Abstract: A semiconductor memory device is capable of controlling a tRCD (RAS to CAS Delay) time regardless of an address input timing during a test operation of the semiconductor memory device. The semiconductor memory device includes a column address strobe pulse generator for generating a column address strobe pulse in response to a column command signal and a row address strobe pulse generator for receiving an active command signal or the column command signal to produce a row address strobe pulse in response to a test mode signal.

Abstract: An interface circuit is disclosed that can include a delay circuit that generates a delay signal obtained by delaying a data strobe signal; a first logical circuit that performs a logical operation of on the data strobe signal and the delay signal, and outputs an operation result as a first strobe signal; a second logical circuit that receives the first strobe signal and generates a second strobe signal that is complementary to the first strobe signal; a first latch circuit that latches a data signal based on the first strobe signal; and a second latch circuit that latches the data signal based on the second strobe signal.

Abstract: A method and calibration apparatus implement calibration of sampling of a data strobe signal (DQS) during synchronous dynamic random access memory (DRAM) reads. A calibration control is provided to enable calibration testing. A selected one of a received DQS signal and an internal Enable signal is driven onto a data mask (DQM) 10 during a DRAM read for calibration testing. The received DQS signal and the internal Enable signal are used to adjust the Enable delay to generally center the preamble time at the DQS receiver.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a delay locked loop (DLL) unit configured to generate a plurality of DLL clocks, each having a different phase according to delay values predefined by a DLL operation; a data output buffering unit configured to output data in response to the DLL clocks; and a skew compensating unit disposed between the DLL unit and the data output buffering unit to remove a clock skew occurring when the DLL clocks are transferred to the data output buffering unit.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device is capable of controlling a delay locked loop appropriately based on operation modes, particularly in a fast power-down mode to reduce an amount of current maximumly. The semiconductor memory device includes a delay-locked clock signal generating unit, a mode signal generating unit, and a delay locking control unit. The delay-locked clock signal generating unit performs a delay locking operation on a clock signal, thereby generating a delay-locked clock signal. The mode signal generating unit enables a fast precharge power-down mode signal in a fast precharge power-down mode. The delay locking control unit controls the delay-locked clock signal generating unit to be activated in a predetermined cycle in response to the fast precharge power-down mode signal.

Abstract: A memory includes a global read line and a plurality of banks. For each bank, the memory includes a sense amplifier. A discharge circuit discharges the global read line if any one of a plurality of the sense amplifiers is enabled and is outputting a signal having a first digital logic value onto an input lead of the discharge circuit. In this way, the sense amplifiers share the discharge circuit. In one example, the memory includes a pair of differential read lines that are precharged to begin a read operation. After precharging, if either of two sense amplifiers is enabled and outputting the first digital logic value, then a first discharge circuit discharges a first of the global read lines. If either of two sense amplifiers is enabled and outputting the second digital logic value, then a second discharge circuit discharges a second of the global read lines.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a write driver, a first precharging unit, and a second precharging unit. The write driver loads data applied to a first data line onto a second data line. The first precharging unit precharges the second data line to a precharging voltage in response to a precharging signal. The second precharging unit overdrives the second data line to a voltage higher than the precharging voltage in response to an overdriving signal enabled for a predetermined time period during an initial precharging interval of the second data line.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device is capable of swiftly sensing data loaded on local I/O lines and transferring the sensed data to a global I/O line, thereby reducing an operating time of a sense amplifier by increasing the sensing and amplifying speed. The semiconductor memory device includes a sense amplifying unit, a precharging unit, a charge sharing unit, and a driving unit. The sense amplifying unit amplifies data applied to a first data line in response to an I/O strobe signal. The precharging unit precharges an output unit of the sense amplifying unit in response to a precharge signal. The charge sharing unit performs a charge sharing operation between the first data line and the output unit before a sense amplifying operation of the sense amplifying unit. The driving unit drives a second data line in response to an output signal of the sense amplifying unit.

Abstract: A circuit for removing noise from an input signal includes a falling edge signal delaying circuit configured to output a first delay output signal generated by delaying a falling edge of a first output signal for a preset time; a falling edge sensing circuit configured to sense the falling edge of the first output signal, and generate a pulse signal in accordance with the sense; a flip-flop configured to output the first delay output signal in accordance with an input clock signal; and a first logic operation circuit configured to perform a logic operation on an output signal of the flip-flop and the first output signal delayed for the preset time, thereby generating a second output signal.

Abstract: The quality of data stored in individual blocks of memory cells of a flash memory system is monitored by a scrub read of only a small portion of a block, performed after data are read from less than all of a block in response to a read command from a host or memory controller. The small portion is selected for the scrub read because of its greater vulnerability than other portions of the block to being disturbed as a result of the commanded partial block data read. This then determines, as the result of reading a small amount of data, whether at least some of the data in the block was disturbed by the command data read to a degree that makes it desirable to refresh the data of the block.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a design for test feature to improve DRAM charge retention yield is presented. In this regard, an apparatus is introduced comprising a first integrated circuit die, and a second integrated circuit die stacked together in a package, wherein the second integrated circuit die comprises a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and circuitry to increase a refresh rate provided by a self refresh timer by a predetermined percentage. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a command decoder, a refresh address counter, an address delivery unit, and an address output selector. The command decoder decodes a command signal to generate a refresh signal. The refresh address counter generates a refresh address in response to the refresh signal. The address delivery unit delivers one of the refresh address and an address from outside of the semiconductor memory device to a memory core area. The address output selector outputs the refresh address to the outside of the semiconductor memory device.

Abstract: Partial refresh information indicating enabling/disabling of a refresh operation is set according to an external input and is output as a partial set signal. A refresh request signal is output periodically corresponding to a memory block for which a refresh operation is enabled. The partial set signal is masked so as to enable a refresh operation for all of the memory blocks during a period in which the partial refresh information is changed by the external input. Thus, it is possible to prevent disabling of a refresh operation in response to a refresh request even when timing of changing the partial refresh information and timing of occurrence of the refresh request signal overlap. Consequently, the refresh operation can be executed securely, and malfunctioning of the semiconductor memory can be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device to execute a refresh operation in such a manner that an entry and an exit of a self refresh mode is carried out. The present invention uses only external clock signals without a clock enable signal or an auto refresh command and therefore it is possible to implement a simple circuit for the self refresh. A semiconductor memory device includes a self refresh enable signal generator for outputting an activated self refresh enable signal when positive and negative external clock signals are in phase and a de-activated self refresh enable signal when the positive and negative external clock signals are out of phase and a self refresh block for performing a self refresh operation in response to the activated self refresh enable signal.

Abstract: Method and device for providing voltage generation with load-based control are disclosed. The voltage generation can be provided within an electronic device, such as a memory system that provides data storage. In one embodiment, an electrical load imposed on a generated voltage can be monitored and used to dynamically control strength of the generated voltage. For example, for greater electrical loads, the generated voltage can be provided with a greater strength, and for lesser electrical loads, the generated voltage can be provided with a lesser strength. By compensating the generated voltage for the nature of the imposed electrical load, the generated voltage can be provided in a stable manner across a significant range of loads. In the case of a memory system, stability in the generated voltage provides for reduced voltage ripple and thus improved sensing margins. The voltage generation is well suited for use in portable memory products (e.g., memory cards) to generate one or more internal voltages.

Abstract: A memory circuit power management system and method are provided. An interface circuit is in communication with a plurality of memory circuits and a system.

Abstract: A memory circuit power management system and method are provided. In use, an interface circuit is in communication with a plurality of memory circuits and a system. The interface circuit is operable to interface the memory circuits and the system for autonomously performing a power management operation in association with at least a portion of the memory circuits.

Abstract: P-type multi gate field effect transistor access devices are adapted to be coupled to a memory cell to provide access to the memory cell. A method is described that uses a power switch to switch off address decoding circuitry allowing word lines to float toward a high supply voltage, turning off the p-type multi gate field effect transistor access devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for reading a plurality of consecutive entries and writing a plurality of consecutive entries with only one read address and one write address using a 2Read/2Write register file. In one exemplary embodiment, a 64 entry register file array is partitioned into four sub-arrays. Each sub-array contains sixteen entries having one or more 2Read/2Write SRAM cells. The apparatus and method provide a mechanism to write the consecutive entries by only having a 4 to 16 decode of one address. In addition, the apparatus and method provide a mechanism for reading data from the register file array using a starting read word address and two read word lines generated based on the starting read word address. The two read word lines are used to access the two read ports of the entries in the sub-arrays.

Abstract: A memory and an operation method thereof are provided. The present invention divides memory banks of the memory into a plurality of memory groups, wherein each memory group has an independent driving power for providing an operating voltage to the corresponding memory bank in the memory group. The present invention specifies two tRRD times which are an inter-group interval and an intra-group interval. The intra-group interval is the minimum time interval between selecting one row of memory banks in a memory group to selecting another row in the memory banks of the same memory group and the inter-group interval is the minimum time interval between selecting one row of the memory banks in one memory group to selecting another row in a different memory group. Further, the inter-group interval is shorter than or equal to the intra-group interval.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor memory device that can reduce unnecessary current consumption, as banks not accessing data maintain an inactivation state and do not receive an input address. A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of banks grouped into a first group and a second group; and a bank control unit for selecting one of the first group and the second group in response to a bank address to transfer an address to the selected group.

Abstract: In a memory circuit arrangement and fabrication method, the parts of the memory circuit arrangement are situated on two different substrates. An integrated memory cell array is situated on one substrate. An integrated control circuit that controls access to the memory cells is situated on the other (logic circuit) substrate. The control circuit controls sequences when reading, writing or erasing content of a memory cell. The logic circuit substrate also contains a CPU and encryption coprocessor. The memory circuit contains a sense amplifier, with the aid of which the memory state of a memory cell can be determined, and a decoding circuit that selects a word or bit line.

Abstract: A memory access circuit is provided. The memory access circuit includes a latch circuit, a feedback reset circuit, and a gate latch circuit. The latch circuit receives a high level input signal and outputs a first signal. The feedback reset circuit generates a second signal and a reset signal according to the first signal. The gate latch circuit generates a pre-charge signal and an enable signal according to the first signal and the second signal. The memory is accessed according to the pre-charging signal and the enable signal.

Abstract: The semiconductor memory device according to the invention is provided with a first delay circuit block that generates a timing signal of a circuit block to be operated in column cycle time determined by an external input command cycle and a second delay circuit block the whole delay of which is controlled to be a difference between access time determined by an external clock and the latency and column cycle time. These delay circuit blocks are controlled so that the delay of each delay circuit is a suitable value in accordance with column latency and an operating frequency, and each delay is controlled corresponding to dispersion in a process and operating voltage and a change of operating temperature.

Abstract: This invention provides a ram for use in a mixer with counter-rotating non-intermeshing rotors on which the central portion of the ram utilizes a apex, either a point or a line produced by a “V” or similar shape, that protrudes a given distance into the mixing chamber and on which the end portions of the ram are either horizontal such that they do not protrude into the mixing chamber at all or are otherwise shaped such that they protrude into the mixing chamber less than the apex of the central portion of the ram.

Abstract: In combination with a stove having a plurality of burners on an upper surface thereof and a control panel, the improvement comprises a magnetic stir device disposed in a central portion of and beneath at least one burner of the stove. The magnetic stir device includes a T-shaped attachment having a rotating rod and a magnetic bar disposed at the top of the rotating rod and a motor means engageable with a base portion of the T-shaped attachment. A control means is in electrical communication with the magnetic stir device and is disposed in close proximity to the stove's control knobs. The control means provides a plurality of stirring speeds. A power means is connected to the motor means and the control means for providing power. A stir bar having a predetermined size is disposed in a bottom of cookware, containing material to be stirred, that is disposed on the at least one burner having the magnetic stir device disposed therein.

Abstract: A developer container is provided. The developer container includes a first housing comprising an agitating member; and a second housing covering the first housing and being rotatable around the agitating member relative to the first housing. The first housing comprises a first cylinder portion that has a first opening; and a first end portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the shaft. The second housing includes a first cover member that covers a part of the first housing; and a second cover member that is separated from the first cover member and covers a remaining part of the first housing. The first cover member includes a first cover cylinder portion that has a second opening corresponding to the first opening; and a first cover end portion provided at each end. The second cover member includes a second cover cylinder portion; and a second cover end portion provided at each end.

Abstract: A system for determining the directional properties of surface waves or internal waves of a fluid medium includes a sonar system having a plurality of transducers for generating respective, separate acoustic beams and receiving echoes from one or more range cells located substantially within the beams; and a computer program for determining the directional properties associated with the surface waves or internal waves from the received echoes, wherein the computer program determines along-beam velocities along the separate acoustic beams and combines the along-beam velocities to form an equivalent orbital velocity vector. The system is mounted on or in a sub surface buoy that can move or rotate during measurement and includes a motion sensor measuring six degrees of freedom to account for horizontal velocity and vertical displacement in the subsurface buoy mounted sonar system.

Abstract: In an under water detection for detecting the phase difference of an echo by two reception beams according to a split beam method, the difference ?? between the phase difference of an echo detected by first and second reception beams formed in some direction and the phase difference of the echo detected by first and second reception beams which is formed in a direction rotated from the former direction concerned by a predetermined angle is detected by a phase detector. A reliability judging unit judges whether the difference ?? detected by the phase detector is within a predetermined range or not. If the difference ?? is within the predetermined range, an echo is displayed on a display unit. If the difference ?? is not within the predetermined range, the echo is displayed with a specific color tone or the echo is not displayed.

Abstract: There is provided a method of processing geological data during drilling of a borehole for improving accuracy of the geological data. The method includes a first step of determining from instrumentation (100) associated with a string (50) of drilling pipes a spatial trajectory of a borehole (20, 200) in a subterranean region. A second step of the method involves determining from the spatial trajectory one or more points (P1, P2, P3) with reference to the geological data whereat the trajectory changes direction in one or more layers of strata (F) of the subterranean region. A third step of the method involves subdividing an offset log generated by the instrumentation (100) in response to the one or more points (P1, P2, P3) to generate corresponding sections of offset log. A fourth step involves mutually comparing the subdivided sections of offset log to find a condition of best comparison therebetween and thereby generate one or more error terms (E).

Abstract: A predetermined condition in a fluid-filled wellbore system can be detected by generating at least one sound in the wellbore system in response to the condition, such that a detectable change is created in some characteristic of the emitted sound, and detecting the at least one sound and the change, the detection being indicative that the predetermined condition has occurred. Equipment for facilitating detection of the condition can include a trigger operable in response to the condition; a generator operable to emit sound in the borehole and to create a detectable change in some characteristic of the emitted sound in response to the trigger; and at least one sensor operable to monitor the sound and detect the change, the detection being indicative that the predetermined condition has occurred. It is also possible to estimate a value of a property of a fluid-filled wellbore system.

Abstract: An object is detected without being constrained by the positional relationship between the object and the detecting position. A detection device includes a pseudo sound source and a monitoring unit. The pseudo sound source generates a scanning sound wave of a phase-conjugate wave in the time domain based on an acoustic signal by performing active phase conjugation, and causes the scanning sound wave to converge on the detection object from the above thereof within the propagation space by utilizing a feature that the scanning sound wave converges on the pseudo sound source which is the generation source of the acoustic signal. The monitoring unit extracts a reflected sound wave which is reflected at the detection object from the sound wave in the propagation space by performing passive phase conjugation. The detection object is detected based on presence or absence of the extracted reflected wave.

Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle for use in water and with at least one acoustic signal source includes a vehicle body, a steering mechanism to direct the vehicle body through the water, a propulsion device to force the vehicle body through the water, and an adaptive Doppler guidance and control (ADGC) system. The ADGC system is configured to receive acoustic signals from the at least one acoustic signal source and to control the steering mechanism using changes in at least one frequency component of the received acoustic signals caused by Doppler shifts.

Abstract: The survey technique for use in a marine environment to survey a subterranean structure includes providing an arrangement of plural signal sources in a body of water to produce corresponding signals. The signals of the signal sources in the arrangement are set to cause reduction of at least one predetermined signal component in data received by a receiver in response to the signals.

Abstract: An acoustic human and animal behavior modification system that is capable of creating a zone of exclusion immediately adjacent a surface vehicle comprises an array of acoustic transducers disposed on the vehicle in a location not readily seen nor accessible by humans adjacent the vehicle, and is configured to project an acoustic output radially outward in a radial sector at sound pressure levels above the ordinary human pain threshold to motivate animals and humans to move away from a vehicle or change their behavior.

Abstract: A method of detecting hazardous conditions to aircraft is disclosed. The hazardous conditions produce sound waves in the atmosphere. The method comprises directing a first laser beam from a first laser acoustic sensor to a mating first reflector; directing a second laser beam from a second laser acoustic sensor to a mating second reflector; and directing a third laser beam from a third laser acoustic sensor to a mating third reflector. The method further comprises aligning the first laser acoustic sensor to project a first beam pattern, the second laser acoustic sensor to project a second beam pattern, and the third laser acoustic sensor to project a third beam pattern. The method further comprises measuring an effect of the sound waves on the first beam pattern, the second beam pattern, and the third beam pattern. The effect is an indicator of the hazardous conditions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cable termination and sensor integration at a sensor station within an ocean bottom seismic (OBS) cable array are disclosed. The sensor stations include a housing for various sensor components. Additionally, the sensor stations can accommodate an excess length of any data transmission members which may not be cut at the sensor station while enabling connection of one or more cut data transmission members with the sensor components. The sensor stations further manage any strength elements of the cable array.

Abstract: A time information receiver and radio controlled watch that receives a time code in which different data pulses are disposed one in a unit period. A composite signal waveform of a plurality of detected signals of the time code shifted sequentially by a unit period of 1 second is obtained by sample adders. A start point of each unit period is detected from the composite signal waveform as a seconds synchronization point where the receiver and watch is seconds-synchronized with the time code. An accurate seconds synchronization point is detected from the detected signal even when the same includes a considerable noise (FIG. 4).

Abstract: When lack of a part data on a time code included in a received standard radio wave is detected, the lack is filled up with a corresponding data part of another time code. The time of a radio-wave timepiece is corrected in accordance with the time code whose lack has been filled up.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to set up an alarm method which is rich in variation, a mobile phone is configured so that a plurality of alarm times are related to the same group, the group to which a plurality of alarm times are related is set to activation or cancellation, and when there comes any one of a plurality of alarm times which are related to the group being set to activation, an alarm is raised. Since setting to raise an alarm at a plurality of alarm times, or cancellation of the setting can be made, an alarm method rich in variation can be configured.

Abstract: A novel timepiece that uses color and/or shape and/or symbols to provide a toddler, child or other individual who hasn't learned to tell time or the concept of time to determine if a specified time or time period has been reached. The timepiece can illuminate and/or display a color and/or symbol and/or shape upon reaching a specified time or after an elapsed period of time.

Abstract: A timepiece having a mainspring, an output wheel that is rotated by torque output from the mainspring, a lever that pivots synchronously to the output wheel, and a pressure member that pushes the lever. The pressure member pushes the lever so that the output torque of the output wheel increases as the mainspring unwinds.

Abstract: A timepiece having an openable and closable dial plate, includes a stationary segment included in the dial plate, and a movable segment included in the dial plate and reciprocating between an open position and a closed position, the movable segment being positioned at the closed position by abutting with the stationary segment.

Abstract: A magnetic head for a magneto-optical device comprises a plurality of substantially parallel planar layers, including at least one layer comprising a coil formed by a plurality of turns an electrically conductive winding, the turns lying substantially in a plane defined by the layer and the winding being substantially centered on a central axis perpendicular to the plane, and further including a yoke layer comprised of an anisotropic flux guiding material. The yoke layer comprises a plurality of segments (16) of flux guiding material dividing the yoke layer into sectors that together surround the central axis. In each sector, the flux guiding material has an easy axis in a plane of the yoke layer with a direction different from the direction of the easy axis in an adjacent sector.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for recording data onto a recording medium, includes an access controller for outputting, to a medium-specific controller, record data input from an application and directed to the recording medium. The access controller performs a read-modify-write (RMW) operation by verifying whether one of a record start position and a record end position of the record data input by a logical sector unit from the application is different from a delimitation position of a physical sector as an access unit of the recording medium, acquiring the record data by the physical sector unit and storing the record data onto a memory if one of the record start position and the record end position is different from the delimitation position, updating logical sector data as part of stored physical sector data with the input record data, and outputting the updated physical sector data to the medium-specific controller.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, jukebox systems that have associated video servers for displaying video content on one or more displays or groups of displays external to the jukebox and/or directly on the jukebox are provided. Such video servers may effectively off-load at least some of the video processing load from the jukebox device. Accordingly, video content may be provided to complement and/or further enhance the interactive experience that jukeboxes currently provide, while also enabling patrons not directly in front of the jukebox to participate in the interactive process. Content may be distributed to the jukeboxes and/or video servers via a network. In addition to creating a compelling entertainment experience for patrons, it also is possible to create new revenue opportunities for customers. For example, operators and national account customers and advertising partners may provide additional value to venues through the innovative use of managed video content.

Abstract: Creation of a music selection list is performed by a client terminal such as a personal computer, and music data specified by the music selection list is utilized by an electronic music instrument. The user can receive music data providing service based on a user's own music selection list even with the electronic music instrument having a simple user interface. Processing of selecting a music selection list for a user from a large number of music selection lists is performed by the personal computer, and the music data specified by the selected music selection list is delivered to the electronic music instrument. A desired music selection list can be selected easily from a large number of music selection lists even with the electronic music instrument having a simple user interface.

Abstract: A demodulation circuit accurately demodulates a wobble signal of an optical disk without being affected by a phase shift induced by crosstalk. An A-D converter subjects wobble signal reproduced from an optical disk to A-D conversion and feeds a result of conversion to a zero-crossing detection circuit. The zero-crossing detection circuit detects zero-crossing points of the wobble signal. A sinusoidal wave generation circuit generates a sinusoidal wave by means of sequentially connecting sinusoidal wave elements whose periods are each equal to a time interval between zero-crossing points. A multiplier multiplies an original wobble signal by a sinusoidal wave signal. A slicer detects an HMW-modulated portion of the wobble signal, and another slicer detects an MSK-modulated portion of the wobble signal.

Abstract: A photodetector detects returning light that returns from a bottom surface of a solid immersion lens (SIL) for detecting a gap and a tilt between an optical recording medium and the SIL. The photodetector has a first section and a second section along a direction in which the returning light is moved in the photodetector, when the SIL is driven in a tracking direction with respect to the optical recording medium. An area of the returning light in the first section and an area of the returning light in the second section are constant, even when the SIL is driven in the tracking direction.

Abstract: An optical pickup apparatus for shining light on an optical disk having two recording layers and for detecting reflected light from the optical disk includes a light source, an optical system situated on a path of a light beam returning from the optical disk inclusive of light reflected by a first recording layer of the optical disk and light reflected by a second recording layer of the optical disk, the optical system including a light condensing optical unit to turn the returning light beam into a condensing light beam, and a light beam regulating unit to extract from the condensing light beam a partial light beam corresponding to part of a cross section of the condensing light beam, and one or more photo detectors, situated between a position where the light reflected by the first recording layer contained in the partial light beam is condensed and a position where the light reflected by the second recording layer contained in the partial light beam is condensed, the one or more photo detectors having a fi