Abstract: A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) variable gain amplifier has a wider decibel-linear gain variation characteristic with respect to a control voltage when a signal is amplified. The variable gain amplifier includes: a bias input circuit for supplying a current corresponding to a bias voltage; an operation region combination and feedback circuit connected to the bias input circuit and combining at least two amplifiers by feedback in response to a control voltage, each amplifier having a decibel-linear characteristic in saturation and triode regions of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS); and a bias output circuit connected to the bias input circuit, and outputting bias current controlled by the operation region combination and feedback circuit.

Abstract: Provided is a power device having a connection structure compensating for a reactance component, in which transistors are arranged and connected to minimize deterioration of transistor properties caused by heat by compensating for a reactance component causing a phase difference due to transmission lines used for connecting a plurality of transistors in parallel such that the power device to be used for a high-frequency power amplifier outputs high power, and transmitting heat generated by high output power to a heat sink to be dissipated.

Abstract: A wide-band multimode frequency synthesizer using a Phase Locked Loop (PLL) is provided. The multiband frequency synthesizer includes a multimode prescaler, a phase detector/a charge pump, a swallow type frequency divider, and a switching bank LC tuning voltage-controlled oscillator having wide-band and low phase noise characteristics. The multimode prescaler operates in five modes and divides a signal up to 12 GHz. The wide-band frequency synthesizer can be used in various fields such as WLAN/HYPERLAN/DSRC/UWB systems that operate in the frequency range from 2 GHz to 9 GHz.

Abstract: A control unit having an oscillator for a processor is described, the control unit storing a temporary absence of oscillation of the oscillator in a first error memory, if oscillation begins again after the absence.

Abstract: A method for automatic frequency tuning in a phase lock loop suitable for use in multi-band VCO wireless systems having very limited initial frequency lock times is disclosed. A predetermined subset of VCOs out of a larger bank of VCOs is selected to serve as interpolation points. The interpolation point VCOs are pre-calibrated with a predetermined voltage and the resultingly generated frequency for each of the interpolation point VCOs is stored into memory as a (frequency, VCO) pair, one pair for each interpolation point VCO. When a desired frequency then is given to the system, an appropriate VCO is selected by interpolation using the (frequency, VCO) pairs of the two most adjacent interpolation points for tracking and locking.

Abstract: A digital PLL system includes a first multiplier coupled to a phase difference signal for multiplying the phase difference signal by a first gain factor; a second multiplier coupled to the phase difference signal for multiplying the phase difference signal by a second gain factor; a digital loop filter coupled to the first multiplier and the second multiplier for providing an integral signal and a proportional signal and for generating a control signal according to the integral signal and the proportional signal; and an auto-gain control (AGC) unit coupled to the first multiplier, the second multiplier, and the digital loop filter. The AGC unit further comprises a first control unit for updating the first gain factor according to the integral signal; and a second control unit for updating the second gain factor according to the proportional signal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit has an internal oscillator circuit for being connected to an external frequency source such as a crystal or a ceramic resonator. The internal oscillator circuit has an inverting amplifier across the frequency source terminals to establish an oscillation there. One terminal of the frequency source is coupled to one input of the comparator and to a second input of the comparator through a low pass filter. Coupling the output of the low pass filter to the second input of the comparator is for preventing a DC offset from developing between the two inputs of the comparator. The other terminal of the frequency source is coupled to the second input of the comparator through a high pass filter. The high pass filter provides the comparator with a larger voltage differential to increase noise margin. Noise margin is further improved by allowing an increase in hysteresis in the comparator.

Abstract: A method of selecting fabrication parameters for an on-chip inductor of an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a capacitor fabricated prior to the inductor. The capacitance of the capacitor is measured and, based on the measured capacitance and on a desired frequency range, a suitable inductor is fabricated. The integrated circuit may include a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), and the selection of the fabrication parameters of the inductor includes the selection of a lithography mask for the fabrication of the inductor for maximizing yield across the wafer. Therefore, the integrated circuit can have exactly one VCO for covering the desired frequency range, as opposed to at least two VCO's with overlapping frequency ranges, thereby saving significant silicon area and increasing the yield per wafer.

Abstract: A differential voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) employed in a frequency synthesizer used as a local oscillator of a wireless communication on-chip transmitter/receiver is provided. More particularly, a differential current negative feedback VCO equipped with a current-current negative feedback circuit that suppresses low- and high-frequency noise is provided. A differential current negative feedback VCO includes a resonator determining oscillation frequency, and an oscillator generating negative resistance. In the oscillator of the differential current negative feedback VCO, transistors Q1 and Q2 form a cross-coupled pair, and negative resistance is generated by positive feedback of the cross-coupled pair. And, transistors Q1 and Q3 together with an emitter resistor and a capacitor form a current negative feedback part, and transistors Q2 and Q4 together with an emitter resistor and a capacitor form another current negative feedback part which is disposed opposite to a resonator.

Abstract: Provided is an LC resonance voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) used for a multi-band multi-mode wireless transceiver. In order to generate a multi-band frequency, a capacitor bank and a switchable inductor are included in the LC resonance voltage-controlled oscillator. The LC resonance voltage-controlled oscillator employs an adjustable emitter-degeneration negative resistance cell in place of tail current sources in order to compensate for non-uniform oscillation amplitude caused by the capacitor bank and prevent the degradation of a phase noise due to the tail current sources.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed in this application, the age of a target circuit component in a semiconductor device may be monitored by using at least one aging leakage oscillator and a reference leakage oscillator. An aging leakage oscillator is stressed whenever the target circuit component is used while a reference oscillator is not. Due to aging effects on the aging leakage oscillator, the frequency ratio between the aging and the reference leakage oscillators changes over time. Such a frequency ratio change over time may be used to determine the age of the target circuit component. Compared to CMOS based aging oscillators, the frequency ratio between an aging and a reference leakage oscillators changes more significantly over time.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled oscillator includes (i) a first variable-capacity element, (ii) a resonance circuit whose resonance frequency changes in accordance with a control voltage applied to the first variable-capacity element, (iii) a second variable-capacity element connected in parallel with the first variable-capacity element, (iv) resonance frequency range switching means which switches the variation range of the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit by switching the capacity of the second variable-capacity element, and (v) a resonance frequency correction circuit which corrects the resonance frequency in such a manner as to prevent the ratio between resonance frequencies before and after the switching of the variation range from depending on the control voltage.

Abstract: Testing device for testing a phase locked loop having a power supply input, said testing device comprising: a power supply unit for providing a power supply signal VDD having a variation profile to the power supply input of the phase locked loop, wherein a width and height of said variation profile are formed in such a way, that the voltage controlled oscillator is prevented from outputting an oscillating output signal U,,,, ta means for disabling a feedback signal to a phase comparator of the phase locked loop such that said phase locked loop is operated in an open loop mode, and a meter for measuring a measurement signal of the phase locked loop, while said power supply signal is provided to the power supply input.

Abstract: A balanced-to-unbalanced transformer embedded with a filter, the balanced-to-unbalanced transformer being disposed in a multi-layered substrate and comprising vertically coupled transmission lines designed in different layers in the multi-layer substrate to increase transmission performances. A capacitor and a transmission line are connected to a single-ended I/O port of the balanced-to-unbalanced transformer such that a filter is embedded in the balanced-to-unbalanced transformer.

Abstract: A suppression method for suppressing a via stub effect of a substrate is disclosed. The suppression method is applicable to a substrate having a via, a first conductive line and a second conductive line connected through the via to the first conductive line. The suppression method includes changing a first width of a first conductive segment of the first conductive line connected to the via, and changing a second width of a second conductive segment of the second conductive line connected to the via, so as to change impedances of the first conductive line and the second conductive line to match with a stub impedance of the via, reduce a parasite impedance of the via stub, reach an impedance match at a designed frequency point, and improve an integrity of a signal after traveling from the first conductive line, the via and the second conductive line.

Abstract: An arrangement for processing the antenna signal of a radio receiver and for leading it to low-noise amplifiers LNA of parallel amplifier branches. On the transmission path of the receiver from the antenna to the amplifiers LNA, functionally different elements are combined into physically united elements, such as the conductors (432, 433) of the low-passing part of the antenna filter and the division conductors of the Wilkinson divider (430), and the conductor (441) of the phase-shifter and the inductive part (L1) of the LNA matching circuit. Each physically united element is a conductor, which is insulated from the ground plane by air or a low-loss dielectric material. The arrangement reduces the number of lossy parts between the antenna and the amplifiers, and placing these parts on an ordinary circuit board is also avoided. For these reasons, inferior noise values compared to the prior art can be allowed for each LNA.

Abstract: This cavity resonator comprises a set of transmission lines and a shield which surrounds them. Each transmission line comprises a rectilinear bar which is divided into elongated cylindrical segments (1) these segments being or being made electrically conducting, the bar being provided with thin dielectric elements (2) inserted between the segments.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter comprises a pair of fixed contact strips, a pair of load contact strips, a pair of movable contact strips, a reset component, a movable component, and a trip component that contains a reset contact. Each of the fixed contact strips has a fixed contact. Each of the load contact strips has a load contact. Each of the movable contact strips has a fixed end and a movable end. The movable end of each movable contact strip is split into an inner sub-strip and an outer sub-strip. Each movable end has a first movable contact disposed on the inner sub-strip arranged for contacting one of the corresponding load contacts and a second movable contact disposed on the outer sub-strip arranged for contacting one of the corresponding fixed contacts. The movable component, disposed to sustain the movable ends of the movable contact strips, allow the inner sub-strips and the outer sub-strips to rest on different horizontal planes.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit breaker includes a housing and two poles therein. Each of the poles includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a thermal/magnetic trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. An arc fault trip circuit cooperates with the operating mechanisms to trip open the separable contacts of the two poles whenever an arc fault is detected by the arc fault trip circuit. A shunt is electrically connected in series with a line conductor and a series RC circuit couples a current signal from the shunt to an arc fault trip mechanism. Alternatively, first and second shunts are electrically connected in series with first and second load neutral conductors, and first and second series RC circuits couple first and second current signals from the first and second shunts, respectively, to the arc fault trip mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a winding for a transformer or a coil. Said winding is made of a winding material comprising a strip-type electric conductor which is connected in a detachable manner to at least one wide side having at least one layer of insulating material. The winding material is wound about a winding axis in order to prevent axial offset in order to form the threads. The invention further relates to a method for the production of said type of winding.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an embedded inductor comprises the steps of: pre-forming a magnetic core having at least two side walls for defining an accommodating space, disposing a coil in the accommodating space of the magnetic core, and pressing the magnetic core for deconstructing and redistributing tops of the side walls to cover the coil.

Abstract: A transformer includes a frame and a coil comprising a conductor winding. The conductor winding includes an end having a first opening. The transformer also includes a terminal coupled to the frame. The terminal includes a second opening. A fastener is received within the first and second openings. The fastener fixedly secures said conductor winding end to said terminal to electrically couple said conductor winding to said terminal.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device and a high-voltage generating device which are thin and improved in the characteristics are provided in which a magnetic core is made of a cylindrical form of a ferrite material having a higher intrinsic resistance. A winding is provided by winding a flat rectangular wire conductor in an edge-wise winding form directly on substantially the entire length of the magnetic core. As any insulator such as a coil bobbin is not needed between the flat rectangular wire conductor and the magnetic core, the winding can be decreased in the overall size or thickness thus contributing to the dimensional reduction of the electromagnetic device. Also, as its flat rectangular wire conductor is wound directly on the magnetic core, the winding can be minimized in the length and thus the overall resistance. Moreover, as there is no gap between the winding and the magnetic core, the self-inductance can be reduced while the size and the number of turns of the winding remain unchanged.

Abstract: A printed circuit board having embedded electronic components and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: A transformer includes a frame and a coil comprising a conductor winding. The conductor winding includes an end having a first opening. The transformer also includes a terminal coupled to the frame. The terminal includes a second opening. A fastener is received within the first and second openings. The fastener fixedly secures said conductor winding end to said terminal to electrically couple said conductor winding to said terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing at least one turn for a magnetic circuit includes: (a) at least one first magnetic element oriented substantially about an axis generally between a first axial position and a second axial position; and (b) at least one second magnetic element coupled with at least one selected first magnetic element of the at least one first magnetic element generally at the second axial position. The at least one second magnetic element establishes at least one return magnetic path from the second axial position generally toward the first axial position. The at least one return magnetic path is generally about the axis.

Abstract: A fusible spiral conductor for a fuse component includes an electrically insulating or high resistance core, at least one fusible conductive wire wound around the core, and a temperature-resistant plastic material. The temperature-resistant plastic material applied to the core and arranged such that at least the surface regions of the core exposed between the fusible conductive wire are covered by the plastic material and the interstices defined between the wound fusible conductive wire and the surface of the core are substantially filled with the plastic material.

Abstract: A varistor is provided with a varistor element, and an external electrode disposed on the varistor element. The varistor element contains ZnO as a principal ingredient and contains a rare-earth element and Ca. The external electrode is formed by baking on an outer surface of the varistor element and contains Pt. When the external electrode is formed by baking on the varistor element, a compound of the rare-earth element and Pt and a compound of Ca and Pt are formed near an interface between the varistor element and the external electrode, and exist there. The existence of these compounds enhances the bonding strength between the varistor element and the external electrode.

Abstract: A thermistor device includes a thermistor element unit with a lead conductor and a terminal plate welded outside a plate portion thereof to a distal end of the lead conductor.

Abstract: A system and method for a resistor for detecting the relative level of moisture content in a humid environment. The resistor has a first layer of conductive material on a top surface of a substrate having a bend. The conductive material is exposed to atmospheric conditions. The first layer of conductive material has a static condition moisture content and a measurable electrical resistance that changes predictably when the amount of moisture content in contact with the first layer of conductive material changes from the static condition. The change of resistance of the first layer of conductive material corresponds to a change in the moisture content in contact with the first layer of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A variable resistance device comprises a resistive member having a resistive resilient material. A first conductor is configured to be electrically coupled with the resistive member at a first contact location over a first contact area. A second conductor is configured to be electrically coupled with the resistance member at a second contact location over a second contact area. The first contact location and second contact location are spaced from one another by a distance. The resistance between the first conductor at the first contact location and the second conductor at the second contact location is equal to the sum of a straight resistance component and a parallel path resistance component. At least one of the first location, the second location, the first contact area, and the second contact area is changed to produce a change in resistance between the first conductor and the second conductor.

Abstract: A variable resistance device comprises a resistive member having a resistive resilient material. A first conductor is configured to be electrically coupled with the resistive member at a first contact location over a first contact area. A second conductor is configured to be electrically coupled with the resistance member at a second contact location over a second contact area. The first contact location and second contact location are spaced from one another by a distance. The resistance between the first conductor at the first contact location and the second conductor at the second contact location is equal to the sum of a straight resistance component and a parallel path resistance component. At least one of the first location, the second location, the first contact area, and the second contact area is changed to produce a change in resistance between the first conductor and the second conductor.

Abstract: A chip resistor includes a resistor element in the form of a chip, and at least two electrodes formed on the resistor element. The resistor element includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and two end surfaces extending between the upper and the lower surfaces and spaced from each other. The two electrodes are provided on the lower surface of the resistor element. Each of the end surfaces of the resistor element is formed with a conductor film integrally connected to a corresponding one of the electrodes. The conductor film is made of copper, for example, and is higher in solder-wettability than the resistor element.

Abstract: A crime prevention system includes an operation sensor 3 that judges whether a user has operated an access point in an object of operation by a user, an ID authentication processing unit 21 that performs ID authentication for the user on the basis of a result of the judgment of the operation sensor 3, and an external processing determining unit 22 that causes an external apparatus to execute a service corresponding to a result of the ID authentication of the ID authentication processing unit 21.

Abstract: It is necessary to minimize the costs needed to establish a physical distribution tracking system in order to maximally reduce the physical distribution costs leading to the increase in product costs when establishing the physical distribution tracking system for confirming container information in real time including information on a position and sealing state of a container.

Abstract: A method of programming a second security token using data stored on a first security token, wherein a privilege to be assigned to the second security token is selected by a user of the first security token. The user selects from privileges derived from a first set of privileges assigned the first security token. A file containing a definition of the privilege to be assigned to the second security token is transferred from an apparatus for programming security tokens to the second security token.

Abstract: A manufacturer of an article generates a keyword, and electromagnetically writes the keyword into an RFID and prints the keyword on a guarantee card. The RFID tag is then affixed to the article, and the article is packed along with the guarantee card and shipped. When making a sale, a retail store hands over the guarantee card to a customer who buys the article. When the customer wishes to sell the article, a purchasing store reads the keyword written to the RFID tag affixed to the article and asks the customer to furnish the keyword. If the keyword furnished by the customer, by referring to the guarantee card, etc., is identical to the keyword read from the RFID tag, the customer is deemed a genuine owner of the article.

Abstract: An electromechanical lock device includes a communication mechanism, wherein are received digital data include an instruction set of operational instructions; a controller that is operative to produce electric signals in association with the instruction set; an actuator that is responsive to the controller to perform a set of operations that correspond to the electronic signals; and a lock mechanism that is manipulated in response to the set of operations, such that the locking mechanism is operative to unlock according to a specific pre-defined set of operations. A token operationally interacts with the communication mechanism of the electromechanical lock device. Access to a location is controlled by blocking the access using such an electromechanical lock device.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a biometric information recognizer and a shape memory material. The biometric information recognizer recognizes biometric information (such as speech) and signals the shape memory material with a current. The current causes the shape memory material to change shape, thereby reconfiguring a mechanical device. Such mechanical device may include a lock. In such manner, the lock may be isolated from external tampering (such as physical stressing) yet receptive to biometric information for controlling access.

Abstract: A hands-free vehicle door opener utilizes a spring-loaded mechanical pushing device, or other method, to open a vehicle door a few inches upon a laser emitting device sensing a foot in its emitted laser. The laser is emitted from the laser emitter upon the key fob of a smart key being validated by the vehicle's smart key validation system when a user approaches the vehicle with the smart key fob. When the laser beam is interrupted, a signal is sent from a smart ECU to a door lock ECU, which unlocks the vehicle door. Next, a signal is sent to a door open ECU to unlatch the vehicle door. Upon door unlatching, the spring-loaded pushing device pushes open the vehicle door. Instead of a laser emitting device being used as the sensor, a device with electrical contacts, an ultrasonic wave emitting sensing device, or other device could be used.

Abstract: A main control ECU of a vehicle unit performs mutual communication with a portable device by external transmitters when respective vehicle doors provided with the automatic open/close function are open. The main control ECU further performs, after ID code matching is confirmed, the mutual communication with the portable device by the external transmitters again after a predetermined time. The main control unit still further performs, when the second matching is not confirmed, mutual communication with the portable device by an internal transmitter. The main control unit automatically closes the vehicle doors when the third matching is not confirmed.

Abstract: A method of preparing a computer module for the receipt of an activation alert communicated from a sensor system includes programming the computer module to recognize the activation alert and communicating the activation alert to the computer module. The computer module initializes a start-up and initialization sequence in response to receiving the activation alert.

Abstract: Active high frequency radio tags have two major disadvantages: First, since the power consumption of any solid state circuit is proportional to the operating speed, active LF,HF and UHF tags require large batteries with limited life (two to maximum five years) and as a result are bulky heavy devices; Second, they must use high speed semiconductor devices that have a major impact on the active tag costs as compared to other semiconductor processes that operate at lower frequencies. The present invention provides a method, system, and ultra low frequency (below 1 megahertz) tag for detection and tracking of animate and inanimate objects attached thereto, the aforesaid ULF tag comprising: a) a tag antenna (e.g.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification transponder including a power supply and a dynamic memory array which stores data. When power from the power supply ceases, the data in the dynamic memory array is validly maintained for a predetermined period of time. The dynamic memory array is responsive to an interrogating signal for selectively updating the data. A signal processor extracts an identifier from the interrogation signal and is responsive to the identifier and the stored data to determine whether some or all of the identifier is stored in the dynamic memory array.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device includes an antenna configured to transmit or receive a radio frequency signal to or from an external communication apparatus; an analog block configured to generate a first power voltage in response to the radio frequency signal; a digital block configured to receive the first power voltage from the analog block, to transmit a response signal to the analog block, and to output a memory control signal; and a memory configured to read/write data in response to the memory control signal, the memory including a high voltage generating unit for generating a second power voltage from the first power voltage, a first portion driven by the second power voltage, and a second portion driven by the first power voltage, wherein the level of the first power voltage is lower than that of the second power voltage.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the whereabouts of a patient in a house using security system components such as motion detectors and the like, and for providing automated lighting sequences to strategically located light fixtures for use as an aide in the patient walking around the house unattended.

Abstract: A seat occupancy detection system for a vehicle comprises a seat antenna electrode arrange in a seat of a vehicle a floor antenna electrode arranged in a foot area associated with the seat and a driver and evaluation circuit, which is operatively connected to the seat and floor antenna electrodes and which includes means for determining capacitive coupling of the seat and floor antenna electrodes with an object. The seat occupancy detection system further comprises at least one additional floor sensor arranged in the foot area, the floor antenna electrode and the additional floor sensor being individually operable by the driver and evaluation circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a tow vehicle and a trailer having a scanner mounted on or near the bumper of the tow vehicle, one or more targets on or near the trailer hitch, and a display device inside the tow vehicle cabin. The scanner emits a laser beam which is scanned across the target area. The target reflects most of the laser energy back along the beam to the scanner. A photodetector in the scanner measures the reflected beam and determines distance and position of the target by accurately measuring timing of the reflected pulses. Distance and position information is conveyed to the display device, which, in turn, indicates to the driver the relative position of the tow vehicle with respect to the trailer.

Abstract: System and method for automatically broadcasting voice-based prompt warnings toward an embarkation and/or disembarkation location at which passengers such as students and others may or will be present. The method is multi-model providing voice messages during an approach mode, a stop mode and a standby mode. Recorded human voice messages are employed for the prompt and are the recorded voices of one or more people having voice characteristics generally recognizable by the passengers to an extent effective to supplement the function of the immature prefrontal cortex.

Abstract: A facilitated safe care steering device capable of preventing such problems with present transportation vehicles and working vehicles that, since these vehicles are formed to be excessively dependent upon the viewing, sensing, and judgement of drivers, these vehicles cannot be said to be able to cope with the physical decline of the drivers due to secular change, and a large number of serious accidents occur due to the physical decline, wherein the physical decline is mechanically and optically supported by recognizing the state of roads, traffic controls, and dangerous objects to the vehicles with a systematic recognizing method, and the vehicles carry a system for physically avoiding the accident when they actually encounter the accident to assure the safe traveling of the vehicles on the roads.