Abstract: A NOR flash memory device and related programming method are disclosed. The programming method includes programming data in a memory cell and, during a program verification operation, controlling the supply of current from a sense amplifier to the memory cell in relation to the value of the programmed data. Wherein a program verification operation is indicated, current is provided from the sense amplifier to the memory cell. Where a program verification operation is not indicated, current is cut off from the sense amplifier.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device comprises a memory cell array having a plurality of non-volatile memory cells arranged in rows and columns. Selected memory cells are programmed by applying program voltages thereto. Next, data bits stored in the selected cells are read. Then, a first column scan operation is performed to determine whether any of the selected memory cells is inadequately programmed. Upon determining that at least one of the selected memory cells is inadequately programmed, a second column scan operation is performed to detect a total number of the selected memory cells that are inadequately programmed. Upon determining that the total number of the selected memory cells that are inadequately programmed is less than a number that can be corrected by an error correcting circuit, the program operation terminates with a program pass status.

Abstract: A post-erase channel clearing procedure for double well, floating gate, non-volatile memory cells. The channel is cleared of charged particles coming from the floating gate after an erase operation in two steps. In the first step the charged particles are pushed into an upper substrate well below the floating gate but not allowed into a deeper well of opposite conductivity type relative to the upper well. After a brief time, T, the charged particles are pushed by a bias voltage into the deeper well from the upper well. This two step clearing procedure avoids device latchup that might occur otherwise.

Abstract: A page buffer for a non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes a switch configured to couple a first bitline coupled to a first memory cell to a second bitline coupled to a second memory cell, a first latch block coupled to the first bitline and configured to transfer a first latch data to the first memory cell, and a second latch block coupled to the second bitline and the first latch block, and configured to transfer a second latch data to the second memory cell.

Abstract: An array of SRAM cells (e.g., 6T single-ended or 8T differential cells) and method is discussed having variable high and low voltage power supplies to provide to selected cells of the array a write bias condition during a write operation and a read bias condition to the array during a read operation, wherein the read bias condition is different from the write bias condition.

Abstract: A method and circuit for controlling an output reference voltage generated by a reference voltage generator disposed on a memory device are provided. A signal for enabling a clocked standby mode of the memory device is received. If the signal indicates that the memory device is in the clocked standby mode, a first reference voltage is generated as the output reference voltage of the reference voltage generator using a first voltage. If the signal indicates that the memory device is not in the clocked standby mode, a second reference voltage is generated as the output reference voltage of the reference voltage generator using a second voltage.

Abstract: A voltage generating circuit for a semiconductor memory device. The voltage generating circuit includes a multi-boosting unit for stepping up a power supply voltage, a transfer transistor connected to a final boosting node of the multi-boosting unit and an output node, and a charge-sharing element, electrically connected to the final boosting node and a gate node of the transfer transistor, enabled during at least a part of the period the power supply voltage is stepped-up by the multi-boosting unit and performing charge sharing between the final boosting node and the gate node of the transfer transistor.

Abstract: A depletion type active capacitor may transfer charge from an oscillator to an address line that needs to be boosted for programming. Such a charge pump may be useful in semiconductor memories such as flash memories, EEPROM memories, and NAND EEPROM memories. In some embodiments, relatively low supply voltages can be boosted.

Abstract: System(s) and method(s) of improving and controlling memory cell data retention are disclosed. A particular pulse width and magnitude is generated and applied to a memory cell made of at least two electrodes with a controllably conductive media between the at least two electrodes. The current across the memory cell is detected and a lower input pulse is sent to the memory cell. Application of the lower pulse controls the data retention of the memory cell without disturbing the final programming state of the memory cell.

Abstract: A method, a memory device and a test unit to test such memory device is provided. The memory device comprises a memory cell array including a multitude of memory cells each having a variable characteristic. The method comprises identifying the characteristic of each memory cell and assigning memory cells of the multitude of memory cells to a weak group in dependence on the identified characteristic. Then the stored information of the memory cells assigned to the weak group is restored in order to modify the characteristics of these memory cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing a memory device, which can test a memory cell block while testing another memory cell block, so as to catch a process defect of the memory device within a short time period, thereby reducing the test time. The method for testing a memory device provided with a bank including N memory cell blocks and sense amplifiers, the method comprising the steps of: a) expressing the N memory cell blocks as a first, a second, . . . , an Nth memory cell block; b) sequentially activating odd-numbered memory cell blocks of the N memory cell blocks one by one in a predetermined time period; c) performing sense, read (or write) and precharge operations for each activated memory cell block; and d) performing steps a) to c) for even-numbered memory cell blocks after tests for all the odd-numbered memory cell blocks are finished.

Abstract: Methods and a circuit for writing to an SRAM memory cell of an array are discussed that provide improved static noise margin, and minimal risk of data upsets during write operations. The write method first rapidly raises the wordline to a lower read voltage level for access, then after a time delay that allows the cells in the selected row to establish a stabilizing differential voltage on the associated bitlines, raises the wordline voltage to a boosted or higher write voltage level. An SRAM bitline enhancement circuit may also be utilized in association with the SRAM memory array and writing method, for enhancing the differential voltage produced by an SRAM memory cell of the array on associated first and second bitlines of the array of conventional SRAM cells (e.g., a conventional 6T differential cell). In one implementation, the SRAM bitline enhancement circuit comprises a half-latch or a sense amplifier connected to associated bitline pairs of the array for amplifying the differential voltage.

Abstract: A memory circuit includes multiple word lines, multiple pairs of complementary bank bit lines, multiple block select lines, and multiple of block circuits. Each of the block circuits includes a local bit line; a first transistor having a control terminal connected to the local bit line, a first bias terminal connected to a first bank bit line of a given pair of bank bit lines, and a second bias terminal connecting to a first voltage source; a second transistor having a control terminal connected to a corresponding one of the block select lines, a first bias terminal connected to a second bank bit line of the given pair of bank bit lines, and a second bias terminal connected to the local bit line; and a plurality of memory cells connected to the local bit line and to respective word lines in the memory circuit.

Abstract: In a memory cell array, source lines are provided so that each of the source lines is connected to ones of memory cells which belong to adjacent two rows and a plurality of source bias control circuits for supplying a source bias potential which is higher than a ground potential and lower than a power supply potential are provided so as to correspond to the source lines, respectively. In an active period, the source bias control circuits perform potential control so that one or more of the source lines selected by row predecoders which are not connected to one of the memory cells which is to be read out are controlled to be in a state where the source bias potential is supplied.

Abstract: A memory allowing reduction of the period of an external access operation is provided. This memory comprises an access control portion performing an internal access operation on the basis of an external access operation, a refresh control portion performing a refresh operation and a refresh division control portion dividing the refresh operation into a read operation RFRD and rewrite operations RFRS1 and RFRS2. The memory performs the read operation RFRD and the rewrite operations RFRS1 and RFRS2 at least either before or after different internal access operations corresponding to different external access operations respectively.

Abstract: A dynamic random access memory (“DRAM”) device includes a pair of internal address buses that are selectively coupled to an external address bus by an address multiplexer, and a pair of internal data buses that are selectively coupled to an external data bus by a data multiplexer. The DRAM device also includes a bank multiplexer for each bank of memory cells that selectively couples one of the internal address buses and one of the internal data buses to the respective bank of memory cells. Select signals generated by a command decoder cause the multiplexers to select alternate internal address and data buses responsive to each memory command received by the command decoder.

Abstract: A dual port semiconductor memory device, including PMOS scan transistors, is provided. The dual port semiconductor memory device includes two PMOS transistors, two NMOS pull-down transistors, two NMOS pass transistors, and a PMOS scan transistor. The scan transistor being PMOS, noise margins can be improved. In addition, these seven transistors are arranged in two n-wells and 2 p-wells, while n-wells and p-wells are arranged in series and in alternating fashion. Therefore, the length of a memory cell along the minor axis of the memory cell is relatively short. This memory cell layout helps shorten the length of a bit line by arranging a pair of bitlines in parallel with well boundaries, i.e., in the direction of the short axis of the memory cell, and makes it possible to prevent crosstalk between a bitline and a complementary bitline by arranging conductive lines between the bitline and the complementary bitline.

Abstract: A read activity detector circuit for use in a random access memory array includes a plurality of synchronizer circuits operative to receive a plurality of respective reference clock signals having a frequency that is substantially the same as a core reference clock and having different phases relative to one another. Each of the synchronizer circuits, in response to a first control signal presented thereto, generates an output signal having a rising edge or a falling edge which is substantially aligned to a rising edge or a falling edge of the reference clock signal corresponding thereto. The activity detector circuit further includes a controller operative to receive the respective output signals from the plurality of synchronizer circuits and to generate an output signal as a function thereof which is indicative of data to be read from the random access memory array.

Abstract: A batch mixer, which includes a floating weight that is freely elevatable by hydraulic cylinders in a hopper which is provided for a mixer main body in a communicated state and into which mixing materials are charged, includes: a linear scale capable of continuously detecting the elevating/lowering position of a floating weight; a position setting device that sets the elevated position of the floating weight; and a control device that controls the elevating/lowering position of the floating weight based on the positional detection signal of the linear scale and the set value of the position setting device. The control device sends a stop signal to a direction switching solenoid valve to stop the action of the hydraulic cylinders when the positional detection signal matches the positional set value. With such a constitution, the stop position of the floating weight can be changed without requiring a complicated work.

Abstract: A device for continuously producing emulsions or dispersions while excluding air comprises a mixing vessel, which is closed on all sides and which has supply tubes and discharge tubes for introducing and discharging fluid substances or compositions, and also an impeller, which permits an agitating input into the emulsion or dispersion without generating cavitation forces and without high-pressure homogenization. For preparing the cosmetic emulsions of the invention, as well, emulsifiers are generally used.

Abstract: A pigment dispersion process includes providing a solution in a dispersion apparatus tha includes a container, a rotor-stator type homogenizer and a recirculation device. The process includes adding pigment particles to the solution to form a dispersion, flowing at least a portion of the dispersion to the homogenizer via the recirculation device, reducing a size of the pigment particles using the homogenizer, and recirculating the dispersion between the container and the homogenizer via the recirculation device. The dispersion system may include a container containing a dispersion that may contain an amount of deionized water, an amount of surfactant and an amount of pigment, and a recirculation device coupled to the container and to a rotor-stator homogenizer that allows the dispersion to flow between the container and the homogenizer.

Abstract: An automated solution maker is provided. The automated solution maker mixes a chemical with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by measuring the conductivity of the solution. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.

Abstract: An agitation/deaeration apparatus is provided which causes a container containing a viscous to-be-kneaded object to be rotated and revolved simultaneously, to agitate and deaerate the to-be-kneaded object, wherein piping (wiring) connecting the container and an external device is prevented from twisting even when the container rotates.

Abstract: The coupling for connecting a tube (2) to a commercially available mixer or mixer accessory comprises an adapter (3) and a fastening piece (4), the adapter being provided at one end with an insertion portion (8) and at the other end with a receiving portion (12), and the fastening piece being pushed over the adapter. A coupling of this type allows the secure and simple use of capillary tubes, e.g. for medical technique.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acquiring marine seismic data are described. One method comprises selecting tow depth of one or more marine seismic streamers based at least in part on lack of or presence of currents at different depths, and allowing the current to contribute to steering the streamers to desired lateral positions at the selected tow depth. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An imaging sonar system develops three-dimensional images of the space below, to the sides, and forward of a ship relative to a fixed frame of reference. Various features permit the system to be used in non-military environments and make possible low cost with substantial capabilities.

Abstract: A correlation SONAR that provides improved velocity estimates due to a reduction in random and bias errors is disclosed. Rather than basing the velocity estimate on a single set of primary receiver pairs, one or more additional velocity estimates are generated based on one or more available receiver pair sets having the same velocity vectors as the primary receiver pairs set. Additional velocity estimates also provide a reliability and accuracy improvement by enabling identification and subsequent elimination of erroneous velocity estimates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the geophysical position of an autonomous underwater system utilizing underwater acoustic modems that exchange broadband underwater acoustic signals. The method of the invention includes the steps of initiating an exchange of broadband acoustic signals between the autonomous system of unknown geophysical position and a base system of known geophysical position wherein the depths of both systems is known. A bearing calculation is made on one of the signals transmitted between the systems, preferably through the use of an array of hydrophones placed closely together at predetermined locations on either the autonomous or base system. Also, the range between the two systems is determined by measuring the time of travel of at least one signal.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an electronic dive watch (10) including a water resistant case (12) containing a watch movement (15) on which there is mounted a dial (16) provided with at least one first and one second coaxial hand (18, 20), each hand (18, 20) being driven independently by an associated motor (32, 34), of the type wherein the watch movement (15) includes an electronic circuit (30) that controls the first and second hands (18, 20) in accordance with a first operating mode in which each hand (18, 20) indicates a distinct item of data and in accordance with a second operating mode, called the dive mode, in which at least the first hand (18, 20) indicates an instantaneous depth value (Pi), characterized in that, in the dive mode, the first and second hands (18, 20) are controlled such that they simultaneously indicate the same instantaneous depth value.

Abstract: A timepiece comprises an atomic oscillator for generating and outputting a reference clock signal, and a timepiece module that operates based on the reference clock signal, wherein the atomic oscillator and the timepiece module are disposed separately so as to be thermally separated. The timepiece also comprises a crystal oscillator for generating and outputting a first oscillation signal, an atomic oscillator for generating and outputting a second oscillation signal with a higher precision than the first oscillation signal, a timepiece module that operates based on the first oscillation signal and the second oscillation signal, and a thermal separator for thermally separating the atomic oscillator from the crystal oscillator and the timepiece module. A portable timepiece and electronic device can thereby be configured so that the effects of heat generation can be reduced and power consumption can be reduced even in cases in which the atomic oscillator is used as a reference oscillator.

Abstract: The present invention proposes to improve the yield of a micro-generator (1) used for operating a timepiece. This micro-generator operates on the basis of the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction; it is thus desirable to limit the presence of magnetic masses in proximity to said generator as much as possible. Research carried out has shown that the finish coating covering the movement-blank parts (11, 12) arranged in proximity to the micro-generator brakes the latter when it is made of a magnetic material, and in particular a ferromagnetic material. Thus, the exclusive selection of non-magnetic materials for manufacturing the movement-blank and its coating is proposed.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and method for implementing an intelligent wake mode is provided. The method includes the steps of: tracking a system time of the electronic apparatus; entering into the wake mode when the tracked system time is equal to a predetermined time; increasing a current volume for every predetermined time interval; and keeping the current volume when the current volume is equal to or greater than a predetermined initial volume.

Abstract: The device includes a support pipe driven into a bore of a watchcase, a push-piece crown consisting of a head and an extension mounted into the pipe in mobile manner, a part entraining rotation that is integral with the winding and setting stem of the watch, coupling elements causing the extension and the entraining part to move together in rotation as well as in translation in the direction of pulling, a first axial spring arranged between the crown's head and the entraining part, and a second axial spring arranged between the crown's head and the pipe. The first spring exerts a force that is high enough to overcome the resistance offered by stem during the change from the setting position to the winding position of the crown. The second spring exerts the principal restoring force bringing the crown back from its pushed position to its winding position.

Abstract: The control stem device for a watch includes a first stem (1) rotating about its longitudinal axis and provided with means (32) for securing it to a manual control crown on the exterior of the watch, and a second stem (2), substantially parallel and shifted in relation to said first stem and secured to an axially mobile sliding pinion (8) for selectively driving in rotation a mechanism for a first function (20) and a mechanism for a second function (242), the first and second stems being connected in rotation by a transmission device (5).

Abstract: An optical recording medium has a substrate, a first information layer which is provided in a beam incident side of the substrate, and a second information layer which serves as the semi-transparent information layer and is provided in a beam incident side of the first information layer, the second information layer is configured to include: a recording film formed from a phase-change material which is rewritable by means of an optical system in which ?/NA?650 nm, NA being the numerical aperture of an objective lens, ? being a wavelength of a laser beam; and an interface layer which is provided adjacent to a beam incident side of the recording film, the interface layer is formed from ZnS, SiO2, and Cr2O3, the recording film contains Sb as a main component and Ge as a minor component, and in the optical recording medium, high speed recording to a semi-transparent information layer is achieved without excessively increasing the power of a laser, deteriorating the thermal stability of an amorphous mark, and caus

Abstract: A magnetic film is formed over phase pit sequences in a recording medium. Recording marks are established in the magnetic film in accordance with the direction of the magnetization. A laser beam is utilized to read out information from the phase pit sequences. The laser beam is also utilized to read out information based on the recording marks. The minimum mark size of the recording marks is set larger than minimum pit length in the phase pit sequences. The recording medium allows minimization of the influence of the phase pit sequences during the readout of information based on the recording marks as compared with a recording medium having the minimum pit length equal to the minimum mark size. Information can be read out based on the recording marks with a sufficient accuracy even when the minimum pit length gets smaller in the phase pit sequences.

Abstract: A playlist containing a plurality of tracks is filtered to generate a customized subset or window of tracks for playback. The method includes automatically determining user preference data for each of the plurality of tracks based on the user's conduct when each of the plurality is accessed for playback. The tracks in the playlist are reordered after each track is accessed based on the user preference data. A subset of the playlist is selected for playback based on the reordered track arrangement.

Abstract: A power control apparatus includes a driver for controlling an operation of a storage device, a filter driver for monitoring a state of the storage device, and a management program part for controlling a power supply to the storage device. The management program part is configured to output a control signal based upon the monitored state to a control part operatively connected to the storage device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes: an interface unit that receives a storing request for storing a plurality of files onto a plurality of removable storages; and a processing unit that performs a storing process in response to the storing request received by the interface unit, the storing process including storing a subset of the plurality of files and additional information onto at least one of the plurality of removable storages, wherein the additional information includes: file catalog information that indicates a file catalog of the plurality of files that is to be stored onto the plurality of removable storages other than the one of the plurality of removable storages; and correspondence information that indicates correspondences of each of the plurality of files with a corresponding removable storage that stores the each of the plurality of files.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an information-processing apparatus capable of transmitting a content to a portable reproduction apparatus which can reproduce the content, including: a content storage section; a transmission content acquisition section; a deletion completion list acquisition section; a transmission permission/inhibition determine section; and a content transmission section.

Abstract: Electronic device capable of automatically securing a capacity for recording a second content data other than a first content data even in the case of automatically recording to a storage medium the first content data received by a push-type service. For example, a portable audio player receives as an input push-type data from a personal computer and stores the same in a HDD when there is a free storable region in its push-type-use storage capacity.

Abstract: A controller determines whether an optical disk has been formatted (S1), formats the optical disk by recording a lead-in area in the recording area of the optical disc if the optical disk has not yet been formatted (S2), records content data in a contents area of the optical disk, and at the same time stores data that may be used as index information separately from the content data being recorded (S3). When a recording stop command is issued, the index information is generated (S6), a file system is recorded so that the content data and the index information can be recognized by other apparatuses, an anchor point is recorded, a temporary lead-out area is recorded, and the process is ended.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for reproducing a digital information signal which is recorded on a first and a second layer of a record carrier, the digital information signal being divided into cells, each cell being recorded in at least one sector, the digital information signal comprising a first cell recorded on the first layer and a second cell recorded on the second layer, further being recorded on said record carrier control data indicating that the first and second cell have to be presented non-seamless after each other. The apparatus is arranged to detect that the first cell is read from the first layer and the second cell is read from the second layer and generated a control signal indicating that the first and second cell have to be presented seamless in dependence of said detection. In this way the control data indicating that the cells have to be presented with a seam is replaced with a control signal indicating that the cells have to presented seamlessely .

Abstract: A method for determining a driving force to drive an optical pickup head of an optical disc drive includes steps of inserting an optical storage media including absolute address marks into the optical disc drive; sequentially providing a plurality of driving indexes for generating testing driving forces for the optical disc drive to move the optical pickup head from the a first absolute address mark to a second absolute address mark; selecting a first driving force index, which corresponds to a testing driving force incapable of successfully moving the optical pickup head from the first absolute address mark to the second absolute address mark; determining a target driving index by adding an offset value to the first driving index; and generating the driving force according to the target driving index.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of detecting a wobble signal in accordance with a time shift includes comparing a basic wobble signal with reference levels to detect pulses representing the time shift in an analog fashion, and digitally determining a code value for the basic wobble signal on the basis of the widths of the pulses using a channel clock signal and a wobble clock signal. The determined code value is accumulated and serves as a basis on which final wobble data is produced.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a disk apparatus including a reading unit which reads a reflective light from a disk and outputs a read signal, an extracting unit which extracts a wobble signal from the read signal, an upper limit detector which detects an upper limit signal of the wobble signal, a lower limit detector which detects a lower limit signal of the wobble signal, an intermediate value generator which generates an intermediate value between the upper limit signal and the lower limit signal, a check unit which checks the wobble signal with the intermediate value defined as a threshold, a controller which controls an operation of the reading unit according to an address value depending on the result checked by the check unit, and a decoder which decodes the read signal from the operation-controlled reading unit and outputs a reproducing signal.

Abstract: An objective optical system for optical recording media and an optical pickup device using the objective optical system includes a holographic optical element that includes angularly-multiplexed holograms for correcting spherical aberration and/or coma aberration due to variations in substrate thicknesses of recording media and errors by tilting the holographic optical element out of the plane perpendicular to the optical axis by specified amounts. A control system determines the spherical aberration and/or coma using a control unit and outputs command signals for controlling the amount of tilt. The angularly-multiplexed holograms may change an input substantially collimated light beam to a divergent or convergent light beam except when the substrate of the optical recording media has a specified thickness. Additionally, the holographic optical element may include wavelength-multiplexed holograms to correct for chromatic aberration due to mode hopping of a semiconductor laser light source.

Abstract: An optical pickup, including a light source, an objective lens to focus light emitted from the light source to form a light spot on an optical information storage medium, an optical path changer to change an optical path of the light, a photodetector to receive light reflected/diffracted by the optical information storage medium and to detect an information signal and/or an error signal, and an optical element preventing part disposed in a central region of the light, to prevent a part of the central region of the light, which is reflected/diffracted by the optical information storage medium and which propagates toward the photodetector, from being received by the photodetector.

Abstract: An optical disc drive apparatus includes: a laser beam source; a collector device disposed as facing a disc that can record a signal, which collects a laser beam emitted from the laser beam source onto the disc; a record processing module which records the signal on the disc through the collector device while modulating laser power of the laser beam source; a reflecting light level detecting module which receives the reflecting light when the signal is recorded and detects a level of the reflecting light; a laser power control module which controls the laser power when the signal is recorded based on the detected level of the reflecting light; a tilt control module which controls a tilt angle between the disc and the collector device based on the detected level of the reflecting light; and a switching module which switches between control of the laser power and the tilt angle.

Abstract: A first laser light source for emitting an optical beam of a first wavelength, a second laser light source for emitting an optical beam of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength and first and second polarizing devices through which the optical beams of first and second wavelengths transmit are provided. The first polarizing device changes the phase of the optical beam of first wavelength by about (M+½) times the first wavelength (M being integer) and the second polarizing device changes the phase of the optical beam of second wavelength by about (N+½) times the second wavelength (N being integer).