Abstract: In a high frequency power amplifier circuit in which bias voltages are applied to the transistors for amplification by current mirroring, this invention enables preventing waveform distortion near the peak output power level by allowing sufficient idle currents to flow through the transistors for amplification, while enhancing the power efficiency in a low output power region. The power amplifier includes a detection circuit comprising a transistor for detection which receives the AC component of an input signal to the last-stage transistor for amplification at its control terminal, a current mirror circuit which mirrors current flowing through that transistor, and a current-voltage conversion means which converts current flowing in the slave side of the current mirror circuit into a voltage.

Abstract: An operational amplifier includes an input stage for producing a voltage signal in response to an input signal. An output stage includes an output transistor having a source coupled to a supply voltage and a gate coupled to receive the voltage signal. An output cascode transistor has a source coupled to a drain of the output transistor and a drain coupled to an output conductor. A gate control amplifier includes an input stage including a first input transistor having a control electrode coupled to the source of the output cascode transistor and an active load transistor, the input transistor and the active load transistor being coupled to a gate of the output cascode transistor. The gate control amplifier also includes a feedback amplifier having an input coupled to the source of the output cascode transistor and an output coupled to a control electrode of the active load transistor.

Abstract: A phase locked loop circuit (PLL) has a reference terminal for receiving a reference signal and an output terminal for providing an output signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus improves the stability and noise performance of frequency synthesis and synchronization circuits. A cancellation circuit provides an error signal that is a measure of integrated quantization error in a delta-sigma modulator that controls the ratiometric division factor in a fractional-N phase-lock loop (PLL). The error signal is fed to the loop filter of the phase-lock loop as a correction signal via a differentiator (high-pass filter). The high pass filter removes substantially all in-band components from the cancellation signal, which reduces the linearity requirement on the cancellation signal path. The cancellation signal can be tapped from an internal numerical integrator of the delta-sigma modulator that is then converted to an analog signal, that is then filtered and combined with the phase comparator output in the loop filter.

Abstract: A gain compensator compensates for the gain variation of a varactor-tuned voltage tuned oscillator (VCO) in a phase lock loop (PLL). The VCO includes a parallel LC circuit having multiple fixed capacitors that can be switched-in or switched-out of the LC circuit according to a capacitor control signal to perform band-select tuning of the VCO. The gain compensator compensates for the variable VCO gain by generating a charge pump reference current that is based on the same capacitor control signal that controls the fixed capacitors in the LC circuit. The gain compensator generates the charge pump reference current by replicating a reference scale current using unit current sources. The number of times the reference scale current is replicated is based on the fixed capacitance that is switched-in to the LC circuit and therefore the frequency band of the PLL.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include mixer circuits and methods with improved spectral purity. In one embodiment the present invention includes a mixer circuit comprising a first transistor having a gate, a source and a drain, a second transistor having a gate, a source and a drain, a first capacitance coupled between the source of the first transistor and the source of the second transistor and a bias circuit having an input, a first output coupled to the source of the first transistor and a second output coupled to the source of the second transistor. The present invention may be advantageously used in a wireless transmitter application.

Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator and a phase locked loop circuit having the same reduce power consumption by using charges leaked into a ground voltage terminal for an output driving operation with characteristics of both output terminals having different phases in a unit delay cell. The voltage controlled oscillator includes a plurality of unit delay cells connected serially. Each unit delay cell comprises a differential amplification unit and an output driving unit. The differential amplification unit compares a plurality of input voltages having different phases and amplifies the comparison result. The output driving unit, which is connected to both output terminals of the differential amplification units, drives an output voltage of another output terminal with a potential of one of both output terminals.

Abstract: A CR oscillation circuit comprises first and second logic elements, a capacitive element, and a resistive element. The first logic element is connected between a first node and a second node. The second logic element is connected between the second node and a third node. The capacitive element is connected between the first node and the second node. The resistive element is connected between the first node and the third node. The capacitive element includes a well, a diffusion layer, a gate electrode and a gate oxide film. The capacitive element has a voltage-dependence characteristic such that its capacitance value varies according to the variation in a supply voltage. The capacitance value of the capacitive element decreases when the on-resistance of the first and second logic elements increases according to the variation in the supply voltage.

Abstract: A crystal is loaded with capacitance in such a way that it begins to oscillate at a desired frequency with a resonance circuit (2). Capacitive voltage division is carried out with a voltage divider to at least one terminal (3) of the crystal (1). From the voltage divider, the signal of the crystal (1) is supplied to a second circuit (7).

Abstract: Voltage controlled oscillator comprising a LC tank circuit (L, C, R) coupled to modulator means and characterized in that the modulator means are coupled to amplifier means via an adder for generating a quadrature periodical output signal having a frequency in a relative wide range, the frequency being controlled by a control signal (V.sub.T) provided to the modulator means.

Abstract: In accordance with certain described implementations, a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) includes a VCO coarse tuning bank having multiple coarse tuning bank bits. Each coarse tuning bank bit has an associated bit capacitance. The bit capacitances of the coarse tuning bank bits may be selectively engaged using, for example, a single switching transistor for each coarse tuning bank bit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an automatic level control technique for RF amplifiers in a communication system, such as a wireless communication system. The invention provides an automatic level control technique to compensate for variations in the gain of an RF amplifier, which may be a transmitter amplifier or a receiver amplifier. In accordance with the invention, the gain of the RF amplifier can be controlled as a function of the output of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) circuit provided in the communication system. A VCO typically includes a buffer amplifier with a structure similar to that of the RF amplifier used in the transmit or receive side of the RF front-end. By tracking changes in the output of the VCO buffer amplifier, an automatic level control (ALC) input to the RF amplifier can be adjusted to compensate for process- and temperature-based variations in amplifier gain.

Abstract: An automatic gain control (AGC) circuit is applied to control a margin voltage of an oscillator. The margin voltage is the voltage difference between a high-level output and a low-level output of the oscillator. The AGC circuit of the present invention includes a comparator and a processing unit. Wherein, the comparator compares the margin voltage of the oscillator and a reference voltage. Based on the output of the comparator, the processing unit outputs a ripple code to determine the value of a driving current output from a current generator. The oscillator generates an oscillation output to the comparator based on the driving current.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to generate an output signal oscillating at a first frequency in response to (i) a first control signal, and (ii) a second control signal. The second circuit may be configured to generate the second control signal in response to (i) an input signal having a voltage and (ii) the output signal. The second circuit may be configured to compare a peak voltage of the output signal to the input voltage.

Abstract: A system providing an inductive power and data link between an external transmitter and miniature internal receiver is presented. The system is suited to applications where the receiver must be of a small size and the system must consume very little power, such as an implanted biomedical device. The system is also compatible with systems where bi-directional communications are required. The novel transmitter and receiver form an improved forward data telemetry system. The transmitter consists of a Class-E converter with its optimum operating frequency being synchronously, instantaneously and efficiently altered in accordance with the data to be transmitted, thereby producing an FSK modulated magnetic field of substantially constant amplitude. The constant amplitude output allows for the continuous, data-independent transfer of power to the miniature receiver and its associated electronics.

Abstract: A frequency generation apparatus and a method are provided. The frequency generation apparatus for generating a plurality of center frequencies for use in multi-band hopping communication, includes: an oscillator generating an oscillation frequency; a reference frequency generator multiplying the oscillation frequency by a first multiplication rate to generate a reference frequency; a compensation frequency generator multiplying the oscillation frequency by a second multiplication rate to generate a compensation frequency for compensating for the influence of a frequency offset of the oscillation frequency; and a center frequency generator generating the plurality of center frequencies using the reference frequency and the compensation frequency. Therefore, by compensating for the influence of a frequency offset of an oscillation frequency on the generation of center frequencies, it is possible to generate stable center frequencies.

Abstract: A system useful in providing communications with automatic data collection (ADC) devices employs an antenna located in a potentially hazardous environment, a radio circuit located in a non-hazardous environment, and a coupling apparatus to provide an interface between the antenna and the radio circuit that prevents electrical discharges from occurring in the potentially hazardous environment.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for high data rate parallel plate mode signaling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for adjusting the size of clearance holes for impedance control in multilayer electronic packaging and printed circuit boards. The method comprises: providing parameters for a structure having a clearance hole and at least one via passing through the clearance hole; calculating a characteristic impedance for the at least one via; and adjusting at least a size of the clearance hole until the characteristic impedance for the at least one via is approximately equal to a desired characteristic impedance.

Abstract: The present invention is a wideband temperature-dependent attenuator. In a preferred embodiment the attenuator is a modified Tee attenuator having first and second resistors connected in series at a first node and third and fourth resistors connected in shunt between the first node and ground. In a physical implementation of the attenuator, the third and fourth resistors are on opposite sides of the first and second resistors. Preferably, each of the four resistors is formed as a thick film resistor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switch element that through electromechanical actuation is able to be used to influence the propagation of an electromagnetic signal within a guiding medium. An electromagnetic switch element that is activated by displacement of conducting elements, the displacement being forced through electrostatic, electric field, magnetic field, thermal or other means.

Abstract: A filter element includes resonators that are arranged in series arms and parallel arms in a circuit. In this filter element, at least one of the series-arm resonators includes a plurality of single-terminal pair piezoelectric thin-film resonators connected in parallel.

Abstract: A transversal surface acoustic wave filter includes an input-side interdigital electrode, an output-side interdigital electrode, and a shield electrode, which are provided on a surface wave substrate. The distance between an excitation point of the input-side interdigital electrode, which is closest to the shield electrode, and an intermediate point between the shield electrode-side end of the input-side interdigital electrode and the input-side interdigital electrode-side end of the shield electrode is in the range of about 0.8? to about 0.975?, wherein ? is the wavelength of a surface wave.

Abstract: A dielectric resonator is arranged such that an upper electrode 4a and a lower electrode 4b are disposed on both surfaces of a dielectric substrate 1 that has an interior metallized layer inside thereof, which is formed with a resonance aperture area 3. A dielectric filter is produced by arranging a plurality of rows of the dielectric resonators, and using a multilayer-type waveguide 6 formed by lines of via conductors for signal input and output. This dielectric filter allows the accuracy for designing resonant frequencies to be greatly improved and the production process to be simplified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved tuning arrangement to linearise the sensitivity to frequency changes within a certain frequency range in response to tuner displacements relative to a resonator body. The tuning arrangement comprises a tuner and/or resonator having a non-uniform distribution of the effective dielectric permittivity along the axis of tuner displacement. The non-uniform distribution of the effective dielectric permittivity is realised by subdividing the tuner into an arbitrary number of sections, each of which distinguishable at least by their geometrical shape and the value and distribution of the dielectric coefficient ?r.

Abstract: A three-stage liquid metal switch employing electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD), including a common EWOD switch 1310 having an input port 1302, a first shared-EWOD-switch output 1336, and a second shared-EWOD-switch output 1338; a first EWOD switch 1340 having a first-EWOD-switch input 1343, a first output port 1304, and a first-EWOD-switch output 1368; and a second EWOD switch 1370 having a second-EWOD-switch input 1373, a second output port 1306, and a second-EWOD-switch output 1398; wherein the first shared-EWOD-switch output 1336 is operably connected to the first-EWOD-switch input 1343, and the second shared-EWOD-switch output 1338 is operably connected to the second-EWOD-switch input 1373.

Abstract: A magnet structure produces a field within a magnet gap. The field is provided at least in part by a pair of permanent magnets that are fixed in place by a frame. The frame fixes a magnet assembly that is adapted to hold the magnetic material composing the permanent magnets, such that the quantity of the magnetic material can be adjusted to suit the particular application. The magnetic material can be provided in the form of discrete magnetic elements, such as magnetic “bricks”. The frame also functions as the flux collector and return. Accordingly, the general geometry of the magnet structure is fixed, and the amount of magnetic material, and therefore the magnetic field strength, is adjustable.

Abstract: An inductor for high current applications includes a nonconductive, tubular form which defines a tube axis and has a cylindrical outer surface. The outer surface is formed with a groove that extends helically about the tube axis. The inductor further includes a coiled, conductive wire that is formed with a plurality of turns. The wire is wound around the outer surface of the form with at least a portion of the wire disposed in the groove. With this structure, the form maintains a predetermined separation between adjacent turns of the coil preventing deformation of the coiled wire by strong magnetic forces that are generated when relatively high electrical currents are passed through the wire.

Abstract: A method of winding a coil of a transformer in an inverter of a liquid crystal display including a bobbin wound with a coil and a core introduced into the bobbin, the method includes forming a coil winding part having no protrusion member at the bobbin so as to exclude an interference caused by the protrusion member from a path wound with the coil; and continuously winding the coil from one side of the coil winding part to another side thereof.

Abstract: A system for selecting coil voltage in an electrical device comprises a housing and a coil in the housing having a plurality of windings. Each winding has a pair of pins. A slider supports a plurality of moveable contacts and is moveably mounted in the housing proximate the coil so that the plurality of moveable contacts selectively make or break electrical contact between the winding pins to select coil voltage.

Abstract: An inductor formed on an integrated circuit chip including one or more inner layers between two or more outer layers, inductor metal winding turns included in one or more inner layers, and a magnetic material forming the two or more outer layers and the one or more inner layers. In one embodiment, the magnetic material is a photoresist paste having magnetic particles. In another embodiment, the magnetic material is a series of magnetic metallic strips disposed on each of first and second portions of the two or more outer layers and on each of the one or more inner layers. The series of magnetic metallic strips on the first and second portions form a grid pattern. Other embodiments include an adjustable controlled compound deposit and control windings with adjustable electrical currents.

Abstract: A transformer includes a first winding member, a second winding member, a primary winding coil, a secondary winding coil and a magnetic core assembly. The first winding member has a first channel penetrating therethrough. The second winding member has a second channel penetrating therethrough and includes a covering part. The covering part has a receptacle communicating with the second channel. The primary winding coil is wound on the first winding member. The secondary winding coil is wound on the second winding member. The magnetic core assembly is partially embedded into the first and the second channels. The combination of the first winding member and the primary winding coil wound on the first winding member is accommodated within the receptacle, such that the primary winding coil and the secondary winding coil are separated from each other by the covering part and the first channel communicates with the second channel.

Abstract: An electromagnetic apparatus includes: (a) A magnetic material arranged in a core structure establishing a first flux path set and a second flux path set; the first flux path set includes a first middle flux path oriented about a first axis and two first side flux paths parallel with the first axis; the second flux path set includes a second middle flux path oriented about a second axis and two second side flux paths parallel with the second axis; the second axis is perpendicular with the first axis. The first and second flux path sets cooperate to establish open spaces. Each open space is bounded by portions of two flux paths from each of the first and second flux path sets. (b) A plurality of windings for conducting electrical current about the magnetic core structure. The windings are oriented around one axis on both sides of the other axis.

Abstract: A toroidal transformer core topology having improved thermal and electrical properties has a two part core, one part concentrically disposed within the other, with the windings wound between the two. Less expensive materials and less material can be used to construct the core. The core can be constructed using inexpensive and efficient methods.

Abstract: Miniature circuitry and inductor components in which multiple levels of printed circuitry are formed on each side of a support panel, typically a printed circuit board or rigid flex. Electrical connection between the plural levels of circuitry and multiple windings around magnetic members are provided by plural plated through hole conductors. Small through hole openings accommodate a plurality of the plated through hole conductors since each is insulated from the others by a very thin layer of vacuum deposited organic layer such as parylene having a high dielectric strength. Adhesion of this plated copper to the organic layer is provided by first applying an adhesive promotor to the surface of the organic layer followed by the vacuum deposition of the organic layer.

Abstract: A laminated ferrimagnetic thin film consists of two ferromagnetic layers and a non-magnetic intermediate layer sandwiched therebetween. The respective ferromagnetic layers are magnetically coupled in an antiferromagnetic manner through the non-magnetic intermediate layer. Each ferromagnetic layer consists of a plurality of layers. In each ferromagnetic layer, a layer which is in contact with the non-magnetic intermediate layer is formed of Co or an alloy including Co while at least one layer is formed of Ni or an alloy including Ni, and its film thickness is determined to be at least 60% or more of a film thickness of each ferromagnetic layer.

Abstract: A resistor and a structure for changing an electrical resistance of a resistor. Initially, the resistor is provided, wherein the resistor has a length L and an electrical resistance R1. A portion of the resistor is exposed to a laser radiation, wherein the portion includes a fraction F of the length L of the resistor. After the resistor has been exposed to the laser radiation, the resistor has an electrical resistance R2, wherein R2 is unequal to R1.

Abstract: A thin film resistor device and method of manufacture includes a layer of a thin film conductor material and a current density enhancing layer (CDEL). The CDEL is an insulator material adapted to adhere to the thin film conductor material and enables the said thin film resistor to carry higher current densities with reduced shift in resistance. In one embodiment, the thin film resistor device includes a single CDEL layer formed on one side (atop or underneath) the thin film conductor material. In a second embodiment, two CDEL layers are formed on both sides (atop and underneath) of the thin film conductor material. The resistor device may be manufactured as part of both BEOL and FEOL processes.

Abstract: A system for commonly utilizing a vehicle in which illegal use of the vehicle can be surely prevented. In the system for lending a shared vehicle, which is parked in a parking area and of which the use information concerning lending and returning is managed, to a user after confirming permission to utilize the vehicle based on previously registered personal identification information, the shared vehicle is provided in the control section thereof with a popup key which can control whether a mechanical switch unit for starting the driving of the vehicle can be operated or not, and with an ignition mechanism control mean which permits starting operation of an ignition mechanism when personal cipher information inputted by the user matches personal cipher information imparted to the user in association with the personal identification information and the user sets a destination, and permits returning operation of the ignition mechanism when arrival at the set destination is detected.

Abstract: A method for determining attributes of entities within a physical space. More specifically, the location of the entities in the physical space are determined using this invention. A reader automatically moves throughout the space and takes measurements of the attributes of corresponding entities when it detects the presence of these entities in the physical space. The attributes of the entities could be the location, temperature and so forth. The reader could be an RF detection device for reading signals from the tags attached to the entities.

Abstract: A 2-bit binary comparator, including: a comparison unit for receiving a first bit and a second bit to thereby compare the first bit with the second bit; and an enable unit for outputting a comparison result of the comparison unit as an output of the 2-bit binary comparator according to an enable signal.

Abstract: Emergency equipment stations (e.g., fire extinguisher stations, fire alarm pull stations, defibrillator stations, etc.) distributed throughout a facility monitor one or more internal or external conditions (e.g., ambient air temperature near the station, presence of an obstruction restricting access to the station, etc.) and relay information about the monitored conditions to a central station. The central station transmits information about the monitored conditions to emergency response personnel (e.g., the fire department) in the event of an actual or apparent emergency.

Abstract: A method for providing a progressive alarm function in a mobile terminal is provided. In an alarm setting mode, an initial alarm time input by the user is set as an alarm time of the terminal and a unit time for changing the alarm time is set. After an alarm is output at the set alarm time, it is checked to determine whether a specific key is pressed within a predetermined time. If the specific key is pressed, the alarm time is extended by the unit time. The progressive alarm function allows the user to optionally control alarm setting of the terminal to continually change the alarm time. The alarm time is not fixed but instead the user can continually extend the alarm time by pressing the specific key without the trouble of performing a number of key operations to change the alarm time in the alarm setting menu.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subterranean termites, involving use of a thermal imaging camera to scan the structure before installation of an acoustic sensor in order to quickly locate potential areas of subterranean termite infestation, and an acoustic sensor in the form of an accelerometer or the disclosed innovative acoustic sensors having a bandwidth of at least 100 Hz to 15 kHz to detect noises made by the subterranean termites. Information collected by the acoustic sensor may be transmitted to a portable mini-computer (pocket PC) for confirmation and to a central operations center for inclusion in a comprehensive database of termite data and information.

Abstract: A tactile communications device includes a two dimensional surface configured to be positioned in contact with a wearer for tactual stimulation. A plurality of actuators are positioned on the surface and arranged in a generally planar array. Various of the actuators are operable for being sequentially activated, line-by-line, to produce a non-veridical perception of a three dimensional surface.

Abstract: Wheel assembly identification indicating members and first communication devices are respectively mounted to wheel assemblies mounted to a vehicle body. The indicating members have characteristic appearances, which are different among the wheel assemblies and which make the respective wheel assemblies identifiable in external appearance. The first communication devices transmit by wireless transmission pieces of wheel assembly information on the respective wheel assemblies as well as pieces of identification information held by the respective first communication devices. A second communication device provide on the vehicle body side receives the pieces of wheel assembly information and the pieces of identification information and specifies the respective wheel assemblies from which the pieces of wheel assembly information are transmitted, by referring to a correlation between prestored piece of information on characteristic appearances of the indicating members and the pieces of identification information.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system for detachment detection of a tire pressure sensor is provided. The system includes a tire pressure sensor, a receiver and a controller. The tire pressure sensor includes a transmitter for transmitting a word having a detachment state. The receiver is for receiving the word and is coupled to the controller. The controller decodes the word and determines the detachment state of the tire pressure sensor. A robust method for the automatic detection of a detached tire pressure sensor of a tire pressure monitoring system is also provided.

Abstract: A tire inflation pressure sensing apparatus includes a transmitter provided on a wheel of a vehicle and a receiver provided on a body of the vehicle. The transmitter includes a pressure sensor working to generate a pressure signal and a charging unit configured to be charged with electrical power via a radio wave from the receiver. The transmitter is configured to be triggered to send out the pressure signal by a change of operation of the receiver from an ON-mode, in which the receiver sends out the radio wave, to an OFF-mode in which that stops sending out the radio wave. The receiver works to change the operation thereof alternately between the ON-mode and OFF-mode in accordance with predefined processes, so that reliable transmissions of both the radio wave and the pressure signal between the transmitter and receiver are ensured without determining the relative position of the transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: A device and a method for determining a wheel position on a vehicle, for example an automobile. Long-wave antennae of a vehicle access system already present in the vehicle transmit a signal, which is measured by a long-wave receive unit of a tire electronic system and used to detect the position of the wheel on the vehicle. The electrical or magnetic receive field strength of the signal of a specific long-wave antenna for example is in particular detected by a tire electronic system and used to determine the position of the wheel on the vehicle.

Abstract: A seatbelt usage sensing apparatus for use with a vehicle which includes a seat assembly, an occupant sensor, a seatbelt sensor, and a warning signal generator. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be occupied by a seat occupant in an occupied configuration. The seat assembly also includes a seatbelt assembly which has a seatbelt webbing and a seatbelt fastening member. The seatbelt assembly is moveable between fastened and unfastened configurations. In the unfastened configuration, the seatbelt fastening member is removed from secure engagement with the seatbelt webbing. The warning signal generator can generate and transmit a seatbelt warning signal when the occupant sensor determines that the seat cushion is in the occupied configuration and the seatbelt sensor determines that the seatbelt assembly is in the unfastened configuration. The seatbelt warning signal is transmitted substantially exterior relative to an interior seating compartment of the vehicle.