiler structure is constructed to include a windshield wiper spoiler, and a visual signal source fixedly located on the windshield wiper spoiler and electrically connected to the battery power circuit of the motor vehicle in which the windshield wiper spoiler structure is installed and adapted to produce a visual warning signal when turning on the windshield wiper spoiler.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a key ring fob comprising a lock status indicator able to indicate if a lock is locked or unlocked. The lock status indicator may indicate if the last action performed on the lock was a locking or an unlocking action.

Abstract: A distance measuring and display system displays, on the rear windshield of a vehicle, a representation of the distance between the rear end of the vehicle and an obstacle behind the vehicle. Distance measuring equipment, including at least one sensor on the rear of the vehicle, measures the distance which is then displayed.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assist system of the present invention detects a vehicle condition and a traveling environment of a subject vehicle; and calculates risk potential around the subject vehicle. The vehicle driving assist system calculates operation reaction force based on the risk potential around the subject vehicle, and corrects it according to operating state of an accelerator pedal. The corrected operation reaction force is generated in the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: An apparatus of monitoring motor vehicle's electric power and method thereof are provided. The apparatus is disposed in the motor vehicle and includes a monitor and alarm device parallel connected to both a battery to be measured and a starting motor of the motor vehicle. The starting motor is taken as a load for forming an outer loop sampling circuit, 1/t second is set as a sampling time interval during discharging, voltage and current curves are formed by connecting a plurality of continuous voltage values each sampled in 1/t second, a minimum voltage of the voltage curve is compared with a predetermined alarm value for determining a status of the battery to be measured, and an alarm is issued in time if the status of the battery to be measured is abnormal.

Abstract: A user of a computer aided design (CAD) system graphically places fire alarm elements, such as smoke detectors, sirens, and sources on a drawing area. After one or more of the elements are placed, the disclosed methods and apparatus automatically determine a series of electrical circuit connections between alarm source elements and alarm appliance elements. This determination may be based on circuit type compatibility as well as a number of connected segments between a particular alarm source and a particular alarm appliance.

Abstract: A user of a computer aided design (CAD) system graphically places fire alarm appliances, such as smoke detectors and sirens, in a drawing area. After elements are placed and physical paths are determined, a series of electrical circuit connections between alarm source elements and alarm appliance elements are determined. The electrical circuit connections define wire gauges and lengths passing through the physical paths. The wire types may be determined by predefined rules, and multiple wires may be placed in a single physical path. Subsequently, the CAD system performs electrical calculations associated with the alarm system. The electrical calculations may be based on a supervisory mode of operation as well as an alarm mode of operation. The resistance of wires in the alarm system may be based on a scaled wire length and/or a schematic (non-scaled) wire length. In one example, a backup battery capacity requirement is calculated.