Patents Issued in April 19, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070085521
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to finely set the voltage at high speed without decreasing the efficiency. In a power supply for switching operation including a switching circuit, an output circuit, a control table which stores data on the ON and OFF periods of the switching circuit in correspondence with a set voltage, an arithmetic processing unit which performs reading operation from the control table and PWM operation, and a digital control unit which controls the switching circuit by outputting a PWM signal, feedback control based on the output voltage is performed in a case where the output voltage is not changed. When changing the output voltage, the feedback control is switched over to control based on data in the control table to change the output voltage at high speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masayuki Nagai
  • Publication number: 20070085522
    Abstract: A control device for a switching converter has an input terminal and an output terminal; the converter includes a half-bridge of a first and a second transistor coupled between the input terminal and a reference voltage. The control device detects a signal on the output terminal of the converter, integrates the detected signal and imposes a predefined minimum frequency of the detected signal. The control device regulates the average value of the detected signal by comparison with a reference signal and drives the first and second transistors in during the regulation. The control device turns off an integrator when the predefined minimum frequency is imposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.
    Inventors: Adalberto MARIANI, Silvio Pepino
  • Publication number: 20070085523
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter with an inductor connected in series with a power transistor between first and second terminals of a DC supply source, and with a modulator circuit that has a control output connected to a control gate of the power transistor. The modulator circuit provides a periodic pulse signal the duty cycle of which determines an output voltage at an output terminal of the converter. The modulator circuit comprises an oscillator that determines the frequency of the periodic pulse signal. The modulator circuit also comprises a feedforward structure that determines an approximated duty cycle for the pulse signal based on the value of the input voltage, the sensed output voltage and the amount of current flow in the inductor. An error amplifier in the modulator has a first input connected to a reference voltage source, a second input connected to the output terminal of the converter and an output that supplies a corrective signal used by the modulator to adjust the duty cycle of the pulse signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Kevin Scoones, Joerg Kirchner
  • Publication number: 20070085524
    Abstract: The PSF for a metrology array for high resolution particle beam profile measurement has been improved by improving five major elements of the metrology array. While improvement in each of the five elements provides and improved PSF, a combination of all five of the elements provides an unexpected synergistic effect. The individual elements include the use of a plurality of slots as apertures; use of a high-Z material in forming the array; employing sidewalls on the slotted opening apertures where the sidewall forms an angle with a horizontal surface at the base of the array which is at least 75°; employing a knife edge where the upper corner radius ranges from about 1 nm to about 5 nm; and providing a surface finish at the upper corner of each knife edge which is less than 5 nm RMS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20070085525
    Abstract: A lightning detector for lightning detection and a lightning detection method, wherein the lightning detector uses at least two separate channels or frequency bands for lightning detection, and wherein the lightning detector is a mobile RF device provided with radio interfaces for at least two communication channels or frequency bands, whereby at least one of which is normally a telecom channel/frequency range and wherein these channels/ranges are used in lightning detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Joni Jantunen, Jakke Makela, Terho Kaikuranta, Jukka Reunamaki, Tom Ahola, Arttu Uusitalo, Kari Kalliojarvi
  • Publication number: 20070085526
    Abstract: An unbalanced current detection circuit determines when a multi-phase, normally-balanced load is unbalanced. The detection circuit of the present invention includes a plurality of current-squaring circuits, each squaring a sensed current of one of the phases. A summing circuit produces a sum of the squares of the currents. If the load is balanced, this sum should be relatively constant, perhaps changing only slowly over time, with little or no ripple from that relatively constant value. In an unbalanced current condition, the sum of the current squares would consist of an average (dc) component plus a ripple (ac) component. If the amplitude of the ripple current exceeds a threshold, it is determined that the currents are unbalanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Donal Baker
  • Publication number: 20070085527
    Abstract: A fan operating status monitoring system is proposed and implemented by employing a detecting module to detect pulsation currents generated by the rotation of a fun, and further convert the detected pulsation currents to voltage signals, thereby allowing a differential magnifying module, a first processing module, and a control module to process the pulse wave signals in orders so as to measure the rotation speeds of the fan. Also, the second processing module and the control module of the invention can process said pulsation electric current signals in orders so as to calculate the working currents of the fan, thereby expanding the measuring range of the rotation speeds of the fan, and at the same time, the invention can effectively control the operating status of the fan to ensure working reliability of the fun. The invention, therefore, offers advantages over the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Wei-I Chen, Chin-Lung Lien
  • Publication number: 20070085528
    Abstract: A method for tracking an object includes fixing to the object a transmitter for transmitting a position-indicative magnetic field and providing a map of distortion of the position-indicative magnetic field caused by the object. A distorted magnetic field transmitted from the object is sensed. The distorted magnetic field includes the position-indicative magnetic field subject to the distortion caused by the object. Estimated coordinates of the object based on the sensed, distorted magnetic field are determined. The estimated coordinates and the map are used to compute corrected coordinates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Andres Altmann, Yaron Ephrath
  • Publication number: 20070085529
    Abstract: A high dynamic range sensitive sensor element or array is provided which uses phase domain integration techniques to accurately capture high and low intensity images. The sensor element of the present invention is not limited by dynamic range characteristics exhibited by prior art solid-state pixel structures and is thus capable of capturing a full spectrum of electromagnetic radiation to provide a high quality output image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Sorin Davidovici
  • Publication number: 20070085530
    Abstract: An inductive transducer measurement system is provided. A measuring circuit simultaneously drives a plurality of transducer windings and measures their inductance by using a load impedance in an inductance measurement circuit configuration. The system may be designed such that a circuit characteristic that includes a measurement period value, a winding inductance value, and a non-inductive impedance value in series with the winding inductance, is set at a nominal value that suppresses a second harmonic error component that is inherent in the measuring circuit. When a three-phase winding configuration is used, preferred signal processing techniques may be used to cancel third harmonic errors in the system, which in combination with the second harmonic error suppression technique creates a variable inductance measurement system that is relatively free from errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Patrick Mawet
  • Publication number: 20070085531
    Abstract: The variable reluctance type angle detector has a stator and a rotor. The rotor is provided rotatably with respect to the stator. The stator has a plurality of tooth members disposed in a circle. An excitation wire and an output wire are wound around the tooth members. The rotor has such a shape that a gap permeance with respect to the stator varies in a sine wave fashion with respect to an angle ?. The stator is provided with an end insulator for insulating and covering the tooth members. The end insulator is provided with partitions each insulating and separating the excitation wire from the output wire wound around each of the tooth members in a radial direction of the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Yasuo Ijima
  • Publication number: 20070085532
    Abstract: A fuel level gauge is advantageously used in a fuel tank of an automobile. The fuel level gauge installed in a fuel tank includes a float floating on the fuel surface, a rotatable member supported by a stationary member and a detector such as a Hall element. The float is connected to the rotatable member through an arm member, and the rotatable member rotates according to positions of the float. Rotational positions of the rotatable member are detected by the detector. The arm member is electrically connected through a conducting member to a ground terminal to ground electrostatic charges that are generated by abrasion between the float and the fuel and accumulated in the arm member. The conducting member slidably connects the arm member to the ground member not to disturb smooth rotation of the rotatable member. Accuracy of the fuel level detection is maintained by grounding the electrostatic charges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Isao Miyagawa, Mikio Muramatsu, Atsushi Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20070085533
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a substrate and a MEM device. The MEM includes a comb capacitor and a magnetic element physically connected to one electrode of the comb capacitor. The magnetic element is capable of moving the one electrode in a manner that alters a capacitance of the comb capacitor. The apparatus also includes at least one spring physically connecting the magnetic element to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Cristian Bolle, Maria Simon
  • Publication number: 20070085534
    Abstract: A magnetic detection coil is provided, which includes a plurality of differential coils. Each differential coil is made of one of superconductors and metallic materials. The differential coils having mutually different loop directions are arranged in parallel at a spatially predetermined distance apart and mutually electrically connected in series. Each differential coil is one of a first-order differential coil and a second-order differential coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Yusuke Seki, Akihiko Kandori
  • Publication number: 20070085535
    Abstract: A fluxgate sensor includes a magnetic core including CoNbZr, an excitation coil, and a magnetic field sensing coil. The fluxgate sensor can use CoNbZr. A low coercivity and high magnetic permeability can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Kyung-won Na, Jingli Yuan, Sang-on Choi
  • Publication number: 20070085536
    Abstract: In the operation of a magnetic resonance system, an RF excitation coil emits an excitation pulse such that nuclei in an examination subject are excited to emit of magnetic resonance signals. A number of local coils acquire the magnetic resonance signals emitted from the examination subject, with the magnetic resonance signals acquired by the local coils being coded in frequency space. An evaluation device accepts the magnetic resonance signals acquired by the local coils or accepts intermediate signals derived therefrom via one transmission channel per signal, and corrects the accepted signals using correction signals. The evaluation device uses the corrected signals reconstructing an image of the examination subject. The evaluation device determines the correction signals for all signals to be corrected using the same reference signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Vladimir Jellus, Stephan Kannengiesser, David Porter
  • Publication number: 20070085537
    Abstract: In a method for determination of flip angle distributions for various antenna transmission configurations in a magnetic resonance system, magnetic resonance measurements are implemented with the various transmission configurations, with the reception configuration being identical for all implemented magnetic resonance measurements, and all magnetic resonance measurements for the various transmission configurations are implemented with a specific pulse sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Thorsten Feiweier
  • Publication number: 20070085538
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of phase correction whereby changes in phase characteristics are measured during data acquisition and, accordingly, phase correction parameters that are applied during image reconstruction are updated in real-time. This adaptive and dynamic phase correction reduces variability in image fidelity during the course of long MR scans, such as EPI scans, and provides consistent artifact reduction during the course of an MR scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: R. Hinks, Bryan Mock, Frederick Frigo, Xiaoli Zhao
  • Publication number: 20070085539
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of MR imaging whereby a k-space blade extending through a center of k-space from a subject in motion is acquired. A high-pass convolution of the k-space blade with a reference k-space blade is then determined and converted to a ? function. In-plane motion of the subject during data acquisition of the k-space is then determined from the ? function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Sarah Patch, Michael Hartley, James Pipe
  • Publication number: 20070085540
    Abstract: In a method for decoupling an RF transmit coil in a magnetic resonance imaging system, the RF transmit coil has more than one antenna unit and stimulus signals are inputted to said antenna units via connecting cables. A capacitor is connected in series before each of the cables and the value of the series capacitor is such that it just compensates the signal phase shift caused by the connecting cable to zero. Decoupling circuits are connected between said antenna units and before the series capacitors for decoupling said antenna units. The decoupling circuit, by simply employing the decoupling capacitor, decouples the inductive coupling and capacitive coupling between the antenna units simultaneously. The method can be employed to decouple an RF transmit coil outside a magnetic body via the use of a decoupling capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Jian Du, Jian Wang
  • Publication number: 20070085541
    Abstract: Methods and systems for spatially resolved spin resonance detection in a sample of material are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and systems for spatially resolved impedance measurements in a sample of material. The disclosed methods and samples can be used in screening of plurality of biological, chemical and material samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Intematix Corporation
    Inventors: Xiao Dong Xiang, Haitao Yang, Gang Wang
  • Publication number: 20070085542
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system including a gradient coil system. The gradient coil system comprises an inner coil configuration (1,2,3) and an outer coil configuration (4,5,6) positioned substantially coaxially with said inner coil configuration (1,2,3). Both coil configurations are attached to a tubular body (7) located between said two coil configurations (1,2,3;4,5,6) and extending substantially coaxially with both said coil configurations. The tubular body (7) comprises stainless steel rods (10) positioned substantially in axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV
    Inventors: Cornelis Ham, Hans Tut
  • Publication number: 20070085543
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a coil having at least two sections, (b) the at least two sections having a resonant circuit, (c) the at least two sections being wirelessly coupled or decoupled, (d) the at least two sections being separable, (e) several openings allowing a subject to see and be accessed through the coil, (f) at least one cushioned head restraint, and (g) a subject input/output device providing visual data from in front and behind of the coil respectively; wherein the input/output device is selected from the group consisting of mirrors, prisms, video monitors, LCD devices, and optical motion trackers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: MR INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventor: John Vaughan
  • Publication number: 20070085544
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for Magnetic Resonance Imaging with specialized imaging coils possessing high Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR). Imaging and/or Radio Frequency receiving coils include a ballistic electrical conductor such as carbon nanotubes, the ballistic electrical conductor having a resistance that does not increase significantly with length. Due to their enhanced SNR properties, system designs with smaller static magnetic field strength can be constructed for the same quality of imaging, leading to substantial reductions in system size and cost, as well as to enhanced imaging with existing MRI systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Raju Viswanathan
  • Publication number: 20070085545
    Abstract: A method for wrapping continuous strands of steel wire about a seismic cable including interconnected sensor sections and conductor sections where a cross sectional diameter of the sensor section is at least four times that of the conductor section. Two layers of armoring are provided with a first layer wrapped in a first angular direction opposite that of the second layer. A stranding assembly is provided which has two selective positions, one for providing a die hole for stranding the conductor section, another for providing a passage hole for allowing the sensor section to pass after wrapping with armor wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Frederick Sawin, Roy James, Karl Schuler, Gary Zernia
  • Publication number: 20070085546
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for measuring output phase currents of a voltage source inverter when the inverter is connected to a load, the method comprising, during commissioning of a drive, the steps of forming consecutive voltage pulses to the load by using the inverter, measuring current of a DC bus for each consecutive pulse such that for each consecutive pulse, a time difference between a current measurement instant and a start of a voltage pulse is changed, removing a value of DC current from measured current samples to obtain sample values for stray current, storing the sample values of the stray current and their time instants with respect to the start of respective voltage pulses, the method further comprising during the use of the inverter the following steps of, measuring DC-bus current, determining an output phase current of the inverter from the measured DC-bus current and from the stored stray current samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: ABB OY
    Inventor: Panu Virolainen
  • Publication number: 20070085547
    Abstract: A method for generating a simulated sensor signal pattern for a marking gap of a signal-generating disk which is coupled with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, the signal-generating disk having a marking by the alternating positioning of teeth and tooth interstices, and the marking gap being formed by an enlarged tooth interstice or an enlarged tooth, and at least one sensor being assigned to the signal-generating disk, the sensor in each case being able to generate an electrical signal that is able to assume at least two signal levels (high, low), one of the signal levels (high, low) being assigned to a tooth and the other to a tooth interstice, and a simulated sensor signal pattern being approximated for the marking gap from the signal pattern of the signal generated by the sensor, wherein the signal pattern lying before the marking gap in time is used for the approximation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Jens Boettcher
  • Publication number: 20070085548
    Abstract: An insulation degradation diagnostic device (1a) comprises a current transformer (7a), a first amplifier (15), a first high-pass filter (17), a low-pass filter (19), a second amplifier (20), a second high-pass filter (21), and a discharge judgment section (30). The current transformer (7a) has a filtering function with an amount of attenuation of ?60 dB or less and a slope characteristic of ?5 dB/oct or less at a commercial frequency and detects a current flowing through a grounding conductor (5). The first amplifier (15) amplifies a current signal from the current transformer (7a). The first high-pass filter (17) removes a low frequency component from an amplified current signal. The low-pass filter (19) removes a high frequency component from a current signal from which the low frequency component has been removed. The second amplifier (20) amplifies a current signal from the low-pass filter (19) to a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Takashi Shinmoto, Yuji Urabe, Tatsuya Murofushi, Tatsuya Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20070085549
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for determining a faulted phase resulting from a fault in a three-phase ungrounded power system. The method includes comparing a phase angle of an operating phasor to a phase angle of a fixed reference phasor. The operating phasor is derived from a digitized signal sample of a plurality of measured signals of the power system. The method also includes comparing a phase angle difference between the operating phasor and the fixed reference phasor to at least one threshold to determine the faulted phase. The fixed reference phasor may be a phase-to-phase voltage or a positive sequence voltage of the plurality of measured signals of the power system. The operating phasor may be a zero sequence current, a zero sequence voltage or a combination of a zero sequence current and a zero sequence voltage of the plurality of measured signals of the power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Normann Fischer
  • Publication number: 20070085550
    Abstract: Non-contact reflectometry for testing a signal path is described. The technique includes using capacitive coupling to inject a test signal into the signal path and extract a response signal from the signal path. Reflectometry techniques are used to determine characteristics of the signal path from the response signal. The technique is compatible with performing testing of a signal path carrying an operational signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Shang Wu, Cynthia Furse, Chet Lo
  • Publication number: 20070085551
    Abstract: A calibration jig for adjusting timing and an apparatus equipped with such a calibration jig, including calibration block, at least one calibration board attached to the calibration block to form a securing platform for at least one test component, and a plurality of calibration terminals integral to the calibration board to provide improved calibration accuracy and timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Seung-Ho Jang, Chul-Woong Jang, Se-Kyung Oh, Min-Seok Jang
  • Publication number: 20070085552
    Abstract: A relative dielectric constant of a mixed substance consisting of powders and a liquid medium is calculated, and then the relative dielectric constant of the mixed substance or a relative dielectric constant of the liquid medium is calculated as a relative dielectric constant of the powders when the relative dielectric constant of the mixed substance 18 becomes equal to a relative dielectric constant of the liquid medium. Therefore, the relative dielectric constant of the powders can be measured with high precision even in a high-frequency band in excess of several GHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsufumi EHATA
  • Publication number: 20070085553
    Abstract: A method for evaluating touch signals on a touch unit which has two resistance foils (1, 2). The current (IX, IY) resulting from applying a given measurement voltage (UX, UY) to at least one of the resistance foils (1, 2) is measured and stored as a desired current value (IXS, IYS). Especially after the presence of at least one touch has been confirmed, the actual current (IX<IY) flowing in the other resistance foil (1, 2) is measured when the test voltage is again applied to at least one of the resistance foils (1, 2), and it is compared with the previously established desired current value (IXS, IYS) for this resistance foil (1, 2). In the event that the actual current (IX, IY) measured in the at least one resistance foil (1, 2) exceeds the desired current value (IXS, IYS), it is judged that a double touch occurred (FIG. 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Frequentis GmbH
    Inventors: Nikolaus Keroe, Gerhard Taeubl
  • Publication number: 20070085554
    Abstract: A replaceable modular probe head is composed of a plurality of in-parallel probing modules. Each probing module has a plurality of in-series probing regions. In the present embodiment, each probing module has mechanical connection parts on its both ends to attach to a printed circuit board (PCB) to be a multi-DUT probe card. Therefore, the probing module can be replaced individually when probes are damaged or worn without replacing the whole probe head to reduce the fabrication cost of a multi-DUT probe head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Hsiang-Ming Huang, An-Hong Liu, Yi-Chang Lee, Yao-Jung Lee, Yeong-Her Wang
  • Publication number: 20070085555
    Abstract: Provided is a dual arcuate blade probe tip for probing a node, such as a node hole, on a circuit. The probe has a shaft made from an electrically conductive material, concentric to a longitudinal probe axis, and two separate arcuate edges coupled to the shaft and positioned transverse to the probe axis. The arcuate edges define a self-cleaning space therebetween, avoiding blockage of the probe by debris. The arcuate edges provide two single points of contact to concentrate applied force from the shaft to the node hole. The shaft may also include a plunger and/or a structure to prevent rotation of the probe about the probe axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Alexander Leon
  • Publication number: 20070085556
    Abstract: An integrated circuit and e-beam testing method are disclosed. The integrated circuit includes a test structure with a ground grid, a metal pad having a space therein and positioned within the ground grid, and a metal line connected to the ground grid and positioned in the space. Structures for detecting open circuits and short circuits are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: CHARTERED SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING LTD.
    Inventors: Seng-Keong Victor Lim, Dennis Tan, Tze Ho Simon Chan
  • Publication number: 20070085557
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for optimizing the burn-in of integrated circuits. One embodiment of the method comprises: performing a first portion of the burn-in process of the integrated circuit; monitoring a power dissipation of the integrated circuit during the first portion of the burn-in process; increasing a burn-in temperature until the power dissipation of the integrated circuit reaches a predetermined maximum power dissipation; and performing a subsequent portion of the burn-in process of the integrated circuit at the increased burn-in temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Wagdi Abadeer, Harold Pilo, Daryl Seitzer
  • Publication number: 20070085558
    Abstract: The present invention optimizes the performance of integrated circuits by adjusting the circuit operating voltage using feedback on process/product parameters. To determine a desired value for the operating voltage of an integrated circuit, a preferred embodiment provides for on-wafer probing of one or more reference circuit structures to measure at least one electrical or operational parameter of the one or more reference circuit structures; determining an adjusted value for the operating voltage based on the measured parameter; and establishing the adjusted value as the desired value for the operating voltage. The reference circuit structures may comprise process control monitor structures or structures in other integrated circuits fabricated in the same production run.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Irfan Rahim, Peter McElheny, John Costello
  • Publication number: 20070085559
    Abstract: A test device that can improve test reliability is provided. In the test device, an error detecting unit detects an error of inputted test signals to generate an error flag, a normal test unit performs a test operation according to the test signals when the error flag is deactivated, and an error information providing unit indicates the error of the test signals when the error flag is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Jae-Il Kim, Jae-Hyuk Im
  • Publication number: 20070085560
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for enabling multiple devices to be interfaced together over a bus that requires dynamic impedance controls. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for enabling a multi-device environment on a bus, where the bus requires active termination impedance control. The apparatus includes a first node and multi-processor logic. The first node receives an indication that a corresponding device is at a physical end of the bus. The multi-processor logic is coupled to the first node. The multi-processor logic controls how a second node is driven according to the indication, where the second node is coupled to the bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: VIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Darius Gaskins, James Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20070085561
    Abstract: The invention relates to an output circuit for a hub chip and a method for actuating an output circuit for outputting a high-frequency differential output signal between a first and a second output node, having a differential amplifier unit which comprises a first switching device and a first terminating resistor which are connected in series between a high supply potential and a low supply potential and between which the first output node is provided, and a second switching device and a second terminating resistor which are connected in series between the high supply potential and the low supply potential and between which the second output node is provided. A control unit opens one of the first and second switching devices and closes the respective other one when there is a level change to be made in the output signal, such that the switching device which is to be opened is switched at a time before the other switching device, which is to be closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Dirk Friebe
  • Publication number: 20070085562
    Abstract: Described are on-die termination (ODT) systems and methods that facilitate high-speed communication between a driver die and a receiver die interconnected via one or more signal transmission lines. An ODT control system in accordance with one embodiment calibrates and maintains termination resistances and drive currents to produce optimal output swing voltages. Comparison circuitry employed to calibrate the reference resistance is also used to calibrate the drive current. Termination elements in some embodiments are divided into two adjustable resistive portions, both of which are designed to minimize capacitive loading. One portion is optimized to produce a relatively high range of adjustment, while the other is optimized for fine-tuning and glitch-free switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Huy Nguyen, Vijay Gadde, Benedict Lau
  • Publication number: 20070085563
    Abstract: A switch block for FPGA architectures combining hardware and software techniques in order to reduce both active and standby leakage power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Luca Ciccarelli, Andrea Lodi, Roberto Giansante, Luca Magagni, Roberto Canegallo, Roberto Guerrieri
  • Publication number: 20070085564
    Abstract: A programmable logic structure is disclosed employing input logic routing cell (ILRC) multiplexers and output logic routing cell (OLRC) multiplexers for making local connections between dedicated logic cells. In a simple programmable logic structure, a dedicated logic cell (DLC) is implemented in a programmable logic structure comprising multiple ILRC multiplexers for port A and multiple OLRC multiplexers for port B. In a multi-level programmable logic structure, multiple columns of dedicated logic cells is designed with columns of dedicated local cells adjacent to each other where each DLC column is used to implement a particular logic function. In a first embodiment, local connections can be made between dedicated logic cells, e.g. an OLRC in a first DLC at level L making local point-to-point connections to an ILRC in a second DLC at level L+1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Velogix, Inc.
    Inventors: Hare Verma, Ravi Sunkavalli, Sudip Nag, Conrad Kong, Bo Hu, Chandra Mulpuri, Ashok Vittal
  • Publication number: 20070085565
    Abstract: A dedicated logic cell in a programmable logic structure is described that comprises the following primary components: a configurable logic function or look-up table (LL), a dedicated logic function (DL), a sequential logic function (LS), and a control logic function (LC). In this illustration, the dedicated logic cell comprises two configurable logic functions, two sequential logic functions, a dedicate logic function, and a control logic function. In a first embodiment, the dedicated logic cell is constructed with a combination of configurable logic functions that are coupled to a dedicated logic function in order to perform a four 2-input function, an AND function, an OR function, or an XOR function. In a second embodiment, the dedicated logic cell is constructed with a combination of configurable logic functions that are coupled to a dedicated logic function in order to perform a four 2-to-1 multiplexer function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Velogix, Inc.
    Inventors: Hare Verma, Ravi Sunkavalli, Manoj Gunwani, Elliott Delaye
  • Publication number: 20070085566
    Abstract: A level shift circuit has a driving circuit and an output circuit. The driving circuit has a clamp circuit for receiving first and second bias potentials, outputting first and second drive signals which are not less than a reference potential, less than the first bias potential, and complementary to each other, and also outputting third and fourth drive signals which are higher than the second bias potential, not more than a power source potential, and complementary to each other. The output circuit has a first output transistor of a first conductivity type and a second output transistor of a second conductivity type which are connected in series to each other. The first output transistor has a gate for receiving the first drive signal and one electrode for receiving the reference potential. The second output transistor has a gate for receiving the third drive signal and one electrode for receiving the power source potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Masaaki Koto, Kazuhito Kimura, Takuya Ishii, Kazuyuki Moritake
  • Publication number: 20070085567
    Abstract: A clock transistor and a second operating potential functioning as a circuit breaker, are mounted between the outlet of an NMOS logic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Jörg Berthold, Ralf Brederlow, Christian Pacha, Klaus Von Arnim
  • Publication number: 20070085568
    Abstract: A peripheral device connection current compensation circuit is proposed, which is designed for use in conjunction with a peripheral control interface on a computer platform, for the purpose of responding to an event of an external peripheral device being connected to the peripheral control interface by providing a current compensating function that can help to prevent an electrical current induced by a pull-up resistor in the peripheral device from flowing into the internal circuitry of the peripheral device. This feature can help maintain the slew rate of the connecting circuitry for the peripheral device at the rated value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: RDC Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ting-Wen Su, Yu-Chuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20070085569
    Abstract: A magnetic OR/NAND circuit has a first, a second, a third, and a fourth magnetic transistor. These four magnetic transistors that work as the ordinary transistors can be turned on or turned off by the control of several metal devices respectively disposed around the magnetic transistors. The ‘OR’ and ‘NAND’ logic functions of the binary system can be implemented by the control of these metal devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: NORTHERN LIGHTS SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.
    Inventors: Tom Agan, James Lai
  • Publication number: 20070085570
    Abstract: A digital phase detector has a plurality of first delay elements through which a first clock is delayed, a plurality of second delay elements through which a second clock is delayed, and a plurality of data holding circuits. The data holding circuits latch the first clock successively delayed through the first delay elements and hold a digital value representing a relative phase difference, in accordance with the second clock successively delayed through the second delay elements. Therefore, the phase detection resolution of the digital phase detector can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventor: Hiroto Matsuta