Abstract: Circuitry to remove switches from signal paths in integrated circuit programmable gain attenuators. Programmable gain attenuators and programmable gain amplifiers commonly switch between signal levels using semi-conductor switches. Such switches may introduce non-linearities in the signal. By isolating the switches from the signal path linearity of the PGA can be improved.

Abstract: A multi-stage amplifier is coupled with a power detector. The multi-stage amplifier includes a plurality of amplifier stages in series, with a signal path extending through them. The power detector is coupled to an interior node of the amplifier along the signal path, and is operable to sample a first signal being transmitted on the signal path. The power detector outputs a second signal reflective of a power of the first signal. In one embodiment, the interior node is in a matching network of the amplifier disposed between a first amplifier stage and a final amplifier stage of the amplifier. The second signal may be used in a feedback network to adjust an amount of amplification of the first signal by the amplifier.

Abstract: A power amplifier comprises an amplifier of amplifying a high-frequency signal modulated by an input signal, an inverted envelope generating circuit generating an inverted envelope signal by using the input signal or the high-frequency signal, the inverted envelope signal having an inverted envelope, a gain variable amplifier adjusting amplitude of the inverted envelope signal, a variable delay circuit adjusting a phase of the inverted envelope signal, and a control circuit outputting a control signal to the gain variable amplifier and the variable delay circuit based on information about distortion or a signal level of the amplified high-frequency signal. The inverted envelope signal having been adjusted in amplitude or phase is injected to the high-frequency signal or the amplified high-frequency signal, and the control circuit controls the gain variable amplifier or the variable delay circuit so that distortion or a signal level of the amplified high-frequency signal is minimum.

Abstract: Circuitry to remove switches from signal paths in integrated circuit programmable gain attenuators. Programmable gain attenuators and programmable gain amplifiers commonly switch between signal levels using semi-conductor switches. Such switches may introduce non-linearities in the signal. By isolating the switches from the signal path linearity of the PGA can be improved.

Abstract: A power controller circuit for a power amplifier stage includes an exponential power control circuit responsive to a power control signal for providing an exponential control current to control power amplifier stage and linear power control circuit responsive to the power control signal for supplementing the exponential control current to the power amplifier stage with a linear control current to produce a composite control current with a reduced and extended slope.

Abstract: A self-biased cascade amplifier circuit includes first and second transistors connected in series and coupled between a dc voltage source terminal and a common terminal. An input signal terminal is coupled to a control electrode of the first transistor, and an output signal terminal is coupled to an output terminal of the second transistor. An integrated bias circuit is coupled between the dc voltage source terminal and the common terminal for internally biasing both the first and the second transistors without the use of an external bias supply or a direct bias connection to the dc voltage source. This arrangement provides a fully self-biased cascode amplifier circuit having improved performance and a simple and compact configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a transistor array for enhancing the array's performance and/or reliability and/or longevity by sensing the temperature of each transistor in the array and initiating corrective action to maintain its temperature within a desired operating range. Each array transistor has a temperature sensor closely thermally coupled thereto preferably mounted within the transistor package, in close physical proximity to the transistor junction.

Abstract: The linearity of a transistor amplifier comprising a plurality of transistors operating parallel is improved by reducing the odd order transconductance derivatives of signals generated by the transistors. The transistors can be provided in groups with each group having a different bias voltage applied thereto or each group of transistors can have a different input signal applied thereto. The groups of transistors can have different physical parameters such as the width to length ratio of gates in field effect transistors and threshold voltages for the transistors.

Abstract: A multi-stage amplifier includes first and second amplifier stages, and first and second capacitors. The first amplifier stage includes a input line having a first input end and a second input end; an input terminal block connected to the second input end; an amplifier circuit amplifying a first signal input to the first input end; an output line having a first output end where the first signal amplified is output, and a second output end; and an output terminal block connected to the second output end. The second amplifier stage includes components similar to that of the first amplifier stage. The first capacitor is connected between the first output end of the first amplifier stage and the first input end of the second amplifier stage. The second capacitor is connected to any one of the input and output terminal blocks of the first and second amplifier stages.

Abstract: The present innovation is directed to a single-chip integrated circuit power amplifier configured to employ the efficiency enhancement techniques utilized in Doherty amplifiers. The single-chip integrated circuit power amplifier may be implemented using uniquely designed biasing circuits as described herein. Also, the use of combined HBT/FET processes and a lumped quarter-wavelength transformer may be inherently well suited for the implementation of Doherty amplifiers in the single-chip techniques described herein.

Abstract: A tunable constant GM circuit allows to compensate for temperature and process variations with high precision by correspondingly adjusting a resistance value and/or the ratio of transistor widths. Thus, in switched capacitor circuits the frequency behaviour, such as the settling time, may be controlled by providing a compensated bias to the transconductance amplifiers typically used in these circuits.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a controllable impedance at a reference plane in a circuit comprises a unidirectional transmission line loop having first and second input/output terminals. The first input/output terminal is connected to the reference plane and an amplifier is located in the transmission line loop to amplify signals passing in a direction from the second input/output terminal to the first input/output terminal. A variable tuned circuit couples the second input/output terminal to a terminating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preamplifier suitable for use with Electret Condenser Microphones such as used within telecommunication equipment. More particularly the invention relates to a preamplifier specially suited for the demands to such a preamplifier within telecommunication equipment: low input capacitance, gain and a combined terminal for output and supply voltage, thus making the preamplifier suitable for two terminal microphone assemblies. These features are obtained with a two stage amplifier with a first stage optimised for low input capacitance and the second stage being able to provide gain. The preamplifier may be implemented using an ASIC, thus making the preamplifier suitable for applications with very limited space available, such as for integration within microphone assemblies.

Abstract: An electrically tunable radio frequency (RF) amplifier includes a resonant circuit having a voltage variable capacitance as one of its elements. In one approach, a drain diffusion capacitance of one of the transistors within the amplifier is used as the voltage variable capacitance. A voltage adjustment unit is provided to adjust a bias voltage on the voltage variable capacitance to change the capacitance value thereof and thus modify the operating frequency range of the amplifier. In one embodiment, the voltage adjustment unit also provides a power supply noise blocking function.

Abstract: A disclosed PLL can operate linearly at various frequencies by overlapping several VCOs and using a control circuit for controlling the several VCOs to select a VCO at a desired frequency. Accordingly, since the disclosed PLL can automatically pre-compensate the frequency by using control signal used in the PLL, a separate frequency correcting signal is not required. When containing a VCO, the disclosed PLL can be configured into a single chip.

Abstract: A method for detecting a phase difference between an input clock signal and a feedback output clock signal, correcting by delaying time corresponding to the phase difference, and generating a phase control signal delayed for a time period corresponding to the phase difference is disclosed.

Abstract: Circuitry for controlling the oscillation frequency of an oscillator by using a digitally tunable on-chip capacitor bank. The capacitor bank includes a plurality of on-chip capacitors, each of which is independently selectable by a control signal for providing a selectable amount of capacitance to the oscillator to control the oscillator's oscillation frequency.

Abstract: Circuitry for controlling the oscillation frequency of an oscillator by using a digitally tunable on-chip capacitor bank. The capacitor bank includes a plurality of on-chip capacitors, each of which is independently selectable by a control signal for providing a selectable amount of capacitance to the oscillator to control the oscillator's oscillation frequency.

Abstract: A digitally controlled angle noise signal generator for generating a signal with precise and accurate noise. The signal generator is formed of a digital noise generator for generating a digital noise signal &thgr;N, and a digital signal generator for forming an internal signal S. The digital signal generator receives the digital noise signal &phgr;N and modulates the internal signal S with the digital noise signal &phgr;N to generate a digitally controlled signal yg=S{&thgr;N}, where is the modulation operator, with precise and accurate noise.

Abstract: A self-biased voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) that includes a VCO core including a plurality of switching transistors, a resonant tank circuit operatively coupled to the VCO core, a current source operatively coupled to the VCO core for supplying a bias current to the VCO core, and a biasing circuit operatively coupled to both the resonant tank circuit and to the current source. The biasing circuit and the switching transistors of the VCO core cooperatively function to bias the current source, whereby the VCO is self-biased.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit for efficiently driving a tuned resonant load where the amplifier circuit controls the continuously variable resonant frequency of the tuned resonant load so as to match step changes or slower changes in the frequency of the signal with which it is being driven. The circuit includes a tuned resonant load, a driver, a controller and a feedback loop. The driver is coupled to the load and drives it with a driving signal at a frequency under the control of the controller. The controller dynamically controls the resonant frequency of the tuned resonant load in response to an error signal received through the feedback loop. The error signal represents the mismatch in phase between the resonant phase of the load current and the phase of the driving signal, or between the resonant phase of the tuning capacitor voltage offset by 90 degrees and the phase of the driving signal.

Abstract: An integrated oscillator that may be used as a time clock includes circuitry that oscillates about an RC time constant, which RC time constant is adjustable to provide a desired frequency of oscillation. More specifically, the oscillator includes a capacitor array that has a plurality of capacitors coupled in parallel wherein each capacitor may be selectively included into the RC time constant or selectively excluded there from. Rather than setting the capacitance values to a desired capacitance value, a system for adjusting the time constant includes circuitry for measuring an output frequency and for comparing that to a certified frequency source wherein the time constant is adjusted by adding or removing capacitors from the capacitor array until the frequency of the internal clock matches an expected frequency.

Abstract: A surface-mounted crystal oscillator has a quartz crystal unit and a receptacle which is joined to the rear surface of the crystal unit for accommodating an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. The receptacle has a bottom wall and sidewalls, and further, a concavity formed in at least one of its principal surfaces. The sidewalls surrounding the concavity are opened on at least one end of the receptacle, and at this opened end, the bottom wall is exposed and a notch portion is formed in the bottom wall.

Abstract: In response to changes in an input binary digital signal, a 3rd order cosine pulse waveform, which, when it is changed in the increasing direction, has “0” level in a first period of T/12 (T corresponding to one-half cycle of the binary digital signal), is changed as a waveform of (h/2)(1+cos (3&pgr;t/T)+&pgr;/4) in the next period of 4T/12 (−5T/12≦t≦−T/12) and has an h (constant) level in the remaining period of T/12, and when it is changed in the reducing direction, has the h level in the first period of T/12, is changed as a waveform of (h/2)(1+cos(3&pgr;t/T)−&pgr;/4) in the next period of 4T/12 (T/12≦t≦5T/12) and also has “0” level in the remaining period of T/12. By using this pulse wave, a flat part is generated in a time width of T/12 with respect to a judgment point.

Abstract: A wired transmission path 1 includes first and second differential transmission paths 12 and 13. The first differential transmission path 12 is composed of two strip lines 121 and 122, and the second differential transmission path 13 is composed of two strip lines 131 and 132. Each of the strip lines 121 and 122 is disposed at an equal distance from the strip lines 131 and 132. Thus, there is provided a wired transmission path including a plurality of differential transmission paths in such a manner as to cancel crosstalk.

Abstract: A terminated shielded coplanar transmission line is fabricated upon a ground plane of Au carried by a ceramic substrate. A ribbon of KQ dielectric material is formed on the ground plane, and then a patterned layer of Au is formed over that. The pattern includes a center conductor strip generally centered on the KQ ribbon and two adjacent ground strips, with each of the latter being wide enough to extend down the sides of the KQ ribbon to join the ground plane. The ribbon of KQ has a distal end, and the Au ground strips wrap around that end to meet each other, as well as continuing to touch the ground plane proximate that distal end of the ribbon. The termination proper is formed by depositing either: two 2Z0 resistors, each going at right angles from the center conductor to the adjacent ground strips; or, one Z0 resistor extending beyond the end of the center conductor to reach the grounded strips that wrap around the distal end.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enable mode conversion between a TEM mode and another mode to be performed among a plurality of waveguides. An RF module comprises: a microstrip line as a first waveguide for propagating electromagnetic waves in a TEM mode; and a waveguide having a multilayer structure as a second waveguide connected to the first waveguide, for propagating electromagnetic waves in another mode different from the TEM mode. An end of the first waveguide is directly or indirectly connected so as to be conductive to one of ground electrodes of the second waveguide from the direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the ground electrodes. Since magnetic fields are coupled so that the direction of the magnetic field of the first waveguide and that of the magnetic field of the second waveguide match with each other in the E plane, mode conversion between the TEM mode and another mode to be excellently performed between the waveguides.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for impedance matching (e.g., for a power amplifier) comprising a first node (204a) for receiving an output current to be impedance matched; a second node (212, 214) for receiving output current from the first node; a first current conductor (202c) for carrying current from the first node to the second node; a third node (204b) for receiving output current from the second node; and a second current conductor (202d) for carrying current from said second node to said third node, whereby the first and second current conductors are closely positioned so that their inductance is the sum of their self-inductances and the negative sum of their mutual inductance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enable mode conversion between a TEM mode and another mode to be performed among a plurality of waveguides. An RF module comprises: a TEM waveguide as a first waveguide for propagating electromagnetic waves in a TEM mode; and a waveguide having a multilayer structure as a second waveguide connected to the first waveguide, for propagating electromagnetic waves in another mode different from the TEM mode. An end of the first waveguide is directly conductively connected to one of ground electrodes of the second waveguide from the stacking direction side of the ground electrodes. Since magnetic fields are coupled so that the direction of the magnetic field of the first waveguide and that of the magnetic field of the second waveguide match with each other in the H plane, mode conversion between the TEM mode and another mode can be excellently performed between the waveguides.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses are provided for conducting bi-directional signaling and testing. The outputs of at least two driver circuits are connected to a resistive network. The output signals from the driver circuits are combined through the resistive network to produce a resultant signal that is an attenuated version of at least one of the output signals. The resistive network and the driver circuits are configured such that the resultant signal is provided to an output node of the resistive network but not to an input node of the resistive network. An input/output node of an external circuit is connected to the input node of the resistive network, wherein the external circuit is configured to receive the resultant signal and output an external signal. An input node of a receiver circuit is connected to the output node of the resistive network.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for use at a reduced Vdd voltage. An integrated circuit is designed and implemented such that it is usable at a voltage less than an industry standard Vdd voltage. The integrated circuit may include a voltage filter that may either be implemented on the integrated circuit or external to the integrated circuit. The voltage filter receives an industry standard IC voltage and produces a filtered voltage that is that some value below the industry standard IC voltage. The voltage filter also removes noise from the industry standard IC voltage. The integrated circuit includes signal processing circuitry that is designed and implemented to improve signal quality and to operate at the filtered voltage.

Abstract: A filter circuit directed primarily to use in the CATV industry includes at least one frequency dependent component, such as an RF choke, capacitor or inductor, for attenuating signals over at least a portion of the frequency range of signals which pass through the filter. In a typical application, signals are transmitted and received in both forward and return paths at each end of a multi-channel, two-way communication system. Signals in the frequency range of the return path, or of both paths, are attenuated by a desired amount, which is essentially constant over the frequency range of attenuation. In any case, the circuit component providing the attenuation is frequency dependent, thus providing a number of advantages, such as reducing the number of circuit components, reducing filter size and cost, and/or increasing the filter's electric surge and power handling capabilities.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for filtering electromagnetic interference (EMI) in an input/output port such as a uniform serial bus (USB) port. An electromagnetic interference filter for an input/output port transmitting both differential signals and single-ended signals between first and second input terminals and first and second output terminals suitably includes a differential mode filter electrically that is operable to reduce electromagnetic interference while passing the differential signals and a single-ended filter that is operable to reduce electromagnetic interference while passing single-ended signals of a different bandwidth from the differential signals.

Abstract: The invention includes an electromagnetic filter for a feedthrough conductor, and a method of making such a filter. At least two dielectric components are supported from a first side of a substrate, such as a housing or a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method for tuning an electromechanical device such as a MEMS device is disclosed. The method comprises operating a MEMS device in a depressurized system and using FIB micromachining to remove a portion of the MEMS device. Additionally, a method for tuning a plurality of MEMS devices by depositing an active layer and then removing a portion of the active layer using FIB micromachining. Also, a method for tuning a MEMS device and vacuum packaging the MEMS device in situ are provided.

Abstract: A band-pass filter has a ladder-type circuit including first and second terminals whose characteristic impedances are Z0, and series elements and shunt elements disposed between a first terminal and a second terminal, each of the series elements and shunt elements containing a film bulk acoustic resonator. Assuming that characteristic impedance of any one of the series elements is Z1 and that characteristic impedance of any one of the shunt elements is Z2, the characteristic impedances Z0, Z1, and Z2 have a relation of 1<(Z1/Z0)<2, preferably 1.3<(Z1/Z0)<1.7, and 0.5<(Z2/Z0)<1, preferably 0.6<(Z2/Z0)<0.8.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a series resonator provided between the input terminal and the output terminal, first and second parallel resonators having respective one ports connected to respective ports of the series resonator, respectively, first and second nodes connected to respective other ports of the first and second parallel resonators, respectively, first and second inductance elements having respective one ends connected to the first and second nodes, respectively, a third node connected to respective other ends of the first and second inductance elements, a third inductance element having one end connected to the first node, a grounding terminal connected to other end of the third inductance element, and a capacitance element connected between the first and second nodes. The SAW filter has a large attenuation amount at a lower side of a pass band of the filter, thus having sufficient properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a mixed initiative dialog to be carried out between a user and a machine are described. A speech-enabled processing system receives an utterance from the user, and the utterance is recognized by an automatic speech recognizer using a set of statistical language models. Prior to parsing the utterance, a dialog manager uses a semantic frame to identify the set of all slots potentially associated with the current task and then retrieves a corresponding grammar for each of the identified slots from an associated reusable dialog component. A natural language parser then parses the utterance using the recognized speech and all of the retrieved grammars. The dialog manager then identifies any slot which remains unfilled after parsing and causes a prompt to be played to the user for information to fill the unfilled slot. Dependencies and constraints may be associated with particular slots.

Abstract: In a tuning-fork piezoelectric resonator element 14, a quartz wafer is subjected to wet etching such that the lengthwise, widthwise, and thickness directions of resonating arms 16a and 16b are oriented corresponding to the Y-axis, X-axis, and Z-axis of quartz crystal, lengthwise grooves 18a and 18b are provided on principal surfaces of the resonating arms so that the center lines C1 thereof are placed offset in the −X-direction from the center lines C2 of the resonating arms, thereby balancing the stiffness between the right and left portions in the widthwise direction of the resonating arms, and stabilizing bending of the resonating arms.

Abstract: This invention is a filter circuit having a filter element. A filter element (4) is a parallel resonator circuit including a pair of first resonator lines (19a) (19b) formed by a thick film forming technique and a pair of second resonator lines (20a) (20b). As the thickness of the pair of second resonator lines (20a) (20b) is significantly reduced, the impedance ratio between the pair of second resonator lines (20a) (20b) and the pair of first resonator lines (19a) (19b) is increased. Therefore, the length of these pairs of resonator lines (19a) (19b) (20a) (20b) is reduced and miniaturization of the filter element is realized.

Abstract: A band-trap filter includes a main body, an outer electrode, inner electrodes, strip-shaped wires, a signal input, a signal output, and a circuit board. The main body is made of a dielectric material with the outer electrode coating top, bottom, right, left, and rear sides thereof. The inner electrodes are provided inside the main body. The signal input and output are provided on the top side of the main body to electrically connect to the inner electrodes via the strip-shaped wires on the front side of the main body. Another strip-shaped wire electrically connects portions of the outer electrode at the top and the bottom side of the main body. Due to inductance and capacitance effects, the band-trap filter provides functions of both low-pass and high-pass filters and good electromagnetic interference rejection effect.

Abstract: Provided is a radio frequency device using a micro-electronic-mechanical system (MEMS) technology that can be applied to a mobile communication area by reducing the operating voltage, while increasing the operating speed. The RF device of the present research includes: a substrate; a first electrode which is mounted on the substrate and forms an actuator, part of the first electrode not contacting the substrate; and a second electrode which is apart in a regular space from the substrate and forms an actuator, part of the second electrode being overlapped with the first electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode contact each other at a contact point by an electrostatic attractive force generated between the two electrodes.

Abstract: A subminiature circuit breaker is equipped with an arc fault auxiliary switch actuated by the arc fault trip motor through an indicator actuator that also deploys a pop-up arc fault indicator. An additional auxiliary switch actuated by the drive link on the toggle mechanism provides an indication of the open/closed state of the circuit breaker separable contacts. Both the arc fault auxiliary switch and the contact state auxiliary switch are mounted on the outside of the subminiature circuit breaker housing and are operated by an operating member and a pivoted member, respectively, extending through openings in the housing.

Abstract: A support surface that utilizes repulsive forces of opposing magnetic fields is described. In preferred embodiments, the support apparatus includes first and second frame members having first and second pluralities of magnets disposed thereon. The pluralities of magnets are oriented such that the first plurality of magnets produces a magnetic field having an orientation that opposes the magnetic fields of the magnets of the second plurality. The first and second frame members interact such that they maintain a substantially static lateral position relative to each other despite the repulsive forces of the opposing magnetic fields. A support member, such as a cushion member, is disposed adjacent one of the frame members, and can be connected thereto. A covering can surround the entire assembly. In particularly preferred embodiments, the frame members have dimensions similar to those of conventional mattresses, and the cover confers the appearance of a conventional mattress onto the support apparatus.

Abstract: An electromagnetic drive has a sliding portion and a stator, the stator forming a magnetic circuit in combination with the sliding portion. The stator has an accommodating portion for supporting the sliding portion so the sliding portion can reciprocate inside the accommodating portion. A magnetic attractive force is generated by a coil to attract the sliding portion in one of the reciprocating directions. The coil generates a magnetic attractive force when energized such that either one or both of at least an outer peripheral wall of the sliding portion and at least an inner peripheral wall of said accommodating portion forms a magnetic portion made of nickel phosphide. The phosphorus content of said magnetic portion is set within a range of 5% to 15% in mass percentage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnets and to magnetic resonance imaging systems. The magnet is open with magnetic coils arranged in quadrant, separated about two perpendicular planes, a midplane and a plane of reflection, and wherein the windings are configured such that, in operation, current flow is symmetrical about the plane of reflection and anti-symmetrical about the midplane, to produce a nett magnetic field at the centre in a direction perpendicular to the plane of reflection.

Abstract: There is provided an inductive coupler for coupling a signal to a power line. The inductive coupler includes a magnetic core for placement about the power line, a coil wound around a portion of the magnetic core, and a semiconducting coating that encapsulates the core and contacts the power line. The signal is coupled to the coil.

Abstract: There is provided a method for blocking a portion of energy of a signal in a power line. The method includes equipping a high frequency magnetic core with a coil, connecting a capacitor across terminals of the coil to create a resonant circuit that resonates at a frequency of the signal, and placing the magnetic core around the power line, at a location where the blocking is desired.

Abstract: A bulk amorphous metal inductive device comprises a magnetic core having plurality of low-loss bulk ferromagnetic amorphous metal magnetic components assembled in juxtaposed relationship to form at least one magnetic circuit and secured in position, e.g. by banding or potting. The device has one or more electrical windings and may be used as a transformer or inductor in an electronic circuit. Each component comprises a plurality of similarly shaped layers of amorphous metal strips bonded together to form a polyhedrally shaped part. The low core losses of the device, e.g. a loss of at most about 12 W/kg when excited at a frequency of 5 kHz to a peak induction level of 0.3 T, make it especially useful for application in power conditioning circuits operating in switched mode at frequencies of 1 kHz or more. Air gaps are optionally interposed between the mating faces of the constituent components of the device to enhance its energy storage capacity for inductor applications.

Abstract: A bulk amorphous metal inductive device comprises a magnetic core having at least low-loss bulk ferromagnetic amorphous metal magnetic component forming a magnetic circuit having an air gap therein. The device has one or more electrical windings and may be used as a transformer or inductor in an electronic circuit. The component comprises a plurality of similarly shaped layers of amorphous metal strips bonded together to form a polyhedrally shaped part. The low core losses of the device, e.g. a loss of at most about 12 W/kg when excited at a frequency of 5 kHz to a peak induction level of 0.3 T, make it especially useful for application in power conditioning circuits operating in switched mode at frequencies of 1 kHz or more. The component is fabricated by a process comprising cutting laminations of the requisite shape. The cut laminations are stacked and registered, and then bonded by an adhesive agent. The cutting of laminations is advantageously done with stamping or photolithographic etching techniques.