Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate with an active area. A last level interconnect capping layer is disposed over the active area. A buffer layer/crack stop layer overlies the last level interconnect capping layer and a passivation layer overlies the buffer layer/crack stop layer. Also, a contact pad (e.g., probe pad, wire bond pad or flip-chip pad) overlies the passivation layer.

Abstract: A resin-encapsulated package includes a semiconductor IC chip, wherein the ratio of the size of the semiconductor IC chip to the package size of the resin-encapsulated package including the semiconductor IC chip is large to miniaturize the resin-encapsulated package. The resin-encapsulated package includes a semiconductor IC chip sealed in a resin molding, and a lead member having an arrangement of a plurality of discrete terminal sections. Each terminal section has inner terminal parts to be electrically connected to terminals of the semiconductor IC chip, outer terminal parts to be connected to external circuits, and connecting parts interconnecting the inner and the outer terminal parts. The contact surfaces of the inner terminal parts and the outer terminal parts face toward opposite directions, respectively. The contact surfaces of the inner terminal parts of the terminal sections are flush with each other.

Abstract: A semiconductor component includes a semiconductor substrate having a substrate contact, and a through wire interconnect (TWI) bonded to the substrate contact. The through wire interconnect (TWI) includes a via through the substrate contact and the substrate, a wire in the via bonded to the substrate contact, and a contact on the wire. A stacked semiconductor component includes the semiconductor substrate, and a second semiconductor substrate stacked on the substrate and bonded to a through wire interconnect on the substrate. A method for fabricating a semiconductor component with a through wire interconnect includes the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate with a substrate contact, forming a via through the substrate contact and part way through the substrate, placing the wire in the via, bonding the wire to the substrate contact, and then thinning the substrate from a second side to expose a contact on the wire.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a first semiconductor chip, a second semiconductor chip bonded to the first semiconductor chip in a stacked relation, and a registration structure which causes the first and second semiconductor chips to be positioned with respect to each other by depression-projection engagement therebetween. The registration structure includes, for example, a registration recess provided on a surface of the first semiconductor chip, and a registration projection provided on a surface of the second semiconductor chip for engagement with the registration recess. The registration projection may be a spherical member provided on the surface of the second semiconductor chip.

Abstract: An IC chip bonding sheet having adhesive resin layers formed on both faces of a porous polytetrafluoroethylene layer comprising a porous polytetrafluoroethylene sheet, the porous polytetrafluoroethylene layer retaining porous voids, and the adhesive resin layers comprising a bromine-free flame retardant resin composition.

Abstract: The present invention is a semiconductor device capable of relieving thermal stress without breaking wire. It comprises a semiconductor chip (12), a solder ball (20) for external connection, wiring (18) for electrically connecting the semiconductor chip (12) and the solder ball (20), a stress relieving layer (16) provided on the semiconductor chip (12), and a stress transmission portion (22) for transmitting stress from the solder ball (20) to the stress relieving layer (16) in a peripheral position of an electrical connection portion (24a) of the solder ball (20) and wiring (18).

Abstract: A semiconductor package utilizing an existing substrate regardless of the change of the semiconductor chip design, and manufacturing method thereof are provided. The semiconductor package including an added wire bonding unit for connecting a redundant bond finger to an added bond finger, or an added wire bonding unit for connecting a redundant bond finger connected to a first printed circuit pattern to a redundant solder ball pad connected to a second printed circuit pattern.

Abstract: A semiconductor die assembly comprising a semiconductor die with bond pads, a plurality of leads which extend across the semiconductor die and terminates over their respective bond pads, and an alpha barrier preferably positioned between the leads and the semiconductor die. Electrical connection is made between the leads and their respective bond pads by a strip of anisotropically conductive elastomeric material, preferably a multi-layer laminate consisting of alternating parallel sheets of a conductive foil and an insulating elastomer wherein the laminate layers are oriented perpendicular to both the bond pad and the lead, positioned between the leads and the bond pads. A burn-in die according to the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) carrier assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB). A carrier is soldered to the PCB. The carrier includes a grid of electrical contact islands surrounding a receiving zone for receiving an IC. Pairs of adjacent islands are interconnected by respective resilient suspension means. The IC is received in the receiving zone and is electrically coupled to a number of the plurality of islands adjacent to the receiving zone. The IC is fast to a retainer, and the retainer is fast with the number of the plurality of islands and the IC.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus comprised of a bridge circuit made up of rectification diodes and MOSFETs for rectifying an output of a generator through a full-wave rectifier circuit comprised of rectification diodes and parasitic diodes of the MOSFETs and obtaining a supply voltage of a fuel injection apparatus, the power supply apparatus being comprised of an FET control section which turns ON/OFF the MOSFETs to step up the output voltage of the generator and a transistor provided for each MOSFET, which is set in an ON-state for a period during which a reverse voltage is applied to a parasitic diode of each MOSFET and set in an OFF-state for a period during which a forward voltage is applied to the parasitic diode of each MOSFET, wherein a control voltage for turning ON the MOSFET is given between the gate and source of the corresponding MOSFET for a period during which each transistor is in an OFF-state.

Abstract: A support system for a marine turbine installation including at least one turbine unit (3), the support system including a support column (1) or two or more support columns (1) which are arranged to be installed vertically, characterised by a turbine support assembly (2/14) including a horizontally arranged turbine support structure (4/15) adapted for displacement lengthways of the associated support column or columns, at least two turbine units (3) operationally carried by the support structure and means (41/44, 26/41, 52/55, 65/66) for enabling selective displacement of the support member (4, 15) lengthways of the associated column or columns, and in that the support structure includes an elongate member profiled in such manner that when the flow of water relative to the support assembly is bi-directional, the support structure member is so profiled so as to minimise water flow disturbance what ever the direction of the bi-directional water flow.

Abstract: A method and system to increase the throughput of a communications system that uses an electrical power distribution system as a communications pathway, determines the phase of the power distribution power cycle and compares this determined phase to predetermined regions of the power cycle. If the power cycle is within a predetermined region, a particular communication scheme is used for transmitting and receiving information. The power cycle can have two or more predetermined regions. Optionally, the throughput for any or all regions can be determined so as to provide for modification of the associated communication scheme if the throughput is determined to be outside some predetermined range.

Abstract: A system of managing power supply systems in automobiles, particularly a system of active equalization between power supply systems sharing a rechargeable electrical power storage device such as a spare battery.

Abstract: An operation device capable of securely identifying whether an operation is performed by a driver or by a passenger on a front passenger seat are provided. In the periphery of a multidirectional input portion and switch input portions of an operation switch unit provided on a console between a driver seat and a front passenger seat of a vehicle and at diagonal positions relative to the multidirectional input portion and the switch input portions, identifying sensors which detect an approach of a hand of an operator are respectively provided, and an operation control unit which identifies the operator by outputs from the identifying sensors and is provided.

Abstract: Uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to fuel-cell-based UPSs used in conjunction with DC power supplies for improved operating efficiencies. With a wide voltage DC power supply, a DC-AC inverter may be omitted from the UPS and power from a back up power source, such as a battery or a fuel cell, may be applied directly to the DC power supply without performing two power conversions. The end result is a more efficient system capable of longer operating time.

Abstract: A medium voltage power converter is provided that has an input transformer adapted to connect to a multi-phase power source, multiple low voltage drives each coupled to a respective set of secondary windings of the input transformer and operatively configured to provide a corresponding set of three-phase power outputs, and an output transformer. The output transformer has multiple input primary winding circuits each operatively coupled to the three-phase power outputs of a respective one of the drives, a plurality of output secondary winding circuits each disposed in relation to a respective input primary winding circuit, and a secondary winding connection arrangement in which each output secondary winding circuit has three secondary windings each of which is connected in series or in parallel with each other secondary winding of each other output secondary winding circuit to form a respective one of three phase-shifted outputs of the secondary winding connection arrangement.

Abstract: A solid-state high-voltage pulse generator based on a three-phase chopper capacitance charger is described. In a first phase, an intermediate capacitor is resonance-charged via a diode. In a second phase, the intermediate capacitor is discharged to the load through one or more solid-state switches. In a third phase, the energy remaining in the intermediate capacitor is returned to a power-supply filter capacitor. In one embodiment, the three-phase chopper includes an intermediate capacitor that is charged by first and fourth branches of a bridge and discharged by second and third branches of a bridge. In one embodiment, each branch of the bridge includes a diode in series with an inductor. In one embodiment, a composite solid-state switch connects the intermediate capacitor to a primary winding of an output transformer such that the intermediate capacitor discharges through the primary winding. In one embodiment, a secondary winding of the output transformer is provided to an output load.

Abstract: A cooling system for an annular stator housed within a transmission casing includes a first curved tube sufficiently sized to at least partially circumscribe the stator when the tube is placed within the casing. The first tube has a plurality of circumferentially spaced fluid openings. An intake conduit connects the first tube to the transmission casing to deliver fluid through the tube for flow through the fluid openings to cool the stator. Preferably, a second like curved tube is also provided and a connector tube connects the first and second tubes to allow fluid flow therebetween. A method of assembling a cooling system is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor that is provided with a fluid dynamic bearing for rotatably supporting a shaft body, by the dynamic pressure of fluid filling a clearance between itself and a shaft body support part. The motor is provided with: a stator having cores and coils; a rotor having permanent magnets arranged in a ring shape on the radial inner side of the stator, facing the cores and coils; and a fluid dynamic bearing which rotatably supports the rotor with respect to the stator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a magnetic guiding device (1) having at least one element (2) to be guided magnetically in the axial direction, e.g.

Abstract: An electrical machine having a machine output rating. The electrical machine including a shaft rotatable about an electrical machine axis, a rotor coupled to the shaft and rotating with the shaft, and a stator including a stator core. The rotor is configurable to include a first rotor portion having a relation to a first output rating and a second rotor portion having a relation to a second output rating. The stator core is configurable to be disposed adjacent to the first rotor portion relative to the machine axis when the machine output rating corresponds to the first output rating and adjacent to the second rotor portion when the machine output rating corresponds to the second output rating.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a slip-ring element having contact rings includes the following steps: machining and/or coating lateral sides of the contact rings; mounting the individual contact rings side-by-side, so that they touch each other at the end face; at least partially filling the inner space formed by the side-by-side-mounted contact rings with an adhesive agent, so that the side-by-side-mounted contact rings are cemented to each other after the adhesive agent has hardened; and complete removal of material from the contact rings in the region where they touch at the end face, so that a peripheral, electrically insulating recess is produced along a circumferential line.

Abstract: A direct current motor including a rotor having a rotation shaft and rotor coils, a stator configured to apply a magnetic field to the rotor via magnetic poles of the stator opposing magnetic poles of the rotor, an electrical parts mounting base board fixed on the rotation shaft such that the rotation shaft perpendicularly intersects the electrical parts mounting base board, and a commutator having a contact electrode part formed with a plane conductive layer pattern and connected to the rotor coils. The contact electrode part is formed on the electrical parts mounting base board. The direct current motor further includes a pair of electrode brushes in sliding contact with the contact electrode part of the commutator and configured to supply electric power to the rotor coils though the commutator.

Abstract: An IDT electrode 3, and an input electrode section 5 and an output electrode section 6 each connecting with the IDT electrode 3 are formed in a filter region on one main surface of a piezoelectric substrate 2, and a semiconductor layer 22 is formed on the other main surface opposite to the one main surface of the piezoelectric substrate 2. The semiconductor layer 22 makes it possible to prevent pyroelectric destruction in the device manufacturing process as well as to prevent out-of-band attenuation characteristics from being degraded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a long-stroke nanopositioning device, comprising: a piezoelectric tube; a quartz glass rod; two fixed seats being disposed on the ends of the piezoelectric tube and a piezoelectric actuator. Each of the fixed seats has a base for receiving at least one spring and a plurality of ruby balls. The quartz glass rod is gripped to the fixed seat by the ruby balls of the fixed seat wherein the gripping force is controlled by means of the spring. The piezoelectric actuator applies an input voltage to the piezoelectric tube to cause one end of the piezoelectric tube to have a relative displacement in a direction along the axis of the quartz glass rod. The present invention provides a nanopositioning device capable of long stroke displacements at the nanometer scale by controlling the input voltage of the piezoelectric actuator and the gripping force of the ruby balls.

Abstract: An actuator having a housing that defines an interior volume and a primary driver that includes either a piezoelectric element or a magnetorestrictive element. The primary driver has first and second opposing ends and defines a longitudinal length therebetween. The first end of the primary driver is bearingly engaged with a reaction surface that is fixed relative to the housing. The second end of the primary driver longitudinally moves a bearing surface that partially defines a closed working chamber having a fixed quantity of an incompressible medium. An actuating rod extends through an orifice in the housing and has a first end projecting outwardly and a second end disposed within the working chamber. The cross sectional area of the orifice is less than the effective area of the bearing surface whereby the travel distance of the rod is amplified relative to the change in length of the primary driver.

Abstract: A rotary ultrasonic piezoelectric motor is provided and a method of exciting a flexure traveling wave to drive the motor. The motor includes a stator having a piezoelectric ceramic disc polarized in the radial direction and bounded by a top electrode and a segmented bottom electrode. The motor also includes a power source for applying two pairs of alternating voltages to the bottom electrode segments to excite a shear-shear mode vibration in the stator, resulting in a shear-shear mode flexure traveling wave in the stator. The motor further includes a rotor operatively connected to the stator, and the stator is driven to rotate through a frictional force between the rotor and the stator due to the traveling wave deformation of the stator. A linear ultrasonic piezoelectric motor and method of exciting a flexure traveling wave to linearly drive the motor is provided. The motor includes a stator having a rectangular piezoelectric ceramic plate that is polarized in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A transducer assembly for an ultrasonic fluid meter. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are transducer assemblies comprising an elongated outer housing defining an interior and an exterior, the elongated outer housing having an axis along its elongated direction, a piezoelectric element coupled to and at least partially occluding a first end of the elongated outer housing, a pin holder coupled to and at least partially occluding a second end of the elongated outer housing, the pin holder comprising a first electrical pin, and a first wire coupling the first electrical pin to the piezoelectric element (wherein the first wire runs through the interior of the elongated outer housing).

Abstract: Acoustic imaging systems are provided. A preferred system includes a protective cover configured to mate with a transducer body. The transducer includes a two-dimensional transducer element matrix array formed by a plurality of individually controllable transducer elements. The protective cover is superposed above the two-dimensional matrix array and is transparent to incident acoustic energy. Preferably, the protective cover is shaped to reduce patient discomfort and repetitive motion injuries to sonographers. Alternative embodiments comprise a shaped two-dimensional transducer element matrix array. Methods for improved ultrasound imaging are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing light includes a chamber that has a plasma discharge region and that contains an ionizable medium. The apparatus also includes a magnetic core that surrounds a portion of the plasma discharge region. The apparatus also includes a pulse power system for providing at least one pulse of energy to the magnetic core for delivering power to a plasma formed in the plasma discharge region. The plasma has a localized high intensity zone.

Abstract: A reflector assembly for use in a digital projector includes a reflector having a reflector opening defined therein, and a startup element fixedly coupled to the reflector such that the reflector and the startup element are configured to allow the replaceable coupling of a lamp assembly to the reflector assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electron emitting device having a structure for efficiently emitting electrons. The electron emitting device has a substrate comprised of an n-type diamond, and a pointed projection provided on the substrate. The projection comprises a base provided on the substrate side, and an electron emission portion provided on the base and emitting electrons from the tip thereof. The base is comprised of an n-type diamond. The electron emission portion is comprised of a p-type diamond. The length from the tip of the projection (electron emission portion) to the interface between the base and the electron emission portion is preferably 100 nm or less.

Abstract: An in-line type electron gun using a field superimposing type main lens system is provided that can attain good focusing properties by decreasing the size of the electron beam spot on the entire surface of the phosphor screen without being formed to be mechanically large. A field superimposing type main lens is formed by disposing two tubular electrodes opposite to each other and disposing a plate-like field correction electrode on each of the tubular electrodes on the sides not opposite to each other. On each of the opposite sides of the two tubular electrodes, an opening is formed by an edge portion and a folded portion. The shape of the opening may be an elongated flat-sided oval shaped aperture (laterally elongated aperture) that is formed by straight lines and semicircles and has a major diameter in the horizontal direction and a minor diameter in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An electron emitting element is of a structure in which a semiconductor layer is formed between an upper electrode and a lower electrode, wherein an organic compound adsorption layer is formed on a semiconductor surface of the semiconductor layer by causing the organic compound to be adsorbed on the semiconductor surface. Herein, the semiconductor layer can be made of silicon or polysilicon and partly or as a whole porous. The absorbed organic compound can be a non-cyclic hydrocarbon, a compound obtained by coupling at least an aldehyde group to a non-cyclic hydrocarbon, or a non-cyclic hydrocarbon having an unsaturated bond. As a result, there can be provided an electron emitting element capable of stably operating in the atmosphere or in a low vacuum even when being operated in the atmosphere or in the low vacuum and an imaging device using the electron emitting element.

Abstract: A cathode structure for inverted OLEDs is provided, which comprise a substrate, a conductive electrode layer, an organic material layer, a dielectric layer, and a metal layer. Wherein, the conductive electrode layer is disposed over the substrate, the organic structure layer is disposed over the conductive electrode layer, the dielectric layer is disposed over the organic material layer, and the metal layer is disposed over the dielectric layer. Such cathode structure can function without using the metals of low work function and high chemical activity so as to benefit the manufacturing of organic light emitting devices and displays, and provide a more stable working conditions.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent display which has excellent partiality, and which includes a substrate, an electrode provided on the substrate, and protrusions provided on the substrate so as to cover the ends of the electrode and convexly curved in section relative to the surface of the substrate. An electroluminescent layer is provided in each opening which is located on the electrode and defined by adjacent protrusions. The electroluminescent layer in its part around the boundary between the electroluminescent layer and the protusion is in contact with the protrusion can be in such a state that the electroluminescent layer is curved in section in a direction opposite to the convexly curved protrusion.

Abstract: A flat display device and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The flat panel display includes first electrode layers and second electrode layers arranged on top of a substrate. Multiple pixel regions, arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, are formed by a light-emitting portion which includes light-emitting layers. Barriers are formed with at least one or more layers at least partially between the pixel regions, and a groove portion is formed at least partially on one side of each barrier.

Abstract: An electron emitter includes an emitter section having a plate shape, a cathode electrode formed on a front surface of the emitter section, and an anode electrode formed on a back surface of the emitter section. A gap is formed between an outer peripheral portion of the cathode electrode and the front surface of the emitter section. The front surface of the emitter section contacts a lower surface of the outer peripheral portion to form a base end as a triple junction. The gap expands from the base end toward a tip end of the outer peripheral portion.

Abstract: A circuit includes a converter for converting an a.c. voltage into a d.c. voltage. The converter has a diode half-bridge, a switch half-bridge, and two d.c. rails. Further, the converter has a second converter for converting the a.c. voltage into a second d.c. voltage.

Abstract: A charge pump circuit boosts a voltage of a battery so as to generate a drive voltage for an LED. A constant current circuit generates a constant current to feed through the LED. A monitoring circuit monitors a cathode potential of the LED, i.e., a voltage across the constant current circuit. A control circuit receives a result of monitoring from the monitoring circuit 110 and increases a step-up ratio of the charge pump circuit when the voltage across the constant current circuit drops below a minimum voltage that guarantees a constant current. The control circuit sets an externally requested constant current value in the constant current circuit. When a change from a large current to a small current is requested, the control circuit returns the step-up ratio of the charge pump circuit to 1.0.

Abstract: There is provided a process for operating a High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamp, having stable and transient operating phases, by a digitally controlled circuit that includes a DC supply and an inverter. During the stable operating phase of the lamp, the inverter's input DC voltage is maintained at a value depending on the lamp voltage.

Abstract: A voltage converter, whose topology can be switched over between a boost converter and a SEPIC. The boost converter has ripple current compensation. As a result, the inductors used can be utilized in optimum fashion. A thyristor which is protected against breakdown triggering by a negative gate voltage is used as the changeover switch.

Abstract: A lamp module for use in a backlight module of a flat panel display comprises a first transformer, a second transformer, a plurality of first lamps and a plurality of second lamps. The first transformer provides an AC power of a first phase, and the second transformer provides an AC power of a second phase. One end of the first lamp couples to the first transformer and another end couples to a node. One ends of the second lamps couples to the second transformer and another end couples to the node.

Abstract: A ceiling fan including a lamp ballast in which the drive current frequency is controlled by a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that is capable of precise output frequency control. The VCO frequency is controlled by a microcontroller. The microcontroller may control the VCO frequency in response to various input signals including a triac signal, a manual dimmer control signal, a remote control receiver signal, a light monitor signal, a motion detector signal, or a communication interface signal.

Abstract: A lower-cost and more precise control methodology of regulating the output voltage of a Flyback converter from the primary side is provided, which works accurately in either continuous voltage mode (CCM) or discontinuous mode (DCM). The methodology can be applied to most small, medium and high power applications such as cell phone chargers, power management in desktop computers and networking equipment, and, generally, to a wide spectrum of power management applications. Two highly integrated semiconductor chips based on this control methodology are also described that require very few components to build a constant voltage Flyback converter.

Abstract: A light emitting diode lighting device and system that can be used for illuminating the interior and/or exterior of vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, signage or buildings is provided. It includes a voltage feedback constant current power supply circuitry and high power LEDs. The printed circuit assemblies are firmly mounted onto a continuous or semi-continuous mounting channel case that also works as a heat sink. By this means, it not only increases the reliability of the LED lighting tube but also it provides sufficient heat dissipation capability for the heat generated by the LEDs. Since the operating temperature of the LEDs is controlled and stays in cool condition, it dramatically increases the LED's lifetime and efficiency. The end caps of this LED lighting device are fully compatible with existing conventional fluorescent light fixtures and can directly replace those fluorescent lighting tubes in vehicles, mass-transit, watercrafts, aircrafts, signage or buildings with minimal modifications.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a signal output by an encoder, including a frequency multiplication unit to repeatedly multiply each of frequencies of two sinusoidal signals with a phase difference of approximately 90 degrees by a predetermined number a predetermined number of times; a converter to convert each pair of the two frequency-multiplied sinusoidal signals into square wave signals; and a processor to receive the square wave signals and count a number of rising and/or falling edges of the square wave signals in order to determine and control a position of an object to be controlled.

Abstract: A method for activating an anti-pinch system for a vehicle window regulator, sunroof or driving mechanism includes the steps of starting a motor of the driving mechanism, waiting for a given rotation of the motor and a given time period, and then activating the anti-pinch system. This allows for close monitoring of the behavior of the window regulator when the window regulator is started, and takes account of both the behavior of the drive motor and the behavior of the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sequential safety system associated with a moving closing panel driven so as to slide by an electric motor (6), this safety system including means (20) exploiting the signal originating from an optical fiber to stop and reverse the direction of movement of said moving panel in the event of a change in the signal, as well as additional safety means allowing the end-of-travel positions of the moving panel to be determined without ambiguity via the joint exploitation of the results derived from measuring the frequency of the pulses caused by the rotation of the electric motor (6) driving said moving panel, as well as data originating from the optical fiber.